Lemosho Route

Lemosho is considered the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. On this 8-day Lemosho route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is divided into 2 days, allowing for a shorter period prior to the summit attempt so that climbers can rest properly. This route is a favorite pick because it offers a great balance of low traffic, scenic views, and a high summit success rate.

Day 1: Airport pick-up

Participating guests will be picked up by the staff of Afrima Luxury Travel from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). They will be driven to their accommodation in Arusha. Participants will be given a short briefing for the climb the next day. Kits and the necessary equipment will be checked as well. Upon booking confirmation, Gosheni Safaris will provide a more detailed guideline regarding climate, clothing, footwear, baggage, and equipment among others so that participants can fully prepare prior to this activity.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Planet Lodge Arusha.

Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp.

After breakfast, we will depart for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 2 hours. Here you would have to fill out entry formalities. Afterward, we will drive to the Lemosho trailhead (approximately one hour). Upon arrival at the trailhead, we will have our lunch and commence our walk through undisturbed forest which winds all the way to the first campsite.

Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest.

Main destination: Londorossi Gate

Accommodation: Budget camping

In or near Londorossi Gate

Meals: All meals included.

Day 3: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1

We will continue walking through the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. From here, you will witness an exhilarating view of Kibo from across the plateau.

Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland.

Main destination: Foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Budget camping

In or near the Foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & drinks: All meals included.

Day 4: Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

We will explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east towards Kibo’s glaciated peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft

Distance: 14 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Moorland.

Main destination: Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Budget camping

In or near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & drinks: All meals included.

Day 5: Shira Camp 2 to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, we will continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we will come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and spend the night. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Semi Desert.

Main destination: Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Budget camping

In or near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & drinks: All meals included.

Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall all the way to the Karanga Valley campsite. This will be a short day of walking intended for acclimatization.

Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft

Distance: 5km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Main destination: Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Budget camping

In or near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & drinks: All meals included.

Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail and then continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you would have completed the South Circuit, which offers stunning views of the summit from various angles. This is also where we will camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft

Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Main destination: Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Budget camping

In or near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & drinks: All meals included.

Day 8: Barafu Camp to Summit ( Uhuru Peak) to Mweka Hut 

At around 2 am, we will continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We will head northwest and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, we stop for a short rest and take in the magnificent sunrise you are most likely to see. You may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you would have reached the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the whole continent of Africa. From the summit, we descend straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site and stop at Barafu for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we will have our last dinner claiming our well-deserved sleep.

Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)

Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent

Habitat: Arctic.

Main destination: Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Budget camping

In or near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & drinks: All meals included.

Day 9: Mweka Hut to Arusha

After breakfast, we will continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy but gaiters and trekking poles will help. It is also best to keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. From the gate, you will continue for another hour to Mweka Village. From there, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha where dinner and accommodation await. Now is the best time to celebrate!

Accommodation: Own cost

Meals & drinks: All meals included.