8 Days – Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Overview
Conquer the roof of Africa on this 8-day adventure via the Lemosho Route, one of Mount Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and less crowded trails. Known for its gradual ascent, diverse landscapes, and high success rate, this route offers stunning views from every angle — from lush rainforests and alpine meadows to the vast Shira Plateau and the breathtaking Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters.
If you dream of standing above the clouds and watching the sunrise from Africa’s highest point, this is the perfect trek for you.
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you’ll be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. After check-in, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing and equipment check. Spend the evening preparing for your trek.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Moshi – Londorossi Gate (2,250m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,800m)
After breakfast, drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration and to meet the porters and crew. Begin your hike through the lush rainforest, home to black and white colobus monkeys and a variety of birdlife. The trail gradually ascends to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp for your first overnight on the mountain.
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 7 km
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone, where the vegetation becomes sparse and the views open up. Hike across ridges and valleys to reach the Shira Plateau — one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic areas. Camp at Shira 1 with stunning views of the mountain’s glaciers.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 8 km
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Today is a short and easy acclimatization hike across the Shira Plateau. Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Meru in the distance and the rugged western slopes of Kilimanjaro. The afternoon is spent resting and adjusting to the altitude at Shira 2 Camp.
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 7 km
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Shira 2 – Lava Tower (4,600m) – Barranco Camp (3,950m)
A challenging day for acclimatization. Ascend gradually to Lava Tower, a striking volcanic formation. Enjoy lunch at 4,600 meters before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach helps your body adjust to the altitude. The camp sits beneath the dramatic Barranco Wall.
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 10 km
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (4,035m)
After breakfast, conquer the iconic Barranco Wall — a fun and rewarding scramble with breathtaking views from the top. Continue on gentle slopes across the Karanga Valley to reach Karanga Camp. This day provides further acclimatization and preparation for the summit push.
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 5 km
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Today’s hike is short but steep, leading to Barafu Camp, the final base before the summit. The landscape becomes barren and rocky. After an early dinner, rest and prepare for your midnight summit attempt.
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 4 km
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Wake around midnight to begin your final ascent under the stars. Trek slowly up the steep switchbacks to Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your incredible achievement before descending to Mweka Camp via Barafu for a well-earned rest.
Trekking Time: 10–14 hours total
Distance: 17 km
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Moshi
After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificate. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi for a hot shower, relaxation, and celebration.
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 10 km
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Price Included
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Hotel accommodation in Moshi before and after the climb
All park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook
3 meals per day while on the mountain
Drinking water and hot beverages
Camping equipment (tents, tables, chairs)
Price Excluded
International flights and visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal hiking gear (sleeping bag, trekking poles, etc.)
Tips for guides and porters
Additional meals in Moshi
Tour Highlights
Trek through Lemosho Forest & Shira Plateau
Scenic views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro’s Western Breach
Barranco Wall Climb (The “Breakfast Wall”)
Lava Tower Acclimatization Hike
Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
Professional mountain crew and full support team
Breathtaking sunrise at the Roof of Africa