Route description
Lemosho starts in remote western rainforest and crosses the Shira Plateau before joining the southern circuit. Quiet early days, outstanding scenery and good acclimatisation make it a favourite for first-time high-altitude trekkers.
Highlights
- Quiet, remote start in the western forest
- Crossing the high Shira Plateau
- Climb high, sleep low at Lava Tower
- Barranco Wall scramble
- Summit sunrise over the Kibo glaciers
Itinerary
Log entry · Day 00
Arrival and pre-climb briefing
We meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer you to your hotel (bed and breakfast). Your head guide runs a briefing and gear check, and helps you hire anything you're missing.
Overnight: La Mama Hotel or Panama Hotel, Moshi
Log entry · Day 01
Lemosho Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)
A 3-hour drive through mountainside villages to the park gate, then about 4 hours (7 km) through montane forest.
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Log entry · Day 02
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
A long day onto the Shira Plateau through heather and moorland, along the Shira ridge. About 9 hours (17 km).
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Log entry · Day 03
Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (3,900m) via Lava Tower
You finish near the same height you started, but climbing to Lava Tower first is vital for acclimatisation. 6–8 hours (10 km).
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Log entry · Day 04
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,995m)
Scramble up the Barranco Wall, then continue down into the Karanga Valley. About 4 hours (6 km).
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Log entry · Day 05
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673m)
Complete the South Circuit to base camp, with an early dinner and rest before summit night. About 4 hours (4 km).
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Log entry · Day 06
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Wake at 11:30pm and climb past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak. Descend to Barafu for rest and lunch, then on to Mweka. 10–14 hours.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Log entry · Day 07
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, then Moshi
A final descent to Mweka Gate, where you sign out and receive your summit certificate, then drive back to Moshi.
Overnight: La Mama Hotel or Panama Hotel, Moshi
What's included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Transport to and from the park gates
- Two nights' hotel accommodation in Moshi, before and after the climb
- All park entry, camping/hut and rescue fees
- Government taxes
- Professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- All meals on the mountain and treated drinking water
- Pre-climb briefing and kit check
- Summit certificate
Not included
- International flights
- Tanzanian visa
- Travel insurance (must cover trekking to 6,000m)
- Tips for your guides, cook and porters
- Personal trekking gear (available to hire)
- Snacks, drinks and personal items
- Extra nights or meals outside the itinerary