8 Days Lemosho Route – Kilimanjaro Climb

Duration: 8 Days | Price: From $2,600 USD | Difficulty: Challenging

Trip Overview

The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and recommended trails for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This 8-day trek offers excellent acclimatization and a high success rate, with breathtaking landscapes ranging from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and the icy summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft).

Starting from Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro, the route gradually ascends through Shira Plateau, connecting with the Machame Route at Shira 2 Camp. The Lemosho Route is ideal for those looking for a longer trek with better altitude adaptation, improving summit success rates.

This trek is available as a private or group departure. After your climb, you can extend your adventure with a Tanzania safari or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar.

Tour Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Arusha

Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Londorossi Gate, Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 3: Hike Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp 

Day 4: Hike Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp 

Day 5: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp 

Day 6: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp 

Day 7: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp 

Day 8: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Day 9: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Arusha

Day 10: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport, Depart

Itinerary – Day by Day

Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Transfer to Arusha

  • Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.

  • Trek briefing and gear check with your mountain guide.

  • Rest and prepare for the climb ahead.

Accommodation:

  • Mid-range: Kilimanjaro Wonders, Bristol Cottages.

  • Comfort: Weru Weru River Lodge, Salinero Hotel.

  • Premium: Gran Meliá Arusha.


Day 2: Drive to Londorossi Gate – Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp

  • Drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate (2,100m/6,890ft) (approx. 4 hours).

  • Complete registration, then drive to the Lemosho trailhead.

  • Begin the trek through dense rainforest, keeping an eye out for Colobus monkeys.

  • Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m/9,250ft) for overnight stay.

Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain: 720m (2,362ft)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (BLD)
Accommodation: Mountain tent


Day 3: Hike from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

  • Trek through moorland terrain, gaining elevation steadily.

  • Cross Shira Ridge and descend slightly into the Shira Plateau.

  • Reach Shira 1 Camp (3,505m/11,500ft), with stunning views of Kibo Peak.

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 685m (2,250ft)

Meals: BLD
Accommodation: Mountain tent


Day 4: Hike from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

  • Continue across the Shira Plateau, enjoying vast landscapes.

  • Gentle ascent to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,630ft).

  • Acclimatization hike in the afternoon for better altitude adaptation.

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 345m (1,130ft)

Meals: BLD
Accommodation: Mountain tent


Day 5: Hike from Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

  • Trek towards Lava Tower (4,630m/15,190ft) for acclimatization.

  • Descend into the Barranco Valley, with views of the Great Barranco Wall.

  • Reach Barranco Camp (3,976m/13,044ft), surrounded by giant Senecio plants.

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 780m (2,560ft), then descent of 654m (2,146ft)

Meals: BLD
Accommodation: Mountain tent


Day 6: Hike from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  • Climb the Barranco Wall (a non-technical but steep ascent).

  • Trek across alpine desert terrain to Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,106ft).

  • Afternoon acclimatization hike to further prepare for summit night.

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 19m (62ft)

Meals: BLD
Accommodation: Mountain tent


Day 7: Hike from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

  • Trek to Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,331ft), the base camp for summit night.

  • Early dinner and rest before the final ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 678m (2,225ft)

Meals: BLD
Accommodation: Mountain tent


Day 8: Summit Uhuru Peak – Descend to Mweka Camp

  • Midnight departure for the summit push via Stella Point (5,756m/18,885ft).

  • Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft), the highest point in Africa.

  • Descend back to Barafu Camp, then continue to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft).

Trek Duration: 12-15 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,222m (4,010ft)
Descent: 2,795m (9,170ft)

Meals: BLD
Accommodation: Mountain tent


Day 9: Hike from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Drive to Arusha

  • Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft).

  • Receive your summit certificate and return to Arusha.

Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
Descent: 1,460m (4,790ft)

Meals: B

Accommodation:

  • Mid-range: Kilimanjaro Wonders, Bristol Cottages.

  • Comfort: Weru Weru River Lodge, Salinero Hotel.

  • Premium: Gran Meliá Arusha.


Day 10: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport – Departure

  • Relax in Moshi before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Meals: B

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