Lemosho Route via Crater Campsite — 9 Days / 8 Nights

An extended high-altitude variation that includes an overnight at the Crater Campsite at approximately 5,790 metres before continuing the summit experience to Uhuru Peak.

Standard Lemosho

The classic Lemosho circuit — a well-paced ascent ideal for fit hikers with limited time.

An extra acclimatisation day adds a meaningful boost to summit success. Our most popular choice.

Lemosho via Kosovo Camp

A remote high-altitude variation through Kosovo Camp, rewarding those seeking a less-travelled path.

Lemosho via Crater Camp

Spend a night inside Kibo's crater on a specialist high-altitude itinerary for experienced trekkers.

Mountain days

Mountain nights

Changed overnight stops

Summit starting camp

Post-summit overnight

Rate

Duration

Route

Summit approach

Accommodation

Climate zones

Difficulty

Standard Lemosho 7 Days

Standard Lemosho 8 Days

Lemosho via Crater Campsite 9 Days

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Lemosho Trailhead to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After completing registration formalities at the Lemosho trailhead and lunch, the trek begins through an undisturbed montane rainforest, where colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, duikers and numerous bird species may be seen. The forest trail gradually climbs to Mti Mkubwa Camp, our first overnight stop.

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, the trail leaves the rainforest and enters a landscape of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock covered with lichen. We climb through rolling hills before reaching Shira Ridge, then descend gently to Shira 1 Camp, where the first expansive views across the Shira Plateau towards Kibo become visible.

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

A shorter, gentler day across the Shira Plateau, walking east towards Kibo's glaciated peak. The open moorland offers sweeping views and a valuable acclimatisation walk in the afternoon. We overnight at Shira 2 Camp, well positioned for the following day's climb towards Lava Tower.

Shira 2 Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

We continue east towards the iconic Lava Tower, pausing at this volcanic plug at 4,630 m — a critical acclimatisation point. After lunch, the trail descends steeply into the spectacular Barranco Valley. This climb-high, sleep-low pattern is one of the Lemosho Route's key acclimatisation advantages.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

The morning begins with an exhilarating scramble up the Barranco Wall — a steep but non-technical rock face with assistance from the guide team. The trail then undulates across ridges and valleys before the final ascent to Karanga Camp. This shorter day provides valuable rest and acclimatisation.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

A relatively short but important day. Joining the Mweka trail junction, we climb steeply through a barren, lunar landscape to Barafu Camp. The afternoon is spent resting, hydrating and preparing gear for the summit push to Stella Point and the Crater Campsite.

Barafu Camp to Stella Point to Crater Campsite

Leaving Barafu in the early hours, we climb over steep scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, arriving around dawn. From Stella Point, we continue into the Kibo Crater to the planned overnight campsite at approximately 5,790 m. The afternoon offers a rare opportunity to explore the inner crater and the Furtwängler Glacier. An early rest is essential before the short morning walk to Uhuru Peak.

Crater Campsite to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

A short morning climb brings us to Uhuru Peak — Africa's rooftop — for summit photographs and celebration. We then begin the long descent past Stella Point and Barafu, continuing down to Mweka Camp through ever-warmer vegetation zones for the final night on the mountain.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

After a well-earned breakfast and the crew farewell, we descend through the montane rainforest to Mweka Gate. Park formalities and summit certificates are completed at the gate, then our vehicle transfers the group back to the hotel in Moshi.

Northern Circuit

Moderate

Exceptional

Very Low

Very High

Lemosho

Medium

High

Rongai

Very Good

Low

Good

Machame

Moderate–Challenging

Excellent

Shira

Challenging

Marangu

Umbwe

Very Challenging

Dramatic

Lower on short itineraries