8 Days Lemosho Route

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Tour overview

An 8-day climb of the Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro offers an extended and gradual ascent, providing ample time for acclimatization and maximizing the chances of reaching the summit successfully. This itinerary allows for additional rest days at key points along the route, optimizing climbers’ physical preparation and acclimatization process.

Lemosho Route offers an unforgettable adventure through diverse landscapes, culminating in a sunrise summit bid on Africa’s highest peak. It’s important to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and listen to your body throughout the climb. With proper preparation and determination, you can conquer Kilimanjaro and experience the wonder of its majestic summit.

Here’s a suggested itinerary for an 8-day climb of the Lemosho Route:

Day by day itinerary

Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa)

Start at the Lemosho Gate (2,385 meters/7,825 feet), where you’ll register with park authorities and begin your trek.
Hike through lush rainforest, spotting diverse flora and fauna along the way.
Arrive at Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa) (2,750 meters/9,022 feet), your first overnight stop. Set up camp, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.

Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Continue ascending through the rainforest, gradually leaving the treeline behind.
Enter the heath and moorland zone, with views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,505 meters/11,499 feet), your overnight stop. Take in the panoramic vistas and prepare for the next day’s trek.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Trek across the Shira Plateau, a vast and otherworldly landscape with expansive views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Ascend gradually through the alpine desert terrain, passing by the Shira Cathedral rock formation.
Arrive at Shira 2 Camp (3,850 meters/12,631 feet), where you’ll spend the night. Rest and acclimatize to the increasing altitude.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Tackle the challenging Barranco Wall, a steep scramble that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Traverse through alpine desert terrain, ascending and descending several ridges.
Arrive at Karanga Camp (3,995 meters/13,107 feet), situated on a rocky ridge with panoramic vistas. Rest and prepare for the next day’s ascent.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Ascend through rocky and barren terrain, approaching the high camp at Barafu.
Arrive at Barafu Camp (4,600 meters/15,091 feet), your basecamp for the summit push. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the challenging ascent ahead.

Day 7: Summit Day (Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp)

Begin the summit attempt in the early hours of the morning, usually around midnight.
Trek up steep and challenging switchbacks on the rocky scree slope, ascending to Stella Point (5,756 meters/18,885 feet) on the crater rim.
Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa.
Descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest and meal, then continue descending to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters/10,171 feet) for the night.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Descend through the rainforest, enjoying the lush vegetation and abundant wildlife.
Arrive at Mweka Gate (1,640 meters/5,380 feet), where you’ll receive your summit certificates and celebrate your achievement.
Transfer back to your accommodations in Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro climb.