Lemosho Route

Lemosho Route · 8 days

Package Overview

The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most beautiful way up Kilimanjaro. Starting on the mountain's quieter western side, it crosses the Shira Plateau before joining the Northern Circuit for exceptional acclimatization. Eight days on the mountain gives your body time to adjust properly, which is why Lemosho consistently posts some of the highest summit success rates of any route.

Highlights

• Highest summit success rate of any Kilimanjaro route
• Crosses the remote Shira Plateau
• Full extra acclimatization day at Barranco Camp
• Sunrise summit at Uhuru Peak, 5,895m

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 • Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Mti Mkubwa Camp

Drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, then trek through lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.

Day 1 Accommodation, Mti Mkubwa Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 2 • Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Climb out of the forest onto the open Shira Plateau, with wide views of Kibo's western face.

Day 2 Accommodation, Shira 1 Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 3 • Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp

A gentle day crossing the plateau, gaining altitude slowly for acclimatization.

Day 3 Accommodation, Shira 2 Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 4 • Shira 2 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Climb high to Lava Tower (4,600m) then descend to Barranco — "climb high, sleep low" acclimatization.

Note: Acclimatization tip: the altitude gain at Lava Tower helps your body adjust before you sleep lower, at Barranco.

Day 4 Accommodation, Barranco Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 5 • Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Scramble up the Barranco Wall, then trek across the Karanga Valley.

Day 5 Accommodation, Karanga Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 6 • Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

A shorter day to Barafu, base camp for the summit push. Early rest before the night ascent.

Note: Early dinner and lights-out — the summit push begins around midnight.

Day 6 Accommodation, Barafu Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 7 • Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Camp

Uhuru Peak, sunrise

Midnight start for the summit push, reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise, then descend all the way to Mweka Camp.

Day 7 Accommodation, Mweka Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 8 • Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where certificates are issued and your driver meets you.

Reviews of this trip

★★★★★ 4.9 · 845 reviews

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RO

Rachel Owens / United Kingdom · Sep 2026

Every one of us made the summit

Our guide read the mountain like a book — he adjusted our pace twice when altitude was clearly hitting people in the group, and every single one of us made the summit. Never felt like a number.

Read Review Lemosho Route