8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route: Sunrise at Stella Point

Eight days through rainforest, moorland and glaciers to Africa's highest peak

An 8-day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, a route known for its high success rate and scenic variety. You climb from rainforest through moorland and alpine desert to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, watching sunrise from Stella Point before the final push to the summit. The trek includes an experienced local guide, all meals, filtered water, transport from Moshi, and health monitoring with oxygen and pulse oximeter on summit day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

• Drive from Moshi to Kilimanjaro Gate
• Wait for permits at park gate
• Hike through rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira I Camp

• Breakfast at camp
• Hike ascending trail to Shira Plateau rim
• Arrive at Shira I Camp

Day 3: Shira I Camp to Shira Hut

• Explore Shira Plateau eastward
• Walk to Shira 2 Camp
• Continue to Moir Hut for acclimatization

Day 4: Shira Hut to Barranco Camp

• Hike ridge towards Lava Tower
• Pass junction to Arrow Glacier
• Descend to Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Climb Barranco Wall ridge
• Reach Karanga Valley junction
• Overnight at Karanga Camp

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Hike ascending trail to Barafu Camp
• Rest and prepare for summit night

Day 7: Summit Day and Descent to Mweka Camp

• Start summit climb around midnight
• Ascend to Stella Point for sunrise
• Reach Uhuru Peak, highest point
• Descend to Barafu Camp for lunch
• Continue descent to Mweka Camp

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Moshi

• Breakfast and farewell ceremony
• Descend to Mweka Gate
• Receive summit certificates
• Drive back to hotel in Moshi

The experience

The Lemosho Route starts with a three-hour drive from Moshi through mountainside villages to Lemosho Gate, then climbs through rainforest where the trail is muddy and steep. By day three you emerge onto the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth, where the air thins and temperatures drop. The route crosses moorland meadows and semi-desert terrain, passing the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth", before descending to Barranco Camp. Days five and six take you up the steep Barranco Wall and across the South Circuit, which circles Kibo and offers views of the summit from many angles. You sleep at Barafu Camp, the staging point for the final push.

Summit day begins between midnight and 2 a.m., the most physically demanding stretch of the climb. You ascend in switchbacks between Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers toward Stella Point, where you stop to watch the sunrise over Africa before continuing for another hour to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the continent. The descent is steep through loose gravel and ash, dropping to Mweka Camp for rest and a final night on the mountain. On day eight you walk down through rainforest to Mweka Gate to collect your summit certificate, then a vehicle meets you at Mweka village for the drive back to Moshi.

Your guide is a licensed, locally experienced climber who has summited Kilimanjaro many times and speaks English throughout the trek. The team provides nutritious meals at each camp, filtered water for the entire climb, and health monitoring on summit day with an oxygen cylinder and pulse oximeter. Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended for the muddy lower sections and the loose terrain near the summit. Twenty-five percent of every booking supports the Upendo Mama Africa Orphanage Center.

What’s included

• Transportation from Moshi to Lemosho Gate and back to your hotel after descent.
• all meals at each camp.
• filtered water throughout the trek.
• health monitoring on summit day with oxygen cylinder and pulse oximeter.
• an experienced English-speaking local guide.
• your summit certificate at Mweka Gate.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 23:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (45 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 80 years) · Youth (17 to 44 years) · Child (12 to 16 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Kilimanjaro Umoja Tours

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English throughout the trek, so you can follow the commentary and ask questions at each camp and stop. Children are welcome from age 12 if they have moderate fitness. The eight-day pace allows steady acclimatization, which is especially important for younger climbers.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (17 to 44 years); Child (12 to 16 years). Under 12: they can't be included in the booking.

What is the Lemosho Route known for compared to other Kilimanjaro routes?

The Lemosho Route is known for its beauty, high success rate, and breathtaking sunrise views from Stella Point. It approaches the mountain from the west and circles the South Circuit, offering views of the summit from many different angles before the final ascent.

What happens on summit day?

Summit day begins between midnight and 2 a.m. You climb in switchbacks between Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers toward Stella Point, where you watch the sunrise before continuing for another hour to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, you descend steeply to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and rest.

What kind of physical fitness do I need?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The trek involves eight days of walking at high altitude with significant elevation gain, particularly on summit day when you climb 1,233 meters in 5 to 7 hours. The trek is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.

What is included in the trek cost?

The trek includes transportation to and from the mountain, all meals at each camp, filtered water throughout the climb, a licensed English-speaking guide, health monitoring with oxygen and pulse oximeter on summit day, and your summit certificate at Mweka Gate. Transport back to your hotel in Moshi is also included.

What do I need to bring or arrange separately?

You will need a valid passport and should arrange your Tanzanian visa before arrival. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended for the muddy lower sections and loose gravel near the summit. These can often be rented locally. Any personal expenses are your responsibility.