Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 6 km
Habitat: Rainforest

Your journey begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Londorossi Gate for registration and a short briefing. After meeting your mountain team, you will start your trek through rich rainforest filled with colobus monkeys, tropical birds, and diverse plant life. The trail is gentle and shaded, making it an ideal start for acclimatization.

Overnight: Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa (2,820m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 8 km
Habitat: Moorland

Exiting the forest, the landscape transforms into moorland—wide, open, and dotted with heather. The trail gradually climbs through scenic ridges with beautiful views of Mount Meru and the Shira Ridge. By afternoon, you arrive at Shira 1 Camp on the vast Shira Plateau, an ancient volcanic caldera.

Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Shira 1 (3,500m) → Shira 2 Camp (3,900m)

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 7 km
Habitat: Moorland

Today provides a gentle acclimatization walk across the Shira Plateau—one of Kilimanjaro’s most striking landscapes. You’ll enjoy open views of Kibo Peak and may take an optional detour to Shira Cathedral for panoramic photos. The slower pace helps your body adjust to the higher altitude.

Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Shira 2 (3,900m) → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Semi-desert / Alpine

A major acclimatization day. You’ll ascend steadily to the Lava Tower, a towering volcanic rock formation at 4,630m. After lunch near Lava Tower, the trail descends into the Barranco Valley. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy greatly improves your chances of a successful summit. Expect fantastic views of the Western Breach and hanging glaciers.

Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) → Karanga Camp (3,995m)

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 5 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Start the day with the challenging but fun Barranco Wall. This non-technical scramble rewards you at the top with incredible views of the Heim Glacier. The trail then winds through a series of ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp—your final acclimatization stop before the summit push.

Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Karanga (3,995m) → Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 4 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert

A short yet steep climb brings you to Barafu Camp, perched on a windswept ridge. “Barafu” means “ice” in Swahili, reflecting the frigid conditions. Arrive early, rest, hydrate, and prepare your gear for the midnight summit attempt. From camp, enjoy sweeping views of Mawenzi Peak.

Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,673m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Gate (1,640m)

Hiking Time: 12–16 hours
Distance: ~23 km (Summit + Full Descent)
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest

Summit day begins around midnight. You’ll slowly ascend the steep ridge toward Stella Point (5,756m), then follow the crater rim to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. Witness an unforgettable sunrise over the clouds and celebrate your achievement at the Roof of Africa.

After photos and a short rest, begin your descent to Barafu for brunch. You will then continue down to Mweka Gate, passing through rainforest before your driver transfers you back to Moshi or Arusha.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Why Choose the Lemosho Route

• High success rates thanks to gradual acclimatization

• Exceptional scenic variety—from rainforest to glaciers

• Less crowded compared to Marangu and Machame routes

• A balanced, rewarding option ideal for first-time climbers

Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route

The optimal climbing seasons are during the dry months:

• January – March: Clear skies, fewer climbers, mild conditions

• June – October: Stable weather and excellent summit conditions

Avoid the heavy rainy seasons (April–May and November) for the best trekking experience.