Lemosho Route

Overview

Experience the beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, one of the most scenic and less crowded trails on the mountain. Known for its panoramic views and gradual ascent, this 8-day itinerary increases your chances of reaching the summit successfully. This route is ideal for adventurers seeking an immersive journey through diverse ecosystems.



Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Transfer Summit Africa Lodge in Arusha.

Meet your guide for a briefing, gear check, and preparation.

Overnight at Summit Africa Lodge.

Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)

Drive time: 3 hours | Hiking distance: 7 km | Duration: 3-4 hours

Drive to Londorossi Gate for registration.

Begin trekking through lush rainforests filled with exotic flora and fauna.

Overnight in tents at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)

Hiking distance: 8 km | Duration: 5-6 hours

Leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone, with sweeping views of the Shira Plateau.

Overnight in tents at Shira 1 Camp.

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)

Hiking distance: 7 km | Duration: 4-5 hours

Continue across the Shira Plateau, enjoying views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru.

Optional acclimatization hike in the afternoon.

Overnight in tents at Shira 2 Camp.

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (3,960m) via Lava Tower (4,630m)

Hiking distance: 10 km | Duration: 7-8 hours

Trek through the alpine desert to Lava Tower for acclimatization.

Descend to Barranco Camp, nestled in a valley below the Great Barranco Wall.

Overnight in tents at Barranco Camp.

Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035m)

Hiking distance: 6 km | Duration: 4-5 hours

Scramble up the Barranco Wall for stunning views.

A short but scenic hike through the alpine desert leads to Karanga Camp.

Overnight in tents at Karanga Camp.

Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Hiking distance: 4 km | Duration: 4-5 hours

Ascend to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt.

Rest and prepare for the challenging summit push.

Overnight in tents at Barafu Camp.

Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Hiking distance: 5 km ascent + 12 km descent | Duration: 10-14 hours

Start the summit attempt at midnight, trekking through scree and snow to reach Uhuru Peak.

Celebrate your achievement at the highest point in Africa!

Descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue to Mweka Camp.

Overnight in tents at Mweka Camp.

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,650m)

Hiking distance: 10 km | Duration: 3-4 hours

Trek through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate.

Receive your summit certificate.

Transfer back to Arusha for a celebratory dinner.