8 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro Route via Lemosho
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8 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro Route via Lemosho Overview
The Lemosho Route is widely considered the most beautiful trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from the western side of the mountain, it offers stunning scenery, rich biodiversity, and fewer crowds during the early days of the trek. With a longer itinerary, it allows excellent acclimatization and one of the highest summit success rates on the mountain.
This 8-day adventure provides the perfect balance of challenge, comfort, and breathtaking views — from rainforest trails to glaciers above the clouds.
Itinerary at Glance
- Day 1: Arusha – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
- Day 2: Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
- Day 3: Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp (3,840m)
- Day 4: Shira 2 – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
- Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (3,995m)
- Day 6: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,673m)
- Day 7: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
- Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
Itinerary In Details
Day 1: Arusha – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
Distance: 6 km | Time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, you’ll be driven from Arusha to Londorossi Gate (2,100m) for registration. Continue by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead, where you’ll begin trekking through dense rainforest filled with wildlife and unique flora. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Distance: 8 km | Time: 5–6 hours | Habitat: Moorland
Today, ascend steadily out of the forest into the heather and moorland zone. You’ll cross several streams and enjoy wide views across the Shira Plateau. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp where you’ll rest and have dinner under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp (3,840m)
Distance: 7 km | Time: 4–5 hours | Habitat: Moorland
A gentle day of trekking across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. You’ll pass volcanic rock formations and enjoy views of Kibo Peak. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the afternoon, where you’ll rest and prepare for higher altitude ahead.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Day 4: Shira 2 – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Distance: 10 km | Time: 6–8 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s route follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle to help with acclimatization. Hike to Lava Tower (4,630m) for lunch and rest, then descend to Barranco Camp, set beneath the imposing Barranco Wall.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (3,995m)
Distance: 5 km | Time: 4–5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, tackle the famous Barranco Wall — a thrilling but non-technical climb offering spectacular views. Continue over a series of ridges and valleys to reach Karanga Camp in time for lunch and rest. The afternoon is free for acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Day 6: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,673m)
Distance: 4 km | Time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
A short but steep trek leads you to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. The landscape becomes more barren, with clear views of the summit ridge. After an early dinner, rest and prepare your gear for the midnight climb.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day 7: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Distance: 17 km | Time: 10–14 hours | Habitat: Arctic to Forest
Wake up around midnight for your summit push. The path ascends steeply toward Stella Point (5,739m) and continues along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa!
After celebrating and taking photos, descend to Barafu Camp for brunch, then continue to Mweka Camp for your final overnight on the mountain.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
Distance: 10 km | Time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Meet your driver and transfer back to Arusha or Moshi for relaxation or onward travel.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: None (End of tour)
Price Includes
- All park entrance, camping, and rescue fees
- Professional English-speaking mountain guides
- Porters and cooks
- Full board meals during the climb
- Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, chairs, table)
- Drinking water and hot beverages
- Round-trip transfers between Arusha/Moshi and Londorossi Gate
- Certificate of achievement
Price Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Sleeping bag and personal climbing gear
- Tips for guides, cooks, and porters
- Extra accommodation before/after the climb
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
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