8-Days Lemosho Route

DAY 1: Lendorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Early in the morning, we drive to Lendorossi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. After registration, you will be dropped off at the starting point to start the ascent in the rainforest. There is a strong possibility of rain in the forest, which will transform the trail into a very soggy, muddy, and slippery experience. The trek begins in the montane rainforest, characterised by dense vegetation, towering trees, and rich biodiversity. You might encounter black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a variety of bird species. 

• Hiking time: 3-4 hours
• Distance: About 7 kilometers (4.3 miles)
• Habitat: Montane forest
• Elevation: From  2,250 meters (7,382 feet) at Londorossi Gate to 2,780 meters (9,121 feet) at Mti Mkubwa Camp

DAY 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

The trek from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp on the Lemosho Route is a relatively shorter and less strenuous day compared to other stages of the Kilimanjaro climb. After breakfast, you start your trek towards Shira 2 Camp. The trail is mostly gentle and gradually ascends across the Shira Plateau. The path can be rocky and uneven, but it’s generally less demanding than other parts of the trek. The trek offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s Kibo peak and the Shira Plateau’s expansive terrain. This segment is excellent for acclimatization, as the gradual ascent allows your body to adjust to the higher altitude. You will arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the afternoon where you will have time to rest, rehydrate, and enjoy a warm meal.

In the afternoon, you can take short acclimatization hikes around the camp or simply rest and enjoy the surroundings. These hikes are beneficial for acclimatization and prepare you for the higher elevations ahead.

• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: About 7 kilometers (4.3 miles)
• Habitat: Moorland
• Elevation: From 3,610 meters (11,844 feet) at Shira 1 Camp to 3,830 meters (12,631 feet) at Shira 2 Camp

DAY 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

The trek from Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp on the Kilimanjaro trek is a longer and more challenging day that takes you through varied landscapes and higher altitudes. After breakfast, you begin your trek eastwards across the Shira Plateau, gradually ascending towards the Lava Tower.  As you trek, the landscape changes from moorland to the alpine desert zone with the terrain becoming more rugged and rocky. The Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth,” is a striking rock formation. Here, you will take a break for lunch and acclimatization. Some trekkers might experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness due to the high elevation. You will then spend about 2 hours to descend into the Barranco Valley. This descent helps with acclimatization by following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. The route offers spectacular views of the Western Breach and the imposing Barranco Wall, which you will tackle the next day.

• Hiking time: About 7-8 hours
• Distance: About 10km (6.2miles)
• Habitat: Moorland-Alpine Desert
• Elevation: From 3,830m at Shira Camp to 4,600 at Lava Tower Camp to 3900 at Barranco Camp

DAY 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today’s trip is short but slightly challenging. After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall. Though it may look intimidating, the Barranco wall is manageable for most trekkers and does not require technical climbing skills. The climb up the Barranco Wall usually takes about 1 to 2 hours and offers stunning views. After conquering the Barranco Wall, the trail undulates through valleys and ridges. The descent into the Karanga Valley is followed by a final ascent to Karanga Camp where you will have your lunch, rest and overnight.

• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: About 5 km
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Elevation: From 3960m at Barranco Camp to 4,035m at Karanga Camp

DAY 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

DAY 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to  Millenium Camp

Today is the most challenging and rewarding part of the Kilimanjaro trek. The trip starts from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and then descends to Millennium Camp. The ascent typically begins around midnight. You will head northwest and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6-hour climb to Stella Point is often the most mentally and physically challenging part of the route. The trail is steep, with switchbacks over loose scree and rocks. The air is thin, making breathing difficult. At Stella Point (5757m), take a short rest and enjoy a magnificent sunrise if the weather permits. From Stella Point, you will likely encounter snow during the 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet). You will spend about 10 to 15 minutes at the summit depending on the weather. Don’t linger too long, as starting again in the cold and fatigue can be very difficult. Enjoy your accomplishment—it’s a day to remember forever.

You will begin the descent by retracing your steps back to Stella Point and then down to Barafu Camp. The descent is usually faster but can be tough on the knees and thighs. You will take a rest briefly at Barafu camp to get some food and continue your descent to Millenium Camp. You will arrive at Millennium Camp in the late afternoon or early evening for rest and overnight.

Important Points

• Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you stay hydrated and eat snacks along the way to maintain energy levels.
• Pacing: Take it slow and steady, especially during the summit attempt, to manage your energy and cope with the altitude.
• Weather Conditions: Be prepared for extreme cold during the ascent and varying conditions on the descent.

• Hiking time: 12-15 hours
• Distance: About 13.4 km
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
• Elevation: From 4,640m at Barafu Camp to 5895m at Uhuru Peak, to 3,79m 3,950m at Millenium Camp

DAY 8: Millenium Camp to Mweka Gate

After an early and well-deserved breakfast, you will start a short 4 to 5-hour scenic hike back to the Park gate. Arriving at Mweka Gate marks the official end of your Kilimanjaro climb. Here, you will sign out at the park registry and receive your summit certificate—gold for Uhuru Peak and green for Stella Point. Here, you will have lunch and celebration with your mountain crew before our representative will drop you off at your pre-booked accommodation in Moshi/Arusha or at the airport to catch your flight.

• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: About 12 km
• Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest
• Elevation: From 3950m at Millennium Camp to 1640 at Mweka Gate