Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route — 8-Day Wilderness Expedition
8 Days / 7 Nights

Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route — 8-Day Wilderness Expedition

Experience Overview

Experience Overview

The Lemosho Route begins on the remote western slopes of Kilimanjaro and is one of the most scenic and least crowded ways to the summit. With eight days on the mountain, it allows a gradual ascent that gives climbers an excellent chance of reaching the top.

Wilderness first, crowds later

The first two days pass through quiet montane rainforest where blue and colobus monkeys live and, occasionally, signs of buffalo and elephant cross the trail. You then walk across the entire Shira Plateau, a high ancient caldera at around 3,800 m, with wide views of Kibo and, on clear days, Mount Meru.

Built for acclimatisation

From Shira the route joins the southern circuit: Lava Tower, the Barranco Wall, Karanga and Barafu Camp, before the summit night to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The extra day compared with a 7-day climb lets your body adapt gradually, which reduces the effects of altitude and improves your chances on summit night. That is why this is the route we most often recommend to first-time and returning climbers alike.

Highlights

Why the Lemosho Route is our most recommended climb.

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One of the best summit success rates thanks to gradual acclimatisation

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Remote and scenic western start, away from the crowds

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Quiet montane rainforest with colobus and blue monkeys

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The whole Shira Plateau with wide views of Kibo and Mount Meru

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An extra acclimatisation day compared with a 7-day climb

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The Barranco Wall scramble and southern circuit traverse

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Our most recommended route for all experience levels

Itinerary

An editorial journey through each day of the safari, with destinations, imagery, and places you will stay.

Day 1

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (2,650 m)

After a briefing at your hotel, drive about four hours to Londorossi Gate (2,250 m) on the western side of Kilimanjaro to register with the national park. Continue by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead and meet your mountain crew.

The trail winds gently through undisturbed rainforest with huge trees, hanging moss and the calls of turacos. Black-and-white colobus monkeys are often seen in the canopy.

Arrive at Mti Mkubwa, “Big Tree” Camp, set among tall forest trees.

Distance about 6 km, walking time 3–4 hours.

Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Full Board)

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (2,650 m)
Day 2

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m)

Leave the forest and climb into the giant heather zone, crossing small streams on the way. The trail steepens over the Shira Ridge before descending gently onto the Shira Plateau.

As you reach Shira 1 Camp, Kibo appears ahead across the plateau for the first time — an unforgettable view at sunset.

Distance about 8 km, walking time 5–6 hours.

Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (Full Board)

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m)
Day 3

Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)

A gentle day crossing the Shira Plateau, one of the most beautiful walks on Kilimanjaro. Giant groundsels and everlasting flowers grow among the volcanic rocks, and the views stretch across the high caldera to the summit.

The short distance gives your body time to adapt. In the afternoon, your guide may lead an optional acclimatisation walk towards the Shira Cathedral.

Distance about 7 km, walking time 4–5 hours.

Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (Full Board)

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

Shira 2 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower (3,960 m)

This important acclimatisation day takes you up through alpine desert to Lava Tower, a 90-metre volcanic plug at 4,630 m, where you rest and have lunch.

Then descend into the Barranco Valley among giant groundsels to Barranco Camp, which lies below the great Barranco Wall. Climbing high and sleeping lower helps your body to adjust.

Distance about 10 km, walking time 6–8 hours.

Overnight: Barranco Camp (Full Board)

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

Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp (3,995 m)

Climb the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble of about 250 metres with excellent views of the southern ice fields from the top.

Continue across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp, the last water point before the summit. The short day is designed to give you extra rest.

Distance about 5 km, walking time 4–5 hours.

Overnight: Karanga Camp (Full Board)

Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp (3,995 m)
Day 6

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673 m)

A steady climb over rocky ground leads to Barafu Camp, the summit base camp on an exposed ridge.

Rest in the afternoon, drink plenty of water and prepare your warm clothing and headtorch. Your guides check your health and explain the summit plan. Watch the sunset over a sea of clouds before an early dinner and bed.

Distance about 4 km, walking time 4–5 hours.

Overnight: Barafu Camp (Full Board)

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673 m)
Day 7

Summit Night — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and Descent to Mweka Camp

Start around midnight and climb slowly up the steep scree by headtorch. Reach Stella Point (5,756 m) on the crater rim at dawn, then walk for about an hour along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.

After summit photographs, descend to Barafu Camp for a rest and a meal, then continue down to Mweka Camp in the forest.

A demanding day of 12–15 hours in total.

