8 DAY LEMOSHO ROUTE: KILIMANJARO TREKKING

📌 Lemosho Route Overview

The Lemosho Route is one of Mount Kilimanjaro’s newest and most scenic paths, renowned for its quiet trails, breathtaking panoramas, and exceptional ecological diversity. Starting on the mountain’s western flank, the journey begins with two immersive days through lush, pristine rainforests before emerging into dramatic heath and moorland zones. On the third day, the trail traverses the Shira Plateau before merging with the Machame Route. With an optimal high-altitude acclimatization profile and varied landscapes, this 8-day expedition offers an unmatched success rate for your adventure to Uhuru Peak.

Route Summary

● Approach: Starts on the quiet, western side of Mount Kilimanjaro (Londorossi Gate).
● Highlights: High ecological diversity—passes through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic zones.
● Trail Character: Features steep, undulating sections with quieter initial days before joining the Machame Route.
● Acclimatization: Superior acclimatization profile due to gradual elevation gain across 8 trek days.
● Arrival: Seamless transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi for gear check and briefing before the trek begins.

Detailed Trekking Itinerary

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrival Day

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town (Keys Hotel, Panama garden resort, or Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel); you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
Meals: No Meals Included.

Day 1: Drive to Londorossi Gate – Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Distance: 7 km / 4.3 mi | Trekking Time: Approx. 4 hours | Elevation: Starts at Lemosho Trailhead → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m / 8,694 ft)
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate for park registration (approx. 4-hour drive). Transfer via 4WD vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead. After lunch, begin trekking along winding forest trails through lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Acclimatization Tip:
● Abstain from alcohol and excess caffeine.
● Drink at least 4 liters of water daily in small, frequent sips.
● Take Diamox as recommended by your physician.
● Report any headache, nausea, or discomfort to your guide immediately.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Distance: 8 km / 5 mi | Trekking Time: 5–6 hours | Elevation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m / 11,844 ft)
Continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock. Ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams before reaching the Shira Ridge, then gently descending to Shira 1 Camp on the western edge of the plateau.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Distance: 7 km / 4.3 mi | Trekking Time: 3–4 hours | Elevation: Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m) → Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft)
A gentle hike across the moorland plateau allows for excellent acclimatization. Explore the high-altitude desert zone with spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the Western Breach. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp in time for lunch and a relaxing afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi | Trekking Time: Approx. 7 hours | Elevation High Point: Lava Tower (4,640 m) - Camp: Barranco Camp (3,960 m / 12,992 ft)
Trek upward through alpine desert onto lava ridges beneath the Western Breach glaciers, reaching Lava Tower (4,640 m) for lunch and essential acclimatization ("climb high, sleep low"). Descend into the Great Barranco Valley to set up camp sheltered by towering cliffs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Distance: 5.5 km / 3.4 mi | Trekking Time: Approx. 5 hours | Elevation: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) → Karanga Camp (3,963 m / 13,002 ft)
Begin with a non-technical scramble up the impressive Great Barranco Wall, offering vast views over the Heim and Kersten glaciers. Cross several valleys to reach Karanga Camp. Optional: An afternoon acclimatization hike to ~4,200 m for those feeling strong.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Base Camp

Distance: 3 km / 1.9 mi | Trekking Time: Approx. 3 hours | Elevation: Karanga Camp (3,963 m) → Barafu Camp (4,640 m / 15,223 ft)
Ascend across desolate scree slopes with sparse vegetation to Barafu Camp. Rest, hydrate, and enjoy an early dinner before turning in for sleep, as your midnight summit attempt begins tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Summit Day: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak → Descend to Millennium Camp

Distance: 13.4 km / 8.3 mi (5.2 km ascent / 8.2 km descent) | Trekking Time: 12–15 hours | Elevation High Point: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft) | Camp: Millennium Camp (3,790 m / 12,434 ft)
Begin the steep climb up scree slopes around midnight. Reach Stella Point (5,739 m) on the crater rim at sunrise, then continue another hour to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa! After celebrating, descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest and breakfast before continuing down to Millennium Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate → Return to Moshi

Distance: 12.1 km / 7.5 mi | Trekking Time: Approx. 6 hours | Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,790 m) → Mweka Gate (1,630 m / 5,348 ft)
Descend through rainforest trails to Mweka Gate to collect your official summit certificates. Celebrate with your mountain crew as they perform traditional Kilimanjaro songs. Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi (~30 min drive) for a warm shower and celebration.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included

Day 9: Onward Travel / Departure

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight home, or continue your adventure with a Tanzanian Wildlife Safari or a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
Meals: Breakfast Included

Short Summary

Day 1: Drive to Londorossi Gate – Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Distance: 7 km / 4.3 mi | Trekking Time: Approx. 4 hours | Elevation: Starts at Lemosho Trailhead → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m / 8,694 ft)

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Distance: 8 km / 5 mi | Trekking Time: 5–6 hours | Elevation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m / 11,844 ft)

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Distance: 7 km / 4.3 mi | Trekking Time: 3–4 hours | Elevation: Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m) → Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft)

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi | Trekking Time: Approx. 7 hours | Elevation High Point: Lava Tower (4,640 m) - Camp: Barranco Camp (3,960 m / 12,992 ft)

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Distance: 5.5 km / 3.4 mi | Trekking Time: Approx. 5 hours | Elevation: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) → Karanga Camp (3,963 m / 13,002 ft)

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Base Camp

Distance: 3 km / 1.9 mi | Trekking Time: Approx. 3 hours | Elevation: Karanga Camp (3,963 m) → Barafu Camp (4,640 m / 15,223 ft)

Day 7: Summit Day: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak → Descend to Millennium Camp

Distance: 13.4 km / 8.3 mi (5.2 km ascent / 8.2 km descent) | Trekking Time: 12–15 hours | Elevation High Point: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft)

Day 8: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate → Return to Moshi

Distance: 12.1 km / 7.5 mi | Trekking Time: Approx. 6 hours | Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,790 m) → Mweka Gate (1,630 m / 5,348 ft)

Day 9: Onward Travel / Departure

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight home, or continue your adventure with a Tanzanian Wildlife Safari or a beach holiday in Zanzibar.

What is Included

Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
Professional, certified, English-speaking mountain guides
Dedicated support team of mountain porters and professional cook
All high-quality camping equipment (mountain tents, sleeping mats, mess tent, chairs)
3 full fresh meals daily on the mountain (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Purified and boiled drinking water provided throughout the trek
Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers (JRO)
Round-trip ground transport from Moshi to the park gates
Pulse oximeter daily health checks & emergency oxygen tanks
Official Mount Kilimanjaro summit certificate

What is Excluded

International and domestic flights
Tanzania Entry Visa fees ($50 to $100 depending on nationality)
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bags, warm clothing, hiking boots, trekking poles)
Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, and cooks (recommended standard rate)
Travel & medical insurance (covering high-altitude trekking up to 6,000m)
Hotel accommodation in Moshi before and after the trek (can be arranged upon request)
Meals and drinks in Moshi town outside of the mountain trek
Personal expenses (laundry, soft drinks, alcohol, souvenirs)
Portable chemical toilet rental (available as an optional add-on)