Lemosho Gate — Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa)
- Elevation
- 7,742 ft / 2,360 m → 9,186 ft / 2,800 m
- Distance
- 7 km
- Hiking time
- ~4 hours
Rainforest trail with birds and monkeys; first night in camp.
Western approach · Lemosho high-country views
Overview
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and less crowded routes. It is usually trekked over 7–9 days for strong acclimatization and a higher summit success rate.
Highlights
- Beautiful and remote starting point
- Excellent acclimatization profile
- Diverse landscapes and wildlife
- High summit success rate
Day-by-day itinerary
One of the most beautiful, less crowded western approaches. A gradual climb supports acclimatization and summit success. Below is a classic 7-day Lemosho schedule.
Most trips add arrival day(s) in Moshi: airport transfer, briefing, gear check, and welcome dinner before the trek starts.
Big Tree Camp — Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation
- 9,186 ft / 2,800 m → 12,631 ft / 3,850 m
- Distance
- 16.5 km
- Hiking time
- 9–10 hours
Moorland and wide views; first high camp on the Shira massif.
Shira 2 — Lava Tower — Barranco Camp
- Elevation
- up to 15,091 ft / 4,600 m (Lava Tower), sleep 12,795 ft / 3,900 m
- Distance
- 10 km
- Hiking time
- ~7 hours
Climb high, sleep low for acclimatization; dramatic Barranco setting below the wall.
Barranco Camp — Karanga Camp
- Elevation
- 12,795 ft / 3,900 m → 13,106 ft / 3,995 m
- Distance
- 5.5 km
- Hiking time
- ~5 hours
Barranco Wall scramble then gentler hiking toward the southern circuit.
Karanga Camp — Barafu Camp
- Elevation
- 13,106 ft / 3,995 m → 15,331 ft / 4,673 m
- Distance
- 4 km
- Hiking time
- ~3 hours
Short day to the high camp; rest before the midnight summit push.
Barafu — Uhuru Peak — Millennium Camp
- Elevation
- 19,341 ft / 5,895 m (summit); sleep ~12,959 ft / 3,950 m
- Distance
- 15 km
- Hiking time
- 12–15 hours
Summit via Stella Point; long descent to thicker air and forest edge.
Millennium Camp — Mweka Gate
- Elevation
- 12,959 ft / 3,950 m → 5,380 ft / 1,640 m
- Distance
- 14 km
- Hiking time
- ~5 hours
Rainforest descent; certificates at the gate, then transfer to Moshi.