9 Days | 8 Nights
Lemosho Route
Safari Overview
The 9-day Lemosho Route offers a scenic, less-crowded trek with a perfect balance of challenging terrain and exceptional acclimatization. Starting at Londorossi Gate, this route takes you through lush rainforests, across the expansive Shira Plateau, and up the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.
The gradual ascent through Moir Camp, Lava Tower, Barranco Camp, and Karanga Camp ensures proper acclimatization as you make your way to Barafu Camp (4,631m) for the summit attempt. The final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) is made under the stars, with breathtaking views awaiting at the top.
After summiting, the descent continues via the Mweka Route, concluding at Mweka Gate. With its diverse landscapes and well-paced itinerary, the Lemosho Route boasts a high success rate and provides an unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure.
Safari Destinations
Londorossi Gate, Mti Mkubwa Camp, Shira 1Camp, Moir Hut, Lavalava Tower, Barranco Camp,Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Camp and Mweka Gate
Number of Day
9 Days | 8 Nights
Detailed Itinerary
+255 780 500 558
Safari Expert
Day by Day
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Rainforest
After an early morning departure from Moshi, a scenic four-hour drive brings you to Londorossi Gate, where you will complete the necessary registration and entry formalities. From there, a short but bumpy 4WD ride takes you to the Lemosho trailhead.
The trek begins with a gentle walk through a pristine rainforest, a habitat rich with diverse flora and fauna. You may encounter black-and-white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys along the way. The trail gradually ascends through the dense jungle to Mti Mkubwa Camp, your first overnight stop on the mountain.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Heath
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail climbs steadily into the heather and moorland zone, offering sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and ridges. As you ascend, the vegetation becomes sparse, with hardy shrubs and unique volcanic rock formations dominating the landscape.
The path crosses several small streams before leading up to the Shira Ridge. From here, you descend slightly to the expansive Shira Plateau, where Shira 1 Camp is located. This campsite offers your first unobstructed views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s main peaks: Kibo and Mawenzi.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Heath
Your journey continues with a gradual ascent across the vast Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. The trail heads eastward, passing by Shira 2 Camp before veering north toward Moir Hut. This lesser-used campsite, situated at the base of the Lent Hills, provides an excellent opportunity for acclimatization.
Trekkers who feel strong can take a short hike on the surrounding hills to further aid their adaptation to the altitude. The Moir Hut area is remote and tranquil, offering a serene wilderness experience.
Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 3 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trek is essential for acclimatization as you ascend to the Lava Tower, a 300-ft volcanic rock formation. The trail gradually climbs through the alpine desert, a barren and rocky terrain with little vegetation. After reaching the Lava Tower, you will have a short break before beginning a steep descent into the lush and surreal Barranco Valley.
Along the way, you’ll pass through groves of giant Senecio plants, which can grow up to 20 feet tall. Barranco Camp is nestled beneath the iconic Barranco Wall and offers stunning views of the glaciers above.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The day starts with an exhilarating climb up the Great Barranco Wall, a nearly 900-ft high natural barrier that looks more daunting than it actually is. The ascent involves some scrambling but is non-technical and rewards climbers with incredible views.
After reaching the top, the trail undulates through small valleys before descending into the Karanga Valley. A final short climb brings you to Karanga Camp, a crucial acclimatization stop before the final push to the summit.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
A steady climb leads to Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt. The barren and windswept landscape offers little protection from the elements, making this a challenging but rewarding segment of the trek.
From here, you have panoramic views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. After an early dinner, you’ll rest in preparation for the demanding summit push, which begins around midnight.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Barafu Camp
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The most challenging part of the trek begins with a slow, steady climb through freezing temperatures and thin air. Trekkers make their way to Stella Point (18,900 ft) on the crater rim, where they are greeted by a stunning sunrise over Africa.
A final push leads to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and the entire continent. After celebrating and taking photos, you will descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest.
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Rainforest
The descent continues rapidly down to Mweka Camp, set within the lush rainforest. The path is steep and rocky, making trekking poles useful for stability. This final full day on the mountain allows for much-needed rest before completing the journey the following day.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rainforest
The final leg of the trek leads through dense, misty rainforest as you descend to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, climbers receive their well-earned summit certificates before transferring back to Moshi for a hot shower and celebratory meal. This marks the end of an incredible adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro.
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Inclusion
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation in Hotel or Lodge
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Transport logistics
- Experienced mountain guides, assistant guides, and porters
- Park fees and camping fees
- Bottled water
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats)
- Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
Exclusion
- International flights
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
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