8 Days Lemosho Route
Overview
The 8-day Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and highly recommended routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m). Known for its breathtaking landscapes, low traffic, and high success rate, this route provides excellent acclimatization due to its gradual ascent and longer duration. It starts at Lemosho Gate (2,100m) on the western side of Kilimanjaro, passing through the lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m) on the first day. On day two, climbers ascend to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m), traversing into the Shira Plateau. The journey continues to Shira 2 Camp (3,900m) on day three, offering stunning views of Kibo Peak. Day four involves hiking to Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp (3,950m). On day five, trekkers tackle the famous Barranco Wall before reaching Karanga Camp (4,035m). Day six leads to Barafu Camp (4,673m), where climbers prepare for the final ascent. The summit attempt begins at midnight on day seven, reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) before descending to Mweka Camp (3,100m). The trek concludes on day eight with a descent to Mweka Gate (1,640m), where climbers receive their summit certificates. This route is ideal for those seeking a challenging but well-paced trek with optimal acclimatization, increasing the chances of reaching the summit. The best months to climb are January–March and June–October for favorable weather conditions.
1 person | 2-5 persons | 6-10 persons | 11+ persons |
USD 2600 | USD 2300 | USD 2050 | USD 1850 |
Per person | Per person | Per person | Per person |
Tour plan
Day 1: Arrive in Moshi.
Arrival: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Our dedicated representative will be eagerly waiting for you at the airport, holding a sign with your name on it, ready to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome.
Transfer: From the airport, a seamless and comfortable transfer service will whisk you away to our enchanting hotel.
Check-In and Meal: Upon arrival at the hotel, you will check in and be served a delicious meal to help you relax and recharge.
Briefing: Later in the day, our experienced mountain coordinators and your guide will provide a pre-trekking briefing. This exciting session will cover essential information and give you a glimpse of the wonders that await you on your upcoming expedition. During the briefing, there will be an equipment check to ensure that you have everything needed to make your climb comfortable and safe. Should you require any equipment, it can be rented locally at a fair price and is of good quality.
Please note that if your arrival is at night, the briefing and equipment check may be conducted early the next morning instead. This ensures that you are well-prepared and fully equipped before starting your adventure.
Overnight: Stay at the hotel and get a good night’s rest before the adventure begins.
Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Altitude: 2,100m to 2,650m
Distance: 7km
Duration: 3-4 hours
Terrain: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After breakfast and a briefing from your guide at the Hotel, you’ll be transferred to Lemosho Park Gate (2,100m), which is about a 1.5-hour drive. Upon arrival at Londorossi Gate, you will complete the registration process before starting your trek along the scenic forest trails to Mti Mkubwa Campsite (2,750m), a hike that takes approximately 3 hours.
Upon arrival at the campsite, the porters will set up the tents while our chef prepares a delicious lunch. After enjoying your meal, you’ll have time to relax and soak in the natural surroundings until dinner. In the evening, your guide will provide a briefing about the next day’s trek, ensuring you are well-prepared for the journey ahead.
Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Campsite.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Altitude: 2,650m to 3,500m
Distance: 8km
Duration: 5-6 hours
Terrain: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
On this day, you’ll begin early with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a short hike from Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp. The hike typically takes up to 5 hours, during which you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the west face of Kibo Volcano, commonly known as Kilimanjaro.
As you trek along the trail, you’ll traverse the lower moonland, which is adorned with large shrubs and vibrant wildflowers. Upon your arrival at Shira 1 Camp, our dedicated porters will set up your tents while our skilled chef prepares a delicious lunch for you.
After enjoying your meal, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and soak in the stunning surroundings until dinner. In the evening, your experienced guide will provide a detailed briefing on the plans for the following day’s trek, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the adventure ahead.
Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Altitude: 3,500m to 3,850m
Distance: 10km
Duration: 5-7 hours
Terrain: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
On this day, you’ll wake up early for breakfast and begin the short hike from Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp. The trek usually takes around 5-6 hours and is relatively easy, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views of Africa. Upon reaching the Shira 2 campsite, our dedicated porters will set up your tents while our chef prepares lunch. After your meal, you’ll have time to relax until dinner. In the evening, after dinner, our experienced guide will brief you on the trekking plans for the following day.
Overnight stay at Shira 2 Camp.
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Altitude: 3,850m to 4,600m (Lava Tower) to 3,900m (Barranco Camp)
Distance: 10km
Duration: 7-8 hours
Terrain: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Start the day with an early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast to fuel your trek. Today’s route includes a climb to the Lava Tower at 4,630 meters, passing through a semi-desert, rocky landscape. After a 5-hour hike, enjoy lunch before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower. This demanding day might test your endurance as you adjust to the higher altitude. After lunch, descend 680 meters to the Barranco campsite, where the benefits of acclimatization become evident. The 2-hour descent offers stunning photo opportunities of the Western Breach. End the day with a memorable sunset and dinner at Barranco Camp.
