8 Days Lemosho Routes

8 Days Lemosho Routes overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Lemosho Route. Approaching Africa’s highest mountain from the western side, this route takes you through lush montane forests, open moorlands, the dramatic Shira Plateau and high-altitude alpine landscapes before reaching the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres.

The 8-day itinerary is designed to provide a gradual ascent with valuable time for acclimatization, helping you adapt to the increasing altitude while enjoying Kilimanjaro’s changing landscapes. Along the way, trek through some of the mountain’s most spectacular areas, including Shira, Lava Tower, Barranco and Karanga, before reaching Barafu Camp for the final summit preparation.

Your summit attempt begins in the early hours of the morning, taking you toward Stella Point and onward to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, descend through the mountain’s southern slopes and complete your trek through the forest to Mweka Gate.

With Mbogo Expeditions, every stage of your climb is carefully organized, from pre-trek preparation and experienced mountain guiding to camp logistics and your final descent. The Lemosho Route is an excellent choice for travellers seeking a scenic, gradual and rewarding Kilimanjaro adventure.

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Route: Lemosho Route
Highest Point: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
Tour Type: Mountain Climbing & Trekking
Difficulty: Challenging
Ideal For: Adventurous travellers, trekkers and first-time high-altitude climbers with appropriate preparation

ITINERARY

Day 1 — Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a transfer to the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Lemosho Gate. After completing park registration and other formalities, begin your trek through the beautiful montane rainforest.

The trail is surrounded by lush vegetation and the sounds of the forest as you gradually gain altitude. After approximately 3–4 hours of trekking, arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp, where your mountain crew will have prepared your camp.

Enjoy dinner and your first night on the mountain.

Trekking: Lemosho Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp
Habitat: Montane Forest
Trekking Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2 — Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, continue your ascent through the forest before emerging into the moorland zone. The vegetation becomes shorter and the landscape begins to open as you approach the spectacular Shira Plateau.

Continue across the increasingly open terrain toward Shira 1 Camp, with impressive views of Kibo and the surrounding mountain landscape.

Arrive at camp, enjoy your evening meal and rest for the next stage of the climb.

Trekking: Mti Mkubwa Camp → Shira 1 Camp
Habitat: Moorland
Trekking Time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 — Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today is a relatively gentle trekking day across the Shira Plateau, giving your body additional time to adjust to the increasing altitude.

Walk through the open high-altitude landscape toward Shira 2 Camp, taking in panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s dramatic surroundings. Depending on conditions and your guide’s recommendation, an acclimatization walk may be included around camp.

Spend the evening resting and preparing for the higher elevations ahead.

Trekking: Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp
Habitat: Moorland / High Desert
Trekking Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 — Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Today is one of the most important acclimatization days of your Kilimanjaro climb.

Leave Shira 2 and gradually ascend toward Lava Tower at approximately 4,600 metres. After spending time at this higher elevation, descend toward Barranco Camp in the dramatic Barranco Valley.

This “climb high, sleep lower” profile gives your body valuable exposure to higher altitude before you spend the night at Barranco. The route also offers spectacular views of Lava Tower, the southern slopes of Kibo and the surrounding alpine landscape.

Arrive at Barranco Camp, enjoy dinner and rest beneath the impressive Barranco Wall.

Trekking: Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Trekking Time: Approximately 6–8 hours
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 — Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, begin the day with the famous Barranco Wall. Your experienced mountain crew will guide you through the rocky sections as you gradually climb above the Barranco Valley.

From the top of the wall, continue across a series of ridges and valleys while enjoying spectacular views of Kilimanjaro’s southern landscape.

The day’s relatively short trekking distance allows time for acclimatization and recovery before the higher camps.

Arrive at Karanga Camp, settle in and enjoy a well-earned evening.

Trekking: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Trekking Time: Approximately 4–5 hours
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 — Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, continue your ascent toward Barafu Camp, the high camp used for the final summit attempt.

The landscape becomes increasingly barren as you climb through the alpine desert. The trek is relatively short but steadily uphill, allowing you to reach Barafu with time to rest and prepare for the demanding summit day.

Once at camp, your guides will brief you about the summit attempt. Have an early dinner, organize your equipment and get as much rest as possible before the night-time departure.

Trekking: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Trekking Time: Approximately 3–5 hours
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 — Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Summit Day.

Your summit attempt begins around midnight. After a light meal and final preparations, begin the slow ascent through the darkness toward Stella Point on the crater rim.

The climb is physically demanding, but your guides will maintain a steady pace suited to the group. As dawn approaches, continue along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa.

Celebrate your achievement at the summit and take time to appreciate the extraordinary views before beginning the descent.

Descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down the southern slopes toward Mweka Camp, where you will spend your final night on the mountain.

Trekking: Barafu Camp → Stella Point → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Habitat: Alpine Desert / Arctic Zone
Trekking Time: Approximately 12–16 hours total, depending on conditions and individual pace
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 — Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

After a final breakfast at Mweka Camp, descend to Mweka Gate. Complete the park formalities and receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to Arusha for a farewell di

After breakfast, begin your final descent through the lush montane forest toward Mweka Gate.

The dramatic change in vegetation provides a memorable final stage to your Kilimanjaro adventure. At the gate, complete the park exit procedures and meet your transfer vehicle.

Continue to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can relax and celebrate completing your Kilimanjaro expedition.

Trekking: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Habitat: Montane Forest
Trekking Time: Approximately 3–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast
End of Trek

nner and overnight stay or head to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.

Trekking tour according to the itinerary
Accommodation in tents and hotels as indicated in the itinerary
Professional English-speaking guide
Personal porter
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Drinking water
Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
Camping equipment – tents, sleeping mattress and camping furniture
Portable toilet and toilet tent
National park fees
Rescue fees

Flights (international and domestic)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Beverages other than water (alcohol and soft drinks)
Visa, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance
Sleeping bag (can be rented, please ask us at the time of the booking)