8 Days / 7 Nights - Lemosho Route

Tour details

8 Days / 7 Nights - Lemosho Route

Safari Overview

This ascent begins on the western side of Kilimanjaro and includes six key stations, starting at Mti Mkubwa before merging with the Londorosi route at Shira. As we traverse the Shira Plateau, we follow the principle of climbing high and sleeping low to optimize acclimatization and improve the chances of reaching the summit.
For the best experience, we recommend a minimum of 7 days for this trek, though 8 days is ideal to allow for better acclimatization and a higher summit success rate. The Lemosho route merges with the Machame route at Shira 2 Camp, then continues along the southern circuit before descending via Mweka Gate.

Day 1: Arusha to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Your adventure begins with a morning briefing from your guide, followed by a two-hour drive from Arusha (1,400m) to Londorossi Park Gate (2,100m). Along the way, in a nearby village, you'll receive a packed lunch and have the opportunity to purchase mineral water for the trek. The final 45-minute stretch of the drive transitions onto a rough forest track, requiring 4WD vehicles to navigate the terrain.


Upon arrival at the park gate, guides and porters organize supplies and complete registration with the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). With preparations complete, you set off on a three-hour trek through the lush rainforest, keeping an eye out for the elusive Colobus monkeys as you journey toward.
Midway through the hike, you'll pause for a lunch break before reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m) in the early evening. The porters, who arrive ahead of you, will have your tent ready and boiling water for drinking and washing. Meanwhile, the chef will serve a light snack before preparing a hearty dinner to replenish your energy. As night falls, temperatures may drop significantly, so be sure to layer up for warmth.

Day 2: From Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp

After an early breakfast, we begin our ascent, leaving behind the dense rainforest and transitioning into the vast heather moorland zone. Along the way, we navigate numerous streams and cross an open plateau that guides us toward our next resting point, Shira 2 Camp (3,850m).
Nestled beside a flowing stream, this campsite offers breathtaking views of the Western Breach, with its towering glaciers glistening in the eastern light. As with the previous night, our porters will have the tents ready before your arrival, ensuring you have warm drinking and washing water at hand.
The evening unfolds with a light snack, followed by a hearty dinner prepared by our chef. As the altitude increases, temperatures drop significantly, often plummeting below freezing—so make sure you're well-layered to stay warm throughout the night.

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut

Today is dedicated to exploring the vast and breathtaking Shira Plateau. The journey eastward is a gradual trek toward Kibo's glacier-capped summit, crossing open terrain that leads to Shira 2 Camp, a serene moorland meadow nestled beside a stream.
After a brief rest at Shira 2, the trek continues toward Moir Hut, a secluded campsite at the base of Lent Hills. This area provides excellent acclimatization opportunities, with several optional routes available for additional exploration. Standing as one of the highest plateaus on the planet, Shira offers stunning views and an immersive trekking experience.

Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Leaving the Shira Plateau, we ascend eastward along a ridge, passing the junction leading toward Kibo's towering peak. As we progress, our route shifts southeast, bringing us to the striking Lava Tower, famously known as the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly beyond this landmark, we reach a second junction that leads to the Arrow Glacier, perched at an altitude of 16,000 feet.
From here, we descend to Barranco Hut, located at 13,000 feet, where we settle in for a well-deserved rest, enjoy a warm dinner, and spend the night. Despite ending the day at the same elevation as where we began, this stretch of the journey plays a crucial role in acclimatization, ensuring the body is better prepared for the upcoming summit attempt.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

This relatively short trek is designed for acclimatization. Following an early breakfast, we set out to tackle the formidable Great Barranco Wall. Though its steep face may seem daunting at first, trekkers often find it more manageable than expected, classified as a Class 2 scramble that rewards persistence with breathtaking views.
Once we reach the top of the Wall, we're treated to a spectacular panorama of Heim Glacier, standing above the vast sea of clouds. From here, the trail meanders through the undulating terrain of the Karanga Valley, eventually leading us to Karanga Camp (3,955m).
At the campsite, you'll settle in for the night, enjoying a well-earned dinner and refreshing yourself with drinking and washing water provided by the porters.

Day 6: Karanga Camp (3,955m) to Barafu Hut (4,600m)

After breakfast, you will begin your ascent. The trail intersects with the Mweka Route, which is the trail used to descend on the final two days. As you continue hiking for an hour, you will reach Barafu Hut. This is the last water stop for the porters because there is no accessible water at Barafu Camp (4,600m). The word "barafu" in Swahili means "ice" and this camp is located on a rocky, exposed ridge.
Tents will be exposed to wind and rocks so it is important for hikers to familiarize themselves with the campsite before dark. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00.

Day 7: Summit Day - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

At approximately 23:30, your guide will wake you for tea and biscuits before embarking on the final ascent. The trail leads northwest, gradually climbing over loose stone scree. Many trekkers find this stretch to be the most mentally and physically demanding portion of the climb.
After approximately six hours, you'll reach Stella Point (5,685m) on the crater rim, where you'll pause to witness the spectacular sunrise illuminating the mountain. From here, the journey continues upward for another two hours along a snow-covered path, culminating at Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and a true lifetime achievement.
After a brief time at the summit to capture photos and savor a warm drink, the descent back to Barafu Camp begins, taking around three hours. Once at camp, you'll rest and enjoy a well-earned hot lunch under the sun before continuing the descent toward Mweka Camp (3,100m), where you will spend the night.

1. Mount Kilimanjaro (within Kilimanjaro National Park)

Known for:

  • Highest mountain in Africa (5,896 meters / 19,341 feet)
  • One of the Seven Summits of the world
  • Distinct ecological zones: rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacial summit
  • Trekking routes like Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, and more
  • Accessible climb without technical mountaineering
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Stunning sunrise views from Uhuru Peak
  • Rich biodiversity and endemic species in lower zones

TOUR FEATURES

  • Classic drive safari
  • Can start any day
  • Accommodation level: Comfort
  • Tour activity level: Light
  • Game drives in 4×4 vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Optional extension Zanzibar available

INCLUDED

  • Pickup Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to the lodge
  • Transfer from the Lodge to Kilimanjaro Airport
  • Accommodations as per itinerary
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • Luxurious private 4×4 Safari Jeep with a pop-up roof and big windows, specially designed for high-end safari game drives
  • English-speaking private guide during the whole safari
  • Park Fees for all national parks
  • Drinking water in our safari jeeps

EXCLUDED

  • International flights
  • Tourist Visa
  • Tourism Development Levy + Village fee
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, drinks)
  • Tips (not mandatory but greatly appreciated

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