Climb Kilimanjaro in 8 Days via the Lemosho Route
The 8-day Lemosho route offers a thrilling and rewarding journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak. This route takes you through some of Kilimanjaro’s most diverse and breathtaking landscapes, starting in the lush rainforests and ascending gradually to the Shira Plateau. From here, you’ll experience jaw-dropping views of the mountain’s iconic snow-capped peak. As you make your way through the rugged Karanga Valley and ascend the Barranco Wall, you’ll be treated to an exhilarating adventure. The final ascent begins at Barafu Camp, where you’ll start your summit bid in the early hours, reaching Uhuru Peak just as the sun rises. The Lemosho route is challenging but incredibly rewarding, testing both your physical endurance and mental toughness, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
The Lemosho route is known for its spectacular scenery, offering panoramic vistas and a variety of ecosystems. Starting in the lush rainforests, it gradually ascends to the alpine desert and rocky landscapes near the summit. It also offers opportunities to spot wildlife, such as monkeys and antelopes. The route spans 8 days, which provides ample time for acclimatization, improving your chances of reaching the summit successfully. This extended duration makes the Lemosho route one of the most rewarding and picturesque ways to experience Tanzania’s natural beauty.
Highlights of the 8-Day Lemosho Route
- One of the best routes for acclimatization, providing a higher chance of reaching the summit.
- Less crowded and more scenic, offering diverse landscapes.
- Groups may be accompanied by an armed ranger on the first day due to wildlife in the Lemosho Glades, such as buffalo and elephants.
- The extra days on the 8-day Lemosho route allow more time for acclimatization, helping to reduce altitude sickness and giving you more rest before summit day.
Packing Essentials for the Lemosho Route
- Warm sleeping bag
- Insulated jacket
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Backpack
Women-Led 8-Day Lemosho Route Itinerary to Conquer Kilimanjaro
Day 0: Arrival & Pre-Trek Briefing
If you’ve chosen the airport transfer option, we’ll pick you up from Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Before the trek, there will be a briefing at the hotel to go over the journey ahead. You’ll also review your gear and rent any additional equipment you may need. It’s recommended to arrive at least one day before the trek begins.
Day 1: Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast and a final briefing, we’ll drive to Londorossi Park Gate (approximately 3 hours) before continuing by 4WD to Lemosho Glades. The trek begins with a walk through forest trails leading to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.
- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, we continue the hike as the trail steepens, transitioning into the giant heather moorland zone. Crossing several streams, we climb over the Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp.
- Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
A gentle hike across the Shira Plateau leads us to Shira 2 Camp. This day offers excellent acclimatization with opportunities for short hikes around the plateau, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude.
- Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
We continue east up a ridge, passing the Lava Tower (4630m/15,250ft), also known as “Shark’s Tooth.” After reaching the tower, we descend to Barranco Camp, a crucial acclimatization day even though we end at a similar elevation to where we began.
- Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
The day starts with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, offering a thrilling experience and stunning views. We then descend into the Karanga Valley, reaching the junction with the Mweka Trail.
- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue our ascent towards Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit. From here, you’ll have incredible views of the summit from multiple angles. We’ll rest and prepare for the final summit push.
- Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
- Distance: 4km/2mi
- Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
We begin our final ascent between midnight and 2 AM, heading between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The steep scree climb is both mentally and physically challenging. At Stella Point, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking sunrise, and from here, it’s a 1-hour push to the summit. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, you’ve conquered the highest point in Africa! We then descend back to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,341ft, descending to 3100m/10,150ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi up, 13km/8mi down
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up, 5-6 hours down
- Habitat: Stone scree, Ice-capped summit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast, we complete the descent to Mweka Gate where you’ll receive your summit certificates. The lower elevations can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Once at the gate, our vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi.
- Elevation: 3100m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
- All transportation to and from the mountain, including transfers to your hotel in Moshi
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Professional, experienced guides for the trek
- Wages for guides, porters, and cooks, as well as park entry fees
- High-quality, waterproof four-season tents (shared)
- Sleeping mattress
- Emergency oxygen supply
- All meals during the trek
- Well-equipped mess tents with tables and chairs
- Generous portions of fresh, healthy, and nutritious meals
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of the park entry fees)
- Camping or hut fees (as part of park charges)
- Rescue fees (included in the park fees)
- VAT (18%, as per government regulations)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Surprise gift from our women’s project (complimentary)
Exclusions
- Tanzanian visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel accommodations (available as an optional extra)
- Personal trekking gear (e.g., sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothing), available for rent
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, phone, beverages)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Alcoholic drinks and bottled beverages
- A 5% surcharge for online payments of deposits and balances
- Solo Trekker: USD 2710 per person
- Group of 2: USD 2651 per person
- Group of 3: USD 2580 per person
- Group of 4: USD 2468 per person
- Group of 5: USD 2360 per person
- Group of 6: USD 2230 per person
- Group of 7: USD 2215 per person
- Group of 8: USD 2143 per person
- Group of 9: USD 2111 per person
- Group of 10 or more: USD 2050 per person