LEMOSHO ROUTE – 8 DAYS (6 Days on the trek)

The Lemosho Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s least-used trails, known for its remote starting point and challenging access roads. Beginning at a high elevation, the route allows for a gradual, acclimatization-friendly ascent. The trail starts with a scenic forest hike, where buffalo and elephant sightings are possible, and vegetation is often thick due to low foot traffic.

Climbing to the western edge of the Shira Plateau, trekkers are rewarded with one of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. On day three, the route merges with the Shira Route, and by day four, it joins the more popular Machame Route. The trail then continues past Lava Tower and descends into the Great Barranco Valley, later connecting with the Umbwe Route. From there, it skirts the upper slopes of Kibo, through high-desert terrain, to Karanga Valley and up to Barafu Camp—our final base before the summit.

This is the longest route to Kilimanjaro’s peak, making fitness and stamina key to success. The slow start allows time to acclimatize, but the final days, especially the summit push from Barafu, are physically and mentally demanding. There are no huts along the way—accommodation is in mountain tents, with meals served in mess tents. Ideal for experienced hikers, the Lemosho Route offers unmatched scenery, fewer crowds, and a rewarding adventure to Africa’s highest point.

DAY 1

ARRIVAL – MOSHI        

Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town, which is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Half Board accommodation at a Base Hotel in Moshi. – The Maridadi Hotel (or similar)

DAY 2:

LONDOROSSI GATE – FOREST CAMP

Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time:3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site, only about 3-4 hours of trekking. Overnight at Forest Camp (Mtee Mkubwa Camp).

DAY 3:

FOREST CAMP – SHIRA CAMP 1 – SHIRA CAMP 2

Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 12,500ft

Distance: 18 km

Hiking Time 8-10 hours

Habitat: Moorland

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. From here, it is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.

DAY 4

SHIRA CAMP 2 – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP

Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

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, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” 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 Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

DAY 5

BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP

Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft

Distance: 9km

Hiking Time: 8-10 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. 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.

DAY 6

BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT – MWEKA HUT

Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)

Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent

Habitat: Arctic

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 north-westerly 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 dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 7

HIKE MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft

Distance: 10km/6mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: 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).

A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your base hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes) – The Maridadi Hotel (or similar).

DAY 8

DEPARTURE

After breakfast, transfer back to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

End of our services

Quotation in nett rates