Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro — 7 & 8-Day Itineraries

The gold standard for climbing Kilimanjaro. By splitting the Shira Plateau crossing into two days, this itinerary provides the most gradual altitude gain on the mountain. It is our top recommendation for anyone prioritising summit success, stunning scenery, and a comfortable pace.

1. 1

   Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp

   Montane rainforest
   Start~2,100 m

   Highest~2,820 m

   Sleep~2,820 m

   Distance~8 km

   Time4–5 hrs

   Gain+~720 m

   MealsL, D

   StayTent

   A scenic 4x4 drive from Moshi brings you to the remote Londorossi Gate on the western side of the mountain. After registration, you trek through lush montane rainforest. The trail is quieter than the southern routes, and you may spot blue monkeys or elusive forest birds. You arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp as the afternoon mist rolls in.

   Guide's tip: The rainforest can be damp. Keep your daypack covered and wear breathable, quick-drying layers.
2. 2

   Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp

   Heath & moorland
   Start~2,820 m

   Highest~3,500 m

   Sleep~3,500 m

   Distance~8 km

   Time5–6 hrs

   Gain+~680 m

   MealsB, L, D

   StayTent

   You leave the forest canopy behind as the trail steepens into the heath and moorland zone. Giant heathers and unique flora appear. The air grows noticeably cooler, and you catch your first clear views of the Shira Plateau and the Kibo summit cone. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp with plenty of time to rest and hydrate.

   Guide's tip: Temperatures drop significantly at this altitude, especially at night. Have your warm fleece and beanie ready for the evening.
3. 3

   Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp

   The Shira Plateau
   Start~3,500 m

   Highest~3,850 m

   Sleep~3,850 m

   Distance~8 km

   Time4–5 hrs

   Gain+~350 m

   MealsB, L, D

   StayTent

   A gentle, scenic day crossing the vast Shira Plateau — one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world. The walking is relatively flat and highly enjoyable, allowing your body to continue adapting to the altitude without excessive strain. You arrive at Shira 2 Camp with stunning, unobstructed views of Kibo.

   Why it matters: This "rest day" on the plateau is the secret weapon of the 8-day itinerary. It builds altitude tolerance gently before the harder climbing begins.
4. 4

   Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp

   Key acclimatisation day
   Start~3,850 m

   Highest~4,630 m

   Sleep~3,900 m

   Distance~10 km

   Time6–8 hrs

   Gain/Loss+780 / −730 m

   MealsB, L, D

   StayTent

   You join the main Machame trail today. The route climbs steadily to the imposing Lava Tower (~4,630 m) where you stop for lunch. This is your first time above 4,500m. After lunch, you make a steep, rewarding descent into the Great Barranco Valley to sleep at Barranco Camp. This "climb high, sleep low" day is crucial for summit success.

   What to expect at Lava Tower

   You may feel mild shortness of breath or a slight headache at 4,630m. This is normal. Eat your lunch, drink water, and trust the process — the descent to Barranco will make you feel much better.

5. 5

   Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp

   The Barranco Wall
   Start~3,900 m

   Highest~4,200 m

   Sleep~3,995 m

   Distance~5 km

   Time4–5 hrs

   Gain+~100 m

   MealsB, L, D

   StayTent

   The day begins with the famous Barranco Wall — a steep, non-technical scramble where you use your hands and feet. It looks intimidating from camp but is highly enjoyable and safe with your guide. After the wall, the trail undulates over several ridges before dropping into the beautiful Karanga Valley.

   Guide's tip: Keep your camera accessible. The views from the top of the Barranco Wall, looking back over the valley, are some of the best on the entire mountain.
6. 6

   Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp

   Summit base camp
   Start~3,995 m

   Highest~4,673 m

   Sleep~4,673 m

   Distance~4 km

   Time3–4 hrs

   Gain+~680 m

   MealsB, L, D

   StayTent

   A short, steep hike through barren alpine desert brings you to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit push. You arrive early afternoon. After lunch, your guide will conduct a thorough equipment check and briefing. Eat a good dinner, prepare your headlamp and summit layers, and try to sleep from 6 PM. Wake-up is around 11 PM.

   Guide's tip: Fill your water bottles with hot water and put them in your sleeping bag. It keeps you warm and gives you unfrozen drinking water for the midnight start.
7. 7

   SUMMIT DAY — Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

   The climax
   Start~4,673 m

   Summit5,895 m

   Sleep~3,100 m

   Distance~17 km

   Time12–16+ hrs

   DifficultyVery strenuous

   MealsB, L, D

   StayTent

   You begin the summit push around midnight, climbing steep scree slopes under a canopy of stars. The air is thin and the pace is very slow. You reach Stella Point (~5,750 m) on the crater rim just as the sun rises. From there, it is a final, emotional 1–2 hour walk along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). After celebrating at the Roof of Africa, you descend to Barafu for a rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp (~3,100 m) for a deep sleep.

8. 8

   Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi

   Descent & celebration
   Start~3,100 m

   End~1,640 m

   Distance~12 km

   Time4–5 hrs

   Loss−~1,460 m

   MealsB, L

   HabitatRainforest

   CertificateAt gate

   Your final morning on the mountain. The descent through the lush, green Mweka rainforest is a beautiful contrast to the alpine desert above. At Mweka Gate, you collect your official summit certificate, say goodbye to your incredible crew, and drive back to Moshi for a hot shower and a well-deserved celebration.

A strong itinerary that combines the Shira 1 and Shira 2 camps into one longer day crossing the plateau. It still offers excellent acclimatisation and beautiful scenery, but requires a slightly higher level of fitness on Day 2. Recommended for fit travelers who need to save a day on their schedule.

1. 1

   Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp

   ~2,100 → 2,820 m · 4–5 hrs

   Drive to the remote western gate and trek through the rainforest to Big Tree Camp.

2. 2

   Mti Mkubwa → Shira 2 Camp

   ~2,820 → 3,850 m · 7–8 hrs (Long day)

   A demanding day crossing the heathland and the entire Shira Plateau in one push. Arrive at Shira 2 with big views of Kibo.

3. 3

   Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp

   ~3,850 → 4,630 → 3,900 m · 6–8 hrs

   The crucial climb-high-sleep-low day via Lava Tower, descending into the Great Barranco Valley.

4. 4

   Barranco → Karanga Camp

   ~3,900 → 3,995 m · 4–5 hrs

   Scramble the famous Barranco Wall and traverse the ridges to Karanga.

5. 5

   Karanga → Barafu Camp

   ~3,995 → 4,673 m · 3–4 hrs

   Short, steep climb to summit base camp. Rest and prepare for the midnight push.

6. 6

   SUMMIT DAY — Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

   4,673 → 5,895 → ~3,100 m · 12–16+ hrs

   Midnight start, sunrise at Stella Point, summit at Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Camp.

7. 7

   Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi

   ~3,100 → 1,640 m · 4–5 hrs

   Final rainforest descent, certificates, crew farewell, celebration in Moshi.