The Lemosho Route is a scenic and less-traveled trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is typically completed in 8 days, offering an excellent balance of acclimatization and trekking challenge. This route joins the Machame Route at Shira 2 Camp. It begins with a 4-hour drive from Moshi to the trailhead at Londorossi Gate.

All treks are available as private climbs starting on any day, and group departures are available on select dates. You can also extend your trip with a wildlife safari.

Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Moshi

Day 2: Drive to Londorossi Gate, Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp 

Day 3: Hike Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp 

Day 4: Hike Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp 

Day 5: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp 

Day 6: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp 

Day 7: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Day 8: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp 

Day 9: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi

Day 10: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport, Depart 

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi. Meet your mountain guide for a trek orientation, check your gear, and finalize preparations.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Drive to Londorossi Gate and continue by 4WD to the trailhead at Lemosho Glades. Begin trekking through montane forest to Mti Mkubwa Camp.

• Elevation: 1,830m to 2,650m

• Distance: 6 km

• Hiking Time: 2–3 hours

• Habitat: Montane Forest
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Hike through heather and moorland, crossing several streams and the Shira Ridge before descending slightly to Shira 1 Camp on the plateau.

• Elevation: 2,650m to 3,500m

• Distance: 8 km

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Moorland
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Overnight: Shira 1 Camp

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Enjoy a gentle trek across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp. Various acclimatization hikes are possible.

• Elevation: 3,500m to 3,850m

• Distance: 8 km

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Moorland
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Overnight: Shira 2 Camp

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend into the Barranco Valley. Though the elevation gain is minimal overall, this day is critical for acclimatization.

• Elevation: 3,850m to 4,650m (Lava Tower), then down to 4,000m

• Distance: 8 km

• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Semi-desert
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Overnight: Barranco Camp

Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Climb the Barranco Wall and descend into the Karanga Valley. Connect with the Mweka Trail.

• Elevation: 4,000m to 4,050m

• Distance: 5 km

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Overnight: Karanga Camp

Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Continue ascending to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit with views of the summit.

• Elevation: 4,050m to 4,700m

• Distance: 4 km

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Overnight: Barafu Camp

Day 8: Summit Attempt (Barafu to Uhuru Peak), Descend to Mweka Camp

Begin your summit push around midnight. Reach Stella Point, then Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Descend via Barafu to Mweka Camp.

• Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,090m

• Distance: 5 km ascent / 13 km descent

• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours up / 5–6 hours down

• Habitat: Arctic to Forest
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Overnight: Mweka Camp

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, Return to Moshi

Complete the descent through the forest to Mweka Gate. Receive summit certificates and return to Moshi.

• Elevation: 3,090m to 1,680m

• Distance: 10 km

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Forest
  Meals Included: Breakfast
  Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

Day 10: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your international flight or continue with a Tanzania safari extension.

Meals Included: Breakfast