8-Day Kilimanjaro Hiking – Lemosho Route: The Best Tour for 2025/2026/2027
8-Day Kilimanjaro Hiking – Lemosho Route: The Best Tour for 2025/2026/2027
The 8-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is one of the best choices for climbers seeking a more relaxed ascent to the summit. With ample time for acclimatization, stunning landscapes, and fewer crowds, this route offers one of the highest summit success rates. The longer itinerary also provides an immersive experience through Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems.
Tour Highlights
Duration: 8 Days, 7 Nights on the Mountain
Route: Lemosho Route (known for its scenic beauty and remote start)
Accommodation: Camping in tents
Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult
Success Rate: Very high due to extended acclimatization
Group Size: Small groups for a more personalized experience
Full Package Overview
8-Day Lemosho Route Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Arrival: Transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Moshi.
Briefing: Meet your guide for a detailed trek briefing, gear check, and preparation for the hike.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Moshi (1,400m) – Londorossi Gate (2,100m) – Big Tree Camp (2,800m)
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 7km
After a drive to Londorossi Gate, complete registration and begin your trek through the beautiful rainforest to Big Tree Camp.
Overnight: Camping at Big Tree Camp.
Day 3: Big Tree Camp (2,800m) – Shira Camp 1 (3,500m)
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours | Distance: 8km
Ascend into the heather and moorland zone, enjoying spectacular views as you reach Shira Camp 1.
Overnight: Camping at Shira Camp 1.
Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3,500m) – Shira Camp 2 (3,850m)
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 8km
Hike across the Shira Plateau, taking in panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding landscape. Arrive at Shira Camp 2, where you can acclimatize further.
Overnight: Camping at Shira Camp 2.
Day 5: Shira Camp 2 (3,850m) – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Trekking Time: 7–8 hours | Distance: 15km
Continue your trek towards Lava Tower for essential acclimatization. After spending some time at the high altitude, descend to Barranco Camp.
Overnight: Camping at Barranco Camp.
Day 6: Barranco Camp (3,960m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 6km
Start the day by climbing the challenging yet rewarding Barranco Wall. The trek continues through the alpine desert to Karanga Camp.
Overnight: Camping at Karanga Camp.
Day 7: Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 4km
The trail ascends gradually towards Barafu Camp, your final stop before the summit attempt. Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the midnight climb.
Overnight: Camping at Barafu Camp.
Day 8: Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Summit (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m)
Summit Attempt: Begins at midnight | Trekking Time: 6–8 hours to Uhuru Peak
Descent: 5–7 hours to Mweka Camp | Total Distance: 18km
Start the final ascent in the early hours, aiming to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. After celebrating your achievement, descend back to Barafu Camp for a rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp.
Overnight: Camping at Mweka Camp.
Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,080m) – Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Moshi
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 10km
Complete your descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. After receiving your summit certificate, transfer back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi.
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.
Inclusions
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Clean, purified drinking water
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
All meals while on the Mountain
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Exclusions
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tanzania Visa
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Tips and gratuities
International and domestic flights
Travel insurance
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Why Choose the 8-Day Lemosho Route?
Best Acclimatization: The extended itinerary allows more time for your body to adjust to the altitude, increasing the chances of summit success.
Less Crowded: The Lemosho Route is one of the quieter paths, offering a more serene trekking experience.
Diverse Landscapes: This route offers incredible scenery, from lush rainforests to barren high-altitude landscapes.
High Success Rate: The extra day for acclimatization contributes to one of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro.
Best Time to Climb
2025, 2026, and 2027 Availability: January-March and June-October are the best months for stable weather and excellent hiking conditions.
