ROUTE OVERVIEW
The Lemosho Route is a true alpine odyssey—an epic western approach that winds through pristine rainforest, rolls across volcanic highlands, and scales ancient glacial ridges to reach the awe-inspiring summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft). Known for its dramatic landscapes, low crowds, and excellent acclimatization profile, this route is favored by seasoned trekkers and first-time climbers alike.
- Trail Type: Remote western ascent, scenic and less traveled
- Summit Style: Gradual acclimatization with “climb high, sleep low” strategy
- Total Distance: Approx. 70 km / 43 miles
- Highest Altitude: Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft)
- Final Descent: Mweka Route
- Challenge Level: Moderate to strenuous
FULL ITINERARY
Arrival Day – Arusha Welcome Briefing
Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our mountain team greets you and transfers you to your lodge in Arusha. In the evening, gear up with your head guide for a full trek orientation and safety briefing—your expedition begins here.
Day 1: Into the Wild – Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 1: Into the Wild – Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Kick off your journey with a scenic drive to the western trailhead. After park formalities, plunge into the dense montane forest, trekking under a green canopy alive with birdsong and the rustle of blue monkeys.
- Elevation Gain: 2,100m → 2,650m
- Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Zone: Rainforest
- Trail Mood: Verdant, mystical, alive
Day 2: Into the Highlands – Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Climb out of the forest and onto the rolling Shira Ridge, with sweeping views across the Shira Plateau. The trail opens up into heathland, where giant heathers and volcanic boulders set the tone for higher altitudes.
- Elevation Gain: 2,650m → 3,500m
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Duration: 5–6 hours
- Zone: Moorland
- Trail Mood: Expansive, wild, uplifting
Day 3: Across the Shira Plateau – Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
Traverse the ancient caldera floor of the Shira Plateau—formed by eruptions long before Kilimanjaro reached its current height. This is acclimatization terrain: wide open skies, distant glacier views, and the raw thrill of walking across an African alpine plateau.
- Elevation Gain: 3,500m → 3,850m
- Distance: 7 km / 4 miles
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Zone: Moorland
- Trail Mood: Serene, surreal, otherworldly
Day 4: The Lava Tower Challenge – Shira 2 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Ascend steadily toward the Lava Tower (4,600m)—a jagged volcanic remnant towering above the alpine desert. Then descend to the sheltered Barranco Valley, surrounded by looming cliffs and giant groundsels. This is the quintessential acclimatization day.
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,850m → 4,600m → 3,950m
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Duration: 6–7 hours
- Zone: Alpine desert
- Trail Mood: Challenging, high-altitude, elemental
Day 5: The Great Barranco Wall – Barranco to Karanga Camp
Scramble up the famous Barranco Wall, a thrilling hands-on ascent nicknamed the “Breakfast Wall.” Once at the top, traverse through glacier-swept valleys toward Karanga, your final stop before base camp.
- Elevation Gain: 3,950m → 4,050m
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Zone: Alpine desert
- Trail Mood: Exhilarating, technical, rewarding
Day 6: Summit Eve – Karanga to Barafu Camp
Trek across desolate highland slopes to Barafu Base Camp, your launch point for the final push. As the stars emerge, rest up and prepare your gear. Tonight, you’ll begin your ascent to the top of Africa.
- Elevation Gain: 4,050m → 4,673m
- Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Zone: Alpine desert
- Trail Mood: Quiet, focused, anticipatory
Day 7: The Summit Push – Barafu to Uhuru Peak, then down to Mweka Camp
Begin your summit bid around midnight, under a starlit sky. The climb is steep, slow, and utterly unforgettable. Reach Stella Point at sunrise, then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. After photos and celebration, descend past Barafu to the lush slopes of Mweka.
- Ascent: 4,673m → 5,895m (Uhuru Peak)
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
- Time: 6–7 hours
- Descent: 5,895m → 3,000m (Mweka)
- Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Zones: Arctic, alpine desert, moorland
- Trail Mood: Epic, emotional, triumphant
Day 8: Victory Descent – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Make your final descent through misty rainforest trails. At Mweka Gate, celebrate with your mountain team and receive your summit certificates before returning to Arusha for a well-earned rest—or onward adventure.
- Elevation Loss: 3,000m → 1,680m
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Zone: Rainforest
- Trail Mood: Reflective, fulfilled, celebratory
PACKAGE
Package Inclusions
Travel Handbook
Included in Package
Airport Pick up and drop off
Pre and Post Trek Hotel accommodation
Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and taxes
Q-4 season mountain tents
Transportation to and from the mountain gate
Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
3 meals per day whilst on the mountain
Filtered water throughout the trek
Excluded in Package
International flights
Traveler’s insurance
VISA
Drinks outside safari
Tipping (we recommend from $10 per person per day)