8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro

The Lemosho route is considered one of the most scenic routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, offering breathtaking views of the mountain from all angles. The route is seven days long and begins at the Lemosho Gate, located on the western side of the mountain.

The first few days of the trek involve hiking through dense rainforest before emerging into the heather and moorland zones. As you ascend higher, the landscape becomes more barren and rocky, and the altitude becomes more challenging. The summit night climb is usually done in the early morning hours, offering spectacular views of the sunrise from the top of Africa.

The Lemosho route is known for its high success rate due to the gradual pace of the climb and the extra acclimatization days built into the itinerary. Experienced guides and porters accompany climbers to ensure safety and provide support throughout the journey. Overall, the Lemosho route is a rewarding and unforgettable experience for those looking to climb Kilimanjaro.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Kilimanjaro International Airport

DEPARTURE TIME

Please arrive at least 2 hours before the flight.

INCLUDED

	Professional driver-guide All park entry fees and government taxes Accommodation as per itinerary (usually in lodges or tented camps) Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof

NOT INCLUDED

International flights to and from Tanzania
Visa fees (if applicable)
Travel Insurance
Tips for the driver-guide and lodge/camp staff
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (except for water)
Optional activities not specified in the itinerary (such as hot air balloon safaris)
Any additional expenses not mentioned in the itinerary

Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 1 of the 8-day Lemosho route starts at the Lemosho Gate, which is located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trek begins with registration at the gate and a briefing from the guides before entering Kilimanjaro National Park. From there, trekkers will walk through the lush rainforest and encounter a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and colobus monkeys. The trail gradually ascends through the forest, and after about 3-4 hours, trekkers will reach their first campsite at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp. This camp is located at an altitude of 9,300 feet (2,830 meters) and provides stunning views of the forest canopy and surrounding hills. Upon arrival at the campsite, trekkers will be greeted by the support staff, who will have already set up the tents and started preparing meals. After settling in, trekkers can rest, explore the area around the campsite, or participate in a short acclimatization hike. Dinner will be served in the early evening, and trekkers will have a chance to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings before retiring for the night.

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

On Day 2 of the 8-day Lemosho route, trekkers will leave Mti Mkubwa Camp and continue their ascent through the rainforest. The trail becomes steeper and more challenging as they leave the forest and enter the moorland zone. Along the way, trekkers will be rewarded with beautiful views of the mountain and the surrounding landscape.

After approximately 5–6 hours of hiking, trekkers will reach their next campsite at Shira 1 Camp, which is located at an altitude of 11,500 feet (3,505 meters). This campsite provides stunning panoramic views of the Shira Plateau and the western side of the mountain.

Upon arrival, trekkers will be greeted by the support staff and can rest and relax before dinner. This is also a good time to do some acclimatization hikes to help the body adjust to the higher altitude. Dinner will be served in the early evening, and trekkers will have a chance to enjoy the spectacular sunset before settling in for the night.

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Day 3 of the 8-day Lemosho route starts with a hearty breakfast before leaving Shira 1 Camp and trekking to Shira 2 Camp. This part of the trek is relatively easy and provides trekkers with breathtaking views of the mountain and surrounding landscape.

The trail gradually ascends through the moorland zone and rocky terrain, and after approximately 4-5 hours of hiking, trekkers will reach their campsite at Shira 2, located at an altitude of 12,600 feet (3,840 meters). This campsite provides stunning views of the mountain and the Shira Plateau.

Upon arrival, trekkers will be greeted by the support staff, who will have already set up the tents and started preparing meals. After settling in, trekkers can rest, explore the area around the campsite, or participate in a short acclimatization hike. Dinner will be served in the early evening, and trekkers will have a chance to relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery before retiring for the night.

