Mountain Trekking
8 Days Lemosho Trek
Overview
The 8-day Lemosho Route is widely considered one of the absolute best trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching the mountain from the west, it begins in pristine, secluded rainforest before crossing the expansive Shira Plateau and merging with the Southern Circuit below the glaciers of Kibo peak. By spreading the ascent over eight full days, this itinerary offers an exceptional acclimatization profile, giving your body plenty of time to adapt to the altitude and yielding one of the highest summit success rates on the mountain. With sweeping panoramic views, lower crowd density during the first few days, and diverse ecosystems, it delivers a premier Kilimanjaro experience.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,100 m/6,890 ft to 2,820 m/9,252 ft
Distance: 5.5 km/3.4 mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Description: After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up for the drive to the Londorossi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Once registration formalities are complete and gear is distributed among the porters, a short drive takes you to the Lemosho trailhead. The hike begins on a well-maintained path winding through dense, undisturbed rainforest. The canopy overhead is thick and vibrant, often echoing with the calls of black-and-white colobus monkeys and exotic birds. The climb is gradual and steady, providing a comfortable warm-up for your legs before you arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp nestled in the forest.
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,820 m/9,252 ft to 3,610 m/11,844 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Description: Leaving the rainforest canopy behind, the trail steepens as you enter the giant heather and moorland zone. You will hike across rolling hills and cross several streams, ascending onto the rim of the Shira Plateau. As the trail flattens out, you are rewarded with wide, open views of the vast plateau stretching out ahead and Kibo's icy peak in the distance. You will cross the plateau to reach Shira 1 Camp, set in a dramatic, high-altitude desert setting where temperatures drop significantly as the sun goes down.
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,610 m/11,844 ft to 3,850 m/12,631 ft
Distance: 7 km/4.3 mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Description: Today is a gentle, relaxed hike across the heart of the Shira Plateau, designed specifically to aid your acclimatization. You will explore the high-altitude moorland, walking past unusual geological formations and moorland vegetation like giant lobelias. The path connects with the main Machame Route trail, climbing gradually toward Shira 2 Camp. You will arrive at camp in time for a hot lunch and an afternoon of rest, taking in panoramic views of the Western Breach and Mount Meru floating above the clouds to the west.
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,900 m/12,795 ft to 3,995 m/13,106 ft
Distance: 10 km/6.2 mi
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Description: Today adheres strictly to the essential "climb high, sleep low" acclimatization rule. From Shira 2, the trail heads east into a stark, rocky semi-desert landscape as you climb up to the base of the massive Lava Tower (4,600 m). You will stop here to rest and eat a hot lunch while your body adjusts to the higher altitude. Afterward, you begin a steep descent into the Great Barranco Valley, surrounded by dense groves of giant groundsel trees. You will arrive at Barranco Camp nestled directly beneath the imposing, icy cliffs of the Heim Glacier and the Barranco Wall.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,900 m/12,795 ft to 3,995 m/13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3.1 mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Description: You begin the morning by tackling the famous Barranco Wall—a steep, 250-meter rock scramble that looks intimidating from camp but is a fun, non-technical climb where you will use your hands for balance. At the top of the wall, you are rewarded with sweeping views of Kibo’s southern glaciers. The trail then leads across a series of undulating ridges and valleys before dropping down into the green depths of the Karanga Valley. After a short, final climb out of the gorge, you arrive at Karanga Camp for a hot lunch and a restful afternoon to help your body adapt before reaching high camp.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3,995 m/13,106 ft to 4,673 m/15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2.5 mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Description: After breakfast, you leave Karanga Camp and join the trail that connects with the Mweka Descent Route. The path climbs steadily through a barren, wind-swept alpine desert filled with loose rock and scree. There is very little vegetation surviving at this altitude as you approach Barafu Camp (Swahili for "ice"). Camping on an exposed, rocky ridge with stunning views of Mawenzi peak, you will arrive by early afternoon. You will spend the rest of the day resting, hydrating, packing your summit gear, and having an early dinner before turning in around 7:00 PM to prepare for the midnight summit bid.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Elevation: 4,673 m/15,331 ft to 5,895 m/19,341 ft to 3,950 m/12,959 ft
Distance: 5 km/3.1 mi up, 10.5 km/6.5 mi down
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours up, 4-6 hours down
Habitat: Arctic / Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Description: Your guide will wake you around 11:30 PM with hot tea and snacks. Wrapped in warm layers, you step into the freezing night to begin the relentless switchback climb up the steep scree slope by headlamp. You will reach Stella Point (5,756 m) on the crater rim right around dawn, witnessing an extraordinary sunrise over the glaciers. Continuing along the snow-draped crater rim for about an hour, you arrive at Uhuru Peak—the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and the roof of Africa. After taking photos and celebrating, you begin the steep, sliding descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and a hot meal. You then pack up camp and continue descending down to Millennium Camp, where the richer oxygen and warmer air make for a deep, restful sleep.
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,950 m/12,959 ft to 1,640 m/5,380 ft
Distance: 13.5 km/8.4 mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Description: Your final day begins with a lively tipping and singing ceremony with your mountain crew to celebrate the successful trek. The trail descends steadily through the upper heather zone before dropping directly into the lush rainforest. The path can be wet and slippery, making trekking poles very helpful as you make your way down the mountain. You will arrive at Mweka Gate by early afternoon to complete the sign-out process and receive your official summit certificates. From the gate, you will meet your vehicle for the drive back to your hotel for a long-awaited hot shower and celebration.
Included
- Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- 2 nights hotel accommodation (before & after the climb)
- All day’s park fee / Hut fee and Rescue fee
- Wages for mountain crew (porters, chef and guides)
- All Meals and Drinking water during the Trek
- Oxygen cylinder for emergency
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzanian tourist visa fees
- Gratuities/tips for the safari guide and lodge staff
- Travel insurance and medical evacuation coverage
- Personal items, laundry, alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks
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