Overview: 8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route

The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and successful routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 8-day itinerary allows for a slower ascent and better acclimatization, improving your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. The trail begins on the western side of the mountain and joins the Machame route after a few days, offering scenic views, varied terrain, and a quieter start.

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Day 1: Arrival in Arusha or Moshi

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel for pre-climb briefing, gear check, and overnight stay.

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Day 2: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

• Elevation: 2,100 m to 2,650 m

• Distance: ~7 km / 4.3 miles

• Time: 3–4 hours
  Begin your trek through the lush rainforest from Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp. Watch for monkeys and forest wildlife.

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Day 3: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

• Elevation: 2,650 m to 3,610 m

• Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles

• Time: 5–6 hours
  Climb out of the forest and into heathland with sweeping views. Reach Shira Plateau and settle at Shira 1 Camp.

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Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

• Elevation: 3,610 m to 3,850 m

• Distance: ~7 km / 4.3 miles

• Time: 3–4 hours
  Explore the Shira Plateau, one of the highest in Africa. Easy walk with time to acclimatize. Overnight at Shira 2 Camp.

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Day 5: Shira 2 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

• Elevation: 3,850 m to 4,600 m (Lava Tower), then down to 3,900 m

• Distance: ~10 km / 6.2 miles

• Time: 6–8 hours
  Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp for overnight. Great day for “climb high, sleep low.”

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Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Elevation: 3,900 m to 4,035 m

• Distance: ~5 km / 3 miles

• Time: 4–5 hours
  Climb the scenic Barranco Wall and hike across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp, your stop before base camp.

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Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Elevation: 4,035 m to 4,640 m

• Distance: ~4 km / 2.5 miles

• Time: 3–4 hours
  Short, steep ascent to Barafu Camp, your summit base. Eat, hydrate, and rest early before the midnight climb.

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Day 8: Summit Attempt (Uhuru Peak) and Descent to Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 4,640 m to 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,100 m

• Distance: ~17 km / 11 miles

• Time: 12–16 hours
  Begin your summit at midnight. Reach Uhuru Peak for sunrise and celebrate at the top of Africa. Descend to Mweka Camp for overnight rest.

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Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Arusha/Moshi

• Elevation: 3,100 m to 1,640 m

• Distance: ~10 km / 6 miles

• Time: 3–4 hours
  Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to your hotel.