Mti Mkubwa Camp
Tented camp
Western rainforest, 2,780m
All Kilimanjaro routes
Lemosho Route
8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route
Our recommended route. A remote western approach, the widest acclimatisation margin and the highest success rate.
8 days / 7 nights95% summit successModerate to challengingFrom $2,400 pp
Route overview
Eight days on Lemosho starts on the quiet western side, crosses the vast Shira Plateau and joins the southern circuit for the summit push. The extra nights make an enormous difference at altitude — this itinerary carries our highest summit success rate at roughly 95%.
- Quietest first three days on the mountain
- Shira Plateau and Cathedral Point
- Two full acclimatisation gains above 4,500m
- 95% summit success rate
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Arusha to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp
Drive to Londorossi Gate on the remote western side, then a quiet forest walk.
- Elevation:
- 2,100m → 2,780m
- Distance:
- 6 km · 3–4 hrs
- Overnight:
- Mti Mkubwa Camp
- 2
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Climb onto the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaux in the world.
- Elevation:
- 2,780m → 3,610m
- Distance:
- 8 km · 5–6 hrs
- Overnight:
- Shira 1 Camp
- 3
Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
Easy plateau crossing with a Cathedral Point excursion for acclimatisation.
- Elevation:
- 3,610m → 3,850m
- Distance:
- 7 km · 4–5 hrs
- Overnight:
- Shira 2 Camp
- 4
Shira 2 to Barranco via Lava Tower
The key acclimatisation day: up to 4,600m at Lava Tower, down to the Barranco Valley.
- Elevation:
- 3,850m → 4,600m → 3,950m
- Distance:
- 10 km · 6–8 hrs
- Overnight:
- Barranco Camp
- 5
Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp
Scramble the Barranco Wall and traverse to Karanga with the glaciers overhead.
- Elevation:
- 3,950m → 3,995m
- Distance:
- 5 km · 4–5 hrs
- Overnight:
- Karanga Camp
- 6
Karanga to Barafu Base Camp
Short stage across alpine desert; early dinner and rest before the summit push.
- Elevation:
- 3,995m → 4,673m
- Distance:
- 4 km · 3–4 hrs
- Overnight:
- Barafu Camp
- 7
Summit day: Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Midnight departure, sunrise on the Roof of Africa, then a long descent to camp.
- Elevation:
- 4,673m → 5,895m → 3,820m
- Distance:
- 14 km · 12–14 hrs
- Overnight:
- Millennium Camp
- 8
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate and Arusha
Rainforest descent, tipping ceremony, summit certificates and transfer to your hotel.
- Elevation:
- 3,820m → 1,640m
- Distance:
- 12 km · 4–5 hrs
- Overnight:
- Arusha hotel (own account)
Camps, huts and lodges
Shira 1 Camp
Tented camp
Plateau edge, 3,610m
Shira 2 Camp
Tented camp
Shira Plateau, 3,850m
Barranco Camp
Tented camp
Below the Barranco Wall, 3,950m
Karanga Camp
Tented camp
Scree valley, 3,995m
Barafu Camp
Tented base camp
Summit launch point, 4,673m
Millennium Camp
Tented camp
Moorland, 3,820m
Pricing per person
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 climber | $2,800 |
| 2 climbers | $2,550 |
| 3–4 climbers | $2,400 |
| 5–6 climbers | $2,300 |
| 7+ climbers | $2,220 |
What's included
- Kilimanjaro National Park, camping/hut and rescue fees
- KINAPA-licensed lead guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- All meals on the mountain plus filtered drinking water
- Quality four-season tents, sleeping mats and dining tent
- Daily pulse-oximeter health checks and emergency oxygen
- Return transfers between Moshi/Arusha and the park gate
- 18% VAT and government taxes
- Summit certificate at Uhuru Peak
Not included
- International flights and Tanzania visa
- Travel and evacuation insurance (compulsory)
- Hotel nights before and after the climb
- Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag hire
- Tips for the mountain crew (KPAP guideline: ~$250 per climber)
- Drinks, laundry and personal expenses
Other Kilimanjaro routes
Questions before you commit to the mountain?
Talk to a Kilimanjaro specialist about fitness, gear hire and the route with the best summit odds for you.
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