9-days Lemosho route 2025/2027, The Lemosho Route is one of the best options for climbing Kilimanjaro. The route provides plenty of time for acclimatization and takes in the entire scenery of the mountain as it practically traverses it from west to east. The access via the western route requires a bit longer drive to the trail head but is well worth it as you get to drive through some wild country and may even be lucky enough to spot buffalo or an elephant. During the first few days of the trek you will ascend the western flank of the mountain a side of mountain few visitors reach as you ascend through the lowland jungles to the Shira Plateau.
After reaching Shira Camp 2 on the third day the remainder of the trek follows the traditional Machame Route and the number of trekkers on the trail increases. The fourth day of trekking is quite helpful for acclimatization as you ascend to the Lava Tower (15,000 feet / 4600m) before descending to the campsite in Barranco Valley. Another day of trekking brings you to the high camp at Barafu, which lies on a barren volcanic plain. Climbers spend the afternoon resting here before making a midnight summit push. It’s a 6 hour slog to the crater rim and another hour of traversing across the rim of the crater to reach Uhuru Peak the final summit and highest point in Africa
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp (2,780m), 9-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Elevation Gain: +680m
Time: 3-4 hours
Route: After registration at Londorossi Gate, begin your trek through dense rainforest on a gradual incline.
Highlights: Wildlife sightings (colobus monkeys, exotic birds) and lush rainforest scenery.
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (tents).
Meals: Lunch, dinner.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa (2,780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m), 9-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Elevation Gain: +720m
Time: 5-7 hours
Route: Ascend through heather and moorland, leaving the rainforest behind. The trail offers panoramic views as you approach the Shira Plateau.
Highlights: Views of Mount Meru, Shira Ridge, and the Shira Plateau.
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,840m), 9-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Elevation Gain: +340m
Time: 4-6 hours
Route: A gradual trek across the Shira Plateau with spectacular views of Kibo Peak. This is a relatively easy day to aid acclimatization.
Highlights: Expansive volcanic landscapes and breathtaking vistas of Kilimanjaro’s peaks.
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,840m) to Moir Hut (4,200m), 9-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation Gain: +360m
Time: 5-7 hours
Route: Ascend to the remote and scenic Moir Hut, located at the base of Lent Hills. This day offers acclimatization and the opportunity for an optional afternoon hike.
Highlights: Lesser-known, tranquil trails and stunning views of Lent Hills.
Accommodation: Moir Hut (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5: Moir Hut (4,200m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m) via Lava Tower (4,630m), 9-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Elevation Gain/Loss: +430m/-670m
Time: 6-8 hours
Route: Hike to the prominent Lava Tower for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp.
Highlights: Lava Tower and “climb high, sleep low” for acclimatization.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m), 9-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Elevation Gain: +75m
Time: 4-5 hours
Route: Start the day with a thrilling climb up the Barranco Wall, followed by a trek across valleys and ridges to Karanga Camp.
Highlights: Stunning glacier views and short trek for further acclimatization.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 7: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m), 9-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Elevation Gain: +605m
Time: 4-5 hours
Route: A steady climb through alpine desert to Barafu Camp, the staging point for the summit attempt.
Highlights: Rest and preparation for the summit climb.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 8: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,080m), 9-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,255m/-2,815m
Time: 12-16 hours
Route:
Start the summit push around midnight. Reach Stella Point (5,730m) on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak.
Descend to Barafu Camp for a brief rest, then trek down to Mweka Camp.
Highlights: Spectacular sunrise at Uhuru Peak and stunning glacier views.
Accommodation: Mweka Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,080m) to Mweka Gate (1,650m), 9-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Elevation Loss: -1,430m
Time: 3-4 hours
Route: A leisurely descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Collect your summit certificate and celebrate your achievement!
Transfer: Drive back to Moshi or Arusha for rest and celebration.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
Why Choose the 9-days Lemosho route 2025/2027 ?
Highest Summit Success Rate: The extended itinerary provides extra days for acclimatization, increasing your chances of reaching the summit.
Scenic Beauty: Diverse landscapes, including rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers, with ample time to enjoy the scenery.
Low Crowds: Starting at Londorossi Gate ensures a quieter and more peaceful trekking experience.
Best Times to Climb
January to mid-March: Cooler weather with fewer climbers.
June to October: Warmer and busier, with clear skies and lush landscapes.