8 Days Lemosho Route

Safari Overview :

The 8-Day Lemosho Route is considered the ideal schedule for trekkers tackling Mount Kilimanjaro. This route provides a more gradual ascent, allowing ample time for acclimatization, which is crucial for summiting the highest peak in Africa. The itinerary features a split day between Barranco Camp and Barafu Camp, giving climbers the chance to rest before tackling the summit on day 7.

8 Days / 7 Nights Safari

Medium

12 Years Old

Full itinerary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp

Elevation: 7,800ft to 9,500ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

  • Transfer: Depart Moshi and drive to Londorossi Gate (approx. 4 hours), where the entry formalities are completed.
  • Trekking: Drive to the Lemosho trailhead (1 hour), then begin your trek through lush rainforest to Forest Camp.
  • Overnight: Forest Camp

Elevation: 9,500ft to 11,500ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

  • Trekking: Leave the rainforest behind and ascend into the moorland, where you’ll find tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks. The trail passes several streams before reaching the Shira Ridge.
  • Camp: Continue to Shira Camp 1, located on the Shira Plateau, with stunning views of Kibo Peak.
  • Overnight: Shira Camp 1

Elevation: 11,500ft to 13,800ft
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland

  • Exploration: Take the day to explore the Shira Plateau and continue east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak.
  • Shira Camp 2: After a gentle hike across the plateau, stop at Shira Camp 2, nestled in a meadow beside a stream.
  • Moir Hut: Continue your journey toward Moir Hut at 13,800ft, an excellent acclimatization stop.
  • Overnight: Moir Hut

Elevation: 13,800ft to 13,000ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert

  • Trekking: Ascend toward Lava Tower (14,900ft), a rocky outcrop known as Shark’s Tooth.
  • Descent: After reaching the tower, descend to Barranco Camp at 13,000ft. This day is important for acclimatization as you will gain and lose elevation to help your body adjust.
  • Overnight: Barranco Camp

Elevation: 13,000ft to 13,100ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Trekking: After breakfast, ascend the Barranco Wall, a steep ridge, before continuing toward Karanga Valley.
  • Overnight: Karanga Camp (short, acclimatization-focused day)

Elevation: 13,100ft to 15,300ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Trekking: After breakfast, ascend to Barafu Camp at 15,300ft. This marks the completion of the South Circuit, with panoramic views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.
  • Overnight: Barafu Camp

Elevation: 15,300ft to 19,345ft (Summit) then descend to 10,000ft
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic

  • Summit Push: Begin the summit ascent between midnight to 2 am, heading through the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers towards Stella Point (18,600ft).
  • Stella Point Sunrise: Enjoy a short rest and an incredible sunrise before continuing to Uhuru Peak (19,345ft) – the highest point in Africa.
  • Descent: After summiting, descend to Mweka Hut at 10,000ft for a restful night.
  • Overnight: Mweka Hut

Elevation: 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

  • Trekking: Descend through the rainforest to the Mweka Park Gate to collect your summit certificate.
  • Transfer: After receiving your certificate, descend to Mweka Village where a vehicle will meet you and transfer you back to Moshi.
  • End of Trip

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