Lemosho Route 8-Day Kilimanjaro Itinerary: Day-by-Day Guide
Date Published
Day 1: Lemosho Start Point to Big Tree Camp
Start: Lemosho Start Point (2385m)
End: Big Tree Camp (2708m)
Distance: Approximately 4.8km
Hiking Time: About 2 hours
Your journey starts with a 2-hour drive from Moshi town to the Lemosho starting point, including an African massage (bumpy road ride). Enjoy the scenic Tanzanian countryside along the way. After paying park fees at Londorossi Gate, you will continue to the starting point at 2385m. Begin your hike, keeping an eye out for black and white colobus monkeys. Lucky hikers might spot buffalo or elephants. Camp overnight at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp, named for its large conifer trees providing shade.
Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Start: Big Tree Camp (2708m)
End: Shira 1 Camp (3500m)
Distance: Approximately 7.9km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Leave the forested glades and enter moorland with stunning views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak. The day involves a 700m elevation gain. Your guide will ensure a slow pace to prevent altitude sickness. The trail features small ups and downs before climbing a ridge. After lunch, follow the path laid out ahead across the Shira Plateau to Shira 1 Camp.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira Huts via Shira Cathedral
Start: Shira 1 Camp (3500m)
End: Shira Huts (3895m)
Via: Shira Cathedral (3862m)
Distance: Approximately 10.5km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Cross the plateau to Shira Huts, with an optional excursion to Shira Cathedral for extra acclimatization. On the way to the cathedral, admire the lobelias and animal tracks. From the summit of the cathedral, enjoy clear views of Kibo and the Machame route. Continue to Shira Huts, passing along the crater rim and the helipad.
Day 4: Shira Huts to Barranco Camp
Start: Shira Huts (3895m)
End: Barranco Camp (3960m)
Distance: Approximately 10.1km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
This is your final morning on the quieter Lemosho route. Trek through valleys with lobelia and heather, then the alpine desert. The first few hours are steady uphill walking. Divert to Lava Tower Rock for extra acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp, where a warm cup of soup will welcome you at dinner.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Start: Barranco Camp (3980m)
End: Karanga Camp (4035m)
Distance: Approximately 6.6km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
This shorter day starts with a climb up "Breakfast Rock" for views of Kibo Peak and Mt Meru. Traverse ups and downs before reaching the valley, the last water point on the route. Ascend to Karanga Camp for a relaxing afternoon before dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Start: Karanga Camp (4035m)
End: Barafu Camp (4640m)
Distance: Approximately 3.9km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
The trail steadily steepens towards Barafu Camp, passing volcanic rocks. Arrive at Barafu Camp around 1pm for a hot lunch, then rest and prepare for the summit night.
Summit Night: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Start: Barafu Camp (4640m)
End: Uhuru Peak (5895m)
Distance: Approximately 10.8km (round trip)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 2-3 hours descent to Barafu Camp
Your guide will wake you around 11pm for the final ascent. Proceed slowly to cope with the altitude. Upon reaching Stella Point (5735m), you will have a short walk to Uhuru Peak, where you will witness a magnificent sunrise. Celebrate your achievement before descending back to Barafu Camp.
Day 7: Summit to Mweka Camp
Start: Uhuru Peak (5895m)
End: Mweka Camp (3080m)
Distance: Approximately 10.8km
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours descent to Barafu Camp, 4-5 hours to Mweka Camp
Descend from the summit to Barafu Camp for a short break and breakfast. Continue descending to Mweka Camp, passing from desert to moorland terrain. Arrive at Mweka Camp around 5pm. Enjoy the celebratory atmosphere at camp before an early night.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Start: Mweka Camp (3080m)
End: Mweka Gate (1800m)
Distance: Approximately 8.5km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Descend through the montane forest, watching for monkeys and birds, until you reach Mweka Gate. Sign out of the park and transfer back to our office in town for your certificate presentation, then return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.