LEMOSHO 7 DAYS
From USD 1,949 per person
The Lemosho Route is one of the best options for acclimatization on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is less crowded and offers a scenic path up to the Shira Plateau.
On the first day, groups may be accompanied by an armed ranger, as the forests around Lemosho Glades are home to buffalo, elephants, and other wildlife.
The minimum duration for the Lemosho Route is 6 days, but we strongly recommend 7 days. The extra day allows better acclimatization, reduces the risk of altitude sickness, and provides more rest before the summit attempt.
A taste of what to expect…
Day 1: Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Lemosho Park Gate on Mount Kilimanjaro. From there, a 4WD track leads to Lemosho Glades, followed by a walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.
Elevation: 1,830m / 6,000ft to 2,650m / 8,700ft
Distance: 6km / 4mi
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp
After breakfast, continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. Cross several streams, then hike over Shira Ridge past Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp, set on moorland meadows by a stream on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Elevation: 2,650m / 8,700ft to 3,850m / 12,600ft
Distance: 16km / 10mi
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau, we hike east along a ridge, passing the junction toward Kibo Peak. Our route then turns southeast toward the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (4,650 m / 15,250 ft). Shortly after, we reach the second junction leading to Arrow Glacier before descending to Barranco Camp.
Although we finish the day at roughly the same elevation we started, this trek is crucial for acclimatization, preparing your body for the summit attempt.
Elevation: 3,850 m → 4,000 m (12,600 ft → 13,000 ft)
Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco Camp and tackle the Barranco Wall, a steep ridge climb that rewards you with stunning views. We then descend into Karanga Valley and reach the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4,000 m → 4,050 m (13,000 ft → 13,250 ft)
Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
Climbing Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco Camp and tackle the Barranco Wall, a steep ridge climb that rewards you with stunning views. We then descend into Karanga Valley and reach the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4,000 m → 4,050 m (13,000 ft → 13,250 ft)
Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
Climbing Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight–2 AM), we begin our final push between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Heading northwest, we ascend through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. This section is the most mentally and physically challenging of the trek. At Stella Point, we pause briefly and are rewarded with one of the most magnificent sunrises imaginable. Faster hikers may even catch the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, a snow-covered path leads for about 1 hour to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent.
After reaching the summit, we descend straight to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Loose gravel makes trekking poles and gaiters useful on the descent. We arrive at Mweka Camp in the evening to enjoy our final night on the mountain.
Elevation: 4,700 m / 15,350 ft → 5,895 m / 19,340 ft (summit), down to 3,090 m / 10,150 ft
Distance: 5 km / 3 mi up, 13 km / 8 mi down
Hiking Time: 5–7 h up, 5–6 h down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast at Mweka Camp, we continue descending to Mweka Park Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, the trail can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Shorts and t-shirts are usually sufficient, but keep rain gear and warmer layers handy.
At the gate, a Monkey Adventures vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately 60 minutes).
Elevation: 3,090 m / 10,150 ft → 1,680 m / 5,500 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 h
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Cost includes
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
All meals while on the Mountain
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Sleeping Mattress
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Hotel before and after the hike
Cost excludes
Tanzania Visa
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
International and domestic flights
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Travel insurance
Government imposed increase of Taxes and or Park Fees.
Tips and gratuities
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
