8 Day Lemosho Route
PRICE FROM $2,000
8-Day Lemosho Route – Overview
The 8 Days Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic, less crowded, and highly recommended routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from the remote Lemosho Gate on the western side of the mountain, this route offers a peaceful and beautiful approach with diverse landscapes, making it one of the best choices for trekkers who want both adventure and a higher chance of reaching the summit.
The journey begins in the lush rainforest on Kilimanjaro’s western slopes. Trekkers walk through dense forest filled with tall trees, moss, and unique wildlife such as colobus monkeys and tropical birds. As the trek continues, the trail gradually opens onto the stunning Shira Plateau, one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the majestic Kibo Peak.
Along the route, hikers experience dramatic changes in scenery as they move through different ecological zones including rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert. The trek passes through spectacular areas such as Barranco Valley, famous for its giant senecio plants and impressive views of the mountain. Climbers also tackle the iconic Barranco Wall, one of the most exciting and memorable sections of the Kilimanjaro climb.
The 8-day Lemosho Route is especially popular because it provides more time for acclimatization compared to shorter routes. The itinerary follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, which allows the body to adjust gradually to higher altitudes. This significantly increases the success rate for reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
The summit attempt begins from Barafu Camp, where climbers start the final ascent around midnight. Reaching the summit at sunrise offers unforgettable views from the Roof of Africa. After celebrating this incredible achievement, the descent continues through different ecological zones to Mweka Gate, marking the successful completion of an extraordinary Kilimanjaro trekking adventure in Tanzania.
Plan Day By Day
Arrival Date
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
During the drive, you will get your first glimpse of Tanzania’s beautiful landscapes and, if the weather is clear, you may even see the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
After arriving at the hotel, you will have time to relax and recover from your journey. Later in the day, your mountain guide will conduct a pre-climb briefing, where you will receive important information about your Kilimanjaro trekking adventure, review your equipment, and prepare for the climb starting the following day.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Moshi, preparing for the unforgettable journey to the Roof of Africa. 🏔️
Day 1: Lemosho Gate (2,100 m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750 m)
- Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
- Distance: ~3 km
- Hiking Time: 2 – 3 hours
Your 7 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro climb begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Moshi. You will then drive to Lemosho Gate, located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro.
After completing park registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority, your trekking adventure officially begins. The trail starts in the lush rainforest where tall trees, thick vegetation, and the sounds of tropical birds create a beautiful natural environment. This area is also home to wildlife such as colobus monkeys and blue monkeys, which are sometimes seen along the trail.
The hike is gentle and gradual, allowing you to slowly adjust to the altitude while enjoying the peaceful forest surroundings. After several hours of trekking, you will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, where your support team will already have prepared the campsite.
In the evening, you will enjoy a warm dinner prepared by the mountain chef and receive a briefing from your guide about the next day’s trek. You will then rest overnight in your tent, surrounded by the quiet beauty of Kilimanjaro’s rainforest. 🏔️
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750 m) – Shira 1 Camp (3,850 m)
- Vegetation Zone: Moorland
- Distance: ~8 km
- Hiking Time: 5 -6 hours
After breakfast at Mti Mkubwa Camp, the trek continues as you gradually leave the dense rainforest behind and enter the beautiful moorland zone of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The trail climbs steadily through rolling hills covered with giant heather, volcanic rocks, and unique alpine vegetation. As you gain altitude, the landscape opens up, offering stunning views across the western slopes of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding valleys. On clear days, you may also catch your first clear views of Kibo Peak, the highest summit of the mountain.
During the trek, you will cross several small streams and walk through open terrain as you approach the edge of the famous Shira Plateau, one of the largest and most impressive high-altitude plateaus in the world.
After several hours of trekking, you will arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m) where your support team will have already set up the campsite. Here you can relax, enjoy the peaceful mountain environment, and take in the spectacular views as the sun sets over the plateau. Dinner will be served at camp before you settle into your tent for the night.
Day 3: Shira 1 (2,750m)- Shira 2 (3,750m)
- Vegetation Zone: Moorland
- Distance: ~7 km
- Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours
After breakfast at Shira 1 Camp, the trek continues across the beautiful Shira Plateau, one of the most impressive high-altitude plateaus on Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail is relatively gentle, allowing trekkers to walk at a comfortable pace while enjoying the wide open landscape and spectacular mountain views.
As you move across the plateau, you will see unique alpine vegetation including giant lobelias and heather plants. The open terrain also provides stunning panoramic views of Kibo Peak, the highest summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
This is a shorter trekking day designed to help your body continue adjusting to the altitude. Along the way, you may also meet climbers joining from the Machame Route, as the two routes connect near Shira.
After a scenic hike, you will arrive at Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m) where your support team will already have prepared the campsite. The afternoon can be spent relaxing, enjoying the dramatic mountain scenery, and preparing for the next stage of your Kilimanjaro adventure. Dinner will be served at camp followed by an overnight stay under the clear mountain sky.
Day 4: Shira Camp (3,750 m) – Lava Tower (4,600 m) – Barranco Camp (3,900 m)
- Vegetation Zone: Moorland & Alpine Desert
- Distance: ~10 km
- Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
After breakfast at Shira 2 Camp, you will begin trekking east across the high alpine landscape of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail gradually climbs through rocky terrain and sparse vegetation as you move into the alpine desert zone.
