8 Days Lemosho Route
Duration
8 Days
Max People
10
Tour Type
Climbing
Kilimanjaro
The Lemosho Route is one of the best trails to climb Kilimanjaro. It starts in the forest and crosses the Shira Plateau. This route gives more time to get used to the altitude, helping climbers succeed. It is quiet, scenic, and rich in wildlife. With 8 days, you get better rest and a higher chance to reach the summit.
- Starts in a lush forest with a chance to see elephants or buffalo.
- Great for slow acclimatisation and fewer altitude-related problems.
- Crosses the beautiful and wide Shira Plateau on foot.
- Views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks from many points on the trail.
- Climb high, sleep low strategy helps with better summit success.
- Ends with a summit from Barafu and a descent through the Mweka forest trail.
Arrival Day: Welcome to Tanzania
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will meet you and take you to your hotel in Moshi. This is your day to rest and prepare. In the evening, you’ll meet your mountain guide. He will explain everything about the trek, check your gear, and help you rent any missing items. Dinner is served at the hotel or nearby.
Accommodation:
Client-selected: Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury hotel in Moshi
Day 1 : Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
We start the day with a drive to Londorossi Gate for park entry. After registration, we drive through the forest in a 4wd to Lemosho Glades. Our hike begins in the thick rainforest with a soft path underfoot. This part of the forest is home to monkeys, birds, and sometimes elephants. After hiking for 2–3 hours, we arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp.
- Elevation: 1,830m to 2,650m
- Hiking Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
- Time: 2–3 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Today, we leave the forest and enter the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper and more open, with giant heather and volcanic rocks around. We pass over the Shira Ridge and reach Shira Plateau, a wide, flat area formed by old lava. Shira 1 Camp is set by a stream, with views of Kibo in the distance.
- Elevation: 2,650m to 3,500m
- Hiking Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
This is a shorter day that helps you get used to the height. We walk gently across the Shira Plateau, a vast open area with great views. You’ll see strange plants, lava formations, and maybe spot antelopes in the distance. Shira 2 Camp is a quiet, beautiful place to rest and explore the area in the afternoon.
- Elevation: 3,500m to 3,850m
- Hiking Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 4: Shira 2 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
This is an important acclimatisation day. We hike to Lava Tower at 4,600m. The tower is a huge rock shaped by old lava. After lunch here, we descend to Barranco Camp. The route helps your body adapt to the altitude — climbing high and sleeping low. Barranco Camp is in a valley below a steep rock wall.
- Elevation: 3,850m to 4,600m (Lava Tower), then down to 4,000m
- Hiking Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
We start by climbing the famous Barranco Wall. It looks hard, but it is safe and manageable with guides. At the top, you’ll enjoy amazing views. The trail then continues through rocky valleys and small streams until we reach Karanga Camp. This is a good rest day before the summit climb.
- Elevation: 4,000m to 4,050m
- Hiking Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue climbing up through dry, rocky land with fewer plants. This is the final camp before summit night. Barafu means “ice” in Swahili. From here, we see the top of Kilimanjaro clearly. After an early dinner, we go to bed early to prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
- Elevation: 4,050m to 4,700m
- Hiking Distance: 4 km / 2 mi
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
We wake up around midnight and begin our climb with headlamps. The trail is steep and rocky. After 6–7 hours, we reach Stella Point (5,735m), then walk another hour to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa. After pictures and celebration, we go back to Barafu for a short rest, then down to Mweka Camp.
- Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m (Uhuru), then down to 3,090m
- Hiking Distance: 5 km up / 13 km down
- Time: 5–7 hrs up / 5–6 hrs down
- Habitat: Arctic to Forest
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate & Departure
After breakfast, we walk through the rainforest for 3–4 hours. The path may be muddy and slippery. At the gate, you will receive your summit certificate. Our driver will take you back to your hotel in Moshi or directly to the airport, ending your Kilimanjaro adventure.
- Elevation: 3,090m to 1,680m
- Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Hotel (available as an optional add-on)
- Tanzania visa
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Tips and gratuities
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
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