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Day 4 of the 8-day Lemosho route involves a steep ascent to Lava Tower for acclimatization purposes, followed by a descent to Barranco Camp. The day starts early with breakfast and a briefing from the guides before leaving Shira 2 Camp. The trek takes trekkers through rocky terrain and up a steep slope to reach Lava Tower, which is located at an altitude of 15,190 feet (4,630 meters). This part of the trek is challenging but provides stunning views of the mountain and surrounding landscape. After spending some time at Lava Tower for acclimatization purposes, trekkers will then descend to Barranco Camp, which is located at an altitude of 13,044 feet (3,970 meters). The descent takes approximately 2–3 hours and involves hiking through a valley and crossing a stream. Upon arrival at Barranco Camp, trekkers will be greeted by the support staff, who will have already set up the tents and started preparing meals. After settling in, trekkers can rest and explore the area around the campsite or participate in a short acclimatization hike. Dinner will be served in the early evening, and trekkers will have a chance to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery before retiring for the night.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Day 5 of the 8-day Lemosho route involves a trek from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp. The day starts with breakfast and a briefing from the guides before leaving Barranco Camp.

The trek begins with a steep climb up the Barranco Wall, which can be challenging but provides trekkers with stunning views of the mountain and surrounding landscape. The route then takes trekkers through a series of valleys and ridges, and after approximately 4-5 hours of hiking, trekkers will reach Karanga Camp, located at an altitude of 13,106 feet (3,995 meters).

Upon arrival at Karanga Camp, trekkers will be greeted by the support staff, who will have already set up the tents and started preparing meals. After settling in, trekkers can rest and explore the area around the campsite or participate in a short acclimatization hike. Dinner will be served in the early evening, and trekkers will have a chance to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery before retiring for the night.

The Karanga Camp serves as a crucial acclimatization point before the final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Trekkers should take this opportunity to rest and prepare for the remaining trek.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Day 6 of the 8-day Lemosho route involves a trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, which is the final campsite before the summit attempt. The day starts with breakfast and a briefing from the guides before leaving Karanga Camp.

The trek takes trekkers through rocky terrain and up a steep slope to reach Barafu Camp, which is located at an altitude of 15,331 feet (4,673 meters). This part of the trek is challenging, but it provides trekkers with stunning views of the mountain and surrounding landscape.

Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, trekkers will be greeted by the support staff, who will have already set up the tents and started preparing meals. After settling in, trekkers can rest and prepare for the summit attempt, which will begin in the early morning hours.

The guides will conduct a briefing and equipment check, and trekkers will have an early dinner before going to bed early to rest for the summit attempt. Trekkers need to hydrate well and get enough rest during this time to ensure a successful summit attempt.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Day 7 of the 8-day Lemosho route involves the final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro, followed by a descent to Mweka Camp. The day starts in the early morning hours with a wake-up call and a light breakfast before beginning the summit attempt.

The trek takes trekkers through rocky terrain and up a steep slope to reach Stella Point, which is located at an altitude of 18,652 feet (5,685 meters). This part of the trek is challenging, and trekkers will need to take breaks to rest and catch their breath.

From Stella Point, trekkers will continue to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point on Kilimanjaro and located at an altitude of 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). Upon reaching the summit, trekkers will have a chance to take photos and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

After spending some time at the summit, trekkers will begin the descent back to Barafu Camp for a rest and a brief meal. Then they will continue to descend to Mweka Camp, located at an altitude of 10,065 feet (3,067 meters).

Upon arrival at Mweka Camp, trekkers will be greeted by the support staff who will have already set up the tents and started preparing meals. After settling in, trekkers can rest and celebrate their achievements with a sense of accomplishment. Dinner will be served in the early evening, and trekkers will have a chance to reflect on their experience before retiring for the night.

The following morning, trekkers will have breakfast and descend further to Mweka Gate where they will receive certificates of achievement and say goodbye to their team before heading back to Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Day 8 of the 8-day Lemosho route involves a final descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, where trekkers will officially end their Kilimanjaro trek. The day starts with breakfast and packing up the gear before beginning the descent through the lush rainforest.

The descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate is approximately 3-4 hours, and trekkers will pass through different vegetation zones and enjoy the scenery. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, trekkers will receive their certificates of achievement and have a chance to say goodbye to their guides and porters before departing for Moshi or Arusha.

Once in Moshi or Arusha, trekkers can rest and relax, take a hot shower, and celebrate their successful Kilimanjaro trek with friends and family. Some may choose to go on a safari or explore other parts of Tanzania before returning home.

Overall, the Lemosho route is a challenging but rewarding trek that takes trekkers through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Tanzania, with stunning views of the mountain, wildlife, and vegetation. With the help of experienced guides and support staff, trekkers can reach the summit of Kilimanjaro and accomplish a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.