8-Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the Lemosho route Kilimanjaro trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite. The Kilimanjaro Lemosho route offers a peaceful start to your trek, surrounded by beautiful forest and a calm environment, ensuring a perfect beginning to your Kilimanjaro Lemosho route 8 days adventure.

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain 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. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. The Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho route provides an unforgettable landscape, making the trek both scenic and diverse.

We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we will have an option to sport and acclimatize at Shira Cathedral, a little-used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Lemosho route Kili offers excellent altitude training on one of the highest plateaus on earth.

We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization. The Kilimanjaro Lemosho route map highlights this section as one of the most interesting parts of the climb.

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization. The Lemosho route 8 days ensures proper acclimatization to prepare you for summit day

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position. The Climbing Kilimanjaro Lemosho route gives you spectacular views that will stay with you forever.

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak—the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Mt Kilimanjaro Lemosho route offers the ultimate test of endurance and rewards with breathtaking views from the summit.