Overview
The 8-day Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and gradual routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins on the western side of the mountain and crosses beautiful rainforest, heath and moorland, the Shira Plateau, alpine desert, and finally the Arctic summit zone.
With eight days on the mountain, this itinerary provides excellent acclimatization and a more gradual approach to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), making it one of the preferred routes for trekkers seeking a higher chance of successful acclimatization.
Elevation: 2,100 m – 2,780 m Distance: Approximately 6 km
Hiking time: 3–4 hours Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, you will drive to Lemosho Gate for registration and final preparations. From the gate, the trek begins through the lush montane rainforest.
The trail is peaceful and less crowded than some of Kilimanjaro's other routes. You will gradually climb through the forest toward Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you will have dinner and spend your first night on the mountain.
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 2,780 m – 3,500 m Distance: Approximately 8 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours Habitat: Heath and Moorland
After breakfast, continue through the rainforest before entering the heath and moorland zone. The vegetation becomes shorter and the landscape opens up as you approach the Shira Plateau.
The trail offers beautiful views across the surrounding landscape, and on clear days you may see Kibo rising ahead.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 3,500 m – 3,850 m Distance: Approximately 8 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours Habitat: Moorland
Today is a relatively gentle hiking day across the spectacular Shira Plateau. You will walk through open moorland with impressive views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The gradual ascent provides valuable time for your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. You will arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the afternoon and have plenty of time to rest.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 3,850 m – 4,200 m Distance: Approximately 11 km Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Desert
After breakfast, leave Shira Plateau and continue toward Moir Valley. The trail gradually climbs through increasingly rocky and dry terrain.
Moir Valley is a beautiful and relatively quiet area of Kilimanjaro, offering a unique perspective of the mountain. Depending on your energy and conditions, your guide may take you on a short acclimatization hike around the valley.
Overnight: Moir Hut Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 4,200 m – 4,630 m – 3,960 m Distance: Approximately 12 km
Hiking time: 6–8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today is an important acclimatization day. You will climb toward Lava Tower at approximately 4,630 m before descending to Barranco Camp. Following the principle of “climb high, sleep low,” this ascent and descent helps your body adapt to the altitude. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with volcanic rock formations and the impressive Barranco Wall coming into view.
Overnight: Barranco Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 3,960 m – 4,035 m Distance: Approximately 6 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, you tackle the famous Barranco Wall. The climb requires some scrambling, but it is not a technical rock climb, and your experienced guide will assist you along the way. After reaching the top, continue across a series of valleys and ridges toward Karanga Camp. This shorter hiking day allows you to rest and conserve energy for the summit push.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 4,035 m – 4,640 m Distance: Approximately 4 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, begin the final ascent toward Barafu Camp. The trail passes through rocky alpine desert with little vegetation. Upon reaching Barafu Camp, you will have lunch and rest while your guide prepares you for the summit attempt.
A summit briefing will cover the route, equipment, timing, and safety procedures. You will have an early dinner and go to bed early in preparation for the midnight climb.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 4,640 m – 5,895 m – 3,080 m Distance: Approximately 17 km
Hiking time: 12–15 hours Habitat: Arctic / Alpine Desert
You will wake around midnight and begin the final and most challenging part of your journey. The trail climbs slowly toward Stella Point through steep scree slopes. After reaching the crater rim, continue along the rim toward Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. Once you reach the summit, take time to celebrate your achievement and enjoy the spectacular views before beginning the descent.
You will descend through the Barafu area and continue down to Mweka Camp, where you will have dinner and rest after the long summit day.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner