Lemosho Route – 8 Days (Best for success & views)
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations: Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 → Shira 2 → Lava Tower (acclimatization) → Barranco → Karanga → Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Trek Types: Private • Small-Group on request • Photographic
Starting Point/End: Moshi or Arusha (hotel pickup/drop-off)
Overview
The Lemosho is Kilimanjaro’s scenic west-side approach with excellent acclimatization. You’ll cross the wild Shira Plateau, sleep below the dramatic Barranco Wall, and make a steady summit push from Barafu to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Extra time at altitude and the “walk high, sleep low” profile make this one of the highest-success routes.
Itinerary (Day by Day)
Day 1: Moshi/Arusha → Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa (Rainforest)
Drive to the western gate for registration and a picnic lunch. Gentle hike through montane forest to Mti Mkubwa Camp; colobus and blue monkeys are common.
Hike: ~3–4 hrs
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 (Moorland & Shira Plateau)
Ascend out of the forest onto open heath and the expansive Shira Plateau with first wide views of Kibo. Camp at Shira 1.
Hike: ~5–6 hrs
Day 3: Shira 1 → Shira 2 (Acclimatization walk optional)
Easy traverse across the plateau to Shira 2. After lunch, optional acclimatization hike toward Cathedral Point for extra altitude. Sunset views over the plateau.
Hike: ~3–4 hrs (+1–2 hrs optional)
Day 4: Shira 2 → Lava Tower (4,630 m) → Barranco (3,960 m)
Climb steadily to Lava Tower for lunch (key acclimatization stop) then descend to Barranco Camp beneath the great Barranco Wall. Walk high, sleep low day.
Hike: ~6–7 hrs
Day 5: Barranco Wall → Karanga Valley
Scramble up the Barranco Wall (non-technical, fun and scenic), then undulate across valleys to Karanga Camp. Afternoon rest and hydration.
Hike: ~4–5 hrs
Day 6: Karanga → Barafu (Summit Camp)
Short, steady ascent to Barafu Camp. Early dinner and full briefing for the summit attempt; prepare headlamps, layers, and snacks. Early lights out.
Hike: ~3–4 hrs
Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Midnight start via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) for sunrise. Celebrate, then descend to Barafu for a hot drink and continue down to Mweka Camp for a well-earned sleep.
Hike: 14–16 hrs total (ascent + descent)
Day 8: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi/Arusha
Final descent through the forest to Mweka Gate for summit certificates. Private transfer to your hotel and hot shower.
Safari Booking
Professional mountain team: lead guide(s), assistant guides, cook, and porter crew
Kilimanjaro park/conservation fees and mountain camping fees
Quality mountain tents (sleeping tent, dining tent, tables/chairs), sleeping mats
All meals on the mountain (hearty breakfasts, packed or hot lunches, and hot dinners) + hot drinks
Treated drinking water throughout the trek
Basic medical kit on the mountain (pulse oximeter; supplemental oxygen for emergencies)
Pre-trek briefing and gear check in Moshi/Arusha
Private transfers: hotel ↔ park gates (start and finish)
Summit certificates
International flights and Tanzania visa
Pre/post-trek hotels in Moshi/Arusha (available on request)
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, poles, down jacket; rentals available)
Travel insurance (highly recommended for high-altitude trekking)
Optional upgrades (private toilet tent, single tent use)
Snacks/energy gels, bottled drinks, and personal expenses
Tips/gratuities for mountain crew
Any services not mentioned as included