The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most scenic and highest-success path up Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting in the lush rainforest on the western slopes, this journey takes you through diverse ecosystems — from moorlands and alpine deserts to glaciers — before reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters.
This itinerary is ideal because it breaks the trek from Barranco to Barafu into two days, allowing for a short hiking day just before summit night. Since the final push begins around midnight, this rest day helps climbers stay better rested and mentally prepared for the toughest part of the climb.
With its gradual ascent and excellent acclimatization schedule, the 8-day Lemosho Route offers one of the **highest summit success rates** on the mountain — making it perfect for first-time climbers, photography lovers, and anyone seeking a safer, more immersive experience.
Why Choose the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route is ideal for climbers who want a scenic, well-paced adventure with maximum chances of summiting successfully.
Day 0: Arrival & Pre-Trek Briefing
We’ll pick you up from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening, we conduct a pre-trek briefing where we review your gear, discuss safety procedures, and answer any questions. Equipment rental available upon request. We recommend arriving at least one day before the trek begins.
Meals: Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (~3 hours). Begin hiking through dense montane forest along the Lemosho Glades trail to Mti Mkubwa (“Big Tree”) Camp.
Elevation: 1,830m → 2,650m (6,000ft → 8,700ft)
Distance: 6km (4mi) | Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Ascend gradually into the moorland zone, passing streams and heather-covered ridges. Continue across the Shira Ridge to Shira 1 Camp, located beside a stream on the expansive Shira Plateau — a highlight of the Lemosho Route.
Elevation: 2,650m → 3,500m (8,700ft → 11,500ft)
Distance: 8km (5mi) | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp (Acclimatization Day)
A gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 Camp. This is an excellent day for acclimatization, with optional short hikes to higher elevations — a key advantage of the Lemosho Route.
Elevation: 3,500m → 3,850m (11,500ft → 12,600ft)
Distance: 8km (5mi) | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Shira 2 to Barranco Camp
Cross the Shira Plateau toward Kibo, then climb to Lava Tower (4,650m / “Shark’s Tooth”). After a brief rest, descend to Barranco Camp. Despite ending near your starting elevation, this “hike high, sleep low” strategy greatly improves acclimatization — one reason the Lemosho Route has such a high success rate.
Elevation: 3,850m → 4,000m (12,600ft → 13,000ft)
Distance: 8km (5mi) | Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Climb the steep but non-technical Barranco Wall — often called “breakfast wall” due to its timing! From the top, enjoy panoramic views before descending into Karanga Valley, a key acclimatization stop on the Lemosho Route.
Elevation: 4,000m → 4,050m (13,000ft → 13,250ft)
Distance: 5km (3mi) | Climbing Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Continue ascending to Barafu Camp (4,700m), completing the South Circuit. Enjoy stunning views of Kibo and prepare for the summit attempt. Rest early — summit night begins at midnight!
Elevation: 4,050m → 4,700m (13,250ft → 15,350ft)
Distance: 4km (2mi) | Climbing Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Start around midnight, climbing between Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point (5,756m), you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise. Push onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa!
After celebrating, begin descent to Mweka Camp via the Mweka Trail. Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended for the loose scree.
Elevation: 4,700m → 5,895m → 3,090m (15,350ft → 19,340ft → 10,150ft)
Distance: 5km up / 13km down (3mi / 8mi)
Hiking Time: 5–7 hrs up / 5–6 hrs down
Habitat: Stone scree & ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate & Return to Moshi
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Our vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi (~1 hour).
Elevation: 3,090m → 1,680m (10,150ft → 5,500ft)
Distance: 10km (6mi) | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Departure Day: Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport — or continue directly to your safari adventure with us.
Meals: Breakfast
Lemosho Route: What’s Included
- ✅ Full 8-day Lemosho Route trekking according to itinerary
- ✅ Hotel accommodation (pre- and post-climb)
- ✅ Camping tents, sleeping mattress, camping furniture
- ✅ Portable toilet & toilet tent
- ✅ Professional English-speaking guide
- ✅ Personal porter (1 per climber)
- ✅ All meals during the trek
- ✅ Drinking water (boiled & filtered)
- ✅ Park entry fees & rescue fees
- ✅ Airport transfers
Lemosho Route: What’s Not Included
- ❌ International or domestic flights
- ❌ Meals not listed in itinerary
- ❌ Alcoholic & soft drinks
- ❌ Visa, tips, travel insurance, personal expenses
- ❌ Sleeping bag (can be rented upon request)
