Lemosho

Overview

Lemosho starts on the remote western side of the mountain and crosses the entire Shira Plateau before joining the southern circuit. Quieter in its first days, stunningly beautiful and with one of the best acclimatisation profiles on the mountain, it is our favourite all-round route.

Best for: Anyone who can spare eight days: the best balance of scenery, quiet and success rate.

Altitude profile

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp

   2,250 m → 2,650 m ~6 km 3–4 h

   Drive to the western Londorossi Gate, then hike through pristine rainforest to Mti Mkubwa, "Big Tree" camp.

2. 2

   Mti Mkubwa Camp → Shira 1 Camp

   2,650 m → 3,500 m ~8 km 5–6 h

   Climb out of the forest into heather and onto the Shira Ridge, with the plateau and Kibo opening up in front of you.

3. 3

   Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp

   3,500 m → 3,850 m ~7 km 4–5 h

   An easy day across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth, with an optional detour to Shira Cathedral.

4. 4

   Shira 2 Camp → Barranco Camp

   3,850 m → 3,960 m (max 4,630 m) ~10 km 6–8 h

   Climb to the Lava Tower for acclimatisation, then descend to the Barranco Valley and its giant groundsels.

5. 5

   Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp

   3,960 m → 3,995 m ~5 km 4–5 h

   Scramble up the Barranco Wall and traverse beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers to Karanga Camp.

6. 6

   Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp

   3,995 m → 4,673 m ~4 km 3–4 h

   A short climb through alpine desert to base camp. Rest and prepare for the summit.

7. 7

   Barafu Camp → Mweka Camp

   4,673 m → 3,100 m (max 5,895 m) ~17 km 12–15 h

   Summit night: from midnight to sunrise at Stella Point and on to Uhuru Peak, then the long descent to Mweka Camp.

8. 8

   Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate

   3,100 m → 1,640 m ~10 km 3–4 h

   Descend through the rainforest to the gate, collect your certificate and celebrate with the crew.

Distances and times are approximate.