8 Days Lemosho Route Climb

Arrival in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Later, your mountain guide will meet you for a detailed trek briefing and equipment check to ensure you have everything needed for the climb. After the briefing, enjoy dinner and overnight rest before the adventure begins.

Day 1: Lemosho Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)

Elevation: 2,100m to 2,650m

Distance: 7 km / 4 miles

Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

After breakfast, you will drive to Londorossi Gate and begin your trek through the lush rainforest. This first section is filled with rich vegetation and wildlife sightings, allowing you to settle into the mountain comfortably before reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation: 2,650m to 3,600m

Distance: 12 km / 7 miles

Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

The route gradually climbs as you leave the rainforest behind and enter the heath and moorland zone. You will enjoy your first broad views of the mountain and the surrounding landscape before settling into Shira 1 Camp for the night.

Day 3: Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp

Elevation: 3,600m to 3,900m

Distance: 10 km / 6 miles

Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

A shorter day that gives you time to adjust to the altitude while exploring the vast Shira Plateau. The route remains scenic and relatively gentle, with excellent high-altitude views and plenty of opportunities for photos.

Day 4: Shira II Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 3,900m to 3,900m (via 4,600m)

Distance: 10 km / 6 miles

Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

This is an important acclimatization day on the Lemosho Route. You will hike toward Lava Tower at 4,600m and then descend to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach is crucial for acclimatization and helps your body better adapt to altitude.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3,900m to 4,000m

Distance: 5 km / 3 miles

Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

The morning starts with the famous Barranco Wall, a dramatic and memorable climb that rewards you with breathtaking views. Afterward, the trail descends and traverses to Karanga Camp, where you can rest and recover for the next stage.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 4,000m to 4,640m

Distance: 4 km / 2 miles

Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

A shorter day takes you to Barafu Camp, your final camp before the summit attempt. The afternoon is used for rest, hydration, and preparing your gear for the midnight push toward Uhuru Peak.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m, then down to 3,100m

Distance: 17 km / 10 miles

Time: 11-14 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Your summit attempt begins around midnight. The steep climb over scree leads you to Stella Point on the crater rim, where the sunrise creates one of the most spectacular moments of the trip. From there, it is a final push to Uhuru Peak, followed by descent to Mweka Camp for a well-earned overnight rest.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 3,100m to 1,630m

Distance: 10 km / 6 miles

Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

A final, pleasant descent through the lush Mweka rainforest brings you to Mweka Gate. Here, you will complete park formalities, receive your summit certificate, and be transferred back to Moshi for a well-deserved hot shower and celebration.

Departure Day

After a final breakfast and celebration with your crew, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. This is also a wonderful time to extend your adventure with a wildlife safari or a Zanzibar beach holiday.