Today is an important acclimatization day following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. The trail ascends steadily toward Lava Tower (4,600 m), a dramatic volcanic rock formation also known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” This is the highest point of the day and a great place to stop for lunch while enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery.
After spending some time at Lava Tower, the route descends gradually into the beautiful Barranco Valley. This area is famous for its giant senecio plants and stunning views of the Western Breach and Kibo Peak. The descent helps your body adjust to the altitude while offering incredible photographic opportunities.
You will arrive at Barranco Camp (3,900 m) in the afternoon, located at the base of the impressive Barranco Wall. From the camp, you can enjoy breathtaking sunset views of the mountain while your team prepares dinner. This scenic campsite is one of the highlights of the Lemosho Route before continuing higher up the mountain the following day.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,900 m) – Karanga Camp (3,995 m)
- Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
- Distance: ~5 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
After breakfast at Barranco Camp, the day begins with the exciting climb of the famous Barranco Wall. Although it looks steep at first, the climb is manageable and very rewarding. As you ascend, you will enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the towering peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Once you reach the top of the wall, the trail continues through a series of ridges and small valleys, offering beautiful panoramic views of the southern glaciers and the rugged mountain landscape. The path then descends gradually into the Karanga Valley, one of the important acclimatization points along the Machame Route.
After crossing the valley, you will make a short climb up to Karanga Camp (3,995 m) where your tents will already be set up by the support team. This is a shorter trekking day, giving your body more time to acclimatize before continuing to higher altitude the next day. In the evening, enjoy a warm meal prepared by the mountain chef while taking in the stunning alpine scenery before resting for the night.
Day 6: Karanga Camp(3995) - Barafu Camp (4,673m)
- Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
- Distance: ~4 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
After breakfast at Karanga Camp, the trek continues with a steady climb toward Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The trail passes through an alpine desert landscape with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. As you gain altitude, the views become more dramatic, with clear sights of Kibo Peak and the surrounding mountain slopes. Although the distance is relatively short, the high altitude makes the hike feel more challenging, so a slow and steady pace is important.
Upon arrival at Barafu Camp (4,673 m), your team will prepare a warm meal while you rest and prepare for the summit push. The word “Barafu” means ice in Swahili, and the camp sits on a narrow, rocky ridge with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
After an early dinner, you will have time to rest for a few hours before waking up around midnight to begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Proper rest and preparation are essential as you get ready for the most challenging and rewarding part of the Kilimanjaro climb. 🏔️
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,673 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Vegetation Zone: Arctic / Ice-Capped Summit
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours to summit / 4–5 hours descent
Your summit attempt on Mount Kilimanjaro begins around midnight. With headlamps lighting the way, you will slowly ascend through steep scree slopes toward Stella Point (5,756 m) on the crater rim.
After a short rest and, weather permitting, witnessing a spectacular sunrise, you will continue for about two more hours to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the highest point in Africa.
Celebrate your incredible achievement while enjoying breathtaking views of glaciers and the surrounding landscape. After taking photos, you will descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m) for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) – Mweka Gate (1,640 m)
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
After an early breakfast, you will begin the final descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate.
Upon arrival at the gate, climbers who successfully reached Stella Point or Uhuru Peak will receive official Kilimanjaro summit certificates. It is also customary to thank and tip your guides and porters for their incredible support during the trek.
You will then be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and relax after completing one of the world’s most iconic trekking adventures. 🏔️
Departure Date
After breakfast at your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, you will have time to relax and reflect on your incredible Mount Kilimanjaro climbing adventure.
Depending on your travel plans, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your international departure flight.
If you wish to extend your Tanzania experience, this day can also mark the beginning of another exciting journey:
Tanzania Wildlife Safari: Continue your adventure with a safari to famous national parks such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park, where you can experience incredible wildlife and the famous Big Five.
Zanzibar Beach Holiday: Fly to the beautiful island of Zanzibar for a relaxing beach escape. Enjoy white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and the rich culture of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Whether you choose to return home, explore Tanzania’s wildlife, or relax on the beaches of Zanzibar, your journey will conclude with unforgettable memories of Mount Kilimanjaro and Tanzania’s natural beauty. 🌍🏔️🌴
Price (quoted in USD/per person)
Number of Pax
1 Pax
2 - 4 Pax
5 - 7 Pax
8 - 9 Pax
10+ Pax
8 DAY LEMOSHO ROUTE
$ 2,200
$ 2,000
$ 1,950
$ 1,900
$ 1,850
This Tour Includes & Exclude
- Airport pickup and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- All Mount Kilimanjaro park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
- Professional English-speaking mountain guides
- Experienced porters and cook
- All meals during the Kilimanjaro trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Three Meals During Trekking
- Government taxes and service charges
- aily health checks and emergency oxygen for safety
- Fair wages for the mountain crew
- Clean and quality mountain camping equipment (tents, dining tent, tables, and chairs)
- International & Local Flights
- Tanzania Visa
- Personal climbing gear (sleeping bag, trekking poles, clothing, etc.)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
- Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs, etc.)
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