8-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

From $ 1,970 pp

Duration: 8 Days

Tour Type: Hiking

Trip Overview

The 8-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route offers a rewarding climb with a gradual pace that allows trekkers to adjust to the increasing altitude while enjoying the mountain’s remarkable scenery. The journey begins in the lush rainforest, where you may spot monkeys and colourful birds, before continuing across open moorlands, rocky landscapes, and the high-altitude alpine desert. With an extra day for acclimatization, this route provides more time to prepare for the summit. Accompanied by experienced local guides and supported by a dedicated team of porters, you will make your way toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, for an unforgettable mountain adventure.

What Makes This Trip Special

Experienced Guides and Porters: Climb with knowledgeable local guides and a supportive team of porters who help make your journey safer, more comfortable, and enjoyable.

Beautiful Moorlands and Alpine Landscapes: Experience the changing scenery of Kilimanjaro, from rolling moorlands and giant plants to rugged volcanic terrain and glaciers.

Trekking Through the Rainforest: Begin your adventure beneath a canopy of lush vegetation, with opportunities to see native wildlife and a variety of bird species.

Summit Uhuru Peak: Reach the Roof of Africa at 5,895 metres and take in the spectacular views as the sun rises above the clouds.

Itinerary In Details

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup at around 8:00 AM, followed by a transfer to Londorossi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. After completing the registration and park entry formalities, you will begin hiking through the beautiful Lemosho rainforest. The trail passes beneath tall trees and through dense vegetation as you gradually make your way to Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, where you will spend your first night on the mountain.

  • Elevation: 2,100 m to 2,750 m
  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
  • Distance: 6 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Habitat: Rainforest
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, you will continue climbing out of the rainforest and into the open moorland zone. The trail crosses grassy slopes covered with heather and scattered volcanic rocks, offering a noticeable change in scenery. Some sections become steeper as you gain altitude, but the steady pace allows you to enjoy the surroundings along the way. You will arrive at Shira 1 Camp, where you may be rewarded with beautiful views of Kibo Peak rising above the clouds.

  • Elevation: 2,750 m to 3,500 m
  • Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today’s trek takes you farther across the Shira Plateau, a broad high-altitude landscape with sweeping views of Kilimanjaro. As you walk through the moorland, you may enjoy different perspectives of Kibo Peak and the mountain’s northern ice fields. The gradual ascent helps your body adjust to the altitude before the more demanding stages ahead. After reaching Shira 2 Camp, you will have time for an acclimatization walk before returning to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

  • Elevation: 3,500 m to 3,850 m
  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Habitat: Moorland
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

You will leave Shira 2 Camp and continue climbing through increasingly rugged terrain toward the high-altitude alpine desert. Along the way, the trail offers expansive views of the mountain and its surrounding valleys. Your main stop is Lava Tower at approximately 4,640 metres, where you will pause for lunch at one of the highest points reached during the day. Afterward, you will descend toward Barranco Camp at around 3,960 metres. This climb-high, sleep-low approach helps support acclimatization. The camp sits beneath impressive cliffs, with wide views across the landscape below.

  • Elevation: 3,850 m to 3,960 m, via 4,640 m
  • Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

The day begins with a descent into the Barranco Valley before you tackle the famous Barranco Wall. Although the climb involves some steep sections over rocky ground, it does not require technical climbing equipment. Once over the wall, you will continue along the mountain’s southern slopes, passing beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers as you make your way toward Karanga Valley. A final ascent brings you to Karanga Camp, where you can relax and enjoy the mountain surroundings. If conditions and your energy levels allow, your guide may arrange an additional acclimatization walk before dinner.

  • Elevation: 3,960 m to 4,035 m
  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
  • Distance: 5 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you will leave Karanga Camp and climb toward Barafu Camp, your final base before the summit attempt. The trail crosses steep, rocky slopes with very little vegetation, and the increasing altitude makes the hike more demanding. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, you will have lunch and spend the afternoon resting, drinking plenty of water, and preparing your summit gear. An early dinner will be followed by an attempt to sleep before waking around midnight to begin the final ascent toward Uhuru Peak.

  • Elevation: 4,035 m to 4,640 m
  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
  • Distance: 4 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp

Summit day begins around midnight, when you set off under the stars for the steep climb toward the crater rim. You will move slowly across loose volcanic scree, taking regular breaks as you gain altitude. Your first major milestone is Stella Point at approximately 5,739 metres, where you may witness a spectacular sunrise over the surrounding peaks and glaciers. From here, you will continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa.

After celebrating your achievement and taking photographs, you will begin the descent to Barafu Camp for a short rest and breakfast. You will then continue down the mountain to Mweka Camp, where you can recover after this demanding day and spend your final night on Kilimanjaro.

  • Elevation: 4,640 m to 5,895 m, then descend to approximately 3,080 m
  • Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
  • Distance: Approximately 18 km
  • Difficulty: Very Challenging
  • Habitat: Arctic zone to alpine desert and moorland
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

After breakfast, you will begin your final descent through the lush rainforest toward Mweka Gate. The trail is generally easier than the previous day’s summit climb, although some sections may be muddy or slippery. At the gate, you will complete the necessary park formalities and receive your summit certificate if you reached the required milestone. Your vehicle will then transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a hot shower and celebrate completing your Kilimanjaro adventure.

  • Elevation: 3,080 m to 1,640 m
  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Habitat: Rainforest
Book This Tour

Includes & Excludes

  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries, and park fees
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
  •  Fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Conservation fees (part of park fees)
  • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
  • Rescue fees (part of park fees)
  • VAT (18% charged by the Government)
  • Kilimanjaro summit certificate
  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel
  • Alcohol and soft drinks
  • Sleeping bag
  • Flights
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs
  • Travel insurance

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