The 8 Days Lemosho Route offers a quiet start, wide scenic views, and one of the best altitude adjustment profiles on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is ideal for climbers who value safety, scenery, and a steady pace guided by experienced local teams. The trek begins on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro and crosses diverse landscapes before joining the southern circuit. Over eight days, the route allows gradual altitude gain, giving your body time to adapt. This itinerary ends via the Mweka descent after the summit attempt.
Trek Highlights
Starts on the remote western side of Kilimanjaro
Walks through rainforest, heath, moorland, and alpine desert
Crosses the scenic Shira Plateau
Uses a proven acclimatization profile
Reaches Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa
Guided by trained local mountain professionals
When to Choose the 8 Days Lemosho Climb
Choose the 8 Days Lemosho Route if you want a climb that prioritizes altitude adjustment, scenic variety, and a calm start away from busy trails. It is well suited for first-time Kilimanjaro climbers, travelers who prefer a steady pace, and those who value a more immersive mountain experience
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8 Days Lemosho Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Forest Beginnings
Lemosho Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp
After registration at Lemosho Gate, the hike begins in dense rainforest. The trail is gentle and shaded, with tall trees, birds, and occasional wildlife sounds. This first day is not physically difficult, but it introduces the rhythm of walking, resting, and adjusting to the mountain. By afternoon, you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp, surrounded by forest, where the team prepares dinner and the first night on the mountain begins.
-Elevation: 2100M amsl to 2650M amsl
-Distance: 6 km/4 miles
-Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
-Habitat: Montane Forest
Insights from our guides:
Walk slowly from the start and let your body settle into the pace.
Day 2: Forest to Moorland
Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp
The trail climbs steadily as the forest slowly thins and opens into heath and moorland. The air feels cooler, and views begin to stretch wider. This is the day many climbers first notice changes in breathing due to altitude. Shira 1 Camp sits on the Shira Plateau, offering open space and distant mountain views.
-Elevation: 2650M amsl to 3610M amsl
-Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
-Hiking Time 5-6 hours
-Habitat: Montane Forest
Insights from our guides:
Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Day 3: Shira Plateau Walk
Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp
This is a relatively gentle walking day across the Shira Plateau. The terrain is open and wide, allowing you to see Kibo Peak clearly for the first time. The slower pace helps your body adjust to altitude. Shira 2 Camp is a common meeting point for different routes, making it slightly busier than previous camps.
-Elevation: 3610M amsl to 3850M amsl.
-Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles
-Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
-Habitat: Moorland
Insights from our guides:
Protect yourself from sun and wind; the plateau is exposed.
Day 4: High and Low
Shira 2 → Barranco Camp
The trail climbs toward Lava Tower, reaching a higher altitude before descending again to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach is important for acclimatization. Many climbers feel this day more than others, but it plays a key role in preparing the body. Barranco Camp sits below the Barranco Wall, with dramatic views.
-Elevation: 3850M amsl to 4600M amsl
-Distance: 7 km/4 miles
-Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
-Habitat: Moorland
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
-Elevation: 4600M amsl to 3900M amsl
-Distance: 3 km/2 miles
-Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
Insights from our guides:
Focus on breathing and pace, not distance.
Day 5: Wall and Valleys
Barranco → Karanga Camp
The day starts with climbing the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable scramble using both hands and feet. It looks challenging but is climbed slowly and carefully with guide support. After the wall, the trail crosses valleys and ridges before reaching Karanga Camp, a quieter and more compact campsite.
-Elevation: 3900M amsl to 3995M amsl
-Distance: 5 km/3 miles
-Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
-Habitat: Moorland
Insights from our guides:
Follow guide instructions closely while climbing the wall.
Day 6: Summit Preparation
Karanga → Barafu Camp
This is a short but important hike to Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit attempt. The environment becomes rocky, dry, and colder. Once at camp, the focus is on resting, eating lightly, and mentally preparing. An early dinner is followed by a short sleep before the night climb.
-Elevation: 3995M amsl to 4673M amsl
-Distance: 4 km/2 miles
-Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
Insights from our guides:
Rest as much as possible and keep warm.
