Lemosho Route — 8 Days
The Lemosho Route is typically done in 8 days. This is a great option if you want a longer trek for acclimatization. It meets up with the Machame Route at Shira 2 Camp. The drive to the trail head is about 4 hours.
You can start your trek on any day of the year. You'll be booked into your hotel in Moshi or Arusha (815m / 2670ft) for the night before setting off, with a private professional guide, porters and cook supporting you the whole way.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
To Mti Mkubwa Camp
2250m to 2790m (7380ft to 9160ft) — About 2.5 miles / 3-4 hours
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (2250m / 7380ft, 2.5 hours). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades (2390m / 7830ft, 11km, 45 minutes) and a possible campsite (park fees are not paid to camp here). Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
Day 2
To Shira 1 Camp
2750m to 3500m (9160ft to 11,500ft) — About 5.5 miles / 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. Several streams are crossed then it gains the Shira Ridge at about 3600m / 11,810ft and drops gently down to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
Day 3
To Shira 2 Camp
3500m to 3850m (11,500ft to 12,600ft) — About 2 hours
After breakfast, a gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.
Day 4
To Barranco Hut
3840m to 3860m (12,600ft to 12,700ft) — About 5-6 hours
From the Shira Plateau, we continue east, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes south-east towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at 4876m / 15,997ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at 3860m / 12,664ft. Although you end the day at roughly the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization.
Day 5
To Karanga Hut
3860m to 4200m (12,700ft to 13,800ft) — About 3-4 hours
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley (4200m / 13,780ft) campsite.
Day 6
To Barafu Hut
4200m to 4600m (13,800ft to 15,100ft) — About 3-4 hours
After breakfast, we leave the Karanga Valley and pass the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue to the Barafu Hut, at 4600m (15,092ft). You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Day 7
To Summit and Mweka Hut
4600m to 5895m, down to 3100m (15,100ft to 19,300ft, down to 10,200ft) — About 7-8 hours up / 4-5 hours down
Early morning, we continue our way to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5895m (19,341ft) — the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. This part of the climb takes about 6 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but quite warm by the end of the hiking day. From the summit we make our descent straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site at 3100m (10,171ft), taking about 5 hours. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain.
Day 8
To Moshi
3100m to 1680m (10,200ft to 5500ft) — About 4-5 hours
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate. At lower elevations it can be wet and muddy. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters — it's time for celebration!
What's Included
- ✓2 nights accommodation in Moshi
- ✓Private professional mountain guides
- ✓All park fees
- ✓Rescue fees
- ✓All meals while on the mountain
- ✓Arrival and departure transfers
- ✓Government taxes, VAT and all related service charges
- ✓Guides, porters and cook salaries
- ✓Emergency oxygen
- ✓Walking poles
- ✓Emergency evacuation by Flying Doctor
Not Included
- ✕Tanzania visa: $50 per person on arrival
- ✕Personal expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- ✕Meals not listed above
- ✕Optional tours (short safari after your climb, etc.)
- ✕Tips and any items of a personal nature
