Lemosho Route – 8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb

Safari Overview

The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and successful ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This 8-day Kilimanjaro itinerary offers excellent acclimatization, low traffic, and stunning views across Shira Plateau and Western Breach. It’s perfect for climbers seeking a gradual ascent and higher summit success rate on their Mount Kilimanjaro trek.

Itinerary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

– Drive from Arusha/Moshi to Londorossi Gate (2,250m)
– Registration and drive to Lemosho trailhead
– Start trek through rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)
– Hike duration: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp

– Trek through rainforest into moorland zone
– Cross the Shira Ridge and descend to Shira Plateau
– Arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)
– Hike duration: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp

Day 3: Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp

– Leisurely trek across the Shira Plateau
– Acclimatization walk in afternoon
– Camp at Shira 2 (3,850m) with panoramic views
– Hike duration: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira 2 – Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

– Ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) for acclimatization
– Descend to Barranco Camp (3,950m) beneath the Great Barranco Wall
– Hike duration: 6–7 hours
Overnight: Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco – Karanga Camp

– Climb the Barranco Wall and hike through alpine desert
– Short day to Karanga Camp (3,995m) for rest and acclimatization
– Hike duration: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Karanga Camp

Day 6: Karanga – Barafu Camp

– Steady ascent to Barafu Camp (4,673m)
– Prepare for summit attempt overnight
– Early dinner and rest
– Hike duration: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Barafu Camp

Day 7: Barafu – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

– Midnight start for summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
– Experience sunrise on Africa’s highest point
– Descend to Barafu, then continue to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
– Hike duration: 12–14 hours total
Overnight: Mweka Camp

Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Drive to Moshi/Arusha

– Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
– Receive summit certificates and drive back to hotel
– Hike duration: 3–4 hours
End of trek