Kilimanjaro’s rocky slopes and high mountain landscape

Treks · Sample itinerary

8 Days Lemosho Route

Approach Kilimanjaro from the west, cross the Shira Plateau and follow the southern circuit, with eight mountain days and a descent via Mweka.

Duration8 mountain days · 7 camp nights

RouteLemosho · Shira · Barafu · Mweka

PaceCamping trek with a gradual approach

Best timeTypically Jan–Mar · Jun–Oct

A starting point for your custom trip

A camping itinerary with separate nights at Shira 1, Shira 2 and Karanga, allowing more time on the mountain before the summit attempt. Add travel, briefing and recovery time around these eight trekking days.

Before choosing this route

Kilimanjaro is a demanding high-altitude trek. Fitness does not prevent altitude illness, and no route guarantees a summit. Discuss preparation with a qualified clinician, report symptoms promptly and follow your guide’s decisions about continuing or descending.

Western Lemosho approach

Shira Plateau and Lava Tower

English-speaking mountain guides

Camping with a guide, cook and porter team

Day by day

A sample route, refined with you.

Day 1

Lemosho trailhead to Mti Mkubwa

Transfer from Moshi to western Kilimanjaro, complete registration at Londorossi and continue to the trailhead as access permits. Walk through mountain rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp for your first night in tents.

Day 2

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Leave the forest for heath and moorland, gaining altitude toward the Shira Ridge. Continue to Shira 1 Camp on the plateau, keeping a steady pace and allowing time to settle into camp.

Day 3

Across the plateau to Shira 2

Continue across the open Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp. Experience the changing volcanic landscape, with any additional walking adjusted to conditions and your wellbeing.

Day 4

Shira 2 via Lava Tower to Barranco

Ascend toward Lava Tower before descending into the Barranco Valley. This higher daytime excursion followed by a lower overnight camp is part of the route’s acclimatization plan, not a guarantee against altitude illness.

Day 5

Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp

Climb the steep Barranco Wall with guidance, then cross undulating terrain toward Karanga Valley. Stay at Karanga Camp rather than continuing directly to Barafu, leaving time to rest and prepare.

Day 6

Karanga to Barafu Camp

Follow the trail into exposed alpine terrain toward Barafu. Your team will review the summit plan, equipment and your condition before an early meal and rest.

Day 7

Summit attempt and descent to Mweka

A very early start leads toward Stella Point on the crater rim. Continue toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres only if your health, guide assessment and conditions allow. Descend via Barafu for a rest before continuing to Mweka Camp. The ascent and descent together make this a long, demanding day; turnaround decisions take priority over the summit.

Day 8

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Moshi

Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate, complete park exit formalities and meet your transfer to Moshi. Keep recovery time in your plans before an onward journey or international flight.

Your proposal can include

Kilimanjaro International Airport and mountain-gate transfers
Pre- and post-trek accommodation as specified in your proposal
Park, camping and relevant rescue fees; applicable taxes
Mountain guides, cook and porters
Four-season tents, sleeping mats and emergency oxygen
Three mountain meals daily and filtered drinking water

Budget separately

Flights
Personal purchases and laundry
A doctor accompanying the group
Crew gratuities
Private mountain toilet

Your final proposal will confirm the exact route, accommodation, inclusions, and terms before you book.

Request a quote for your dates and group. Confirm hotel nights, room and tent arrangements, personal equipment, insurance and evacuation cover before booking. Rescue fees do not replace insurance. The supplied tipping guide is shared by the group: US$20 per guide per day, US$15 per cook per day and US$10 per porter per day; ask for the expected crew size. Mountain photographs are illustrative, not a record of this exact departure.