9-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 2025, There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north near Kenya. All routes except Marangu and Rongai descend via Mweka.
The Northern Circuit route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit allows for the best acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate, therefore this route is highly recommended.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge, before crossing the Shira Plateau. The route then heads north and circles clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before summiting from the east.
Duration: 9 or 10 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: Low
Detailed Day by day, 9-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 2025
Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,100m to 2,650m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
The adventure begins at the Lemosho Gate, where you will check in and complete the necessary paperwork. From here, you’ll start your hike through lush rainforest. The trail is relatively easy, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife like monkeys and birds. The day is designed to give you a smooth introduction to the climb and a chance to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. You’ll reach Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp, 9-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 2025
Elevation: 2,650m to 3,610m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
This day marks the transition from the forest to the moorland zone, which is less dense and offers great views of the mountain. You’ll walk across the Shira Plateau, a flat and expansive area of volcanic rock. The path is moderate, but the elevation gain can be noticeable. At Shira 1 Camp, you’ll camp on the edge of the plateau, with views extending over the western side of the mountain.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp, 9-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 2025
Elevation: 3,610m to 3,850m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today is a relatively short day, designed for acclimatization. You’ll continue across the Shira Plateau before reaching Shira 2 Camp, located in a picturesque spot with views of the surrounding terrain. The trail passes through more volcanic rocks and an expansive landscape. The moderate hike allows your body to adjust to the altitude.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Elevation: 3,850m to 3,900m (via Lava Tower at 4,600m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
On this day, you’ll ascend to the Lava Tower at 4,600 meters. This volcanic feature is a popular spot for acclimatization. The hike is tougher due to the altitude, but it’s essential for helping your body adjust. After Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, located in the valley beneath the Barranco Wall. This day helps you acclimate by climbing high and then descending to sleep lower.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,900m to 4,035m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
This day features the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb that challenges your fitness and determination. Once at the top, the trail levels out, offering more great views of the mountain. You’ll continue across the Alpine Desert landscape, marked by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. You’ll reach Karanga Camp by afternoon, a quiet camp for resting and acclimatizing.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s hike is shorter but steeper. The path to Barafu Camp takes you through the barren, rocky landscape of the Alpine Desert. You’ll arrive at Barafu Camp in the afternoon, giving you time to rest and prepare for the summit climb the following day. Barafu is the base camp for those heading to Uhuru Peak.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,100m (Mweka Camp)
Distance: 5 km ascent, 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
The final ascent to Uhuru Peak begins in the early hours of the morning, typically around midnight. The trail to the summit is steep, and the cold temperatures and altitude can be challenging. But the views as you approach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro, are incredible. After reaching the summit and taking in the sense of accomplishment, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp. The descent is long but manageable, taking you through the rainforest zone.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Today marks the end of your climb. You’ll descend through the lush rainforest, observing how the scenery changes as you move lower in elevation. The trek to Mweka Gate is relatively easy, and upon arrival, you’ll receive your summit certificate. Afterward, you’ll return to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha to relax and celebrate your achievement.
Day 9: Reserve Day (Optional)
Elevation: Varies
Distance: Flexible
Hiking Time: Flexible
Habitat: Flexible
This day is included in the itinerary to allow for extra time in case of bad weather or delays on the mountain. It’s also a day for additional acclimatization if necessary, or it can be used for exploration around the Kilimanjaro area.
This 9-day itinerary gives you ample time for acclimatization and ensures a gradual ascent, which is key to increasing your chances of reaching the summit safely. The Lemosho Route’s extended schedule and beautiful landscapes make it one of the most preferred options for climbers.
Inclusions, 9-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 2025
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Quality Mess tents Day 1
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Clean, purified drinking water
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Sleeping Mattress
All meals while on the Mountain
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Exclusions, 9-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 2025
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Tanzania Visa
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
The best Kilimanjaro’s Trekking Lemosho in Eight (8)-Days 2025-2026 balances scenic diversity with a gradual acclimatization profile, making it an excellent choice for climbers aiming for a safe, successful, and memorable journey to Kilimanjaro’s summit.