Kilimanjaro summit above moorland
Sunset Tours & Safaris / Tanzania

8-Day Lemosho Route

From $2,010per person / 2-4 travellers

A western approach with time on the plateau. Plan with a local team whose tourism experience spans more than 15 years.

8 daysOn the mountain
CampingOvernight style
MoshiLocal Sunset team
Personal planYour dates and party
The journey in focus

A western approach with time on the plateau.

Lemosho begins in forest on the western side of Kilimanjaro. This eight-day itinerary separates Shira 1 and Shira 2 into two overnight stops before joining the southern circuit.

The route takes you through Lava Tower, Barranco and Karanga before the summit attempt from Barafu. The descent returns through Mweka.

At a glance

Your journey, stage by stage.

DayExperienceOvernight / finish
1Lemosho trailhead to Mti MkubwaMti Mkubwa / Big Tree Camp
2Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1Shira 1 Camp
3Shira 1 to Shira 2Shira 2 Camp
4Shira 2 to Lava Tower to BarrancoBarranco Camp
5Barranco to Karanga CampKaranga Camp
6Karanga to Barafu CampBarafu Camp
7Barafu to Uhuru Peak to MwekaMweka Camp
8Mweka Camp to Mweka GateReturn transfer
Day by day

Follow the journey.

Day 1

Lemosho trailhead to Mti Mkubwa

After gate formalities, begin the trek through forest on the western side of Kilimanjaro. Walk to Mti Mkubwa, also called Big Tree Camp, for your first mountain night.

Overnight: Mti Mkubwa / Big Tree Camp
Trekkers on a Kilimanjaro forest trail
Trekkers on a Kilimanjaro forest trail.
Day 2

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1

Leave the rainforest and gain the Shira Plateau. The trail passes through heather and open country before reaching Shira 1 Camp.

Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Tents at a Kilimanjaro mountain camp
Tents at a Kilimanjaro mountain camp.
Day 3

Shira 1 to Shira 2

Continue across the plateau towards Shira 2. Walk at a patient pace and enjoy the broad mountain scenery as you gain height.

Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Tents at a Kilimanjaro mountain camp
Tents at a Kilimanjaro mountain camp.
Day 4

Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco

Walk towards Lava Tower and then descend into the Barranco Valley. The higher daytime section and lower overnight camp form an important part of the ascent schedule.

Overnight: Barranco Camp
Climbers beside the Lava Tower Camp sign
Climbers beside the Lava Tower Camp sign.
Day 5

Barranco to Karanga Camp

Climb the Barranco Wall with your guide and cross a series of ridges and valleys towards Karanga. This shorter stage leaves time for rest before the next ascent.

Overnight: Karanga Camp
Sunset trekking group in high mountain terrain
Sunset trekking group in high mountain terrain.
Day 6

Karanga to Barafu Camp

Walk into the high alpine landscape and continue to Barafu. Have an early meal and rest before your summit attempt.

Overnight: Barafu Camp
Sunset trekking group in high mountain terrain
Sunset trekking group in high mountain terrain.
Day 7

Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka

Start around midnight for the ascent towards Stella Point and, if conditions and your health permit, Uhuru Peak. Descend to Barafu for a rest before continuing to Mweka Camp. This is the longest and most demanding day of the trek.

Overnight: Mweka Camp
Climbers beside the Uhuru Peak sign
Climbers beside the Uhuru Peak sign.
Day 8

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, complete the park exit formalities and meet your return transfer. Certificates are issued according to the point reached on the climb.

After the day: Return transfer
Kilimanjaro rainforest boardwalk
Kilimanjaro rainforest boardwalk.
Plan your party

Your trip price.

USD per person. Choose the rate for the number of people travelling together.

Your partyPrice per person
2-4 travellers$2,010
1 traveller$2,390
Your trip experience

What comes with the journey.

Included

  • Professional mountain guides
  • Park and rescue fees
  • Transfers to and from the trekking gates
  • Guide, porter and cook wages and park fees
  • Fresh meals during the trek
  • Purified drinking water
  • Sleeping mattress
  • Fair treatment of porters
  • All tent nights during the climb
  • Airport pickup
  • Two hotel nights around the trek
  • Emergency oxygen cylinder

Not included

  • Tanzania visa
  • Personal expenses and additional beverages
  • Optional activities or a safari after your climb
Sunset mountain guide with trekking poles
Plan directly with people who live here

Your journey.
A local connection.

Share the experience you want and the time you have. Our Moshi-based team will help you work through the details, so your Tanzania trip begins with people you can speak to directly.

Read the Trekking Guide for equipment and preparation advice. Discuss high-altitude travel with a healthcare professional before your climb.

Before you decide

Your questions,
answered.

Have something else on your mind? Tell us when you enquire.

How long is this trip?

The itinerary has 8 mountain days. Arrival and onward travel are arranged separately.

Where do I stay?

Camping on the mountain; 2 hotel nights around the trek.

Is reaching the summit guaranteed?

No. Weather, trail conditions and your response to altitude affect the climb. Your guide assesses the journey and a change of plan may be needed.

Can I tailor the arrangements?

Send your preferred dates, party size and any dietary or accommodation needs. Our local team will discuss the practical options with you.

How do I plan this trip?

Send an enquiry with your travel dates and the people coming with you. Sunset will work through the arrangements and prepare a personal proposal.

A conversation with your local guide

Make it your journey.

Tell us a little about your 8-day lemosho route. We will help you explore the options and prepare a personal proposal for your party.

01 / Your journey
Leave blank if your dates are flexible.
02 / Where we can reach you

We’ll use your details to respond to your enquiry.