Itinerary Highlights
- Duration in days: 8
- Itinerary Category: Kilimanjaro Trekking, Lemosho Route
- Destinations: Mt Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route
- About the Route: The Lemosho Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the western side and is renowned for its beautiful scenery, relatively low traffic, and excellent acclimatization profile.
- Major Attractions: Mt Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Karanga Valley, and the Southern Glaciers.
- Guiding Language: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian
- Start Point: Moshi
- End Point: Moshi
- Essential Items: Digital camera with enough memory space and extra batteries, hiking boots, warm clothing, waterproof jacket, backpack, walking poles, mosquito repellent, sunhat, sunglasses with ultraviolet radiation filtering, sunscreen, water bottles, and personal medication.
- Additional Information: Professional mountain guides and porters will accompany you throughout the climb, carrying camping equipment, food, and other essential supplies.
Itinerary Description by Day
Day 1: Moshi to Lemosho Gate (2,100m) then to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780m)
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 6 km
Zone: Rainforest
After breakfast at your hotel in Moshi, you will drive to the Londorossi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. After completing registration and park formalities, you will begin your trek through the beautiful montane rainforest.
The trail is surrounded by lush vegetation, and you may have opportunities to see different species of birds and monkeys. The hike continues gradually uphill to Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Day 2: Trek from Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Distance: 8 km
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine
After breakfast, you will leave Mti Mkubwa and continue climbing through the rainforest. As you gain altitude, the vegetation gradually changes from dense forest to heath and moorland.
The trail becomes more open as you approach the Shira Plateau. You will cross beautiful landscapes with spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Eventually, you will arrive at Shira 1 Camp, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Day 3: Trek from Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,840m) via Shira Plateau
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 8 km
Zone: Low Alpine / Moorland
After breakfast, you will trek across the spectacular Shira Plateau. This is one of the most scenic sections of the Lemosho Route, offering impressive views of Kibo and the surrounding mountain landscape.
The relatively gentle hike allows your body to continue adapting to the increasing altitude. You will arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the afternoon, where you will have lunch and rest.
You may also take a short acclimatization walk around the camp before returning for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Trek from Shira 2 Camp (3,840m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) then to Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Trekking Time: 6–8 hours
Distance: 10 km
Zone: Low Alpine / High Alpine Desert
Today is an important acclimatization day. After breakfast, you will leave Shira 2 and gradually ascend toward Lava Tower at approximately 4,630 meters.
The trail passes through increasingly rocky and barren landscapes. You will spend some time at Lava Tower for acclimatization and lunch before beginning the descent toward Barranco Camp.
The descent is important because it allows your body to experience a higher altitude before sleeping at a lower elevation. You will arrive at Barranco Camp in the afternoon with magnificent views of the Barranco Wall.
Dinner and overnight stay will be at the camp.
Day 5: Trek from Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 6 km
Zone: High Alpine Desert
After breakfast, you will begin the famous ascent of the Barranco Wall. Although it looks challenging from below, the trail is manageable with the assistance of your mountain guides.
After reaching the top of the wall, you will continue across a series of ridges and valleys with spectacular views of Kibo and the surrounding glaciers.
The trail eventually reaches Karanga Camp, where you will have lunch, rest, and enjoy the mountain scenery. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Karanga Camp.
Day 6: Trek from Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Trekking Time: 3–5 hours
Distance: 4 km
Zone: High Alpine Desert
After breakfast, you will leave Karanga Camp and continue toward Barafu Camp. The landscape becomes increasingly rocky and barren as you approach the summit zone.
The trail is relatively short but steep in places. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, you will have lunch and spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the summit attempt.
Your guides will provide a summit briefing and check your equipment. You will have an early dinner and go to sleep as early as possible because you will wake up around midnight for the summit climb.
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) then to Mweka Camp (3,080m)/Millenium High Camp(3,950m)
Trekking Time: 12–15 hours
Distance: 13 km
Zone: Glacial / High Alpine / Rainforest
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of your Kilimanjaro adventure. You will wake up around midnight, have some tea and light snacks, dress in warm clothing, and begin the summit ascent.
The climb starts with a steep ascent over volcanic scree toward Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim. The climb is slow and steady, with frequent short breaks.
After reaching Stella Point, you will continue along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. You will arrive at the summit around sunrise, weather permitting, and have time to take photographs and celebrate your achievement.
After enjoying the summit, you will begin the long descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down toward Mweka Camp.
The lower altitude will provide some relief after the demanding summit climb. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Mweka Camp.
Day 8: Trek from Mweka Camp (3,080m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m) then Transfer to Moshi
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 10 km
Zone: Rainforest
After breakfast, you will begin your final descent through the beautiful montane rainforest. The trail becomes increasingly green and lush as you lose altitude.
After approximately 3–4 hours, you will arrive at Mweka Gate, where you will complete the park exit procedures and receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate.
You will then meet your vehicle and transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower, relaxation, and a well-deserved celebration of your successful Kilimanjaro climb.
