8-day Lemosho Route Mount Kilimanjaro climb from Moshi

The first two days are quiet forest trails before the route joins the busier Machame path higher up.

The 8-day Lemosho Route is a Mount Kilimanjaro climb starting west of the mountain near Moshi, approaching through forest and moorland with steady acclimatization. You walk from Londorossi Gate through montane forest to high-altitude camps, cross the Shira Plateau, navigate the Barranco Wall, and summit Uhuru Peak before descending through the Mweka Route back to the gate. The route's early days see lighter foot traffic and better scenery than the crowded alternatives.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Moshi to Mkubwa Camp

• Travel from Moshi to Londorossi Gate
• Walk to Lemosho Glades
• Hike 3 hours to Mti Mkubwa campsite

Day 2: Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp 1

• Hike trail steepening to heather moorland
• Cross Shira Ridge to Shira Camp 1

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

• Walk across plateau to Shira Camp 2

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 to Barranco Camp

• Hike steep path toward Kilimanjaro mass
• Walk through rocky landscape to Lava Tower
• Descend to Barranco Camp valley

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Climb Barranco Wall obstacle
• Enjoy views near Heim Glacier
• Rest or explore afternoon at camp

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Hike east over ridges to Mweka Route
• Ascend ridge to Barafu Hut
• Receive hot lunch at Barafu Camp

Day 7: Summit Day: Barafu to Uhuru Peak

• Rise at 11:30 PM, drink tea and biscuits
• Climb 6 hours to Stella Point
• Hike to Uhuru Peak summit
• Descend 3 hours to Barafu Camp
• Rest, collect gear, hike to Mweka Camp

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

• Breakfast at camp
• Hike 3 hours to park gate
• Lunch at Mweka Village
• Drive back to Moshi hotel

The experience

The Lemosho Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, a relatively newer path built around steady climbing and acclimatization rather than speed. Your first two days stay quiet (walking forest trails from Londorossi Gate through montane forest to Mti Mkubwa Camp, then across moorland to Shira Camp 1 and 2) before the route joins the more popular Machame path higher on the mountain. This spacing gives your body time to adjust to altitude without the congestion of the busier corridors.

Days 4 through 6 take you up through changing terrain: a steep hike past Lava Tower (a prominent rocky landmark with photo opportunities, especially if ice festoons the walls) down into Barranco Camp in a valley below the Great Barranco Walls. Then a climb up the Barranco Wall itself, which looks harder than it is, topping out near the Heim Glacier where you can see Mawenzi's jagged peaks to the east. From Karanga Camp you hike over ridges and valleys to join the Mweka descent route, arriving at Barafu Camp for your final rest before the summit push.

Summit day starts around 11:30 PM with tea and biscuits, then a 6-hour climb northwest through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim. The most challenging stretch for most climbers. From there you walk the rim to Uhuru Peak, where you stand at 5,895 meters. After a 3-hour descent back to Barafu Camp, you collect your gear and hike down through moorland into forest to Mweka Camp. On your final morning, a 3-hour walk through scenic terrain brings you back to Mweka Gate, where lunch and a drive to Moshi await.

What’s included

• All accommodation at mountain camps and your hotel in Moshi.
• a live guide who speaks English, French or German.
• pickup from Moshi.
• meals at camp and the final lunch in Mweka Village.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 88 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Golden Summit Adventures

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English, French or German, so choose the language that lets you follow the commentary comfortably throughout the eight days. The Lemosho Route suits anyone with moderate fitness who wants steady acclimatization and quieter trails in the early days, before joining the main climbing corridor higher on the mountain.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (6 to 10 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Barranco Wall and how hard is it to climb?

The Barranco Wall is an imposing rocky obstacle between Barranco Camp and Karanga Camp that looks harder than it actually is to climb. You ascend a steep ridge to reach it, top out just below the Heim Glacier, and from there can see how the mountain's full beauty unfolds, including the jagged Mawenzi peaks to the east.

How much time do I spend walking each day on the Lemosho Route?

Day 1 includes a 3-hour walk from Lemosho Glades to Mti Mkubwa Camp through forest trails. Other days vary in length and steepness. The route is designed for steady acclimatization rather than long daily marches, with afternoons at leisure for rest or exploring once you reach camp.

Why does the Lemosho Route have better acclimatization than other Kilimanjaro routes?

The Lemosho Route climbs gradually over eight days with a steady incline, giving your body time to adjust to altitude. The first two days stay at lower elevations in quiet forest before the path joins the busier Machame route higher on the mountain, so you gain elevation slowly rather than all at once.

What happens on summit day and how long does it take?

You start around 11:30 PM from Barafu Camp with tea and biscuits, then climb for 6 hours northwest through heavy scree between two glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim. From there you walk the rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, then descend 3 hours back to Barafu Camp before hiking down to Mweka Camp the same day.

Do I need any special fitness level or experience to climb the Lemosho Route?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The route is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or spinal injuries, and is not suitable for pregnant travelers. Children are welcome from age 6 onward.