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- Kilimanjaro
- 8 Days
- Trekking: Moderate
8-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route Itinerary
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Description
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and least crowded trails on Kilimanjaro. It offers excellent acclimatization and a high success rate due to its gradual ascent profile. This route traverses diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak. Below is the detailed 8-day itinerary, covering daily distances, elevation changes, and notable sights.
Include /Exclude
- Hotel accommodation before and after your climb
- Airport transfers
- Transfers to and from the mountai
- National Park entry, camping, climbing and rescue fees
- A fully supported climb (average ratio of support staff to climbers is 4:1)
- All meals and drinking water on the mountain
- A clean and private portable toilet
- High quality dining tent and sleeping tents with comfortable foam mattress
- Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- A certificate documenting your summit ascent
- International flights and visas
- Tips for your guide and crew
- Travel insurance (you must be insured for trekking up to 6000m)
- Your personal trekking gear
- Personal Snacks
- Meals and drinks not on the mountain
- Tips for the mountain crew
Trek Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival and Pre-Trek Orientation
Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, our dedicated team will be there to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha (if you have opted for airport transfers). We highly recommend arriving at least one day before your trek to allow time for rest and final preparations.
In the evening, you’ll attend a pre-trek briefing at your hotel, where our expert guides will review your gear, discuss the climb itinerary, and arrange any necessary equipment rentals to ensure you’re fully prepared for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,850m)
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain: 750m
Habitat: Rainforest
Trekkers begin at Londorossi Gate, where registration and permits are processed. The trail starts through the lush rainforest, home to black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and exotic birds. The trek is relatively short but steep, leading to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), where you’ll spend the night surrounded by dense vegetation.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,850m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 650m
Habitat: Moorland
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail ascends into the heather and moorland zone. Trekkers will enjoy their first stunning views of Kibo Peak. The path crosses rolling hills and volcanic rock formations before arriving at Shira 1 Camp, located on the Shira Plateau.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,900m)
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 400m
Habitat: Moorland
This is a shorter and more relaxed trekking day, allowing for further acclimatization. Trekkers traverse the Shira Plateau, a vast and scenic high-altitude desert. They will pass giant lobelias and have breathtaking views of the Western Breach. The day ends at Shira 2 Camp, where climbers rest before higher altitude trekking begins.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,900m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Elevation Gain: 730m (to Lava Tower), then descent of 670m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
This is an important acclimatization day. The trail ascends gradually to Lava Tower (4,630m), a prominent volcanic formation. After spending time at high altitude, the trail descends to Barranco Camp (3,960m), passing through the Great Barranco Valley. This “climb high, sleep low” approach improves altitude adaptation.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 75m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Trekkers tackle the Barranco Wall, an exciting yet non-technical climb that offers spectacular views of the Karanga Valley below. After reaching the top, the trail descends slightly to Karanga Camp, an important stop for additional acclimatization.
Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 605m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The trail gradually ascends through a barren, rocky landscape towards Barafu Camp. Trekkers rest in the afternoon and prepare for the final summit push, which begins at midnight.
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Summit Day!
Distance: 17 km (10.6 miles) (Ascent & Descent)
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,255m
Elevation Loss: 2,785m
Habitat: Arctic Zone
Trekkers begin their final ascent at midnight, climbing steep switchbacks towards Stella Point (5,756m). From there, a gradual climb leads to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, trekkers descend back to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for rest.
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Elevation Loss: 1,460m
Habitat: Rainforest
The final trek descends into the lush rainforest, offering the last chance to spot wildlife. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, climbers receive their summit certificates before heading back to Moshi or Arusha.
FAQ Lemosho Route
Is the Lemosho Route suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is one of the best routes for beginners due to its gradual ascent and high success rate.
How difficult is the Lemosho Route?
It is considered moderate to difficult, requiring good physical fitness, but the longer itinerary helps with acclimatization.
What is the summit success rate for the Lemosho Route?
he 8-day Lemosho itinerary has a 90-95% success rate due to better altitude adaptation.
When is the best time to trek Lemosho?
The best months are January-March and June-October, when weather conditions are optimal.