Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

A spectacular 8-day ascent combining lush rainforest, expansive moorlands, the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall and the final climb to Uhuru Peak.

Estimated From $2,899 / PERSON
Duration

08 DAYS

Distance

51.5 KM ↑

Summit

5,895 M

Route Profile

ADVENTURE

Expedition Intelligence

Quick Facts

Starting Point

Lemosho Gate

Western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park.

Tour Duration

8 Days

7 nights on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Hiking Distance

51.5 KM ↑

20 KM descending.

Elevation Gain

3,795 M

From the starting point toward the summit.

Highest Point

5,895 M

Uhuru Peak — the Roof of Africa.

Difficulty Level

Challenging

Challenging terrain balanced with strong acclimatization opportunities.

Popularity

Popular

Suitable for trekkers of all levels seeking adventure and breathtaking views.

Accommodation

High-Quality Tents

Two-person tents, mattresses and private portable toilets.

* ALL ESTIMATED PRICES ARE PER PERSON, BASED ON A 2 PERSON TREK.

Expedition Brief

The Lemosho Route

With excellent acclimatization opportunities, Lemosho combines adventure, diverse landscapes and breathtaking nature throughout the journey to Mount Kilimanjaro's summit.

From lush rainforests to rugged highlands, this route provides a varied experience of the mountain's landscapes.

Estimated Price
$2,899 USD / PERSON
01. ENTRY

Lemosho Gate

Western gateway into Kilimanjaro National Park.

02. RAINFOREST

Mti Mkubwa Camp

Begin through lush rainforest and rich mountain ecosystems.

03. PLATEAU

Shira I → Shira II

Transition into open moorlands and the expansive Shira Plateau.

04. HIGH ALTITUDE

Lava Tower

Critical acclimatization point at 4,600 metres.

05. BARRANCO

Barranco Wall

Iconic steep section followed by the descent toward Karanga Camp.

06. BASE CAMP

Karanga → Barafu

Move through high-altitude terrain toward the summit staging camp.

07. SUMMIT

Stella Point → Uhuru Peak

5,756 m → 5,895 m — the final ascent to the Roof of Africa.

Expedition Log

Day-to-Day Itinerary

These itineraries are a starting point to help you plan your Kilimanjaro adventure. Arena Africa Safaris specializes in creating tailor-made tours and personalized adventures fully customized around your personal preferences.

DAY 00

Arrival

Setting Foot in the Land of Kilimanjaro

  • 01 After landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our transfer team will take you to your hotel in Arusha.
  • 02 Meet your Kilimanjaro trekking guide for a detailed briefing and equipment check to ensure you're fully prepared for the climb.
  • 03 Enjoy dinner, relax and rest well before your journey to the Roof of Africa begins.
DAY 01

Mti Mkubwa

Lemosho Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp

Start your adventure after breakfast with a drive to Lemosho Gate at 2,100 m, the western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park.

After permits are secured, begin trekking through lush rainforest toward Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2,650 m. A raincoat is essential and wildlife may be encountered along the trail.

Upon arrival, your professional mountain crew will have prepared the tents and a warm meal.

Altitude

2,100 → 2,650 M

Distance

7 KM

Duration

3–4 HRS

DAY 02

Shira I

Mti Mkubwa Camp → Shira I Camp

After an early breakfast, depart Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2,650 m and gradually ascend toward Shira I Camp at 3,610 m.

Experience breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano for the first time as the landscape transitions from rainforest into open moorlands.

Altitude

2,650 → 3,610 M

Distance

7 KM

Duration

4–5 HRS

DAY 03

Shira II

Shira I Camp → Shira II Camp

Continue through expansive moorlands toward Shira II Camp at 3,850 m.

The terrain is relatively easy, although temperatures can drop and chilly winds are possible. Upon arrival, relax, explore the area or rest in your tent while the team prepares dinner.

Altitude

3,610 → 3,850 M

Distance

10 KM

Duration

4–5 HRS

DAY 04

Lava Tower

The Lava Tower

Following breakfast at Shira II Camp, set out toward one of the route's critical acclimatization points: Lava Tower at 4,600 m.

This section can be challenging because of the altitude, but it is an important part of the acclimatization process. Spend time at Lava Tower for lunch and a well-deserved break.

