Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route – 6, 7 or 8 DaysScenic Camping Route
Mountain Trek (Camping Route)
Lemosho Glades • Shira Plateau • Barranco • Karanga • Barafu • Mweka • Uhuru Peak
Description
Climb Kilimanjaro via the beautiful Lemosho Route. Starting on the western slopes, Lemosho traverses the Shira Plateau with expansive views and offers excellent acclimatization through climb-high, sleep-low profiles. The recommended 7–8 day plans improve comfort and summit success.
Choose 6, 7 or 8 days: 6 days is the quicker ascent; 7–8 days add acclimatization across the Shira Plateau or at Karanga for improved success. Fully supported with experienced mountain guides, porters, meals, park fees and transfers.
Trek Highlights
Camping route: Lemosho Glades, Shira, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu; Mweka exit
Panoramic traverse across Shira Plateau with excellent acclimatization
Optional acclimatization day at Karanga (7–8 day plans)
Summit attempt from Barafu to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Experienced mountain guides, porters and meals included
Itinerary
Day 1: Lemosho Glades to Mti Mkubwa
3–4 hours • 6–8km • ~2,100m to ~2,780m
Transfer to Lemosho Gate. Trek through lush forest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp. Dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1
4–6 hours • ~8km • ~2,780m to ~3,500m
Climb onto the Shira Plateau with expanding views across the plains. Overnight at Shira 1.
Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2
3–4 hours • ~6km • ~3,500m to ~3,840m
Gentle traverse across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 with optional acclimatization hikes. Overnight in tents.
Day 4: Shira 2 to Barranco via Lava Tower
6–8 hours • ~10km • ~3,840m → ~4,600m → ~3,960m
Acclimatization day: ascend to Lava Tower, then descend to Barranco Camp. Climb-high, sleep-low benefits. Overnight in tents.
Day 5: Barranco to Karanga
4–5 hours • ~6km • ~3,960m to ~4,035m
Climb the Barranco Wall and undulate across valleys to Karanga Camp. Overnight in tents.
Day 6: Karanga to Barafu
3–4 hours • ~4km • ~4,035m to ~4,640m
Short climb to Barafu High Camp. Early dinner and rest. Prepare for the midnight summit push.
Day 7: Summit Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Camp
10–14 hours • 4,640m → 5,895m → ~3,110m
Start around midnight to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak. Celebrate and descend to Barafu, then continue down to Mweka Camp. Overnight in tents.
Day 8 (for 7–8 days): Exit Mweka Gate & Transfer
3–4 hours • ~10km • ~3,110m to ~1,640m
Descend through forest to Mweka Gate for sign-out and certificate collection. Transfer back to Moshi/Arusha. Trip ends.
Includes & Excludes
Kilimanjaro park fees and camping fees
Certified mountain guide, porters and cook
All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Drinking water during the trek
Transfers: Moshi/Arusha ↔ Lemosho Gate / Mweka Gate
Rescue fees and government taxes
International flights and Tanzania visa
Travel & medical insurance (mandatory)
Personal trekking gear (boots, clothing, sleeping bag)
Hotels before/after trek and meals in town
Tips for crew (guide, porters, cook)
Optional personal snacks and alcoholic beverages
Frequently Asked Questions
The best seasons are June–October and January–March for stable weather and clearer skies. Expect cold nights near Barafu and potential rains in April–May and November. We’ll advise the ideal window based on your dates.
Lemosho is a camping route. We provide four-season tents, sleeping mattresses and hot meals prepared by our mountain crew. There are no huts along the Lemosho trail. Bring a warm sleeping bag and personal toiletries.
Lemosho is considered moderate with excellent acclimatization on 7–8 day itineraries. The summit day is long. Suitable for fit trekkers; regular training (hikes, cardio) and proper gear are important.
Essential items: sturdy trekking boots, layered clothing, waterproof jacket/pants, warm hat and gloves, headlamp with spare batteries, trekking poles, SPF sunscreen, 3L hydration system, personal meds, and a 4-season sleeping bag. A detailed packing list will be provided.
We generally recommend Kilimanjaro treks for ages 12+ with good fitness. Altitude affects everyone differently; minors must trek with a responsible adult and follow guide advice. Contact us to assess suitability for your family and choose the right plan.