A relatively new route up to the mountain and extremely beautiful. It’s our favorite routes because;-

• It offers a great balance of high summit success rate
• scenic views and
• Low traffic.

The Lemosho route starts off from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the lush rainforest to Shira Plateau.

This may be the most beautiful route to take, with breathtaking views on all sides of the mountain and if you wanted a more private experience with fewer climbers

This is one of the few routes where an armed ranger accompanies our groups, since there are still animals in the forest around the Lemosho Glades. We recommend minimum of 7 days but 8 days is preferable for better acclimatization and summit success.

Arrive In Tanzania

Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will meet with our representative, picked up there and transfer to hotel in Moshi town. Then you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

Hotel: Bed & Breakfast

Day 1: Lemosho Glades to Big Tree Camp (2385m to 2780m)

• Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
• Approx. Trekking Time: 4 hours
• Zone: Rainforest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After your breakfast and a briefing from your guide, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moshi and driven to the Lemosho Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After registration, you will begin your steady ascent through the lush rainforest of the Lemosho Glades. The trek to Big Tree Camp (2,780 meters) is not too challenging, offering a great introduction to your Kilimanjaro adventure. You’ll spend the night at this camp, surrounded by towering trees and a peaceful environment.

Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp (2780m to 3900m)

• Distance: 8.5 km / 5 miles
• Approx. Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hours
• Zone: Rainforest / Savanna
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will trek through the rainforest and into the savannah, with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock covered in lichen. As you make your way to Shira 1 Camp at 3,900 meters, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Kibo Peak floating above the clouds. The terrain is a bit steeper in places, and you will gain a significant amount of altitude. The camp provides great views and is a good spot for acclimatization.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3500m to 3960m)

• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Approx. Trekking Time: 5 hours
• Zone: Low Alpine Zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On this day, you will depart from Shira 1 Camp and take a light trek toward Shira 2 Camp at 3,900 meters. The trek is not difficult, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Meru (Africa’s fifth-highest peak) and the unique flora of Kilimanjaro. After arriving at Shira 2 Camp, enjoy a warm lunch and take a two-hour rest. Later, you will complete an acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower Camp, gaining 200 meters in altitude before returning to the camp.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (3900m to 3960m)

• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Approx. Trekking Time: 7 hours
• Zone: High Alpine Zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trek takes you into the upland desert zone as you ascend toward the Lava Tower (4,640 meters), the highest point of the day. From here, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding terrain. After a break and lunch, you will begin a steep descent toward Barranco Camp, located at the base of the Great Barranco Valley at 3,960 meters. The camp is surrounded by towering cliffs and offers stunning views of the plains below.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3960m to 3963m)

• Distance: 5.5 km / 3.4 miles
• Approx. Trekking Time: 5 hours
• Zone: High Alpine Zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This day begins with an early wake-up and breakfast, followed by the famous climb of the Barranco Wall, which takes around an hour. The wall is not technical, but it’s long and tiring. Once at the top, you’ll have the chance to rest and take photos in front of Kibo Volcano. Afterward, continue on a more challenging trek to Karanga Camp at 3,963 meters, which involves several ascents and descents. Once at camp, enjoy a warm lunch. Later, complete an acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp, gaining 200 meters in altitude before returning to Karanga Camp.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (3963m to 4640m)

• Distance: 3 km / 1.9 miles
• Approx. Trekking Time: 3 hours
• Zone: High Alpine Zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will begin your trek to Barafu Camp at 4,640 meters, the starting point for your summit attempt. The trek takes you across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation, making for a challenging and steep climb. Upon arrival, you’ll rest and regain your strength. Afterward, complete an acclimatization hike to Kosovo Summit Camp at 4,800 meters, then descend back to Barafu Camp. After dinner, rest and sleep in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (4640m to 5895m) and Mweka Camp (3100m)

• Distance: 16 km / 9.6 miles
• Approx. Trekking Time: 13 – 15 hours
• Zone: Rainforest / Glacial Zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The summit day begins around midnight with a steep ascent up the glaciers toward Stella Point (5,739 meters). As the first rays of the sun hit, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the crater rim and Mawenzi Peak. From Stella Point, it’s another hour to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, descend to Barafu Camp for breakfast. Then, continue your descent to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters for a well-earned rest.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (3100m to 1630m)

• Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
• Approx. Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hours
• Zone: Rainforest
• Meals: Breakfast

On the final day of your trek, descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate at 1,630 meters, where you’ll complete the park formalities and receive your summit certificate. Afterward, your vehicle will pick you up and drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a refreshing shower and celebrate with cold drinks. Spend the night at your arranged hotel.

Day 9: Depart Tanzania

• Meals: Breakfast

This is your final day in Tanzania. After breakfast, you can relax or celebrate your achievement. If you have plans for a safari or a visit to Zanzibar, your adventure continues. If you are flying back home, your vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your preferred time.