8-Day Lemosho Route—Kilimanjaro Trek

Climb Kilimanjaro via the 8-day Lemosho Route, the most scenic and best-acclimatized trek. Explore lush rainforests, wild plateaus, and summit Africa’s highest peak with expert guides.

Overview

Scenic, Secluded & Successful: The Ultimate Climb for Acclimatization

The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most beautiful and well-balanced route to the Roof of Africa. Stretching over 8 days, this trail offers climbers excellent acclimatization, low traffic, and stunning panoramic views throughout the journey.

Starting in the remote western slopes of Kilimanjaro, Lemosho takes you through pristine rainforests, across the wild Shira Plateau, past the dramatic Lava Tower, and over the thrilling Barranco Wall. It merges with the Machame Route and follows the Southern Circuit, allowing trekkers to experience the mountain from multiple perspectives before summiting via Barafu and descending through Mweka Gate.

🌿 Best route for gradual acclimatization

🦓 Less crowded, remote starting point

🌄 Sweeping views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and crater

🧗‍♂️ Iconic challenges like the Lava Tower and Barranco Wall

✅ High summit success rate

Day to Day Itinerary

Into the Untouched Forests of Kilimanjaro

  • Elevation: 1,830m to 2,650m (6,000 ft to 8,700 ft)

  • Distance: 6 km / 4 miles

  • Hiking Time: 2–3 hours

  • Habitat: Montane Forest

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive to Londorossi Gate, followed by a 4WD transfer to the Lemosho Glades trailhead. The trek begins in rich rainforest, with a chance to spot blue monkeys or colobus monkeys, as you hike gently upward to Mti Mkubwa Camp—"Big Tree Camp."

Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

Climb Into the Heather Zone

  • Elevation: 2,650m to 3,500m (8,700 ft to 11,500 ft)

  • Distance: 8 km / 5 miles

  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

  • Habitat: Moorland

Today’s route steepens as you leave the forest and enter the moorland zone. The landscape changes dramatically with giant heathers and volcanic boulders leading you to Shira Ridge, offering your first breathtaking views of Kibo Peak. Descend gently to Shira 1 Camp on the plateau.

Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Across the Wild Shira Plateau

  • Elevation: 3,500m to 3,850m (11,500 ft to 12,600 ft)

  • Distance: 8 km / 5 miles

  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

  • Habitat: Moorland

A relaxed and scenic hike across the Shira Plateau gives you ample time to acclimate. You’ll traverse wide open moorlands dotted with lobelias and cross shallow streams before reaching Shira 2 Camp, positioned for expansive views of the Western Breach.

Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Scramble the Iconic Barranco Wall

  • Elevation: 4,000m to 4,050m (13,000 ft to 13,250 ft)

  • Distance: 5 km / 3 miles

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Start your day climbing the thrilling Barranco Wall—a fun scramble with incredible views over the Karanga Valley. Descend briefly before hiking back up to Karanga Camp, where you'll rest and prepare for the summit push.

Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Your Final Base Before Summit Night

  • Elevation: 4,050m to 4,700m (13,250 ft to 15,350 ft)

  • Distance: 4 km / 2 miles

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

A short but important hike today brings you to Barafu Camp. Here you’ll complete the Southern Circuit, with views of the summit from various angles. Eat early, rest, and mentally prepare for the big ascent beginning just after midnight.

Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Conquer the Roof of Africa

  • Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m to 3,090m (15,350 ft to 19,340 ft to 10,150 ft)

  • Distance: 5 km up / 13 km down (3 mi up / 8 mi down)

  • Hiking Time: 11–13 hours total

  • Habitat: Arctic to Moorland

Begin your summit attempt around midnight. After hours of climbing up volcanic scree, reach Stella Point just in time for an unforgettable sunrise. One final hour of trekking brings you to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa!

Celebrate, take photos, then begin the long descent to Mweka Camp, stopping for lunch at Barafu along the way.

Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Conquer the Roof of Africa

  • Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m to 3,090m (15,350 ft to 19,340 ft to 10,150 ft)

  • Distance: 5 km up / 13 km down (3 mi up / 8 mi down)

  • Hiking Time: 11–13 hours total

  • Habitat: Arctic to Moorland

Begin your summit attempt around midnight. After hours of climbing up volcanic scree, reach Stella Point just in time for an unforgettable sunrise. One final hour of trekking brings you to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa!

Celebrate, take photos, then begin the long descent to Mweka Camp, stopping for lunch at Barafu along the way.

Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Your Kilimanjaro Journey Ends with Pride

  • Elevation: 3,090m to 1,680m (10,150 ft to 5,500 ft)

  • Distance: 10 km / 6 miles

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Habitat: Rainforest

Enjoy your final hike through the lush forest trails of Kilimanjaro. At Mweka Gate, receive your summit certificate—a golden badge of honor. Afterward, drive back to Moshi or Arusha for a well-earned rest and celebration.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Map Overview !

Lemosho_Route_Map

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