8 Days Lemosho Route

Trip Overview

Embark on a serene Kilimanjaro summit via the Lemosho Route. Marvel at breathtaking views with minimal traffic. Starting from the mountain’s western side, traverse lush forests, the Shira Plateau, and conquer the challenging Barranco Wall. Optimal acclimatization boosts your chances of a successful summit.

Lemosho ensures smooth acclimatization, boasting impressive success rates of 85%, 90%, and 95% for 6, 7, and 8-day tours, respectively. The entire journey on the Lemosho Route spans 46 km (28.58 miles).

With Lusen Tours & Safaris

Serene summit climb with fewer crowds
Start from Kilimanjaro’s western side
Trek through lush forests and the Shira Plateau
Conquer the challenging Barranco Wall
Optimal acclimatization for better summit success
High success rates: 85% (6-day), 90% (7-day), 95% (8-day)
Total distance: 46 km (28.58 miles)
Stunning panoramic views throughout the journey

Trip Highlight

8 Days / 7 Nights

Moshi

Price from

$1850 per person

(Based on 2 or more Adults)

Full Itinerary

Day to day

Day 1: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Following breakfast and a briefing, embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to Londorossi Park Gate. Transition to a 4WD vehicle for a forest track leading to Lemosho Glades. Begin your trek along enchanting forest trails to reach the Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Trail Trek: 4km/2.49 miles Unveiled
Trek Duration: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Post-breakfast, ascend through the trail’s gradual steepening into the giant heather moorland zone. Traverse numerous streams, proceed over Shira Ridge, and descend gently to Shira 1 camp, positioned by a serene stream on the Shira Plateau.

Elevation: 2,650m/8,700ft to 3,500m/11,500ft
Trail Trek: 8km/4.97 miles Unveiled
Trek Duration: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Indulge in breakfast, followed by a serene hike across the plateau to reach Shira 2 camp, nestled in moorland meadows by a tranquil stream. Take advantage of the variety of hikes available on the plateau, turning this into a perfect day for acclimatization.

Elevation: 3,500m/11,500ft to 3,850m/12,600ft
Trail Trek: 8km/4.97 miles Unveiled
Trek Duration: 2-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Shira 2 camp to Barranco camp

From the Shira Plateau, proceed eastward along a ridge, passing the junction to Kibo’s peak. Our course then shifts southeast toward the Lava Tower, famously known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4,650m/15,250ft). Following the tower, reach the second junction leading to the Arrow Glacier. Descend to Barranco Camp. Despite ending at a similar elevation as the start, this day plays a crucial role in acclimatization, priming your body for the upcoming summit.

Elevation: 3,850m/12,600ft to 4,000m/13,000ft
Trail Trek: 8km/4.97 miles Unveiled
Trek Duration: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

The day kicks off with a descent into the expansive Great Barranco, a massive ravine. Exiting steeply, we tackle the formidable Great Barranco Wall, a non-technical yet long and demanding rock climb that separates us from Kibo’s southeastern slopes.

As we pass beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, our journey continues towards the Karanga valley. A steep ascent from the valley brings us to our night’s camp at Karanga, situated at 3963m. For the energetically inclined, a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek to around 4200m is an option before returning to camp for the night.

Elevation: 3,960 m to 4,035 m
Trail Trek: 5.5km / 3.4mi
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Ascend to Barafu Camp, marking the completion of the South Circuit with panoramic summit views from various perspectives. Set up camp, take a well-deserved rest, relish dinner, and gear up for the impending summit day.

Elevation: 4,050m/13,250ft to 4,700m/15,350ft
Trail Trek: 4km/2.49 miles
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Moshi

Descend after breakfast to Mweka Park Gate for your summit certificates. Expect wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations; gaiters and trekking poles are useful. Dress comfortably in shorts and t-shirts, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing accessible.

Acknowledge the dedication of your guides and porters with a thoughtful tip, a gesture of gratitude for their exceptional support.A waiting vehicle at Mweka Gate will transport you back to Moshi in approximately 60 minutes.