Share This Tour
- Duration: 8 days
- Difficulty: medium
- Scenery: very Good
- success rate: High
8 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
The 8 days Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is renowned for its stunning scenery, high summit success rates, and gradual acclimatization profile, making it a top choice for climbers seeking a rewarding experience. Starting on the western side of the mountain, the 8 days Lemosho Route traverses through lush rainforests, heather moorlands, and alpine deserts before approaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, at 5,895 meters. This longer 8-day trek allows for excellent altitude adjustment, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and providing better odds for a successful summit. Known for its breathtaking views and diverse landscapes, the 8 days Lemosho Route is a premier choice for adventurers looking for a scenic and less-crowded ascent on Kilimanjaro.
8 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Itinerary
Day 0
Arrival (Pre-trek Briefing)
All trekkers need to organise their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). From JRO we will arrange a private transfer to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
Arrive at least a day before your trek to attend a pre-trek briefing at your hotel. We will review your gear and provide any necessary equipment rentals
Day 1
Arrival
- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Hotel
Day 1
Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Lemosho Park Gate. From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
Day 1
- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
Day 1
- Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.
Day 1
- Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4
Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Day 1
- Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Walking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
Day 1
- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Day 1
- Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
- Distance: 4km/2mi
- Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Day 1
- Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha
Day 1
- Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Inclusions and Exclusion
The price includes:-
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel
- Quality mountain tent and Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
The price Excludes:-
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Tanzania Visa
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Price per person Sharing
Solo
2 pax
3 pax
4 pax
5 pax
6 pax
7+ pax
USD 2620
USD 2391
USD 2320
USD 2308
USD 2300
USD 2270
USD 2266
SOLO
2 PAX
3 PAX
4 PAX
5 PAX
6 PAX
7 PAX
USD 2620
USD 2391
USD 2320
USD 2308
USD 2300
USD 2270
USD 2266
Facts to know before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, a 19,340-foot (5,895-meter) mountain, has three peaks and popular trekking routes. Climbers traverse diverse climate zones over 6–9 days, depending on the route. The first successful ascent was in 1889 by Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller, also requiring an average fitness level.
Trekking Distance
Long Route 98 KM | Short Route 62 KM
Kilimanjaro Three Peaks
Kibo | Mawenzi | Shira
Climate Zones
Rainforest, Heather, Moorland, Alpine, Arctic
First Climb
1889, Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller
Required Skills
Average fitness level
Kilimanjaro Routes
Lemosho, Machame, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Marangu, Umbwe
Kilimanjaro Hike Lengths
5-9 days depend on Routes
8 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
Price From $2331 Pp
-
Mti Mkubwa camp, Shira camp, Moir camp, Buffalo camp, Rongai Third Cave, School Hut, Millennium Camp, Mweka gate
9 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
Price From $2573 Pp
-
Mti Mkubwa camp, Shira camp, Moir camp, Buffalo camp, Rongai Third Cave, School Hut, Millennium Camp, Mweka gate
6 Days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
Price From $1794 Pp
-
Cave Camp, Barranco camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Mweka camp, Mweka gate
7 Days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
Price From $2046 Pp
-
Cave Camp, Barranco camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Mweka camp, Mweka gate
6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
Price From $1856 Pp
-
Marangu Gate, Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, and Kibo Hut,
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and least crowded paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from the Lemosho Glades, this route offers stunning views, diverse ecosystems, and a greater chance of acclimatization due to its gradual ascent. It typically takes 8 days to complete, allowing climbers to experience the beautiful landscapes while maximizing their chances of reaching the summit.
Opting for an 8-day trek on the Lemosho Route significantly enhances your acclimatization process, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. This extended itinerary allows trekkers to acclimatize effectively while enjoying the breathtaking scenery, making it ideal for those looking to enjoy a more leisurely climb and improve their chances of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Lemosho Route boasts numerous highlights, including stunning views of the Western Breach, lush rainforests, the picturesque Shira Plateau, and the dramatic summit of Kibo. Along the trek, you’ll encounter diverse wildlife, unique flora, and magnificent landscapes, making it a photographer's paradise and a memorable experience for all adventurers.
While the Lemosho Route is considered one of the more accessible paths on Kilimanjaro, it still poses challenges due to its altitude and varying terrain. Trekkers should have a moderate level of fitness and prior hiking experience. The 8-day itinerary allows for gradual acclimatization, making it suitable for many climbers looking to summit Kilimanjaro.
Essential gear for the Lemosho Route includes sturdy trekking boots, layered clothing for varying temperatures, a warm sleeping bag, trekking poles, and a daypack. It’s also advisable to bring personal items like a hydration system, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a first-aid kit. Proper preparation will enhance your comfort and safety throughout the trek.
