Summit Kilimanjaro in 8 Days via the Lemosho Route

🏔️ Lemosho Route: A Scenic and Pristine Path to Kilimanjaro’s Summit

Overview:

Experience the beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro on the scenic and less-traveled Lemosho Route. This 8-day trek is designed for optimal acclimatization, offering a gradual ascent through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and the iconic Shira Plateau. With stunning views of the surrounding landscape and ample time to adapt, this route offers a higher success rate for reaching the summit.

You’ll ascend to Lava Tower, tackle the famous Barranco Wall, and enjoy breathtaking vistas before making your final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After summiting, descend to Mweka Gate, completing a truly unforgettable journey. Perfect for those looking for a well-paced and scenic adventure with excellent acclimatization.

8 -Day Itinerary for Kilimanjaro: Lemosho Route

📍 Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania

Your journey begins as you touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Our friendly team will warmly welcome you and provide a seamless transfer to your comfortable hotel in Moshi. After settling in, you’ll meet your expert trekking guide for a detailed briefing about the upcoming climb. This session covers safety measures, gear checks, and an overview of the trail. Use the evening to relax, enjoy a delicious meal, and soak in the excitement for the adventure ahead.

📍 Day 2: Lemosho Gate to Big Tree Camp

Elevation: 2,100 m to 2,785 m (6,890 ft to 9,135 ft)
Distance: ~7 km (4 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

After breakfast, we’ll drive to the Lemosho Gate, where park formalities and registration will be completed. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through the lush montane rainforest, alive with the sounds of exotic birds and rustling trees. You may spot monkeys, such as the black-and-white colobus, swinging from branches. This enchanting forest walk sets the tone for your climb, ending at Big Tree Camp, surrounded by towering trees and the soothing sounds of nature.

📍 Day 3: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation: 2,785 m to 3,500 m (9,135 ft to 11,485 ft)
Distance: ~8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail climbs steadily into the moorland zone. The landscape changes dramatically, with lush greenery giving way to open heathland, where giant heather and unique lobelia plants thrive. As you traverse rolling hills, breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s peaks come into focus. Shira 1 Camp sits on the edge of the Shira Plateau, an ancient volcanic caldera. Here, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas and a sense of accomplishment as you adjust to the altitude.

📍 Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 3,500 m to 3,850 m (11,485 ft to 12,630 ft)
Distance: ~7 km (4 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Today’s trek is relatively short, allowing plenty of time to acclimatize and enjoy the beauty of the Shira Plateau. The trail crosses the vast, open expanse of the plateau, offering incredible views of Mount Meru and the distant plains. You’ll notice the vegetation thinning as you climb higher, with hardy plants like everlasting flowers dotting the landscape. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp by midday and spend the afternoon relaxing, taking in the views, and preparing for the higher elevations ahead.

📍 Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Elevation: 3,850 m to 4,600 m (12,630 ft to 15,090 ft), descending to 3,960 m (13,000 ft)
Distance: ~10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

This is a pivotal day for acclimatization as you ascend to Lava Tower, a striking volcanic rock formation towering at 4,600 m. The trail gradually gains altitude, with the air becoming cooler and thinner. At Lava Tower, take a break to enjoy lunch and marvel at the rugged beauty of the area. The descent to Barranco Camp is a welcome relief, allowing your body to adjust while enjoying spectacular views of the towering Barranco Wall and the lush valley below. The evening offers one of Kilimanjaro’s most iconic sights: the sunset casting golden hues over the dramatic landscape.

📍 Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3,960 m to 4,035 m (13,000 ft to 13,250 ft)
Distance: ~6 km (3.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Your day begins with an exhilarating climb up the Great Barranco Wall, a non-technical but steep ascent that rewards you with stunning vistas once you reach the top. From there, the trail undulates over ridges and valleys, providing glimpses of glaciers and the summit as you make your way to Karanga Camp. Along the way, take in the surreal alpine desert landscape, dotted with unique flora adapted to the harsh environment. Karanga Camp offers a peaceful resting spot, with time to prepare for the challenges of summit night.

📍 Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 4,035 m to 4,640 m (13,250 ft to 15,220 ft)
Distance: ~6 km (3.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

The trail steepens as you head toward Barafu Camp, your base camp for the summit attempt. The landscape becomes even more barren, with rocky outcrops and a stark beauty that heightens your anticipation. Arrive at Barafu in the early afternoon, giving you ample time to rest, rehydrate, and prepare for the final ascent. After an early dinner, retreat to your tent for a few hours of sleep before the midnight wake-up call for the push to Uhuru Peak.

📍 Day 8: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4,640 m to 5,895 m (15,220 ft to 19,341 ft), descending to 3,100 m (10,171 ft)
Distance: ~17 km (10.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours

Your summit adventure begins in the stillness of the night, under a canopy of stars. The trail to Stella Point is steep and challenging, but the thrill of approaching the Roof of Africa keeps you going. Reaching Stella Point at dawn is a magical moment, with the first rays of sunlight illuminating the icy summit. From here, it’s a final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the continent. After celebrating your achievement and capturing unforgettable photos, descend to Mweka Camp, where a hot meal and well-deserved rest await.

📍 Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 3,100 m to 1,640 m (10,171 ft to 5,380 ft)
Distance: ~10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

The final day is a triumphant return to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your certificate of achievement and bid farewell to your guides and porters. Relish the lush greenery of the rainforest one last time before transferring back to Moshi. Celebrate your incredible journey with a refreshing shower, a hearty meal, and the joy of completing a life-changing adventure. This immersive 7-day experience along the Lemosho Route is a celebration of nature, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit. Let this journey to the Roof of Africa leave you inspired and transformed! 🌄

Price Includes

✅ All park entry fees
✅ Flying Doctor Service
✅ Rescue fees/Hut fees
✅ Pickup from the airport
✅ Accommodation at hotels and camps as per the itinerary
✅ Chef services
✅ Guide/assistant guide/porters
✅ Park commission fees
✅ Tents, sleeping mats, and sleeping bags
✅ Meals as per the itinerary above
✅ English-speaking guide
✅ Transport to and from the gate
✅ Bottled drinking water (1.5 liters per person per day during the climb)
✅ One night of complimentary hotel accommodation upon your arrival in Moshi/Arusha, including bed and breakfast