Lemosho route Kilimanjaro Hike
8 days—Hike 8 days Mount Kilimanjaro via Lemosho route - Tanzania Trip Service
$1865-2165 USD
pp
Safari summary
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and least crowded routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a perfect balance of acclimatization and stunning landscapes. It is known for its gradual ascent, which reduces the risk of altitude sickness. The route starts from the western side of the mountain, passing through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and the iconic Shira Plateau, before connecting with the Machame and Mweka routes on the summit approach. The 8-day itinerary gives you ample time to adjust to the altitude, improving your chances of reaching the summit.
Route Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Trek Duration: 8 days
Starting Point: Lemosho Gate
Ending Point: Mweka Gate
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | None | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October, December | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- All drinks
- Hot air balloons
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Laundry
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Altitude: Start at 1,800m (Lemosho Gate), hike to 2,800m (Mti Mkubwa) Distance: ~6-7 km Duration: 3-4 hours Activities: After breakfast, you'll drive to Lemosho Gate. Begin your hike through the lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp, your first overnight stop. This short trek helps with acclimatization.
Mti mkubwa camping site
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Campsite
Altitude: 2,800m (Mti Mkubwa) to 3,500m (Shira 1 Camp) Distance: ~8 km Duration: 5-6 hours Activities: Continue your hike through the rainforest and transition into the heath zone. The views of Mount Kilimanjaro begin to open up. Reach Shira 1 Camp and enjoy the panoramic vistas of the mountain.
Shira camp 1 campsite
Shira camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
Altitude: 3,500m (Shira 1 Camp) to 3,850m (Shira 2 Camp) Distance: ~6 km Duration: 3-4 hours Activities: The day’s hike offers gradual ascent across the Shira Plateau, with amazing views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The landscape changes to an alpine desert, and you’ll reach Shira 2 Camp for the night.
Shira 2 campsite
Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
Altitude: 3,850m (Shira 2 Camp) to 4,600m (Lava Tower) to 3,900m (Barranco Camp) Distance: ~10 km Duration: 6-7 hours Activities: Today is a key acclimatization day. After a scenic hike to Lava Tower (4,600m), you’ll descend to Barranco Camp for overnight. This "climb high, sleep low" approach helps with altitude adaptation.
Barranco campsite
Barranco camp to Karanga Camp
Altitude: 3,900m (Barranco Camp) to 4,000m (Karanga Camp) Distance: ~5 km Duration: 4-5 hours Activities: Start the day with a challenging climb of the Barranco Wall, followed by a relatively short hike to Karanga Camp. You’ll have excellent views of the Southern Icefields and the summit.
Kranga campsite
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Altitude: 4,000m (Karanga Camp) to 4,640m (Barafu Camp) Distance: ~4 km Duration: 4-5 hours Activities: The final push to Barafu Camp is a short but steep hike. After arrival, you’ll rest, prepare for the summit push, and enjoy an early dinner. Rest early in anticipation of the summit.
Barafu campsite
Summit Day & Descent to Mweka Camp
Altitude: 4,640m (Barafu Camp) to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) to 3,100m (Mweka Camp) Distance: ~13 km Duration: 11-14 hours Activities: Begin the ascent at midnight to reach the summit. It’s a challenging, but rewarding trek through the night to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After reaching the summit, begin your descent to Mweka Camp for the night.
Mweka campsite
Mweka Gate & Drive Back to Moshi
Altitude: 3,100m (Mweka Camp) to 1,640m (Mweka Gate) Distance: ~10 km Duration: 3-4 hours Activities: A final descent to Mweka Gate, where you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificate. You’ll then be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for rest and celebration.
Kilimanjaro Pazuri Villas
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