Lemosho Route

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8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via the Lemosho Route.

The Lemosho Route is considered one of the best options for acclimatization. It is less crowded and offers a scenic ascent to the Shira Plateau. On the first day, groups may be accompanied by an armed ranger, as the forests around Lemosho Glades are home to wildlife such as buffalo, elephants, and other animals.

One of the standout features of the Lemosho Route is its excellent acclimatization profile. With more days on the mountain, typically 7 to 8, trekkers have ample time to adjust to increasing altitudes, significantly improving summit success rates and reducing the risk of altitude sickness..

Lemosho begins in a less-traveled area, allowing for a quieter and more intimate trekking experience. On the first day, groups may be accompanied by an armed ranger, as the lush forests around the Lemosho Glades are home to diverse wildlife.

The route is also known for its scenic beauty, offering panoramic views, dramatic ridgelines, and picturesque campsites along the way. As trekkers ascend, they pass through varied landscapes, giving a rich and immersive experience of Kilimanjaro’s diverse climate and geography.

Elisha James Lead Guide&Founder

The Detailed Itinerary

  • Arrival

    We meet you at your lodge/hotel in Arusha or Moshi a day before for detailed briefing & gear checking. Please let us know if you will need transfers & accommodation in Arusha before and after trekking to be included in your prices.

  • Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

    Hiking time: 2-3 hours
    Distance: Approx. 7km / 5 Miles
    Vegetation type: Rainforest

    After enjoying a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be driven to the Lemosho Gate (2,100m/6,889ft) on the western slopes of Kilimanjaro. Once the park registration process is complete, your adventure officially begins. Today’s trek winds through the lush, vibrant rainforest zone, where you may encounter a variety of wildlife, including playful monkeys and brightly colored birds. The trail ascends steadily through the dense foliage, eventually bringing you to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m/8,694ft), also known as Big Tree Camp. Here, you'll relax with a warm dinner and spend the night surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the forest.

  • Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

    Hiking time: 6-9 hours
    Distance: Approx. 17 km
    Vegetation type: Heather & Moorland

    We will embark on a scenic trek across the expansive Shira Plateau. As we ascend, the dense rainforest gradually gives way to a landscape characterized by heather and moorland, dotted with fascinating volcanic rock formations. Our destination for today is Shira 2 Camp 3900m/12,598ft. Along the way, we'll pass through Shira 1 Camp 3,500m/11,483ft where you'll get your first stunning views of the majestic Kibo peak, the highest point of Kilimanjaro. This day is crucial for altitude acclimatization, allowing your body to gradually adjust to the increasing elevation. Shira 2 Camp offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, especially at sunset.

  • Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2

    Hiking time: 4-5 hours
    Distance: Approx. 8 km
    Vegetation type: Heather & Moorland

    After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.

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

    Hiking time: 6-8 hours
    Distance: 11km / 6 Miles Approx. 15 km
    Vegetation type: Alpine Desert

    Day 3 offers breathtaking panoramic views as we journey into the upland desert zone, crossing dramatic lava ridges along the way. Our route leads us to the renowned Lava Tower, standing at 4,550m (14,927ft), a key acclimatization point on the trek. We'll pause here for lunch, giving your body a chance to adjust to the higher elevation. Afterward, we descend into the awe-inspiring Great Barranco Valley, where the landscape shifts once again. Tonight’s campsite, Barranco Camp at 3,900m (12,795ft), sits at the foot of the majestic Barranco Wall and is surrounded by the towering giant groundsels (Senecio kilimanjari). This climb-high, sleep-low approach plays an important role in helping your body acclimatize effectively.

  • Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

    Hiking time: 4-3 hours
    Distance: Approx. 5km / 3 Miles
    Vegetation type: Alpine Desert

    Today's adventure begins with an exhilarating climb up the Great Barranco Wall. While it may seem daunting, the climb is not technically difficult and offers incredible views as you ascend. Take your time and enjoy the experience of scrambling over the rocks. After conquering the wall, the trail continues through the Karanga Valley, a relatively short but rewarding hike. We'll then make our way to Karanga Camp 4100m/13,451ft, our destination for the night. This shorter day allows for further acclimatization and provides you with more time to rest and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.

  • Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

    Hiking time: 3-4 hours
    Distance: Approx. 5km ascent, 12 km descent
    Vegetation type: Alpine Desert

    After a healthy breakfast, we begin our ascent towards Barafu Camp. Today's walk is characterized by a tougher, steeper climb as we enter the barren and rocky alpine desert zone. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp 4600m/15,091ft, which means "ice" in Swahili, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We'll have an early lunch and spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the challenging summit attempt. Dinner will be served early, followed by a crucial period of sleep before our midnight wake-up call.

  • Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Mweka Camp

    Hiking time: 6 hours
    Distance: 13-8 km Approx.11-14 hours
    Vegetation type: Summit Zone.

    This is the most challenging yet rewarding day of your trek. We'll rise between 11:00 PM and midnight to begin our summit push under a star-filled sky, guided by the glow of headlamps. The ascent is steep and strenuous as we make our way toward the summit glaciers, but the effort is well worth it. After 5–6 hours of steady climbing, we reach Stella Point (5,735m/18,815ft) on the crater rim—an incredible milestone. After a brief rest, we continue along the rim for another 1–2 hours to reach the highest point in Africa: Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft), famously known as the "Roof of Africa." Here, you'll enjoy sweeping views, mark your achievement, and capture unforgettable summit photos.

    Following this unforgettable moment, we begin our descent back to Stella Point, then continue down to Barafu Camp for a hot breakfast and a well-earned break. After some rest, we resume our descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft), where we spend our final night on the mountain. Though it’s a long and physically demanding day, the immense sense of achievement makes it truly unforgettable.

  • Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (Transfer to Moshi)

    Hiking time: 3-4 hours
    Distance: Approx. 10km / 6 Miles
    Vegetation type: Rain Forest

    oday marks the final stretch of your Kilimanjaro journey. After breakfast, we begin a relaxed descent through the verdant rainforest, making our way down to Mweka Gate (1,650m / 5,413ft). Upon arrival, we’ll complete the final park formalities, and you’ll be presented with your well-deserved summit certificate—a proud reminder of your remarkable accomplishment. From there, our team will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a refreshing hot shower and celebrate the successful completion of your climb.

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Itinerary Prices

Starts From 1 Person at: $2,500

Per person for 2-3 people: $2,370

Per person in a group of 5: $2,300

Basic Information:

The 8-day Lemosho route is favored over the six-day option because it splits the second day into two stages, allowing for a more gradual ascent and improved acclimatization. On the second day of the seven-day itinerary, trekkers hike from Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1, gaining a manageable 2,000 feet in elevation. On the third day, the journey continues from Shira Camp 1 to the less-traveled Moir Hut at 13,800 feet. This extended exposure to higher altitude early in the trek helps condition the body for the more demanding elevations ahead.

  • Duration


    8 Days 7 Nights

  • Included


    Return transfer to & from the Mountain, 6 Overnight stays in mountain Huts, Professional & well experienced Mountain guides chef & porters, All Park fees,Rescue fees, All meals while on the Mountain, Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees, Quality Mess tents with table and chairs, Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food, Clean, purified drinking water, Crisis management and safety procedures, Fair and ethical treatment of porters.


  • Not Included


    Arrival transfer, Accommodation in Arusha, Flight tickets,Tanzania Visa, Sleeping bag, please bring your own sleeping bag or can be rent in Arusha at reasonable price, Gratuity for Kilimanjaro climbing Crew (please tip separately), Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages etc), Meals not listed above, Travel insurance if applicable

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