Climb Kilimanjaro in 8 Days via the Lemosho Route
The 8-day Lemosho route offers a thrilling and rewarding journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak. This route takes you through some of Kilimanjaro’s most diverse and breathtaking landscapes, starting in the lush rainforests and ascending gradually to the Shira Plateau. From here, you’ll experience jaw-dropping views of the mountain’s iconic snow-capped peak. As you make your way through the rugged Karanga Valley and ascend the Barranco Wall, you’ll be treated to an exhilarating adventure. The final ascent begins at Barafu Camp, where you’ll start your summit bid in the early hours, reaching Uhuru Peak just as the sun rises. The Lemosho route is challenging but incredibly rewarding, testing both your physical endurance and mental toughness, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
The Lemosho route is known for its spectacular scenery, offering panoramic vistas and a variety of ecosystems. Starting in the lush rainforests, it gradually ascends to the alpine desert and rocky landscapes near the summit. It also offers opportunities to spot wildlife, such as monkeys and antelopes. The route spans 8 days, which provides ample time for acclimatization, improving your chances of reaching the summit successfully. This extended duration makes the Lemosho route one of the most rewarding and picturesque ways to experience Tanzania’s natural beauty.
Highlights of the 8-Day Lemosho Route
- One of the best routes for acclimatization, providing a higher chance of reaching the summit.
- Less crowded and more scenic, offering diverse landscapes.
- Groups may be accompanied by an armed ranger on the first day due to wildlife in the Lemosho Glades, such as buffalo and elephants.
- The extra days on the 8-day Lemosho route allow more time for acclimatization, helping to reduce altitude sickness and giving you more rest before summit day.
Packing Essentials for the Lemosho Route
- Warm sleeping bag
- Insulated jacket
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Backpack
Day 0: Arrival & Pre-Trek Briefing
If you’ve chosen the airport transfer option, we’ll pick you up from Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Before the trek, there will be a briefing at the hotel to go over the journey ahead. You’ll also review your gear and rent any additional equipment you may need. It’s recommended to arrive at least one day before the trek begins.
Day 1: Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast and a final briefing, we’ll drive to Londorossi Park Gate (approximately 3 hours) before continuing by 4WD to Lemosho Glades. The trek begins with a walk through forest trails leading to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, we continue the hike as the trail steepens, transitioning into the giant heather moorland zone. Crossing several streams, we climb over the Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
A gentle hike across the Shira Plateau leads us to Shira 2 Camp. This day offers excellent acclimatization with opportunities for short hikes around the plateau, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude.
Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
We continue east up a ridge, passing the Lava Tower (4630m/15,250ft), also known as “Shark’s Tooth.” After reaching the tower, we descend to Barranco Camp, a crucial acclimatization day even though we end at a similar elevation to where we began.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
The day starts with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, offering a thrilling experience and stunning views. We then descend into the Karanga Valley, reaching the junction with the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue our ascent towards Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit. From here, you’ll have incredible views of the summit from multiple angles. We’ll rest and prepare for the final summit push.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
We begin our final ascent between midnight and 2 AM, heading between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The steep scree climb is both mentally and physically challenging. At Stella Point, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking sunrise, and from here, it’s a 1-hour push to the summit. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, you’ve conquered the highest point in Africa! We then descend back to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,341ft, descending to 3100m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up, 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up, 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree, Ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast, we complete the descent to Mweka Gate where you’ll receive your summit certificates. The lower elevations can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Once at the gate, our vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi.
Elevation: 3100m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
- Transfers to and from the mountain and your hotel in Moshi / Arusha
- Professional and experienced mountain guides
- Salaries for guides, porters, and cooks, as well as park fees
- High-quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (shared)
- Sleeping mattress
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- All meals during your trek
- Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
- Generous portions of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (included in park fees)
- Camping or hut fees (included in park fees)
- Rescue fees (included in park fees)
- VAT (18% as mandated by the government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Exclusions
- Tanzania visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel accommodation (optional add-on)
- Transfers (optional add-on)
- Personal trekking gear such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothing, etc. (available for rent)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages, including liquor, beer, and bottled drinks
- Online payment surcharge for advance and balance (3.5% per payment)
Price
| Group Size | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| Solo Trekker | 2,710 |
| Group of 2 | 2,651 |
| Group of 3 | 2,580 |
| Group of 4 | 2,468 |
| Group of 5 | 2,360 |
| Group of 6 | 2,230 |
| Group of 7 | 2,215 |
| Group of 8 | 2,143 |
| Group of 9 | 2,111 |
| Group of 10 or more | 2,050 |