8 Days Lemosho Route – The Ultimate Kilimanjaro Trekking

Your adventure begins with a drive to Londorossi Gate, where registration takes place. From there, you’ll trek through lush rainforest, spotting black-and-white colobus monkeys, colorful birds, and rich vegetation. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp for dinner and overnight.

• Trekking: 3–4 hours | 6 km

• Habitat: Rainforest

• Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Leaving the forest, the trail climbs into moorland with beautiful views. You trek across ridges and valleys before reaching the open expanse of the Shira Plateau, where you camp at Shira 1 Camp.

• Trekking: 5–6 hours | 8 km

• Overnight: Shira 1 Camp

A shorter, easier day allows for acclimatization as you cross the plateau, with dramatic views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers ahead and Mt. Meru in the distance. Camp is set at Shira 2 Camp, where trekkers from the Machame Route may join.

• Trekking: 4–5 hours | 7 km

• Overnight: Shira 2 Camp

A crucial acclimatization day. The route climbs steadily to the Lava Tower (4,630m), where you stop for lunch at high altitude, before descending into the lush Barranco Valley. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to altitude.

• Trekking: 6–8 hours | 10 km

• Overnight: Barranco Camp

The day begins with a climb up the dramatic Barranco Wall, a steep but safe scramble that rewards you with incredible views of the valley and glaciers. Continue through ridges and small valleys before reaching Karanga Camp, where you’ll stay overnight.

• Trekking: 4–5 hours | 6 km

• Habitat: Alpine desert

• Overnight: Karanga Camp

A short but steady trek leads you to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. The terrain is barren and rocky, with stunning views of Mawenzi Peak. The afternoon is spent preparing, hydrating, and resting for your midnight summit push.

• Trekking: 3–4 hours | 4 km

• Habitat: Alpine desert

• Overnight: Barafu Camp

At midnight, begin your summit attempt under the stars. Ascend slowly on switchback trails across scree slopes to Stella Point (5,739m), where you’ll witness a magical sunrise. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the Roof of Africa.

After celebrating, descend to Barafu Camp for a rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend your final night on the mountain.

• Trekking: 12–14 hours | 15 km

• Habitat: Arctic zone → moorland

• Overnight: Mweka Camp

After breakfast, descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll collect your summit certificate and bid farewell to your trekking team. Transfer back to Moshi/Arusha for a well-deserved rest.

• Trekking: 3–4 hours | 10 km

• Habitat: Rainforest