PRIVATE READY-TO-BOOK

Trekk

Lemosho Route – 8 Days

8

Days

5,895

M Peak

Tour Overview

Scenic West Approach

The 8 days Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Most of our clients climb Kilimanjaro using this route and they consistently report that they loved it. Thus, Lemosho is highly recommended. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, crosses the Shira Plateau, skirts the Southern Icefield, and summits via Barafu before descending on Mweka.

GUIDED CLIMB

Experienced Tanzania Travel Experts, skilled cooks, and dedicated porters ensure safety, comfort, and summit success.

THE ITINERARY

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

The Lemosho west approach with balanced acclimatization and a summit push via Barafu, descending on Mweka.

Day 0

DAY 0: Arrival - Kilimanjaro

Our friendly transfer driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro airport and take you to your hotel in Moshi. Spend the day at leisure or explore town. The guiding team meets you later for a full climb briefing and gear check ahead of the days to follow.

Day 1

DAY 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, where you’ll complete the necessary entry formalities before continuing to the Lemosho trailhead. From here, begin your trek through pristine rainforest, surrounded by lush vegetation, towering trees, and the sounds of mountain wildlife. The gentle ascent provides a relaxing introduction to the Lemosho Route before reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you’ll settle in for your first night on the mountain.

 

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft — Distance: 6 km / 4 mi — Time: 3–4 hrs — Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 2

DAY 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Leave the rainforest behind as the trail climbs into open heathland, where volcanic rocks and scattered vegetation create a dramatic landscape. Cross several mountain streams while ascending toward Shira Ridge, then continue across the plateau to Shira 1 Camp. Along the way, enjoy your first spectacular views of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s highest peak.

 

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft — Distance: 8 km / 5 mi — Time: 5–6 hrs — Habitat: Heath

Day 3

DAY 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira Camp 2

Traverse the spectacular Shira Plateau eastward toward Shira 2, surrounded by wide-open landscapes and dramatic volcanic scenery. The route then diverts toward the quieter Moir Hut, offering a peaceful setting away from the main trail. After arriving at camp, enjoy acclimatization walks around the nearby Lent Hills, helping your body adjust to the increasing altitude while taking in impressive views across the plateau and surrounding mountain terrain.

 

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft — Distance: 11 km / 7 mi — Time: 5–7 hrs — Habitat: Heath

Day 4

DAY 4: Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower, descend to Barranco

Climb steadily toward the impressive Lava Tower, reaching 15,190 ft and spending valuable time at high altitude to support acclimatization. Afterward, descend through the striking landscape of giant Senecio plants and alpine terrain to Barranco Camp at 13,044 ft. This “climb high, sleep low” approach helps your body adjust while offering spectacular views of Kilimanjaro’s rugged surroundings.

Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft, then 13,044 ft — Distance: 7 km + 3 km — Time: 6–8 hrs — Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5

DAY 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Tackle the impressive Barranco Wall, climbing its steep yet non-technical face before continuing across rolling ridges and rugged alpine terrain. Descend into the scenic Karanga Valley, then make the final ascent toward Karanga Camp. The relatively short trek allows time to rest and acclimatize while enjoying breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s surrounding peaks.

 

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft — Distance: 5 km / 3 mi — Time: 4–5 hrs — Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6

DAY 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Join the Mweka Trail junction and continue ascending along a rocky path toward Barafu Hut. As you climb, complete the Southern Circuit while enjoying spectacular panoramic views of Mawenzi and Kibo. Upon reaching Barafu Camp, settle in for an early meal and rest. The remaining hours are dedicated to preparing physically and mentally for the challenging summit attempt ahead.

 

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft — Distance: 4 km / 2 mi — Time: 4–5 hrs — Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 7

DAY 7: Barafu to Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka

Begin the demanding summit ascent around midnight, climbing steadily toward Stella Point to witness the sunrise before continuing to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. After celebrating the summit achievement, descend to Barafu Camp for lunch and a brief rest. Continue downhill through changing terrain to Mweka Camp, where the upper forest provides a welcome contrast to the alpine environment.

 

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft, then 10,065 ft — Distance: 5 km up, 12 km down — Time: 11–14 hrs — Habitat: Alpine Desert to Rain Forest

Day 8

DAY 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Complete the descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, collect summit certificates, and transfer to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.
Distance: 10 km / 6 mi — Time: 3-4 hrs — Habitat: Rain Forest

The Beginning of Your Tanzania Adventure

Contact our destination experts to customize this itinerary for your private party.

Booking Form

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Please complete the form below with your travel information and safari preferences. Our experienced team will carefully review your request, check availability, and assist you with the next steps to create a smooth and memorable booking experience.

The Ultimate Guide

Pack Smart for Kilimanjaro

Light, layered, and practical—built for altitude swings.
 
  •  Lightweight, breathable layers for daytime heat.
  •  Long sleeves/pants for sun and insects.
  •  Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
  •  Wide-brim hat or cap (Passionate Guides hats available).
  •  Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
  •  Binoculars for wildlife (1 extra kept in the vehicle).
  •  Camera plus spare batteries and memory cards.
  •  High-SPF sunscreen and quality insect repellent (DEET).
  •  Sunglasses and a headlamp/flashlight for nights.
  •  Valid passport & visa (apply online where eligible).
  •  Medications/prescriptions and travel insurance docs.
  •  Reusable water bottle (we provide one for you).
  •  Compact first aid kit (vehicle kit also provided).
  •  Snacks like nuts or granola bars for quick energy.
  •  Power adapter (UK type G & D) and converter if needed.
  •  Waterproof bag to protect electronics from rain/dust.
  •  Cash in small denominations for tips and incidentals.
  •  Swimsuit for lodge pools en route.
  •  Neutral, non-bright colors to avoid startling wildlife.
Unforgettable trip
“Our safari trip with Passionate Guides was amazing. Our guide, Beatus, was experienced, thoughtful and had a deep respect for animals. We got to see everything there is to see. The accommodations were great as well.”
Unforgettable trip
“Our safari trip with Passionate Guides was amazing. Our guide, Beatus, was experienced, thoughtful and had a deep respect for animals. We got to see everything there is to see. The accommodations were great as well.”
Unforgettable trip
“Our safari trip with Passionate Guides was amazing. Our guide, Beatus, was experienced, thoughtful and had a deep respect for animals. We got to see everything there is to see. The accommodations were great as well.”

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