Lemosho Route Itinerary
The Lemosho Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the West, starting in pristine forest before crossing the Shira plateau and merging into the Machame Route after Shira Camp (Day 3). Traversing east on Kilimanjaro’s southern side, it offers varied views.
This itinerary includes the Barranco Wall and an extra acclimatisation day with a shorter trek before summit day, ensuring more rest and preparation for the final push. It’s a popular route to climb Kilimanjaro.
In October 2025, I’ll be taking on the LemoshI Route, It’s an 11-day adventure through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and up to the snow-capped summit.
This page breaks down each day of the journey so you can follow along, learn what I’ll be facing.
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🌳 Day 1 – Arrival in Tanzania
• ✈️ Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport
• 🏨 Transfer to hotel in Moshi or Arusha
• 📋 Team briefing, kit checks, and meet the guides & fellow climbers
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🌿 Day 2 – Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
• 🚐 Drive to Lemosho Gate (2,100m)
• 🥾 Hike through lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp)
• ⛺ Camp at 2,650m
• ⏱️ Approx. 3–4 hours trekking
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🏞 Day 3 – Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
• 🌄 Trek out of the forest and into open moorland
• 🏕 Camp at Shira Plateau (3,610m)
• ⏱️ Approx. 6–7 hours trekking
• 🔼 Major gain in altitude — taking it steady!
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⛰ Day 4 – Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
• 🏔 Cross the wide open Shira Plateau
• 💨 Higher elevation, cooler air
• ⛺ Camp at Shira 2 (3,850m)
• ⏱️ 4–5 hours trekking
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🧗 Day 5 – Shira 2 to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)
• 🎯 Acclimatisation day — climb high, sleep low
• ⛰ Reach Lava Tower (4,600m), then descend to Barranco Camp (3,976m)
• 🥵 A tough but vital day for adjusting to altitude
• ⛺ Camp at the famous Barranco Wall base
• ⏱️ 6–8 hours trekking
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🧱 Day 6 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
• 🧗♂️ Climb the iconic Barranco Wall
• 🎉 Stunning views and a sense of achievement
• ⛺ Camp at Karanga (3,995m)
• ⏱️ 4–5 hours trekking
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🏔 Day 7 – Karanga to Barafu Base Camp
• 💨 Short but steep climb to base camp
• 🍝 Early dinner and rest before summit night
• ⛺ Camp at Barafu (4,673m)
• ⏱️ 3–4 hours trekking
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🗻 Day 8 – Summit Day! Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
• 🌌 Midnight wake-up and head torch start
• ❄️ Climb through the cold and darkness to Stella Point (5,756m)
• 🏔 Reach Uhuru Peak – 5,895m — the roof of Africa!
• 📸 Photos, celebrations, and emotions at the top
• 🔽 Descend to Millennium Camp (3,950m)
• ⏱️ 12–14+ hours of trekking (brutal but beautiful)
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🌅 Day 9 – Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
• 🟢 Return to lush forest
• 🎓 Certificate ceremony at the gate
• 🚌 Transfer back to the hotel
• 🛏 Rest, shower, and a well-earned cold drink
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☕ Day 10 – Recovery & Celebration
• 🛍 Local souvenirs
• 🥂 Celebration dinner with the team
• 📷 Share first summit photos
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✈️ Day 11 – Return Home
• ✈️ Transfer to the airport
• 💭 Take home memories, muscle aches, and a story for life
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💡 Track the Journey
Once the climb begins, you’ll be able to follow along with daily updates, photos, and progress markers on my Live Updates page.