Lemosho Route
8 Days
Duration
Mti Mkubwa Camp, Londorossi Gate, Shira 1 Camp,Moir Camp,Moir Hut, Lavalava Tower, Barranco Camp,Karanga Camp,Barafu Camp,Uhuru Peak, Mweka Camp and Mweka Gate
Tour Destination
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and least crowded paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m / 19,341 ft). This 8-day itinerary provides excellent acclimatization, increasing the chance of a successful summit. The route passes through diverse landscapes, from dense rainforests to alpine deserts and glaciers.
Tour overview
Day by Day Program
Day 1
Elevation: 7,742 ft (2,360 m) → 9,498 ft (2,895 m)
Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
The journey begins with a drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, a scenic 4-hour ride through coffee farms and villages. After completing park registration, a short drive takes us to the Lemosho trailhead, where our trek begins.
The hike takes us through lush rainforest teeming with wildlife such as colobus monkeys and exotic birds. The trail winds gradually upward to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp, our first campsite.
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2
Elevation: 9,498 ft (2,895 m) → 11,500 ft (3,505 m)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath and Moorland
Leaving the dense rainforest, we enter the heather and moorland zone. The trail ascends gradually, crossing several streams and offering our first panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s summit.
After reaching the Shira Ridge, a gentle descent takes us to Shira 1 Camp, set on the expansive Shira Plateau. Here, we get our first clear view of Kibo Peak.
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Day 3
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut (via Shira 2 Camp)
Elevation: 11,500 ft (3,505 m) → 13,800 ft (4,206 m)
Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
A day dedicated to acclimatization, we traverse the high-altitude Shira Plateau, one of the world’s largest at over 12,500 ft (3,810 m).
We divert from the main trail, taking a less-traveled path to Moir Hut at the base of the Lent Hills. An optional afternoon hike on the Lent Hills offers further acclimatization.
Day 4
Moir Hut to Lava Tower: 13,800 ft (4,206 m) → 15,190 ft (4,630 m)
Distance: 7 km (4 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp: 15,190 ft (4,630 m) → 13,044 ft (3,976 m)
Distance: 3 km (2 miles)
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
A challenging but rewarding day, we ascend toward Lava Tower, a striking 300-ft (91-m) volcanic formation. After spending time at this high altitude for acclimatization, we descend into the lush Barranco Valley, passing through the unique giant Senecio trees. We arrive at Barranco Camp in the late afternoon, with stunning views of the towering Barranco Wall.
Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Day 5
Elevation: 13,044 ft (3,976 m) → 13,106 ft (3,995 m)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The day starts with the ascent of the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb requiring some scrambling. From the top, we traverse a series of ridges and valleys before making a final steep climb to Karanga Camp. This shorter day allows for additional acclimatization and rest.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Day 6
Elevation: 4,673m (15,331 ft) to 5,895m (19,341 ft) (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,068m (10,065 ft)
Hiking Distance: 17 km (11 miles)
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
Depart Barafu Camp just before midnight, ascending slowly and steadily towards the summit in freezing temperatures. The climb to Stella Point at 5,756m (18,885 ft) is physically and mentally demanding. Upon reaching Stella Point, witness a breathtaking sunrise before continuing along the crater rim for the final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895m (19,341 ft).
After celebrating at the summit and taking photos, begin the descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest. Then, continue down to Mweka Camp, where you will spend your final night on the mountain. The descent provides welcome relief as oxygen levels increase and temperatures rise.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 7
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak: 15,331 ft (4,673 m) → 19,341 ft (5,895 m)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp: 19,341 ft (5,895 m) → 10,065 ft (3,068 m)
Distance: 12 km (7 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
We begin the summit attempt around midnight, trekking through freezing temperatures and thin air. The trail is steep and challenging, leading to Stella Point (18,900 ft / 5,756 m), where we witness a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak.
A final push brings us to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, we descend to Barafu for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Day 8
Elevation: 10,065 ft (3,068 m) → 5,380 ft (1,640 m)
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
The final descent takes us through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers receive summit certificates. A vehicle awaits to transport us back to Moshi for a well-earned rest at the hotel.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Hotel
Book this Tour
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transport
- Park Fees
- Game Drives
- Drinking Water
- Airport Transfers
Tour Exclusions
- International flights
- personal Items
- Travel insurance
- Services not mentioned in the program
- Tips
- 6 Days /5 Nights
The Marangu Route is the easiest and most popular way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
- 7 Days /6 Nights
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular paths
- 8 Days /7 Nights
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and least crowded paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro
Tanzania
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