Best of 8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro & Success Rates

Embark on a remarkable adventure climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, beginning with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport and a smooth transfer to the hotel in Arusha. Here, you’ll receive a detailed briefing from our experienced guides, setting the stage for your trek. Enjoy the hotel’s amenities, including a pool, garden, bar, and restaurant, ensuring a comfortable start to your journey.

The trek kicks off with a drive to Lemosho Park Gate, where you’ll register before hiking through lush forest trails to Mti Mkubwa Camp. Over the following days, you’ll ascend through stunning landscapes, including Shira 1 and Shira 2 camps, the Lava Tower, and the famous Barranco Wall. Each day offers a new challenge and breathtaking views, culminating in the summit attempt to Uhuru Peak. After reaching the peak, descend to Mweka Camp and return to the hotel in Arusha for a hot meal and a chance to reflect on your achievement. Optional extensions include safaris and visits to Zanzibar, offering further exploration of Tanzania’s diverse beauty.

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania, Kilimanjaro airport

As you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our dedicated driver will be eagerly anticipating your arrival, at the airport holding a sign with your name on it, ready to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome. From there, a seamless and comfortable transfer service will whisk you away to our enchanting Hotel in Arusha.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be served a delicious meal. Later on, our experienced mountain coordinators and your Guide will give you a pre-trek briefing, an exciting opportunity to learn about the wonders that await you in your upcoming expedition. Enjoy the relaxing environment of Springland Hotel with a swimming pool, a beautiful garden with a bar and a restaurant.

Day 2: Lemosho Park Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

On this day, after breakfast and a briefing from your guide at Arusha Hotel, you’ll be transferred to Lemosho Park Gate ( 2,100m), a 1.5-hour drive. At Londorossi Gate, you’ll complete the registration before starting your trek along scenic forest trails to Mti Mkubwa Campsite (2750m), a 3-hour hike. Upon arrival, the porters will set up the tents, and our chef will prepare lunch. After enjoying your meal, you’ll have time to relax until dinner. In the evening, your guide will provide a briefing about the next day’s trek.

• Altitude: 2,200 m – 2,780 m
• Hiking distance: 7 km
• Hiking time: 5 hours

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, you’ll start early with breakfast before embarking on a short hike from Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp, which typically takes up to 5 hours. As you trek, you’ll be treated to views of the west face of Kibo Volcano, often referred to as Kilimanjaro. The trail traverses lower moonland, showcasing large shrubs and vibrant wildflowers. Upon arrival at Shira 1 Camp, our porters will set up your tents while our chef prepares lunch. After your meal, you’ll have time to relax until dinner. In the evening, your guide will provide a briefing on the plans for the following day’s trek.

• Altitude: 2,780 m – 3,500 m
• Hiking distance: 8 km
• Hiking time: 4–5 hours

Day 4: Shira 1 to Shira 2 camp

Wake up early for breakfast and commence the brief hike from Shira 1 to Shira 2 camp. This usually takes no more than 5-6 hours. The trek is relatively easy, allowing you to relish breathtaking views of Africa. Upon reaching the Shira 2 campsite, our dedicated porters will take care of all the arrangements, such as pitching tents, while our chef prepares your lunch. After enjoying your meal, you will have a chance to unwind and rest until dinnertime. In the evening, following dinner, our experienced guide will brief you about the trekking plans for the next day.

• Altitude: 3,500m – 3,840 m
• Hiking distance: 5 km
• Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Day 5: Shira Camp 2 | Lava Tower | Barranco Camp

Start the day with an early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast to fuel your trek. Today’s route includes a climb to the Lava Tower at 4,630m, passing through a semi-desert, rocky landscape. After a 5-hour hike, enjoy lunch before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower. This demanding day might test your endurance as you adjust to the higher altitude. After lunch, descend 680m to the Barranco campsite, where the true benefit of acclimatization becomes clear. The 2-hour descent offers stunning photo opportunities of the Western Breach. End the day with a memorable sunset and dinner at Barranco camp.

• Altitude: 3,840 m – 3,960 m
• Hiking distance: 11 km
• Hiking time: 7-8 hours

Day 6: Barranco Camp | Karanga Camp

Your day starts early with a wake-up call and a nourishing breakfast to fuel your trek. The journey may involve ascending the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but rewarding section. After conquering the Wall, you’ll descend into the scenic Karanga Valley, known for its lush vegetation and breathtaking landscapes. Upon reaching the Karanga campsite, the porters will set up tents while our chef prepares lunch. After your meal, you’ll embark on an acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp, ascending 200 meters before returning to camp. In the evening, enjoy a hot meal prepared by the chef. Following dinner, your experienced guide will brief you on the next day’s trek, discussing the route, challenges, and key details.