Overnight: Mweka Camp (3,100 m, Full Board)

Summit Night — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and Descent to Mweka Camp
Day 8

Descent to Mweka Gate

Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), sign out of the park and receive your summit certificate. Celebrate and say farewell to your crew.

Distance about 10 km, walking time 3–4 hours. Transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

End of trek.

Descent to Mweka Gate

What's Included & Excluded

A clear view of what is covered and what to plan for separately.

Included

All KINAPA park fees
KINAPA-licensed lead guide and assistants
Porters and private camp chef
Premium camping equipment (4-season tents, sleeping mats)
All meals on the mountain
Purified drinking water
Pulse oximetry and health monitoring
Summit certificate
Airport transfers
Pre-trek hotel night in Moshi

Excluded

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Personal climbing gear
Gratuities for mountain crew
Personal snacks and extras

Ready to Plan Your Journey?

Download the full itinerary to share with your travel companions, or start customising this safari to match your dates, group size, and preferences.

Guest Reviews

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E

elisa s

Super Safari, inoubliable avec un super guide nommé Bonaventura qui a su nous faire découvrir la faune et la flore de son pays avec générosité et passion. Nous avons pu voir les big Five. Nous le recommandons fortement! Ce fut une expérience riche en couleurs, aussi, bien d'un point de vue humain, que d'un point de vue découverte des animaux et des paysages. Elisa, Regis, Livio et Vasco dit Monsieur oiseau

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written November 1, 2025

L

Luc D

Nous avons vécu un moment inoubliable en famille lors de notre safari ! Nos guides ont rendu ce voyage exceptionnel du début à la fin grâce a leur générosité de partage et nous faire découvrir leur terre et nature ! D'u e grande connaissance de la faune et de la nature, toujours gentils et attentifs, Euge se missionnait pour trouver tous les animaux que nous désirions voir et Erick nous commentait toutes les lois de la nature ! Ce sont eux qui ont donné un véritable sens à ces jeux avec les animaux ! Avec grand respect ! Chaque moment était remplis d'émotions et les big five tous cochés ! Un immense merci pour cette expérience magique que nous n'oublierons jamais. Nous recommandons à 100 % cette agence et surtout nos guides Euge et Erick

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 27, 2025

K

Katty S

Flemalle, Belgium

Nous avons été ma fille et moi prisent en charge par Hussein et Francis. Ce guide était juste parfait, il nous a donné des explications très intéressantes et surtout les deux ont fait découvrir la vraie nature. Le parc TARANGIRE et tous ces éléphants. Le parc du lac MANYARA et ses singes, et la visite du village MTO WA MBU. Et le dernier parc, le NGORONGORO où il y avait des animaux à voir de tous les côtés. Nous avons grâce à valider 4 animaux du big five : lions, éléphants, rhinocéros et les buffles. Nous avons vu des troupeaux d'éléphants, de gnous, de zèbres, de lionnes, de buffles, de gazelles et bien d'autres animaux. C'était magnifique, magique, incroyable, époustouflant. Merci à vous deux

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 27, 2025

E

Enri000

We were fortunate to be accompanied for 7 days by Jones, our French-speaking guide, on safari through Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Tarangire. Traveling as a family spanning three generations, we were all amazed by his exceptional knowledge of wildlife, perseverance, and infectious enthusiasm. Thanks to him, we were able to observe all the iconic animals in perfect conditions, often feeling as if we were alone in spectacular landscapes. A special thank you also to Georges, who accompanied us in another vehicle for the luggage and brought good humor and positivity every day. Thanks to Jones and Georges, this safari will remain a magical, authentic, and emotional experience. We highly recommend them to anyone dreaming of an unforgettable safari in Tanzania. Hakuna Matata!

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 24, 2025

M

Mylene P

Super. David est à l écoute de nos demandes. Il connaît son métier par coeur. Il est dévoué. Et surtout il est au top. Il prépare les pic nique et non des box et il est même équipé de une nappe. Il est attachant, on a pas envie de le quitter.

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 20, 2025

Traveled Couples

C

Camille M

Incroyable safari en compagnie de notre super guide Boni qui parle français ! Merci pour ses explications détaillées. Au-delà d'avoir été notre guide, Boni est une très bonne personne ! Au programme du safari : Parc de Manyara, Ngorongoro et Tarangire et rencontre avec les tribus Datoga et Hadzabes avec de très bons plats à chaque pique-nique du midi. Merci à Boni, Lomo Tanzania Safari et Terra Africa pour l'organisation. Asante sana

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 17, 2025

Traveled Couples

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