8 Days
Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Climbing
Tour Overview
The Lemosho Route is known for its breathtaking scenery, wildlife sightings, and gradual acclimatization, offering one of the best success rates for reaching the summit. This 8-day itinerary covers diverse landscapes, including rainforest, heath, alpine desert, and arctic zones, ensuring a memorable and well-paced ascent.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Depart from Moshi early in the morning, enjoying scenic views during the approximately 4-hour drive to Londorossi Gate. At the gate, you’ll complete registration and entry formalities, with some time to meet your guides and porters. Another short drive brings you to the Lemosho trailhead, where the hike begins. The trail winds through pristine rainforest, home to abundant flora and fauna, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, exotic birds, and a variety of butterflies. As you gain elevation, you’ll start to notice a slight thinning of the forest canopy before reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp (“Big Tree Camp”) for an evening under the rainforest canopy.
Climbing Highlights
- Elevation Gain: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
- Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Departing Mti Mkubwa, you’ll soon leave the rainforest behind, emerging into a stunning heath landscape. Tall grasses, heather shrubs, and volcanic rocks draped in lichen set a dramatic new tone for the hike. The day is marked by rolling hills and multiple small streams, providing refreshing rest stops. As you reach the Shira Ridge, expansive views of Kibo Peak and the Shira Plateau open up. A gentle descent brings you to Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll have clear views of the plateau and Kilimanjaro’s peaks. The terrain at Shira 1 is ideal for your first night in higher-altitude conditions.
Climbing Highlights
- Elevation Gain: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
- Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
The day begins with a gentle walk across the beautiful Shira Plateau, which is one of the highest plateaus in the world. The landscape becomes more open and desolate, yet still colorful with low-lying wildflowers and pockets of hardy shrubs. As you move away from the main trail, you’ll reach Moir Hut, which sits at the base of the Lent Hills. This remote location offers various acclimatization hikes on nearby hills, providing further exposure to the higher elevation. The hike also offers views of glaciers and Lava Tower in the distance, making Moir Hut an excellent spot for adapting to the altitude.
Climbing Highlights
- Elevation Gain: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
- Distance: 11 km | 7 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Today, you will ascend to one of the highest points of the route so far: Lava Tower, a prominent volcanic formation that offers surreal, almost Martian landscapes. The ascent can be challenging, but Lava Tower is a critical stop for acclimatization, giving you time to rest and take in the stunning surroundings. Afterward, the trail descends into the lush, almost otherworldly Senecio Forest, where strange, giant groundsel plants grow. You’ll camp at Barranco Camp, nestled in a valley with excellent views of the towering Barranco Wall and Kilimanjaro’s icy peaks.
Climbing Highlights
- Elevation Gain (Ascent): 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
- Elevation Loss (Descent): 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
- Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Start the day by tackling the Great Barranco Wall, a nearly 900 ft, cliff that may look intimidating but is manageable with the right guidance and focus. The climb is steep but not technical, and your efforts are rewarded with sweeping views from the top. Once over the Wall, the path winds across several valleys, providing new perspectives of Kibo and the Southern Icefields. After a descent into the Karanga Valley, a final climb brings you to Karanga Camp. This relatively short day allows for relaxation and acclimatization, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the higher elevations ahead.
Climbing Highlights
- Elevation Gain: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
- Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Today, you continue up toward Barafu Camp, a relatively steep climb that requires a steady pace and stamina. The Southern Circuit provides diverse views of the summit, Mawenzi, and the surrounding valleys. Barafu means “ice” in Swahili, and the barren landscape, marked by loose gravel and strong winds, underscores its apt name. Upon reaching Barafu Camp, you’ll make preparations for the summit attempt, have an early dinner, and try to rest in anticipation of the midnight start. The excitement builds as the peak seems closer than ever.
Climbing Highlights
- Elevation Gain: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
- Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Around midnight, the push to the summit begins. The trail is steep and challenging, with low temperatures and a biting wind. Climbing through the dark requires determination and focus, but the sight of sunrise from Stella Point (18,900 ft) is awe-inspiring. A final hour’s push leads you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating the summit, you’ll begin the long descent, pausing for lunch at Barafu Camp before continuing to Mweka Camp. The descent can be tough on the knees, so trekking poles are recommended. A well-deserved rest awaits at Mweka.
Climbing Highlights
- Elevation Gain (Ascent): 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
- Elevation Loss (Descent): 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
- Distance: 17 km (10.6 miles)
- Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
- Habitats: Arctic, Rainforest
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
The final leg of the journey descends through lush rainforest, where you might spot colobus monkeys and beautiful tropical plants. The path can be muddy and slippery, especially in rainy weather, but the thrill of nearing the finish line is energizing. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate, marking the completion of an incredible journey. A vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Village to drive you back to Moshi, where a hot shower and a hearty meal await as you celebrate your achievement.
Climbing Highlights
- Elevation Loss: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
- Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
Customize Your Safari
focusing on Your specific interests
At Premier Africa Adventures, we craft climbing adventures as unique as you are. Share your vision, and we’ll handle every detail from choosing the ideal route, to planning your trekking activities that fit your unique interests and schedule. Let’s bring your dream of climbing Kilimanjaro to life.