• Altitude: 3,960 m – 4,035 m
• Hiking distance: 5 km
• Hiking time: 5 hours

Day 7: Karanga Camp | Barafu Camp

Start your day with an early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast to fuel your trek toward Barafu campsite. The trail features varied terrain, including rocky sections and gradual slopes, offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude landscapes. As you ascend, focus on acclimatization to avoid altitude-related issues. Upon reaching Barafu, our porters will handle camp setup while the chef prepares lunch. After eating, rest until dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the upcoming summit attempt, covering the route, challenges, safety measures, and preparations. Try to rest well, as the summit ascent begins late in the evening.

• Altitude: 4,035 m – 4,640 m
• Hiking distance: 5 km
• Hiking time: 5 hours

Day 8: Baratu Camp | Summit | Mweka Camp

You’ll rise around 11:30 PM and start the ascent after some tea and biscuits. Heading northwest, you’ll climb through scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The 6-hour trek to Stella Point (5685m) is often the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. After a brief rest at Stella Point, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise, weather permitting. From there, it’s a 2-hour snow-covered ascent to Uhuru Peak. Your time at the summit will depend on the weather, so don’t linger too long due to the cold and fatigue. The descent to Barafu takes about 3 hours for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.

• Altitude: 4,640 m – 5, 895 m – 3,090 m
• Hiking distance: 17 km
• Hiking time: 15+ hours

Day 9: Mweka Camp | Mweka Park Gate | Arusha Hotel 

After breakfast at Mweka Camp, you’ll descend to Mweka Gate and be driven back to Hotel Arusha, where a refreshing shower awaits. At the end of the trip, tipping the team is encouraged and appreciated; special envelopes for this purpose are available at the hotel. If you wish to extend your adventure with a safari, you can meet with our safari coordinator at the hotel. After some rest, the coordinator will provide a briefing on the various safari options available. We highly recommend booking a safari with us to experience Tanzania’s stunning wildlife and natural beauty, making your journey truly unforgettable.

• Altitude: 3,090 m – 1,650 m
• Hiking distance: 10 km
• Hiking time: 4–5 hours

Day 10 of the itinerary: Departure 

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. If you wish to extend your adventure, you may choose to add a day trip to your itinerary, exploring nearby attractions or immersing yourself in local culture. For more details, we invite you to visit our Day Trip page. Alternatively, you can continue your journey with a visit to the stunning island of Zanzibar. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine beaches or delving into the island’s rich culture, Zanzibar offers something for everyone. Explore our Zanzibar page to discover the perfect package for your next excursion. If you’re interested in adding a safari experience, please visit our Safari page for more information on our exciting safari options.

How difficult is the Lemosho Route?

The Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is considered moderately difficult and ideal for first-time climbers with good fitness. Its longer 7–8 day itinerary allows better acclimatization, increasing summit success rates. The trail begins gently through rainforest, then gradually climbs across moorland and alpine desert before the steep summit push. While physically demanding—especially on summit night—the steady ascent profile makes Lemosho one of the more achievable and scenic routes to Uhuru Peak.

What is the distance of the Lemosho Route and how many days does it take?

The Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro covers approximately 70 kilometers (42 miles). It is one of the longest and most scenic routes to the summit, offering excellent acclimatization. The climb typically takes 7 to 8 days, allowing trekkers a higher success rate due to gradual altitude gain. This extended itinerary provides diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to alpine desert and the dramatic summit approach.

What is the Lemosho Route Summit Success Rate?

The Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro has one of the highest summit success rates, typically around 85–95%, depending on itinerary length. Most operators report around 90–95% for an 8-day climb and about 85–92% for a 7-day climb, thanks to its gradual ascent and excellent acclimatization profile. Longer schedules improve chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.

What is the Scenery like on the Lemosho Route?

The scenery on the Lemosho Route is incredibly diverse and dramatic. Trekkers begin in lush rainforest filled with towering trees and wildlife, then emerge onto the sweeping Shira Plateau with wide-open views. As the trail climbs higher, landscapes shift to giant heather, alpine desert, and striking volcanic rock formations. Higher still, glaciers and snow-capped peaks dominate the horizon, with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the vast African plains below.