Day 7: Summit Day
Barafu → Uhuru → Mweka Camp
The summit attempt starts around midnight. The climb is slow and steady in the cold and darkness. After reaching Stella Point, the final stretch leads to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After photos and a short rest, the descent continues all the way to Mweka Camp, where oxygen levels are higher and sleep comes easily.
-Elevation: 4673M amsl to 5895M amsl.
-Distance: 5 km/3 miles
-Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
-Elevation: 5895M amsl to 3100M amsl
-Distance: 12 km/7 miles
-Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
-Habitat: Ice Cap
Insights from our guides:
Take one step at a time and keep moving.
Day 8: Final Descent to Exit Gate
Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
The final walk descends through rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail can be slippery, but the air is warm and familiar. At the gate, climbers sign out and receive summit certificates. From here, you are transferred back to your hotel for rest and celebration.
-Elevation: 3100M amsl to 1640M amsl
-Distance: 10 km/6 miles
-Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
-Habitat: Moorland/ Montane Forest
Insights from our guides:
Watch your footing and enjoy the final walk.
Trek Price
| LEMOSHO ROUTE 8 DAYS |
1 Participant | 2–4 Participants | 5–7 Participants | 8–10 Participants | 11+ Participants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRICE | USD 2500 | USD 2350 | USD 2200 | USD 2100 | USD 1900 |
Price Includes
- Two nights in a quality hotel in Moshi (before and after the trek )
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Transportation between Moshi and the Mount Kilimanjaro park gates
- Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees, forest/conservation fees, camping/hut fees
- Kilimanjaro rescue service fees
- High-quality, all-weather mountain tents
- Comfortable mattresses for sleeping
- Private portable toilet with tent for hygiene
- Chairs and dining tents at camps
- Hot water for washing during the trek
- Radio call for communication
- Emergency oxygen cylinders
- Professional, certified mountain guides
- Skilled cooks preparing three nutritious meals per day
- Dedicated porters supporting the expedition
- Fair and ethical treatment of all crew in line with Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project standards
- Daily health monitoring (pulse oximeter and basic first aid)
- Official summit certificate for successful climbers
Price Excludes
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel in Moshi
- Personal travel and medical insurance (required for all climbers)
- International and domestic flights
- Personal trekking gear, clothing, and toiletries
- Laundry services at the hotel
- Tips and gratuities for the mountain crew
- Optional add-ons such as private shower tents
Optional Add-Ons:
- Private shower tent for added comfort
- Mobile camping bed
- Gear rental or equipment upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the 8 Days Lemosho Route good for first-time Kilimanjaro climbers?
Kilimanjaro is where our reputation was built, and it remains our core specialty.
However, many of our guests choose to travel with us beyond the mountain, combining their climb with safaris, cultural experiences, day trips, or Zanzibar. Because we are a local Tanzanian team, we can support your entire journey, not just one part of it.
What is the success rate of the 8 Days Lemosho Route?
The 8 Days Lemosho Route has a high summit success rate compared to shorter routes. This is mainly due to the extra acclimatization day, the “climb high, sleep low” profile, and the slower daily pace.
How difficult is the 8 Days Lemosho climb?
The route is physically demanding but does not require technical climbing skills. Most of the challenge comes from altitude, not steep terrain. With proper pacing, hydration, and guide support, many reasonably fit hikers complete the climb successfully.
What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route?
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro using the Lemosho Route is during the dry seasons, from January to March and from June to October. These periods offer more stable weather and clearer views, though the mountain can be climbed year-round.
What accommodation is used on the 8 Days Lemosho Route?
All overnight stays on the 8 Days Lemosho Route are in mountain tents at designated campsites. Huts are not used on this route. Tents are set up and taken down daily by our mountain crew.
Why choose the Lemosho Route over other Kilimanjaro routes?
The Lemosho Route is chosen for its scenic beauty, quieter starting point, and strong acclimatization profile. It offers a more gradual and immersive climb compared to busier routes, making it ideal for climbers who value safety, scenery, and a steady pace.
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