Overnight stay at Barranco Camp.
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Altitude: 3,900m to 4,035m
Distance: 6km
Duration: 4-5 hours
Terrain: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Start your day early with a wake-up call and a nourishing breakfast to fuel your trek. The journey might involve ascending the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but rewarding section. After conquering the Wall, you’ll descend into the scenic Karanga Valley, known for its lush vegetation and breathtaking landscapes. Upon reaching the Karanga campsite, the porters will set up your tents while our chef prepares lunch. After enjoying your meal, you’ll embark on an acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp, ascending 200 meters before returning to camp. In the evening, enjoy a hot meal prepared by the chef. Following dinner, your experienced guide will brief you on the next day’s trek, discussing the route, challenges, and key details.
Overnight stay at Karanga Camp.
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Altitude: 4,035m to 4,640m
Distance: 4km
Duration: 4-5 hours
Terrain: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Start your day with an early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast to fuel your trek toward Barafu Camp. The trail features varied terrain, including rocky sections and gradual slopes, offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude landscapes. As you ascend, focus on acclimatization to avoid altitude-related issues. Upon reaching Barafu, our porters will handle the camp setup while the chef prepares lunch. After eating, rest until dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the upcoming summit attempt, covering the route, challenges, safety measures, and preparations. Try to rest well, as the summit ascent begins late in the evening.
Overnight stay at Barafu Camp.
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp
Altitude: 4,640m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) and descent to 3,080m (Mweka Camp)
Distance: 5km ascent, 12km descent
Duration: 10-14 hours
Terrain: Arctic conditions
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
On this day, you’ll rise around 11:30 PM and start the ascent after some tea and biscuits. Heading northwest, you’ll climb through scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The 6-hour trek to Stella Point (5,685 meters) is often the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. After a brief rest at Stella Point, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise, weather permitting. From there, it’s a 2-hour snow-covered ascent to Uhuru Peak. Your time at the summit will depend on the weather, so don’t linger too long due to the cold and fatigue. The descent to Barafu takes about 3 hours for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Altitude: 3,080m to 1,640m
Distance: 10km
Duration: 3-4 hours
Terrain: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
After breakfast at Mweka Camp, you’ll begin your descent to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, the Great Time Experience (GTE) team will be waiting to celebrate your achievement with a medal ceremony. Following this, you will receive your summit certificate from the government and be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Here, a hot meal, a refreshing shower, and a comfortable bed await, giving you a chance to reflect on your incredible journey and celebrate your successful climb.
After a short rest, join us in the evening for a brief celebration where we will present you with an award from our company to commemorate your achievement and bid our farewells. If you’re interested in extending your adventure, you can meet with our safari coordinator to explore options such as a thrilling wildlife safari or a relaxing beach getaway in Zanzibar. Additionally, we offer various day trips to nearby attractions, allowing you to further immerse yourself in the local culture and natural beauty of the region.
Overnight: Rest at the hotel and enjoy a good night’s sleep before your departure.
Day 10: Departure from Moshi.
Activity: Relax and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, explore Moshi town or visit local markets before heading to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure
Kindly note: If you wish to extend your adventure, consider adding a day trip to your itinerary. You can explore nearby attractions or immerse yourself in local culture for a truly enriching experience. For more details, we invite you to visit our Day Trip page.
Alternatively, you can continue your journey with a visit to the stunning island of Zanzibar. Whether you seek relaxation on pristine beaches or wish to delve into the island’s rich culture, Zanzibar offers something for everyone. Discover the perfect package for your next excursion by exploring our Zanzibar page.
If you’re interested in adding a safari experience, please visit our Safari page. Here you will find detailed information on our exciting safari options, allowing you to further extend your adventure with a thrilling wildlife experience.
Additionally, our team is always available to help customize your extended itinerary, ensuring you have the most memorable and enjoyable experience possible.
Price Included:
- Qualified guides with mountain crew
- National Park fees
- Hut/camping fees and tents
- Tents foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and (Cutlery / Crockery) eating utensils.
- Rescue fees (required by the National Park)
- Pulse oximeters
- First aid kit
- Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries
- Boiled water on the mountain
- Airport transfers (JRO – Kilimanjaro International Airports)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Not Excluded:
- Single rooms supplement.
- Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips
- Meals and drinks not specified
- Mountain equipment (eg sleeping bags)
- Gear for your climb, some equipment is available for rent.
- Car Supplement USD$145 per car for clients who go through Lemosho/Rongai/Shira Routes
- Items of personal nature (expenses)
- Emergency Oxygen
- Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
Where to Stay
When planning your safari, there are plenty of great places to stay from lodges and camps to hotels. Each option offers a comfortable and unique way to experience the beauty of nature. Discover the perfect spot to relax after a day of adventure for this tour.
