Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb

Home


The eight-day Lemosho route variation is the ideal schedule for this route. On the 8 day Lemosho route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt. This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleep deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain. By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested.

Tour Highlights

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrival in Arusha
Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, meet your guide holding a sign, and transfer to a comfortable hotel in Arusha. Use the afternoon to rest, enjoy the lively town atmosphere and go through a trekking briefing, equipment check and final packing before heading into the wild tomorrow.

  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2: Lemosho Gate to Forest Camp (7,300ft to 9,200ft)

Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
Distance: 6 km
Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Arusha from the hotel to Lemosho Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site. Good place to enjoy the forest with some Monkeys and birds.

kilimanjaro landscapes route
Day 3: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 ( 9,200ft to 11,400ft)

Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 9 km
Habitat: Heath Zone

We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

shira Camp
Day 4: Shira Camp 1 to Moir Hut camp ( 11,400ft to 13,500 ft)

Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Moorland

We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn
Day 5: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp ( 13,500ft to 12,950ft)

Hiking time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 7 km
Habitat: Semi desert

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco camp at an altitude of 12,950ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. This day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day

Barranco Valley
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (12,950ft to 13,100ft)

Hiking time: 4-5 hours Distance: 5 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization. Get there for lunch then enjoy the rest of the day hiking around to acclimatize before dinner.

Kissing stone – Karanga camp
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp ( 13,100ft to 15,400ft )

Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, 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. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Horombo to Marangu Gate
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut ( 15,400ft to 19,340ft (and down to 10,000ft) )

Hiking time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Habitat: Arctic/alpine desert/snow cape

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last fresh dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Horombo to Marangu Gate
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Arusha ( 10,000ft to 5,500ft )

Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). At Mweka Gate we get time to sign out then Lunch when it will be prepared. The vehicle will be there ready to pick you and drive to the Hotel in Arusha for leisure, dinner and overnight. Some may depart on that same day depending on the schedule or continue to Safari part.

Mweka Camp to Arusha
Day 10: Beach holiday/safari/Home

Extend with a safari and fly to Zanzibar or taken to the airport and board your flight home . This will all depend on your schedule and anything can be arranged through Walking Tanzania

Horombo to Marangu Gate
Request this Trip

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Most travellers require a tourist visa, obtainable on arrival or online via e‑Visa. Check latest entry requirements.
What is the best season to climb?
The best seasons are June–October and December–March for clear skies and stable weather conditions.
How fit should I be for the trek?+
Moderate fitness is sufficient. The climb is not technically extreme but requires stamina for long hours and steep sections.
What equipment do I need?+
Essentials include trekking boots, warm layers, waterproof jacket, gloves, hat, trekking poles, and a daypack. Sleeping bags may be provided but check with your operator.
Is there porter / support crew?+
Yes — Most climbs include a guide, a cook and porters to carry your main gear.
Is the climb safe and what about altitude sickness?+
The climb is generally safe with experienced guides. However altitude sickness is a concern — acclimatisation, hydration and pacing matter.
How many days does it take and can the itinerary be shorter?+
Typical itineraries are 8 days, but we recommend a 9‑day version for better acclimatisation, comfort and enjoyment. Shorter options exist but increase fatigue and risk.
Can I climb Mount Kilimanjaro without a guide?+
No — climbing requires permits, Guide and operator are mandatory.
What is the terrain and vegetation along the route?+
You pass through multiple vegetation zones: montane forest, moorland, alpine desert and volcanic slopes. Wildlife sightings are excellent in lower forest zones.