The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the best options for proper acclimatization, offering a quiet, scenic ascent toward the Shira Plateau. Its early stages pass through wild, unspoiled forests, where climbers may be accompanied by an armed ranger due to the presence of buffalo, elephants, and other wildlife around the Lemosho Glades.
While the minimum itinerary for this route is six days, we highly recommend a seven-day climb. The extra day provides crucial acclimatization time, helping minimize altitude-related challenges and allowing for better rest and preparation before the summit push.
Upon arrival—if you have arranged optional airport transfers—Kili Vista Expeditions will warmly welcome you at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Settle in, relax, and recover from your journey.
You must plan to arrive at least one day before the trek begins. Later in the day, your lead mountain guide will meet you at the hotel for a detailed pre-trek briefing. During this session, we will review your itinerary, discuss mountain conditions, explain safety protocols, and answer any questions you may have. Your gear will also be checked thoroughly, and any missing items can be rented. The remainder of the day is free—enjoy Moshi’s lively cafés, rest at the hotel, or explore town—while mentally preparing for the adventure ahead.
After an early breakfast, your guide and support team will pick you up and drive toward Lemosho Gate, located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. After completing registration formalities, the expedition continues via a 4×4 track into the lush Lemosho Glades, where the trek officially begins.
Today’s hike is gentle and scenic, moving through thick, ancient rainforest filled with birdlife, towering trees, and occasional sightings of monkeys or forest antelopes. The trail leads to Mti Mkubwa—also known as “Big Tree” Camp—your first overnight stop.
Elevation: 1,830m/6,000ft → 2,650m/8,700ft
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, the trail gradually climbs out of the rainforest and into the heather and moorland zone. The terrain opens up, revealing breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most impressive geological features.
You will cross several streams and continue up and over the Shira Ridge, passing the Shira 1 Camp before trekking across expansive moorland meadows to reach Shira 2 Camp. Spend the evening acclimatising, relaxing, and enjoying views of Kibo Peak glowing in the late-day sun.
Elevation: 2,650m/8,700ft → 3,850m/12,600ft
Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Your journey continues across the Shira Plateau, steadily ascending toward the eastern ridge. You will pass a junction leading toward Kibo Peak, eventually reaching the famous Lava Tower—also called the “Shark’s Tooth”—at 4,650m/15,250ft. Here, you will stop for lunch and acclimatization.
Afterward, the trail descends into the Barranco Valley, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and giant senecio plants. Although you end the day near the same elevation you started, the high-low hiking pattern is extremely beneficial for acclimatization and preparing your body for summit success.
Elevation: 3,850m/12,600ft → 4,000m/13,000ft
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today begins with the exhilarating climb up the Barranco Wall—a steep but non-technical ascent rewarded with sweeping mountain views. After reaching the top, the trail gently winds through glacial valleys and alpine desert terrain, eventually descending into the Karanga Valley before a short climb to Karanga Camp.
This shorter trekking day offers time to rest, hydrate, and further acclimatize—an essential step before reaching higher elevations.
Elevation: 4,000m/13,000ft → 4,050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, you continue upward toward Barafu Camp—the final base before summit night. The trail traverses barren volcanic landscapes, offering striking views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Upon arrival, you’ll rest, hydrate, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the summit push that begins just after midnight.
Barafu means “ice” in Swahili—expect cold temperatures and a powerful sense of anticipation.
Elevation: 4,050m/13,250ft → 4,700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4 km / 2 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Summit day begins between midnight and 2:00 a.m. under a starlit sky. The trail ascends steeply between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, climbing through loose volcanic scree toward Stella Point (5,756m/18,885ft). This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek—but perseverance pays off.
From Stella Point, a final, steady climb leads to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa at 5,895m/19,340ft. Celebrate, take photos, embrace the moment, and appreciate the achievement of a lifetime.
Afterward, descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch before continuing downhill to Mweka Camp. Trekking poles and gaiters are recommended due to steep, loose gravel.
Elevation: 4,700m/15,350ft → 5,895m/19,340ft (summit)
Then down to 3,090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles up | 13 km / 8 miles down
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours up | 5–6 hours down
Habitat: Ice-Capped Summit & Stone Scree
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After a final mountain breakfast, continue your descent through a lush, beautiful rainforest rich with birdlife and colobus monkeys. The trail leads to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificates—green for reaching Stella Point, gold for reaching Uhuru Peak.
At the gate, a Kili Vista Expeditions vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your Moshi hotel—usually about one hour away—where hot showers, comfortable beds, and celebration await.
Elevation: 3,090m/10,150ft → 1,680m/5,500ft
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
