8 Days Lemosho Trek
Trekking Overview
The Lemosho Route is considered one of the most scenic and successful routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m / 19,341ft). The 8-day itinerary allows for gradual acclimatization, improving summit success rates. It offers breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and a less crowded experience compared to other routes.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
Our journey begins with a drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, which takes about 3–4 hours. After registration, a short drive leads to the trailhead. The trek starts in a dense rainforest, where you might spot colobus monkeys. The day’s hike is short and easy, ending at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Time: 3–4 Hours
- Elevation Gain: 720m (2,362 ft)
- Highlights: Rainforest trek
- Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Tents)
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa (2,820m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Leaving the rainforest behind, you ascend into the heath and moorland zone. The trail climbs steadily with a few steep sections. As you gain elevation, you will get your first views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. The camp is situated on the Shira Plateau, offering stunning panoramic views.
- Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
- Time: 5–6 Hours
- Elevation Gain: 680m (2,231ft)
- Highlights: Moorland
- Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (Tents)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Shira 1 (3,500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
The trail continues across the Shira Plateau, offering spectacular views of Kibo Peak. You pass through volcanic rock formations and enjoy a relaxed hike with gentle ascents. Shira 2 Camp is located at a higher elevation, helping with acclimatization.
- Distance: 7 km (4.3 mi)
- Time: 3–4 Hours
- Elevation Gain: 350m (1,148ft)
- Highlights: Moorland
- Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (Tents)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Shira 2 (3,850m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,976m)
This is an important acclimatization day. The route gradually ascends to Lava Tower (4,630m / 15,190ft), where you take a break before descending to Barranco Camp. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy significantly boosts your acclimatization, improving your chances of reaching the summit.
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Time: 6–7 Hours
- Elevation Gain: 780m (2,559ft)
- Elevation Loss: 654m (2,145ft)
- Highlights: Alpine Desert Trek
- Accommodation: Barranco Camp (Tents)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,976m) to Karanga Camp (3,995m)
The day begins with climbing the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb offering incredible views. After reaching the top, the trail descends slightly before leading to Karanga Camp, which sits in a valley. This is a shorter day, allowing for rest and acclimatization.
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Time: 4–5 Hours
- Elevation Gain: 19m (62ft)
- Highlights: Alpine Desert
- Accommodation: Karanga Camp (Tents)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Day 6: Karanga Camp (3,995m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m)
The trek to Barafu Camp is relatively short but steep, passing through an alpine desert. Upon arrival, you rest and prepare for summit night. Early dinner and sleep are crucial, as the final ascent begins at midnight.
- Distance: 4 km (2.5 mi)
- Time: 3–4 Hours
- Elevation Gain: 678m (2,224ft)
- Highlights: Alpine Desert
- Accommodation: Barafu Camp (Tents)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,673m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,068m)
Summit day! The climb begins around midnight, with a challenging ascent through steep scree slopes to Stella Point (5,756m / 18,885ft). After a short rest, you continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, you descend to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu Camp for lunch.
- Distance: 17 km (10.5 mi)
- Time: 10–14 Hours
- Elevation Gain: 1,222m (4,009ft)
- Elevation Loss: 2,827m (9,275ft)
- Highlights: Rainforest
- Accommodation: Arctic to Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,068m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m), drive to Moshi
The final descent takes you through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificates. From here, a short drive returns you to Moshi, where you can relax and celebrate your achievement.
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Time: 3–4 Hours
- Elevation Loss: 1,428m (4,685ft)
- Highlights: Rainforest
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Why Choose the Lemosho Route(8 Days)?
✅ High Success Rate – Longer duration improves acclimatization.
✅ Less Crowded – Starts on the quieter western side of Kilimanjaro.
✅ Scenic Views – Diverse landscapes, from rainforest to glaciers.
✅ Good Acclimatization – "Climb high, sleep low" approach increases success.
