8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Lemosho Route

Trekking Overview

The Lemosho Route is widely celebrated as one of the most scenic and rewarding trails to the Roof of Africa. Beginning on the western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, this route takes you through untouched rainforest, sweeping moorlands, and the dramatic Shira Plateau before merging with the Machame Route. It offers excellent acclimatization opportunities, diverse landscapes, and fewer crowds in the early days of the trek.

Over eight days, climbers enjoy a gradual ascent and an unmatched wilderness experience from the dense forest alive with monkeys and exotic birds to the glacier-studded summit of Uhuru Peak. This route is ideal for adventurers seeking a balanced climb with high success rates and unforgettable beauty.

The following itinerary provides a detailed day-by-day guide to your Kilimanjaro climb, including distances, trekking times, altitude gains, and what to expect at each camp.

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Moshi Town

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, our friendly driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi town. You will meet your trekking guide, who will provide a detailed briefing about the trek, including safety tips, route overview, and a gear check to ensure everything is in order. Any essential equipment may be rented today. This day is designed to help you acclimatize and prepare mentally for your adventure.

  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

Day 2: Moshi – Lemosho Glades (2385m) to Big Tree Camp (2780m)

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel around 08:00 AM for the drive to Londorossi Gate, where registration formalities are completed. From there, we proceed to the Lemosho trailhead. The trek begins gently through lush montane forest — home to black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a chorus of tropical birds. The air is fresh, and the dense greenery provides natural shade as you steadily ascend to Big Tree Camp, your first overnight stop nestled among towering trees.

  • Distance covered: 7 km / 4.3 mi
  • Approx. time taken: 4 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3: Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3500m)

Today’s trek leads you out of the forest and onto the open moorland. The vegetation gradually changes from thick forest to heather and volcanic rock outcrops as the landscape opens to reveal sweeping views of the Shira Ridge and Mount Meru in the distance. You’ll traverse the rolling hills of the Shira Plateau before reaching Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll enjoy your first clear views of Kibo Peak shimmering above the clouds.

  • Distance covered: 8.5 km / 5.3 mi
  • Approx. time taken: 7 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp (3500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)

Today’s route offers one of the most impressive panoramas on Kilimanjaro. You’ll hike across the wide expanse of the Shira Plateau — a stunning high-altitude desert of golden grasses, hardy shrubs, and lava formations. As you gain altitude, you’ll begin to feel the thinner air, making this day an excellent opportunity for acclimatization. Upon reaching Shira 2 Camp, located on the eastern edge of the plateau, you’ll enjoy lunch and an optional acclimatization walk before dinner. The camp provides magnificent sunset views over Mount Meru.

  • Distance covered: 8 km / 5 mi
  • Approx. time taken: 5 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)

Your trek begins with a gradual ascent toward the Lava Tower (4640m), a striking volcanic formation that stands as one of Kilimanjaro’s most unique features. You’ll enter the alpine desert zone, with breathtaking views of the glaciers and the upper slopes of Kibo. After lunch at Lava Tower, you’ll descend sharply into the Barranco Valley — an essential part of the acclimatization process known as “climb high, sleep low.”
Barranco Camp is beautifully set beneath the imposing Barranco Wall, surrounded by giant groundsels and lobelias.

  • Distance covered: 10 km / 6.2 mi
  • Approx. time taken: 7 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)

The day begins with the exhilarating climb up the Barranco Wall — a challenging yet non-technical scramble that rewards you with breathtaking views once at the top. The trail continues beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers before descending into the Karanga Valley. After a short, steep climb out of the valley, you’ll reach Karanga Camp, perched with commanding views across the plains far below. For those feeling energetic, an afternoon acclimatization hike to higher altitude is recommended before returning to camp for dinner and rest.

  • Distance covered: 5.5 km / 3.4 mi
  • Approx. time taken: 5 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 7: Karanga Camp (3963m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)

Today’s trek is short but steep, taking you through the barren, high-altitude desert toward Barafu Camp, your final base before the summit push. The landscape here is stark and dramatic, dotted only with volcanic scree and wind-carved rock. You’ll arrive at camp by midday, have lunch, and rest as you prepare for your midnight ascent to the top. An early dinner is served, and you’ll retire early for much-needed rest before the final challenge.

  • Distance covered: 3 km / 1.9 mi
  • Approx. time taken: 3 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 8: Barafu Camp (4640m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)

At midnight, your guide will wake you for the most exciting part of your climb — the summit attempt. Under a blanket of stars, you’ll begin the slow, steady ascent up steep scree slopes toward Stella Point (5739m). Here, the first rays of sunrise paint the sky in gold and crimson hues, revealing the glacier-crowned summit above you.
From Stella Point, it’s a short but demanding final push to Uhuru Peak (5895m) — the highest point in Africa. Celebrate this unforgettable achievement before descending back to Barafu for breakfast and continuing down to Millennium Camp for a well-deserved rest.

  • Distance covered: 13.4 km / 8.3 mi
  • Approx. time taken: 12–15 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 9: Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before beginning your final descent through lush rainforest alive with bird calls and the chatter of monkeys. At Mweka Gate, you’ll sign out and receive your official summit certificates — a proud reminder of your accomplishment. Our driver will meet you here for the transfer back to your Moshi hotel, where a hot shower, comfortable bed, and celebration await.

  • Distance covered: 12.1 km / 7.5 mi
  • Approx. time taken: 6 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included

Day 10: Departure and Optional Excursions

On your final day, we ensure your adventure concludes smoothly and memorably. Depending on your flight schedule, our team will provide a comfortable transfer from your hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

For guests with extra time before departure, we can arrange optional activities such as cultural visits, nature excursions, or day trips to nearby attractions. For those extending their stay, we’ll be happy to help plan a safari or Zanzibar beach holiday to continue your unforgettable Tanzanian journey.

  • Meals: Not included

Inclusions (What’s included in your Kilimanjaro adventure)

We ensure you are fully supported throughout your trek. Your package includes:

  • Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
  • Transport to and from Lemosho Gate
  • National Park entry fees, camping fees, and applicable crater fees
  • Rescue fees and emergency support
  • Accommodation on the mountain in 4-season tents
  • Double-layered sleeping mats (10 cm thick)
  • Experienced guides, cooks, and porters
  • Three nutritious meals per day while trekking
  • Continuous access to treated and filtered drinking water
  • Hot water for washing
  • Fair wages for all crew, approved by KINAPA and KIATO
  • Government taxes
  • Portable oxygen tanks, oximeter, and first-aid equipment
  • Portable flush toilet facilities on the mountain
  • Official Kilimanjaro climbing summit certificate
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services

Exclusions (What you’ll need to arrange yourself)

To ensure clarity, these items are not included in your trek package:

  • International flights to and from Tanzania
  • Accommodation in Moshi before or after the trek (2 nights)
  • Comprehensive travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Personal trekking equipment such as trekking poles, and other personal gear
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Optional excursions, souvenirs, or extra activities outside the itinerary
  • For clients arriving at Arusha Airport, an additional $50 for extended transfer
  • Gratuities for the mountain crew – Recommended tipping guidelines are $20 per guide, $15 per cook, and $10 per porter per day per group.

Route Quote

Group size
1 Pax
2 – 3 Pax
4 -5 Pax
6 -7 Pax
8 - 9 Pax
10 Pax & Above
Quote per person
$2420
$2191
$2108
$2070
$2063
$2049

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