8 days Lemosho route Kilimanjaro is lesser known. It begins on the western side of Kilimanjaro. Walking
through the rainforest for the first two days the vegetation changes to heath and moorland with many ferns and Erica’s along the way.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Map

Overview

The eight day Lemosho route variation is the ideal schedule for this route. On the 8 day Lemosho route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt. This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleep deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain. By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested.

Day 1 :

Londorossi Gate to Big tree Camp

6 km, ↑ 395m / 1296ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Arusha to Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities and eat lunch. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour). Upon arrival at trailhead, we then start walking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site
(2780m / 9121ft).

Day 2 :

Big tree Camp to Shira Camp

8 km, ↑ 720m / 2362ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland zone
Continuing on the trail

leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp (3500m / 11483ft). The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

Day 3 :

Shira 1Camp to Shira 2 Camp

14 km, ↑ 400m / 1312ft or
Moir Hut Camp ↑ 675m / 2215ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland

We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glacier peak,
across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp (3900m / 12795ft) on moorland zone!
After reaching to camp you can have lunch and later afternoon have a short walk for acclimatization OR Then we continue to Moir Hut (4175m / 13698ft),
a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth

Day 4 :

Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut

(4175m / 13698ft) ─ Lava Tower ─ Barranco
Camp (3960m / 12992 ft)

Distance: 9 km from Shira 2 Camp or 7 km from Moir Hut Camp
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours from Shira 2 Camp or 4-6 hours from Moir Hut
Habitat: Semi Desert

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the
peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the „Shark ‘s Tooth “ Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Lava tower at an altitude of 4600m / 15092 ft. We now continue downwards to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3960m / 12992 ft. Just here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day

Day 5 :

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

6km, ↑ 375m / 1230ft, ↓300m / 984ft
Elevation: 3960m / 12992ft to 4035m / 13238ft Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

Day 6 :

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

4 km, ↑ 605m / 1985ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Karanga, the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We
continue up to the Barafu Hut (4640m / 15223ft). At this point, you have completed the South
Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this point

Day 7 :

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

↑ 1255m / 4117ft, ↓ 2815m / 9236ft
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between
the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through
heavy screen towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically
challenging portion of the trek.

At Stella Point (5730m / 18799ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the
most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all that way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch.

You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down.
Mweka Camp 3080m / 10105ft) is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 8 :

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

6km, ↓ 1450m / 4757ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear but don’t forget to keep rain gears with you!

From the gate, you drive two hours to the hotel in Arusha.