8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Expedition
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- 8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
overview
The Lemosho Route offers a breathtaking and rewarding journey across Mount Kilimanjaro, renowned for its superior acclimatization, diverse scenery, and high success rate, making it one of the finest routes to the summit.
tour plan
Day 1: From Arusha to Lemosho Gate, Trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
Elevation: 2,360 m to 2,895 m (7,742 ft to 9,498 ft)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
- After breakfast in Arusha, depart on a scenic drive of approximately four hours to Lemosho Gate for registration and a pre-trek briefing.
- Continue by vehicle to the trailhead, where your climb begins through a pristine rainforest rich in wildlife, birdlife, and towering vegetation.
- Enjoy a gentle trek along forest trails before arriving at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), where your crew will prepare dinner and set up camp.
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp → Shira 1 Camp
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Elevation: 2,895 m to 3,505 m (9,498 ft to 11,500 ft)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Heath and Moorland- Depart Mti Mkubwa Camp and leave the rainforest behind as you enter the open heath and moorland zone. The landscape gradually transforms into rolling hills covered with giant heather and volcanic rock formations.
- Trek across small streams and gentle ridges, enjoying expansive views as you gain altitude.
- Upon reaching Shira Ridge, take in your first clear and rewarding view of Kibo Peak.
- Continue with a gentle descent to Shira 1 Camp, where you will rest, enjoy dinner, and spend the night.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp → Moir Hut
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Elevation: 3,505 m to 4,205 m (11,500 ft to 13,800 ft)
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Heath and Moorland- Continue your trek across the expansive Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world, offering wide-open landscapes and breathtaking views.
- The trail provides a gentle and steady ascent, allowing for comfortable trekking while taking in the dramatic scenery.
- Leave the main route and head toward Moir Hut, located at the base of the Lent Hills, a quieter and less-traveled area of the mountain.
- This region is ideal for acclimatization, with opportunities for optional short hikes to higher elevations before returning to camp.
Overnight: Moir Hut Camp
Day 4: Moir Hut → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Elevation: 4,205 m → 4,630 m → 3,976 m (13,800 ft → 15,190 ft → 13,044 ft)
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert- Begin the day with a steady ascent toward Lava Tower, an important acclimatization point along the route.
- After reaching Lava Tower and enjoying lunch, continue with a descent through the striking alpine landscape, gradually transitioning into the unique Senecio forest.
- This “climb high, sleep low” approach is essential for proper acclimatization, helping your body adjust to the increasing altitude.
- Arrive at Barranco Camp, set beneath the impressive Barranco Wall, where you will rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next stage of your climb.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Elevation: 3,976 m to 3,995 m (13,044 ft to 13,106 ft)
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Begin the day by tackling the iconic Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb that rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views at the top.
- From the summit of the wall, continue along a scenic trail before descending into the Karanga Valley.
- After crossing the valley, ascend gradually to Karanga Camp, enjoying the dramatic alpine desert landscape along the way.
- This shorter trekking day is designed to support acclimatization and allow your body to adjust to the altitude.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Distance: 4 km / 2 miles
Elevation: 3,995 m to 4,673 m (13,106 ft to 15,331 ft)
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert- Continue your ascent toward Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. The trail offers dramatic views as you climb higher into the alpine desert zone.
- Along the way, enjoy spectacular vistas of Kibo Peak and Mawenzi Peak.
- Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, take time to rest and conserve energy. An early dinner will be served as you prepare for the summit push later that night.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Day 7: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Summit Day – The Ultimate Kilimanjaro Experience
- Distance: 17 km / 10 miles
- Elevation: 4,673 m → 5,895 m → 3,070 m
- Hiking Time: 11–14 hours
- Habitat: Arctic → Rainforest
Your unforgettable summit journey begins just after midnight, under a sky filled with stars. Guided by experienced mountain professionals, you will ascend steadily and carefully through the extreme alpine environment, where the air is thin and the temperatures are at their lowest.
Reaching Stella Point at dawn is a remarkable milestone, but the adventure continues along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the highest point in Africa. Standing at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is a life-changing achievement, rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views and a magnificent sunrise above the clouds.
After celebrating this incredible accomplishment, you will begin your descent to Barafu Camp for a well-deserved rest and hot meal. Later, continue descending through changing landscapes to Mweka Camp, where you will enjoy a comfortable overnight stay and reflect on your extraordinary achievement.
Day 8: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Arusha
Final Descent – Farewell to the Mountain
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Elevation: 3,070 m → 1,640 m
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
After an unforgettable journey to the summit, your final descent takes you through the lush and vibrant rainforest of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail is rich with greenery, fresh air, and the sounds of nature — a peaceful contrast to the alpine heights you have just conquered.
Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you will receive your official summit certificate, a proud symbol of your achievement on Africa’s highest peak.
From here, our team will transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha, where you can relax, refresh, and celebrate your incredible accomplishment in comfort.
Price Included
- Park fees and rescue fees
- Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
- All meals on the mountain
- Camping equipment (tents, tables, chairs)
- Transfers from/to Arusha
- Drinking water
Price Excluded
- Flights
- Visa
- Tips for crew
- Personal gear (sleeping bag, clothing)
- Travel insurance