The 8-day Lemosho ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro is the greatest for acclimatization. The less traveled and scenic route leads up to the Shira Plateau.
The Lemosho trail can be hiked in 6 days at the very least, but 8 days is highly advised. Your body will have more time to acclimate on the extra day, which will lessen the effects of altitude sickness and give you more time to recuperate before attempting the summit.

Day 1 – Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Londorossi Gate, Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Drive to the Londorossi Park Gate after breakfast and briefing (3-hour drive). From here 4WD vehicle leads will pick you to Lemosho Glades. To reach the Mti Mkubwa (large tree) campsite, follow the woodland pathways.

Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 – Hike Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

We continue after breakfast as the trail increasingly becomes steeper and enters the area of massive heather moors. We proceed across a number of streams before gently descending to Shira 1 camp, which is situated by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Hike Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

After breakfast, you can reach Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows near a stream by taking a leisurely trek across the plateau. The Plateau offers a range of hikes, making it a great day for acclimatization.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Hike Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

We proceed eastward from the Shira Plateau along a hill, past the intersection that leads to Kibo’s peak. As we proceed, we turn to the south-east in the direction of the “Shark’s Tooth” Lava Tower (4650m/15,250ft). We reach the second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier, not far from the tower. Moving on, we descend to the Barranco Camp.

Despite the fact that you start and end the day at around the same altitude, this day is crucial for acclimatization and will assist your body get ready for summit day.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

We will leave Barranco after breakfast and proceed over a rocky slope up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the intersection of the Mweka Trail.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We keep going until we reach Barafu Camp. The South Circuit, which provides views of the peak from numerous viewpoints, will be finished. We set up camp here, take a nap, eat dinner, and get ready for the summit day.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

We shall proceed to the peak between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers very early in the morning. You travel northwest and make your way over steep scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The hardest part of the hike is right now. You will take a little break at Stella Point and be rewarded with the most breathtaking sunrise ever. On your hour-long journey from Stella Point to Mount Kilimanjaro’s peak (Uhuru Peak), you might run into snow the entire way.

After pausing at Barafu for lunch, we start our descent from the mountain by going straight down to the Mweka Camp. For the loose gravel coming down, gaiters and trekking poles can be useful. We reach Mweka Camp and take in our final night on the mountain.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi

We continue our descent to the Mweka Park Gate after breakfast so you can pick up your summit certificates. It could be muddy and damp at lower altitudes. Trekking poles and gaiters will be useful. Most likely, there will be enough to wear: shorts and t-shirts (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

You will be picked up by a car at Mweka Gate and transported back to your accommodation in Arusha or Moshi (about 30 minutes).

Breakfast