8 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb

Often called the most scenic and best all-round route: a remote western start, the Shira Plateau and eight days for better acclimatisation.

Highlights

1. Day 1Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

   Registration and a guide briefing at the gate, then a short, gentle day through lush tropical rainforest — look for colobus monkeys and many birds.

   2,100 m → 2,650 m7 km3–4 hoursRainforestOvernight: Mti Mkubwa CampMeals: L, D

2. Day 2Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

   Leave the forest for moorland with wide views and unusual high-altitude plants. The air becomes cooler and drier as you climb.

   2,650 m → 3,500 m8 km5–6 hoursMoorlandOvernight: Shira 1 CampMeals: B, L, D

3. Day 3Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

   A shorter acclimatisation day across the Shira Plateau, one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world, with panoramic views.

   3,500 m → 3,850 m7 km3–4 hoursMoorlandOvernight: Shira 2 CampMeals: B, L, D

4. Day 4Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp

   A key acclimatisation day: climb to Lava Tower, where you may first feel the altitude, then descend to Barranco Camp below the Barranco Wall.

   3,850 m → 4,630 m → 3,960 m10 km6–8 hoursAlpine desertOvernight: Barranco CampMeals: B, L, D

5. Day 5Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

   Climb the steep but non-technical Barranco Wall, with great views, then follow rolling ground to Karanga Camp.

   3,960 m → 4,035 m5 km4–5 hoursAlpine desertOvernight: Karanga CampMeals: B, L, D

6. Day 6Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

   A short but important day to the base camp for the summit. Rest, drink and prepare yourself.

   4,035 m → 4,640 m4 km3–4 hoursAlpine desertOvernight: Barafu CampMeals: B, L, D

7. Day 7Summit day: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp

   Start around midnight at a slow, steady pace to Stella Point, then along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak for a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise. Descend to Mweka Camp to rest.

   4,640 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m17 km10–14 hoursStone scree and ice-capped summitOvernight: Mweka CampMeals: B, L, D

8. Day 8Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

   A final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate to receive your summit certificate and celebrate.

   3,100 m → 1,640 m10 km3–4 hoursRainforestMeals: B, L

Meals: B = breakfast · L = lunch · D = dinner

Prices per person

In US dollars, per person, for your own private trip. The more people travel together, the lower the price for each person.

Children aged 3–11 pay 70% of the adult price. International flights, visas and tips are not included. Prices can change in the Christmas and New Year weeks — your quote confirms the final price.

Prices are charged in US dollars. Other currencies are a guide only.

Elevation profile

When to go

This trip runs all year. Here is how each month usually feels — the rainy months are quieter and often cheaper.

Good to know