8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb

Day 1: Arusha – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

• Elevation: 1,830 m / 6,000 ft to 2,650 m / 8,700 ft
• Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
• Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast and a trek briefing, depart from Arusha and drive to Londorossi Gate, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Complete the park registration formalities before continuing along a forest track toward the Lemosho trailhead. From here, begin your hike through the beautiful montane forest to Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp.

Enjoy the peaceful forest surroundings and keep an eye out for monkeys and colorful birdlife along the trail. Arrive at camp in the afternoon, where you’ll have time to relax before dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp

• Elevation: 2,650 m / 8,700 ft to 3,500 m / 11,500 ft
• Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, continue your Kilimanjaro climb as the trail gradually steepens and the landscape changes from rainforest to the open moorland zone. Hike through giant heather vegetation and cross several small streams before reaching the Shira Ridge.

Continue across the beautiful Shira Plateau and descend gently toward Shira 1 Camp, located near a stream. Enjoy spectacular views across the plateau and surrounding mountain landscapes before dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

• Elevation: 3,500 m / 11,500 ft to 3,850 m / 12,600 ft
• Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp

After breakfast, enjoy a relatively gentle hike across the Shira Plateau toward Shira 2 Camp. The route passes through open moorland with impressive views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape.

This is an excellent acclimatization day, with optional short hikes available around the plateau. Spend the evening at camp, relax, and prepare for the next stage of your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

• Elevation: 3,850 m / 12,600 ft to 4,000 m / 13,000 ft
• Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp

From Shira 2 Camp, continue east across the high alpine landscape, passing the junction toward Kibo Peak. The trail gradually climbs toward Lava Tower at approximately 4,630 m / 15,190 ft, an important point for acclimatization.

After spending some time at the higher elevation, descend toward Barranco Camp. Although you finish the day at a similar elevation to where you started, the climb high and sleep low approach is particularly valuable for acclimatization and helps prepare your body for the summit attempt.

Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

• Elevation: 4,000 m / 13,000 ft to 4,050 m / 13,250 ft
• Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp

After breakfast, begin the challenging ascent of the famous Barranco Wall. With the help of your experienced mountain crew, carefully make your way up the rocky wall before continuing through the alpine desert toward the Karanga Valley.

The trail offers spectacular views of Kilimanjaro’s southern slopes and surrounding valleys. Arrive at Karanga Camp in the afternoon and enjoy time to rest and prepare for the next day.

Day 6: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

• Elevation: 4,050 m / 13,250 ft to 4,700 m / 15,350 ft
• Distance: 4 km / 2 mi
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp

After breakfast, continue toward Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit. The trail climbs steadily through the alpine desert, with increasingly dramatic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

Upon reaching Barafu Camp, you will have completed the Southern Circuit. Enjoy an early dinner and plenty of time to rest while your guide prepares you for the summit attempt. An early bedtime is recommended, as the summit trek begins around midnight.

Day 7: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 4,700 m / 15,350 ft to 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
• Descent: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft to 3,090 m / 10,150 ft
• Distance: 5 km / 3 mi ascent, 13 km / 8 mi descent
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours ascent, 5–6 hours descent
• Habitat: Alpine Desert, Stone Scree & Summit Zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Your summit day begins around midnight. In the darkness, begin the challenging ascent toward Stella Point on the crater rim. The trail passes through steep sections of loose scree, requiring a slow and steady pace.

Reach Stella Point at approximately 5,739 m / 18,829 ft, where you can take a short rest and, weather permitting, enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the surrounding landscape. From Stella Point, continue along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak.

After approximately another 1–2 hours of hiking, reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m / 19,341 ft—the highest point in Africa. Take time to celebrate your achievement and enjoy the incredible views before beginning your descent.

Descend toward Barafu Camp for a rest and lunch before continuing down to Mweka Camp. Arrive at camp in the afternoon and enjoy your final night on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha

• Elevation: 3,090 m / 10,150 ft to 1,640 m / 5,380 ft
• Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha

After breakfast, begin your final descent through the lush montane forest toward Mweka Gate. The trail can be wet and muddy, particularly during rainy conditions, so trekking poles and appropriate footwear are useful.

At Mweka Gate, complete the park exit formalities and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate. Meet your vehicle and drive back to your hotel in Arusha, approximately 2–3 hours away.

Celebrate the successful completion of your unforgettable 8-Day Lemosho Route climb and your achievement of reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.