8 Days Lemosho Route
Overview
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Lemosho Trailhead To Big Tree Camp
Lemosho Trailhead (2,400m / 7,880ft) to Big Tree Camp (2,800m / 9,190ft)
Elevation Gain: 400m / 1,310ft
Your day begins with a drive to Londorossi Gate for entry formalities. From there, continue driving about one hour to the Lemosho trailhead.
After a satisfying lunch, start your trek through lush, undisturbed forest, where you might spot Colobus monkeys along the way. The trail gently undulates with some steep sections, leading you to your first camp after approximately 2–3 hours of hiking on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Overnight: Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa)
Day 2 - Big Tree Camp To Shira 1 Camp
Big Tree Camp (2,800m / 9,190ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,550m / 11,650ft)
Elevation Gain: 750m / 2,460ft
Today your trek starts in the forest, but you will soon leave it behind as the trail climbs steeply into a landscape of giant heather and volcanic rock.
You will spend a full day ascending the lush rolling hills below the Shira Plateau, which is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones.
As you approach the plateau’s edge, the trail becomes gentler, and you will reach Shira 1 Camp after 5–6 hours of hiking. Enjoy the stunning views of Kibo towering across the plateau during your climb.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Day 3 - Shi To ra 1 Camp To Shira 2 Camp
Shira 1 Camp (3,550m / 11,650ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m / 12,650ft)
Elevation Gain: 300m / 1,000ft
Today’s trek takes you across the expansive Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth. You have the option to make an acclimatization climb to Shira Cathedral (3,880m), a striking volcanic pinnacle.
The main trek to Shira 2 Camp involves a gradual ascent and takes approximately 3 hours. Adding the optional climb to Shira Cathedral will add about 1 extra hour to your hiking time.
This stage is an important part of your Kilimanjaro experience, each step bringing you closer to the summit.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Day 4 - Shira 2 Camp To Barranco Camp
Shira 2 Camp (3,850m / 12,650ft) to Barranco Camp (3,900m / 12,800ft)
Elevation Gain: 750m / 2,400ft
Elevation Loss: 700m / 2,300ft
Today’s trek takes you steadily up over the expansive ridgelines of the high desert to Lava Tower, a striking volcanic plug at 4,600m (15,090ft). The climb to the base of the tower typically takes 4–5 hours.
From Lava Tower, you begin a steep descent into the Barranco Valley, passing through an exotic landscape dotted with large flowering plants like the Senecio Kilimanjaro. This descent takes approximately 1–2 hours.
Though you end the day at nearly the same elevation as you started, this climb is vital for acclimatization. Your camp is nestled in a beautiful, sheltered valley beneath the impressive Barranco Wall — one of the highlights of your Kilimanjaro climb.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day 5 - Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp
Barranco Camp (3,900m / 12,800ft) to Karanga Camp (3,950m / 12,960ft)
Elevation Gain: 300m / 1,000ft
Elevation Loss: 250m / 820ft
Start your day by conquering the iconic Barranco Wall, an exhilarating scramble that challenges your stamina and rewards you with stunning views looking back toward camp.
At the top, around 4,200m, you’ll appreciate the impressive altitude and panoramic vistas. From here, follow the undulating trail along the mountainside.
On a clear day, the breathtaking landscape unfolds: Kibo Peak towers to your left while Mount Meru rises to your right.
The trek then descends into the Karanga Valley, followed by a short but steep climb to your camp. Expect approximately 3–4 hours of trekking for today’s journey.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Day 6 - Karanga Camp To Kosovo Camp
Karanga Camp (3,950m / 12,960ft) to Kosovo Camp (4,800m / 15,750ft)
Elevation Gain: 850m / 2,790ft
Begin your morning with a steady climb from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp—“Barafu” means ice in Swahili—before continuing up a rocky slab to reach Kosovo Camp.
This small camp is perched on the ridge just below the summit cone, marking the completion of the South Circuit, which rewards you with spectacular views of Kilimanjaro from multiple angles.
The trek takes about 4–5 hours, allowing you to arrive in time for lunch and a comprehensive summit briefing. Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the final ascent.
From Kosovo Camp, you can enjoy striking views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks—a truly memorable highlight of your Kilimanjaro climb.
Overnight: Kosovo Camp
Day 7 - Kosovo Camp To Uhuru Peak To Mweka Camp
Kosovo Camp (4,800m / 15,750ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,340ft) then descending to Mweka Camp (3,110m / 10,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,095m / 3,590ft
Elevation Loss: 2,785m / 9,140ft
In the early hours of the morning, begin your final and most challenging ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This climb typically takes between 5 to 7 hours.
Expect very cold temperatures at this high elevation, but as the sun rises, the warmth will increase. Be prepared with clothing suitable for both cold and warmer conditions.
As you near Stella Point (5,750m), you will reach the crater rim. From here, the climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, is less steep but demanding due to the altitude.
Enjoy breathtaking views, including a spectacular red sunrise illuminating Mawenzi Peak.
After celebrating your summit, begin the descent to Mweka Camp. The descent takes about 6 hours, with lunch served along the way.
Enjoy your final dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.
Overnight: Mweka Hut Camp
Day 8 - Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
Mweka Camp (3,110m / 10,200ft) to Mweka Gate (1,830m / 6,000ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,280m / 4,200ft
Descend through lush, green forest for 2 to 3 hours, keeping an eye out for monkeys and other wildlife along the way. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Moshi, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro trek.
Departure
- Included
- Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Two nights’ accommodation in Moshi (before and after the trek).
- Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees, camping fees, and rescue fees.
- Services of a professional guide, porters, and cook.
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Drinking water during the trek.
- Tents, sleeping mats, and camping equipment.
- Daily health check-ups, first aid kit, and oxygen for emergencies.
- Certificate of achievement for reaching Uhuru Peak or Stella Point.
- Not Included
- International flights.
- Visa fees for Tanzania.
- Personal climbing gear (available for rent).
- Travel insurance (including medical evacuation).
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and snacks.
- Meals and drinks at the hotel.
- Any additional services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary.