8 Days Lemosho Route

The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and least crowded routes to climb Mount
Kilimanjaro. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and gradual ascent,
which o ers excellent acclimatization opportunities. The Lemosho Route is often considered
one of the best for those looking for a longer trek with better chances of summiting.

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Arrival: You will arrive at Kilimanajaro International Airport (JRO) and be transferred to your
hotel in Moshi. Your guide will brief you about the upcoming climb.
Overnight: Stay in Moshi for the night. Use this time to check your gear and rest before the
climb.

Day 2: Moshi to Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)
Morning: After breakfast, you will be driven to the Lemosho Gate (approximately 2.5-3 hours
from Moshi).
Registration: At the gate, your guide and crew will complete the necessary paperwork. You
will then begin the trek through the lush, tropical rainforest.
Trekking: The hike today takes you through dense forest with a variety of plant and animal life.
This is a relatively easy day as you adjust to the climb.
Trekking time: 3-4 hours, approximately 6 km.
Altitude: 1,800m at the Lemosho Gate to 2,650m at Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Overnight: Stay at Mti Mkubwa Camp, a peaceful campsite located in the forest.

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,600m)
Morning: After breakfast, you will begin your ascent out of the rainforest into the moorland
zone, where the vegetation starts to thin out, and views of the surrounding valleys and
mountains open up.
Trekking: This is a relatively short day, but it will allow you to gain some altitude and start
adjusting to the higher elevations.
Trekking time: 5-6 hours, approximately 8 km.
Altitude: 2,650m at Mti Mkubwa Camp to 3,600m at Shira 1 Camp.
Overnight: Stay at Shira 1 Camp. This camp is located on the Shira Plateau and o ers
spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Morning: Today’s hike is a gradual trek towards Shira 2 Camp, allowing for good
acclimatization. You will pass across the expansive Shira Plateau, with views of the
surrounding landscape and the mountain’s glaciers.
Trekking: The walk will take you through more rugged terrain, and you’ll start to see the alpine
zone with sparse vegetation.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours, approximately 6 km.
Altitude: 3,600m at Shira 1 Camp to 3,850m at Shira 2 Camp.
Overnight: Stay at Shira 2 Camp, a great spot for acclimatization with panoramic views of
Kilimanjaro.

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950m)
Morning: This is a longer day, but with a good acclimatization strategy. The trek will take you
across the Lava Tower (4,630m), a prominent landmark on the route, and then descend
towards Barranco Camp.
Climb High, Sleep Low: The high-altitude trek to Lava Tower helps with acclimatization before
descending to Barranco Camp, which will aid your body in adjusting to the altitude.
Trekking time: 6-7 hours, approximately 10 km.
Altitude: 3,850m at Shira 2 Camp to 3,950m at Barranco Camp (after climbing Lava Tower at
4,630m).
Overnight: Stay at Barranco Camp, nestled in a beautiful valley with cli s and views of the
surrounding peaks.

Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Morning: After breakfast, you’ll tackle the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable scramble to
the top. Once you reach the top, the terrain flattens out, and you’ll continue to Karanga
Camp.
Trekking: The hike will take you through the Karanga Valley, where you’ll see unique flora and
views of the mountain’s glaciers.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours, approximately 7 km.
Altitude: 3,950m at Barranco Camp to 4,035m at Karanga Camp.
Overnight: Stay at Karanga Camp, which is a smaller, quieter camp and a good place to rest
before the final push to the summit.

Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Morning: After breakfast, you’ll head towards Barafu Camp, the last major camp before the
summit. This day is crucial for acclimatization and preparing for the summit.
Trekking: The route becomes increasingly barren, with rocky terrain and minimal vegetation.
Barafu Camp is located on a ridge, o ering spectacular views.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours, approximately 6 km.
Altitude: 4,035m at Karanga Camp to 4,640m at Barafu Camp.
Overnight: Stay at Barafu Camp, where you’ll rest and prepare for the final summit attempt.
It’s recommended to get as much sleep as possible this night, as you’ll start the summit climb
early the next morning.

Day 8: Barafu Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak – 5,895m) and Descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Midnight: After a light snack and some rest, you’ll start the summit attempt from Barafu
Camp. You will hike through the night and reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount
Kilimanjaro, just in time for sunrise.
Summit Attempt: The final ascent to Uhuru Peak involves a challenging climb, but the reward
is the breathtaking views from the top of Africa.
Trekking time: 6-7 hours to the summit.
Summit: Uhuru Peak at 5,895m.
Descent: After reaching the summit and taking photos, you’ll begin your descent to Mweka
Camp, which is situated at a lower altitude, giving you a chance to rest.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours from the summit to Mweka Camp.
Altitude: 5,895m at Uhuru Peak to 3,100m at Mweka Camp.
Overnight: Stay at Mweka Camp after a long day of trekking. Enjoy a celebratory dinner and
rest.

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi
Morning: After breakfast, you’ll descend to Mweka Gate, the final point on your trek.
Trekking time: 3-4 hours, approximately 10 km.
Arrival: After reaching Mweka Gate, you will sign out, receive your summit certificates, and be
transferred back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration of your achievement