--- title: "Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route" description: "We offer a seven day and an eight day climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro using the Lemosho route. Both offer good acclimatization and wonderful views enroute. This route has a beautiful approach through the forest on the first day through the Lemosho Glades from the west before joining the Machame trail at the Shira Plateau and contouring around the dramatic southern flank of the mountain via Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp and then on to Barafu camp for the summit push. The descent is via Millennium Camp and through Mweka Gate. The Lemosho Route is a camping trip for an average group using top quality mountain tents, comfortable mattresses, and qualified guides, porters who carry the bags and equipment, and cooks who provide fresh, tasty food every day. The ratio of guide: climber is 1:2. Our local guides have been with us for many years and are all trained, qualified, experienced and great fun. The 8 day option has a particularly good summit success rate, the extra day makes a difference to how you feel and there are three nights sleeping at the same altitude. The 7 day option is about an 85% summit success rate and we don't offer anything less because it is just too dangerous to consider climbing Kilimanjaro in 6 days. 7 nights Mount Kilimanjaro" canonical_url: "https://flashmctours.com/tour/mount-kilimanjaro-lemosho-route/" md_url: "https://flashmctours.com/tour/mount-kilimanjaro-lemosho-route.md" last_updated: "2026-05-23T09:59:12+00:00" --- # Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route We offer a seven day and an eight day climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro using the Lemosho route. Both offer good acclimatization and wonderful views enroute. This route has a beautiful approach through the forest on the first day through the Lemosho Glades from the west before joining the Machame trail at the Shira Plateau and contouring around the dramatic southern flank of the mountain via Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp and then on to Barafu camp for the summit push. The descent is via Millennium Camp and through Mweka Gate. The Lemosho Route is a camping trip for an average group using top quality mountain tents, comfortable mattresses, and qualified guides, porters who carry the bags and equipment, and cooks who provide fresh, tasty food every day. The ratio of guide: climber is 1:2. Our local guides have been with us for many years and are all trained, qualified, experienced and great fun. The 8 day option has a particularly good summit success rate, the extra day makes a difference to how you feel and there are three nights sleeping at the same altitude. The 7 day option is about an 85% summit success rate and we don't offer anything less because it is just too dangerous to consider climbing Kilimanjaro in 6 days. 7 nights Mount Kilimanjaro ## Tour facts - Duration: 8 days - From: USD 2,045 ## Itinerary ### 1. Moshi - Londorossi Gate - Forest Camp We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site. Elevation: 7,800ft to 9,500ft Distance: 6 km Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest ### 2. Forest Camp - Shira Camp 1 We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing. Elevation: 9,500ft to 11,500ft Distance: 8 km Hiking Time 5-6 hours Habitat: Moorland ### 3. Shira Camp 1 - Shira 2 to Moir Hut We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. Elevation: 11,500ft to 13,800 ft Distance: 14 km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Moorland ### 4. Moir Hut Lava Tower to Barranco Camp From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. Elevation: 13,800ft to 13,000ft Distance: 7 km Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Semi Desert ### 5. Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization. Elevation: 13,000ft to 13,100ft Distance: 5km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert ### 6. Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position. Elevation: 13,100ft to 15,300ft Distance: 4 km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert ### 7. Barafu Camp to Summit - Mweka Hut Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Elevation: 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft) Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent Habitat: Arctic ### 8. Mweka Camp - Moshi After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi. Elevation: 10,000ft to 5,400ft Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest --- Full details and booking: https://flashmctours.com/tour/mount-kilimanjaro-lemosho-route/