The best Kilimanjaro Climbing Lemosho Route 8-Day Ultimate Trek
Kilimanjaro Climbing via Lemosho Route: 8-Day Ultimate Trek
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and diverse ways to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its stunning landscapes, excellent acclimatization profile, and lower crowd density, the Lemosho Route offers an unparalleled trekking experience for those seeking adventure. With a longer, more gradual ascent and a remote, untouched trail, this 8-day journey is perfect for both first-time trekkers and seasoned climbers looking for a scenic and rewarding climb.
Why Choose the Lemosho Route?
Stunning Scenic Views
The Lemosho Route offers some of the most spectacular scenery on Kilimanjaro. From the lush rainforests to the barren high-altitude desert and finally the glacial summit, this route takes you through Kilimanjaro’s most diverse ecosystems. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Shira Plateau, towering glaciers, and distant peaks, making this route a photographer’s dream.
Excellent Acclimatization
With its gradual ascent and longer itinerary, the Lemosho Route provides one of the best acclimatization profiles of all Kilimanjaro routes. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy gives your body plenty of time to adjust to the altitude, significantly increasing your chances of reaching the summit safely and successfully.
Less Crowded and Remote
Starting from the western side of Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho Route begins in remote, untouched terrain and is less crowded than other popular routes like Machame or Marangu. The first few days offer solitude and a peaceful hiking experience through pristine rainforests and moorlands.
High Summit Success Rate
Due to its longer duration and excellent acclimatization opportunities, the Lemosho Route boasts one of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro. The 8-day trek gives climbers plenty of time to adjust to the altitude, enhancing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.
Day-by-Day 8-Day Itinerary for the Lemosho Route
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Arrival: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-Trek Briefing: Meet your guide for a detailed briefing about the trek, check your gear, and prepare for the adventure.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain: 720m
Terrain: Rainforest
Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate for registration and permits. Begin your trek through the lush rainforest, where you may spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys and elephants. The trail gradually ascends through thick forest, and you’ll reach Mti Mkubwa Camp (also known as Big Tree Camp) by late afternoon.
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 680m
Terrain: Moorland
Itinerary Overview: Today’s trek takes you out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. The trail climbs steeply at first, offering incredible views of the surrounding landscape. As you ascend onto the Shira Plateau, you’ll cross through vast, open moorlands, eventually reaching Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll have stunning views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain: 350m
Terrain: Moorland
Itinerary Overview: Continue trekking across the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most beautiful and expansive sections. You’ll walk through rolling heathlands and rocky outcrops, with plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp by mid-afternoon, where you can relax and take in the views of Kibo Peak.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Elevation Gain: 780m (to Lava Tower) / Descent: 670m (to Barranco Camp)
Terrain: Alpine Desert
Itinerary Overview: This is an essential acclimatization day. After leaving Shira 2 Camp, the trail climbs steadily towards the Lava Tower (4,630m), a volcanic rock formation. Here, you’ll stop for lunch and acclimatization. From Lava Tower, the trail descends into the Barranco Valley to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach is crucial for proper acclimatization.
Overnight: Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Day 6: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 75m
Terrain: Alpine Desert
Itinerary Overview: Today begins with the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical rock scramble that offers some of the most dramatic views on the trek. After reaching the top of the wall, the trail undulates through the alpine desert, eventually arriving at Karanga Camp, which sits at 4,035 meters. This is a shorter day, giving you time to rest and continue acclimatizing.
Overnight: Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Day 7: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,680m)
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 645m
Terrain: Alpine Desert
Itinerary Overview: The trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp is a gradual ascent through a barren, rocky landscape. You’ll reach Barafu Camp, the basecamp for your summit attempt, by early afternoon. Spend the remainder of the day resting, hydrating, and preparing for the summit push. After an early dinner, you’ll get some sleep before beginning the final ascent at midnight.
Overnight: Barafu Camp (4,680m)
Day 8: Barafu Camp (4,680m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Distance: 19 km (12 miles) (6 km ascent, 13 km descent)
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours (6-8 hours to summit, 4-6 hours to Mweka Camp)
Elevation Gain: 1,215m (to Uhuru Peak)
Descent: 2,795m (to Mweka Camp)
Summit Overview: Begin the final ascent around midnight. The climb to the summit is steep and challenging, with switchbacks leading to Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim. From there, continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Enjoy the awe-inspiring views at the summit before descending back to Barafu Camp for a short rest. Then, continue your descent to Mweka Camp.
Overnight: Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Elevation Loss: 1,460m
Terrain: Rainforest
Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, make your final descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Moshi
Day 10: Departure
Transfer: After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or continue with other travel plans. If you’re staying longer, you can explore more of Tanzania’s treasures, such as safaris in the Serengeti or a beach holiday in Zanzibar
Inclusions
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All meals while on the Mountain
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Large portions of 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
Exclusions
Tanzania Visa
International and domestic flights
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
