8-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Adventure
Overview
This 8-day trek follows the scenic Lemosho Route, one of Kilimanjaro’s most picturesque and less crowded paths. Hikers traverse lush rainforest, expansive moorlands, rugged alpine desert, and glaciers before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak. Gradual acclimatization along the route enhances summit success, making it ideal for adventurers seeking both challenge and natural beauty.
Highlights
Lemosho Route, a scenic and less crowded path to the summit.
Diverse landscapes: rainforest, moorlands, alpine desert, and glaciers.
Summit Uhuru Peak at sunrise.
Gradual acclimatization for higher summit success.
Full support from experienced guides, porters, and cooks.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Arusha to Lemosho Gate – Hike to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp
Depart from Arusha early in the morning and drive to Lemosho Gate. After park registration, trek through the rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp. Dinner and overnight camping.
Elevation: 2,600 m → 2,900 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation: Camping at Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Hike Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Trek through the dense rainforest before emerging onto the Shira Plateau. Enjoy spectacular western slope views and begin acclimatizing.
Elevation: 2,900 m → 3,500 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest → Heath and Moorland
Accommodation: Camping at Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Hike Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Continue trekking across the Shira Plateau, admiring highland scenery and unique alpine vegetation. Overnight at Shira 2 Camp.
Elevation: 3,500 m → 3,750 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Heath and Moorland
Accommodation: Camping at Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
Descend slightly into the Barranco Valley, trekking through alpine desert terrain with dramatic cliffs and rock formations. Overnight at Barranco Camp.
Elevation: 3,750 m → 3,960 m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Climb out of Barranco Valley via the Barranco Wall and continue to Karanga Camp. Enjoy mountain views and further acclimatization before the summit push.
Elevation: 3,960 m → 4,035 m
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Camping at Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Ascend to Barafu Camp, the base for the summit attempt. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight climb to Uhuru Peak.
Elevation: 4,035 m → 4,640 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Hike Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak – Descend to Mweka Camp
Begin the midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and witness sunrise from the roof of Africa. Descend via Barafu to Mweka Camp for recovery and overnight.
Elevation: 4,640 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert → Arctic → Rainforest
Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Drive to Arusha
Trek through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, collect summit certificates, and transfer back to Arusha, concluding the adventure.
Elevation: 3,100 m → 1,600 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation: Not applicable (day of departure)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included
Camping along the route
Meals on the mountain (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Kilimanjaro park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
Professional guides, porters, and cook team
Transfers from/to Arusha and Lemosho Gate
Summit certificate
Excluded
International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal trekking gear (boots, sleeping bags, poles)
Tips and gratuities
Optional excursions in Arusha