Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route: 8-Day Trek with Acclimatization Hike

Summary

Trek through rainforest moorland & summit with local guides on kilimanjaro

You’ll trek Kilimanjaro’s Lemosho route from Moshi with a local guide and support team—crossing rainforest into alpine desert, sharing stories over camp meals, and tackling Cathedral Peak for acclimatization before your summit push. Expect laughter at camp, honest challenges on Barranco Wall, and sunrise views you’ll remember long after your legs stop aching.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that went sideways was my rain jacket — left it in Moshi, of course. Our guide, Joseph, just grinned and handed me a spare. “No worries,” he said, but I could see the other porters quietly sizing up my city sneakers. The drive to Londorossi Gate was longer than I’d expected (and bumpier), but the air smelled like wet earth and eucalyptus. By the time we started walking under those tangled trees, I’d already sweated through my shirt. It felt real — not like some Instagram thing, but like I was actually doing this climb.

Joseph kept pointing out birds I’d never have noticed (one with this wild blue head — he called it a turaco?) and every so often we’d pass another group, all bundled up and quiet. Our camp at Shira Plateau that night was freezing; I remember lying in the tent listening to someone snoring nearby and thinking about how far we still had to go. The next morning’s light made everything gold for a minute before the clouds rolled in again. Breakfast tasted mostly like instant coffee and dust, but somehow it hit the spot.

The acclimatization hike up Cathedral Peak was harder than I thought — legs burning, lungs tight — but Joseph kept us moving slow. He told stories about his first summit as a porter when he was seventeen. At Lava Tower I tried to eat lunch but couldn’t taste much except the tang of tomato soup and cold wind on my face. There were moments when I wondered if I’d make it (especially scrambling up Barranco Wall — don’t look down), but everyone cheered each other on. Even now, weeks later, I can still hear that silence above Barafu Camp before our summit push — just boots crunching on frozen gravel and someone whispering “pole pole.”

I didn’t expect to feel so small or so stubborn at the same time. When we finally reached Uhuru Peak after hours of shuffling in the dark, Joseph hugged me hard enough to knock the breath out of me. The sun came up behind us and suddenly there was color everywhere — pink snow, blue shadows, everyone’s faces cracked wide open with relief or maybe disbelief. On the way down my knees hated me but honestly? That view is stuck in my head for good.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moshi to Londorossi Gate

• Breakfast and briefing at hotel
• Drive to Londorossi Park Gate

Day 2 — Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

• Hike steep trail to moorland zone
• Cross Shira Ridge
• Overnight at Shira 1 Camp

Day 3 — Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp

• Trek across plateau
• Arrive at Shira 2 Camp by stream

Day 4 — Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

• Breakfast at camp
• Hike steep path toward Kilimanjaro

Day 5 — Barranco to Karanga Camp

• Breakfast at Barranco Camp
• Climb Barranco Wall
• Continue to Karanga Camp

Day 6 — Karanga to Barafu Camp

• Hike from Karanga to Barafu Camp

Day 7 — Summit and descend to Mweka

• Summit Kilimanjaro
• Descend to Barafu Camp
• Continue descent to Mweka Camp

Day 8 — Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

• Hike from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
• End of Kilimanjaro Lemosho route

Top questions

How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route?

The Lemosho route takes 8 days from Moshi to Mweka Gate.

Is hotel pickup included for the Kilimanjaro Lemosho trek?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Moshi town is included before starting the trek.

Do you get meals during the Kilimanjaro climb?

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided throughout the trekking days.

What is the highest point reached on this tour?

The highest point is Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Are camping equipment and sleeping mats provided?

Yes, quality tents and sleeping mattresses are included for all nights on the mountain.

Is an acclimatization hike part of this itinerary?

Yes, there is an acclimatization hike to Cathedral Peak during the trek.

Who leads the Kilimanjaro Lemosho route trek?

A professional local guide leads your group throughout the climb.

What’s included

Your experience includes hotel pickup in Moshi town to Londorossi Gate at the start of your journey as well as drop-off back at your hotel after finishing at Mweka Gate; all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners while trekking; a professional Kilimanjaro hiking guide; quality camping equipment including tents and sleeping mattresses; an acclimatization hike to Cathedral Peak; plus a trekking certificate when you finish.