Why Choose the Lemosho Route?

While there are several routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho Route is considered one of the most scenic and diverse. This route offers a longer, more gradual ascent that allows for better acclimatization, increasing your chances of successfully reaching the summit. Additionally, the Lemosho Route offers stunning panoramic views and varied terrain, from dense rainforest to high alpine desert. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to spot exotic wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and monkeys. Finally, the Lemosho Route is one of the least crowded routes, providing a more serene and authentic experience.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
• Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
• Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
• Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Camp
• Day 5: Lava Tower Camp to Barranco Camp
• Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
• Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
• Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro Londorossi Gate, Hike to Mti Mkubwa Cam

After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 2.5-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

— Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
— Distance: 6km/4mi
— Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
— Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Hike Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

— Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
— Distance: 8km/5mi
— Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
— Habitat: Moorland

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Shira 1 Camp

Day 3: Hike Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

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.

— Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
— Distance: 8km/5mi
— Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
— Habitat: Moorland

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

— Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
— Distance: 8km/5mi
— Walking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barranco Camp

Day 5: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

— Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
— Distance: 5km/3mi
— Hiking Time: 34 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Karanga Valley Camp

Day 6: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

— Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
— Distance: 4km/2mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barafu Camp

Day 7: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

— Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
— Down to 3090m/10,150ft
— Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
— Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
— Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mweka Camp

Day 8: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters.

— Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
— Distance: 10km/6mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Forest

Meals included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel or Lodge