Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route
8 Days Lemosho Route
Overview
The Lemosho route offers some of the most stunning scenery on Kilimanjaro, featuring breathtaking vistas, abundant wildlife, exceptional acclimatization opportunities, and minimal foot traffic making it one of the best choices for summiting Africa’s highest peak. In fact, it’s our personal favorite for reaching the roof of Africa.
Your journey begins with a scenic 3 hours drive from Moshi to Lemosho Gate, located on the western slope of Mount Kilimanjaro. From there, you’ll make your way to the famous Shira Plateau, the starting point of your adventure through diverse climate zones ranging from lush alpine meadows to the frozen, high-altitude landscapes. The route is smooth, gradual, and ideal for acclimatization. In fact, Lemosho boasts the highest success rate among all Kilimanjaro routes.
Whether you have six, seven, or eight days to spare, there’s a program that fits your schedule. Longer treks are recommended for better acclimatization, ensuring a safer and more comfortable ascent.
Why Choose the 8 Days Lemosho Route?
The 7 Days Lemosho Route is a great choice for climbers looking for a scenic Kilimanjaro adventure with a well-paced itinerary. Starting from the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, the route offers a gradual ascent that gives your body valuable time to adjust to the increasing altitude.
Along the 7 Days Lemosho Route, climbers pass through lush rainforest before reaching the beautiful moorland and Shira Plateau, where wide mountain views begin to open up. The route continues through the alpine desert, including the famous Barranco Wall, before heading toward the summit. The well-planned itinerary also supports good acclimatization, making the climb more comfortable and increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
For travelers who want a scenic, challenging, and well-paced Kilimanjaro climb, the 7 Days Lemosho Route offers an excellent balance of adventure, acclimatization, and stunning landscapes.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival in Moshi
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, our expert guide will meet you to brief you on the trek ahead, followed by an equipment check to ensure you’re fully prepared with the right gear for the mountain. Afterward, you’ll rest for the night at your hotel before the adventure begins.
Day 1 – Lemosho Gate (2100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650m)
Distance covered: 7 km
Approximate time taken: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Lemosho Gate (2100m). Following park registration, you will begin your trek through the lush rainforest. The trail ascends gradually to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650m). You will have a relaxing evening and overnight at the camp, enjoying your first night under the stars.
Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650m) to Shira I Camp (3500m)
Distance covered: 11 km
Approximate time taken: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest to Heath and Moorland
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
The trek today takes you out of the rainforest and into the heath and moorland zone. From Mti Mkubwa Camp, you’ll climb through dense vegetation and rocky paths to Shira I Camp (3500m), where you will have a spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro. After a long day of trekking, enjoy dinner and overnight at Shira I Camp.
Day 3 – Shira I Camp (3500m) to Shira II Camp (3900m)
Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
After breakfast, you will continue your trek across the Shira Plateau towards Shira II Camp (3900m). The route gradually ascends through the moorland zone, where you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Shira II Camp offers an excellent opportunity for acclimatization and a comfortable night’s rest.
Day 4 – Shira II Camp (3900m) to Barranco Camp (3900m)
Distance covered: 10 km
Approximate time taken: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
The day starts with a gentle ascent towards the Lava Tower (4600m). After a short rest, you will descend to Barranco Camp (3900m) for your overnight stay. This route allows for better acclimatization as you ascend to higher altitudes before descending again. The camp is set at the base of the Barranco Wall, providing a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
Day 5 – Barranco Camp (3900m) to Karanga Camp (4000m)
Distance covered: 6 km
Approximate time taken: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Today you will tackle the Barranco Wall, a non-technical but steep climb. Once at the top, you will walk along the ridgeline with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The route continues through the alpine desert to Karanga Camp (4000m). This camp is an excellent stop for acclimatization.
Day 6 – Karanga Camp (4000m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
Distance covered: 4 km
Approximate time taken: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
After breakfast, you will ascend through the alpine desert to Barafu Camp (4640m), the final base camp before your summit attempt. The climb is short but steep, and Barafu Camp is known for its cold temperatures and wind. Once you arrive at Barafu, rest and prepare for the night ascent to the summit.
Day 7 – Barafu Camp (4640m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) then down to Mweka Camp (3100m)
Distance covered: 20 km
Approximate time taken: 12-15 hours
Habitat: Glacier/Moorland/Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
You will wake up early in the morning (around midnight) and begin your ascent to the summit. The trek to Uhuru Peak (5895m) is a challenging climb through scree and ice. You will pass through Stella Point (5756m) at sunrise and then make the final push to Uhuru Peak. At the summit, you can enjoy spectacular views and take photos. After spending a brief time at the summit, you will descend to Barafu Camp for lunch and then continue your descent to Mweka Camp (3100m). This will be a long and tiring day, but you’ll be rewarded with a much-needed rest at Mweka Camp.
Day 8 – Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
Distance covered: 10 km
Approximate time taken: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, and lunch included
On the final day, you will descend through the montane rainforest to Mweka Gate (1630m). Upon arrival at the gate, you will complete the necessary park formalities and receive your summit certificates. Afterward, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi to relax and celebrate your achievement.
Then – Depart Tanzania / Other destination in Tanzania
In the evening or the next day, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. If you have time, we can also arrange an exciting safari to one of Tanzania’s renowned national parks, such as Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, or Serengeti National Park.
End of the Trip
ENQUIRE THIS TOUR
Why Choose the Lemosho Route?
Better Acclimatization
A gradual ascent over seven days reduces the risk of altitude sickness, increasing your summit success rate.
Higher Success Rate
The longer itinerary allows for better adjustment to altitude, making this one of the most effective routes for summiting.
Breathtaking Scenery
Experience Kilimanjaro’s stunning landscapes, from dense rainforests to the alpine desert and glaciers.
Challenging but Rewarding
The trek is physically demanding but incredibly fulfilling, with unforgettable views and a magical sunrise from Uhuru Peak.
Help Links
- Food on Mt. Kilimanjaro
- How hard is Baranco Wall
- Altitude Sickness on Kilimanjaro
- Daily Routine on the kilimanjaro
- Lemosho Route vs Machame Route
- The Complete Kilimanjaro Packing
- Chance Venture Tours Tipping Guide
- Why Climbing Kilimanjaro Costs So Much
- When is the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro
- Can you Climb Kilimanjaro Without a Guide
- Trusted Mountain Guides on Mount Kilimanjaro
Prices (quoted in USD/per person)
| No. of Pax | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,160 USD |
| 2–4 People | $1,920 USD |
| 5–9 People | $1,830 USD |
| 10+ People | $1,780 USD |
Included in the price
- 2 Nights Hotel in Moshi: Bed & Breakfast
- Private transport to / from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Moshi
- Qualified guides with mountain crew
- National Park fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees and services
- All camping accommodations
- Mountain tents
- Transport
- Rescue fees
- All needs on the mountain (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Guides and porters’ accommodations and their entry fees on the mountain
- Pulse oximeter
- First aid kit
- Emergence oxygen
- Sleeping mats and sleeping bags
- Treated water through the trek
- Fair wages to guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park authority
Not included in the price
- Flights
- Visa
- Tips to mountain crew
- Private toilet ($120 per group)
- Laundry services
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