- Kilimanjaro Lemosho Climb
8 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Experience Photo Gallery
Overview
Lemosho is a great Kilimanjaro route with beautiful panoramic landscapes. Throughout the trek, your MTB Adventures African Safari guides share facts and stories about Tanzania’s nature and wildlife, and you enjoy lively evenings at camp and unforgettable African sunsets.
The climb starts on the western slope of Kilimanjaro, and you pass through five climatic zones on the way up. It’s like hiking from the hot equator to the snowy Arctic in just over a week. The ascent is simple in technical terms, so you don’t need special equipment or climbing skills to reach the summit. We recommend Lemosho for both beginners and experienced hikers.
Tour Plan
Arrival
You’re met by our representative at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. The hotel has cozy rooms, hot water, a swimming pool and internet access. In the evening our managers give a briefing and make sure you’re ready to begin the climb.
Meals: lunch and dinner.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Your guide and mountain crew meet you at the hotel in the morning for a quick briefing, then you drive 3-4 hours to Londorossi Gate (2,250 m), the park’s western entrance. After getting your climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, you trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m). Raincoats are essential today, as the trail runs through rainforest. By the time you arrive, the crew has put up the tents and started lunch. After lunch there’s an easy acclimatization hike toward Shira 1 Camp with a 300 m (984 ft) gain, then you return to camp for a hot dinner. Take the acclimatization hikes seriously, as they improve your chances of reaching the summit and help you avoid altitude sickness.
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Start early after a filling breakfast. At around 3,500 m you get your first views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo. The hike to Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m) is fairly easy and takes about 5-6 hours, starting the acclimatization process gradually. After lunch you can rest in your tent or walk around the camp.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp.
An easy trek to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m) with spectacular views of the savannah and Kilimanjaro’s unique plants. Shira 2 is the best place on the trip to see Mount Meru, weather permitting. Along the way, your guides offer an optional climb of Cathedral Peak (3,872 m / 12,703 ft), a straightforward hike with no technical challenges that gives breathtaking views into the valley on a clear day. There’s a stela at the top for a memorable photo. If you prefer to skip it or the weather is poor, you can head straight to camp, as this doesn’t affect acclimatization because both are at a similar elevation. We recommend the hike.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp.
After breakfast, head to Lava Tower (4,600 m), the key point of the route. The section has many ups and downs, and some discomfort is common. To acclimatize well, you spend at least 1-2 hours here, which is where you have lunch. Then descend to Barranco Camp (3,900 m), where you see the famous Barranco Wall. It looks steep, but the trail is simple and not intimidating.
Overnight: Barranco Camp.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp.
Leave as early as possible to avoid crowds from other groups. Climbing the Barranco Wall takes only about an hour, and at the top you can rest and take photos in front of Kibo. The hike to Karanga Camp is harder, with numerous ascents and descents, but our guides choose an optimal pace for the group. After a warm lunch and a couple of hours’ rest, you do an acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp with a 200 m (656 ft) gain, then return to camp.
Overnight: Karanga Camp.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp.
After a hearty breakfast, hike to Barafu Camp (4,673 m), the starting point for the night summit. The crew sets up camp ahead of time, so your tent and sleeping bag are ready when you arrive. Spend the rest of the day resting and sleeping before the summit push.
Overnight: Barafu Camp.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 7: Uhuru Peak and descent to Millennium Camp.
You leave Barafu at night for Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. The climb is technically simple, but at this altitude even normal activity feels strenuous, so every two climbers are paired with a personal guide who monitors your physical and mental well-being. After the summit, you can descend to the nearest glacier if you wish. Then return to Barafu for a 2-hour rest before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 m). Most accidents happen on the descent, so watch your footing and protect your toenails.
Overnight: Millennium Camp.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 8: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate.
Millennium Camp sits in tropical rainforest, and you wake to the relief of lower altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the top. After breakfast, descend to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), where the whole team gathers to congratulate you and you can write in the guestbook. Back at our office you receive your commemorative certificate, then transfer to your hotel.
Meals: lunch and dinner.
Day 10: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport, Depart
Meals included: Breakfast
INCLUDES:
- All accommodations per itinerary
- All meals per itinerary
- All tours and entrance fees per itinerary
- All transportation and transfers per itinerary
- Round-trip Kilimanjaro Airport transfers (shared)
- Certified, experienced, Guides for all routes
- Rescue fees (as required by national park)
- Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking and eating utensils
EXCLUDES:
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed
- Beverages and alcohol
- Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
- Optional tours
- Single room supplement
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Sleeping bags and personal gear