Altitude

3,850 → 4,600 M

Distance

7 KM

Duration

4–5 HRS

DAY 04

Barranco

Descending to Barranco Camp

After the Lava Tower break, descend to Barranco Camp at 3,900 m where dinner and overnight accommodation await.

This is your first glimpse of the famous Barranco Wall, impressive because of its massive size and steep ascent.

Altitude

4,600 → 3,900 M

Distance

3 KM

Duration

2–3 HRS

DAY 05

Karanga

The Great Barranco Wall & Karanga Camp

After an early breakfast, begin your ascent of the iconic Barranco Wall at 4,202 m.

Though steep, the climb is not technical and can be completed in approximately one hour. At the top, take in panoramic views of Kibo Peak before continuing toward Karanga Camp at 3,995 m.

Altitude

3,900 → 4,202 → 3,995 M

Distance

6 KM

Duration

4–5 HRS

Acclimatization Protocol

Hike Toward Barafu Camp

In the afternoon, take a short acclimatization trek toward Barafu Camp at 4,270 m before returning to Karanga Camp for dinner and overnight.

Gentle altitude-gain hikes are designed to help the body adjust to thinner air and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

ALTITUDE

3,995 → 4,270 → 3,995 M

DISTANCE

2.5 KM

DURATION

1–2 HRS

DAY 06

Barafu

Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp

Fuel up with breakfast at Karanga Camp before heading toward Barafu Summit Camp at 4,673 m, your base for the final trek to the summit.

As you ascend, the landscape becomes increasingly barren, rocky and cold. The team will have camp prepared so you can conserve energy for the summit attempt.

Altitude

3,995 → 4,673 M

Distance

4 KM

Duration

4–5 HRS

5895
Summit Operation

The Roof Of Africa

5,895 METRES. UHURU PEAK

Uhuru Peak

Begin your summit attempt at midnight from Barafu Camp at 4,673 m, aiming to reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m by sunrise.

Along the way, pass Stella Point at 5,756 m. The climb is not technically difficult, but the extreme altitude makes it exceptionally challenging.

Reaching Africa's highest point is the defining moment of the expedition.

Altitude

4,673 → 5,756 → 5,895 M

Distance

5 KM

Duration

6–7 HRS

5,895 M Highest Point
In Africa
DAY 07

Mweka

The Descent Back to Mweka Camp

After celebrating your success and taking in the breathtaking views, descend back to Barafu Camp at 4,673 m for a rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp at 3,100 m.

Descending is significantly faster, but the trail remains steep and demanding, particularly after the full morning of summit trekking.

Altitude

5,895 → 4,673 → 3,100 M

Distance

10 KM

Duration

6–7 HRS

* 2 HOURS OF REST AT BARAFU CAMP EXCLUDED.

DAY 08

Completion

Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate

Start your descent after breakfast through lush rainforests toward Mweka Gate at 1,640 m, your exit point from Kilimanjaro.

At the gate, your Kilimanjaro Certificate of Achievement will be presented before you transfer back to your hotel in Arusha for a refreshing shower, dinner and relaxation.

Altitude

3,100 → 1,640 M

Distance

10 KM

Duration

3–4 HRS

Included

Expedition Includes

  • + All entrance fees including government taxes.
  • + All activities unless indicated as optional.
  • + All accommodations mentioned in the itinerary.
  • + Professional driver and mountain guide.
  • + Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • + Unlimited bottles of drinking water.
  • + Transportation to and from the mountain.
  • + Airport pick-up and drop-off.
  • + Camping equipment and porter services.
  • + Official KINAPA certificates.
Excluded

Not Included

  • × International and/or domestic flights.
  • × Tips.
  • × Tanzania visa — USD 50.
  • × Medical and travel insurance.
  • × Local SIM card.
  • × Personal expenses and souvenirs.
  • × Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and unspecified meals.
  • × Climbing gear unless rented upon request.
  • × Medical evacuation by helicopter.
  • × Government-initiated increases in taxes or park fees.
ARENA AFRICA SAFARIS

LET THE WILD CLAIM
YOUR STORY.

The thundering herds of the plains, the frozen snow-lines of the peaks, and the pristine quiet of hidden archipelagos are ready.

Don't leave your definitive African odyssey to chance, co-design it alongside the architects at Arena Africa Safaris.