9 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Price From

$ 2,410 / Person

Tour Overview

The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and rewarding ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, offering spectacular landscapes, excellent acclimatization, and a high summit success rate. This route approaches the mountain from the west and is known for its low traffic during the early days, making it ideal for trekkers seeking a quieter and more immersive wilderness experience.

The trek begins in lush rainforest at the Lemosho Glades, an area rich in wildlife such as buffalo, elephants, and antelope. For safety, groups may be accompanied by an armed ranger on the first day. As the route progresses, the scenery transitions from dense forest to expansive moorlands, alpine desert, and finally to the icy summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.

The 9-day Lemosho itinerary allows for gradual altitude gain and includes an additional acclimatization day at Barranco Camp, significantly improving comfort and summit success. This route is best suited for adventurous trekkers with good fitness levels and some hiking experience, though determined first-time climbers can also succeed with proper preparation.

With Great Journey Safaris, you’ll be supported by experienced mountain guides, professional crew, quality camping equipment, and carefully planned daily stages to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure.

Full Tour Details

Arrival & Pre-Trek Briefing

If you have selected optional airport transfers, our team will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.

Later in the day, you will attend a pre-trek briefing with your mountain guide. During this session, we will review the itinerary, conduct a full equipment check, and arrange rental gear if needed. We recommend arriving at least one day before the trek begins to rest and prepare.

Meals: Dinner (depending on hotel plan)

Day 1 : Moshi Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast and a final briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (approx. 3 hours) for registration. From there, a 4WD track leads to the Lemosho Glades, where the trek officially begins.

You will hike through beautiful montane forest along gentle trails to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp. Wildlife sightings are possible in this area.

Elevation: 1,830m (6,000ft) to 2,650m (8,700ft)
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2 : Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

The trail gradually steepens as you leave the forest and enter the giant heather and moorland zone. You cross several streams and ascend the Shira Ridge, with stunning views of the plateau below.

You descend slightly to Shira 1 Camp, set beside a stream on the Shira Plateau.

Elevation: 2,650m (8,700ft) to 3,500m (11,500ft)
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 : Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

A gentle trek across the wide Shira Plateau leads to Shira 2 Camp, surrounded by moorland meadows and expansive mountain views. This relaxed hiking day supports acclimatization, with optional short walks available in the afternoon.

Elevation: 3,500m (11,500ft) to 3,850m (12,600ft)
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 : Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (Via Lava Tower)

From the Shira Plateau, the trail heads east toward the Lava Tower (4,650m), also known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” This high-altitude trek is crucial for acclimatization.

After lunch near Lava Tower, you descend into the scenic Barranco Valley, arriving at Barranco Camp, famous for its dramatic views of the Barranco Wall and surrounding glaciers.

Elevation: 3,850m (12,600ft) to 4,000m (13,000ft)
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 : Acclimatization Day at Barranco Camp

This full acclimatization day allows your body to adjust to altitude. You’ll enjoy a short exploratory hike around the valley before returning to camp to rest.

Barranco Camp is often considered the most beautiful campsite on Kilimanjaro, offering spectacular sunsets and panoramic views.

Elevation: 4,000m (13,000ft)
Hiking Time: Short acclimatization walks
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, you climb the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble offering breathtaking views. The trail then traverses ridges and valleys before descending slightly to Karanga Camp, located at the junction connecting to the Mweka Trail.

Elevation: 4,000m (13,000ft) to 4,050m (13,250ft)
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 : Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Today’s hike takes you higher into the alpine desert as you ascend to Barafu Camp, your base camp for summit night. From here, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the summit from multiple angles along the South Circuit.

After an early dinner, you rest and prepare for the final ascent.

Elevation: 4,050m (13,250ft) to 4,700m (15,350ft)
Distance: 4 km / 2 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

You begin the summit attempt around midnight, trekking between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most physically and mentally demanding section of the climb.

At Stella Point, you pause briefly to witness a stunning sunrise before continuing for approximately one hour to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the Roof of Africa.

After celebrating your achievement, descend to Barafu Camp for lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.