8 Days Lemosho Route - Kilimanjaro Climb

Day 1

Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp

Depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate (about 4 hours). Complete entry formalities, then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. After lunch, commence through undisturbed montane forest winding to Forest Camp. Elevation: 7,800ft to 9,500ft. Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Day 2

Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1

Continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen. Ascend through lush rolling hills and cross several streams, reaching the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Elevation: 9,500ft to 11,500ft. Hiking time: 5-6 hours.

Day 3

Shira Camp 1 to Moir Hut via Shira Plateau

Explore the Shira Plateau for a full day — a gentle walk east toward Kibo's glaciered peak across one of the highest plateaus on Earth. Continue to Moir Hut at the base of the Lent Hills, an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Elevation: 11,500ft to 13,800ft. Hiking time: 5-7 hours.

Day 4

Moir Hut to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Continue east up a ridge past the junction toward Kibo's peak, then head southeast to Lava Tower (the 'Shark's Tooth'). This day is vital for acclimatization — you end at a similar elevation but your body adapts significantly. Descend to Barranco Camp. Elevation: 13,800ft to 13,000ft. Hiking time: 4-6 hours.

Day 5

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a shorter day designed for acclimatization and rest. Elevation: 13,000ft to 13,100ft. Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

Day 6

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Leave Karanga and hit the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. Continue up to Barafu Hut — you have now completed the South Circuit with views of the summit from many angles. Here you make camp, rest, and prepare for summit day. Elevation: 13,100ft to 15,300ft. Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

Day 7

Summit Day — Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Hut

Very early (midnight to 2am), ascend between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers toward Stella Point (18,600ft) on the crater rim. From Stella Point, continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak (19,341ft) — the highest point in Africa. Descend to Mweka Hut. Elevation: 15,300ft to 19,345ft (down to 10,000ft). Hiking time: 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent.

Day 8

Mweka Camp to Moshi

After breakfast, continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. The trail through the rainforest can be wet and muddy. From the gate, continue to Mweka Village where a vehicle meets you to drive back to your hotel in Moshi. Elevation: 10,000ft to 5,400ft. Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Best time

June-October, January-March

Permits & logistics

Park fees and mountain permits required