Explore Kilimanjaro’s Lemosho Route with a private 8-day guided tour. Experience wildlife, stunning landscapes, and high success rates. Perfect for acclimatization.
Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast and a briefing, drive to Lemosho Park Gate. From there, a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 2-5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After crossing several streams, we proceed over the Shira Ridge and then gently descend to Shira 1 camp, located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Various hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.
Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - From the Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we proceed, our direction changes to the southeast towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we reach the second junction that leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then descend to Barranco Camp. Although you end the day at roughly the same elevation as you started, this day is crucial for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - We continue up to Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from various angles. Here we set up camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our ascent to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and climb through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point, you will take a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit, we begin our descent straight down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel on the way down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, we continue the descent to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be sufficient (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- All fees and/or taxes
- Accommodation before and after the trek
- Personal trekking gear
- Things of a personal nature
- Alcohol
- Tipping for the crew
Lemosho route is one of the best routes for acclimatization. The route is less used and a beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau.
The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are inhabited by buffalo, elephant and other wildlife.
8 days Lemosho has one of the highest success rates. The additional days give your body more time to acclimatize, reducing the effects of altitude sickness and give you more time to rest before attempting the summit.
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
