Mountain Climbing via Lemosho

8 days—Attractive Mountain Kilimanjaro Climbing in 8 days with 7 nights at Lemosho Route for Group Joining tour 2025, 2026 and 2027

$1950-2200 USD

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Safari summary

The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and rewarding trails to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering an exceptional climbing experience over 8 days. This route is designed to provide climbers with a gradual ascent, allowing the body to acclimatize properly and significantly increasing the chances of reaching the summit successfully. Over the course of 8 days, climbers’ journey through a variety of ecological zones, from lush rainforests and the vast Shira Plateau to the barren alpine desert and the icy summit zone. The route begins at the Londorossi Gate on the western side of the mountain and offers stunning views, fewer crowds in the early stages, and a well-paced itinerary that includes important acclimatization points such as Lava Tower and Barranco Camp. The highlight of the 8 days is the summit attempt, which starts at midnight from Barafu Camp, allowing climbers to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise—a breathtaking and unforgettable moment. The descent follows the Mweka Route, completing a scenic and satisfying circuit. Ideal for climbers who are physically prepared and looking for a balanced adventure, the Lemosho Route over 8 days offers one of the best combinations of beauty, safety, and success on Kilimanjaro.
Day-by-Day Tour Highlights – Lemosho Route (8 Days)
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 m)
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m)
Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m)
Day 4: Shira 2 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower (4,630 m / 3,960 m)
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), then down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640 m)
GENERAL ROUTE QUESTIONS
1. Why choose the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route is considered the most scenic route on Kilimanjaro and offers excellent acclimatization due to its longer duration and gradual ascent. It also starts on the quieter western side of the mountain, allowing for a more remote and peaceful beginning.

2. How difficult is the Lemosho Route?
It’s considered moderately challenging. While no technical climbing is required, the long climbing days and high altitude demand good physical fitness, strong mental determination, and proper preparation.

3. How fit do I need to be?
You don’t need to be a professional athlete, but good cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and hiking stamina are essential. Prior multi-day trekking experience is highly recommended.

4. Will I get altitude sickness?
Mild symptoms are common, but the Lemosho Route is designed to reduce the risk. Acclimatization days and slow, steady hiking are key. Guides monitor your health daily.

5. What gear do I need for this route?
Essential items include warm layered clothing, a quality sleeping bag (rated to -10°C/14°F or lower), hiking boots, a headlamp, trekking poles, a daypack, and a duffel bag (porters carry this). A full packing list is provided by most tour operators.

6. Are equipment rentals available?
Yes. Gear like sleeping bags, trekking poles, insulated jackets, and gaiters can be rented in Moshi or Arusha before the climbing

7. What kind of food is provided on the mountain?
Three hot meals per day are served, including porridge, eggs, pasta, rice, vegetables, soups, meat (if desired), fruits, and snacks. Special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) can be accommodated with advance notice.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate - Mti Mkubw

Kilimanjaro

Day One of the Lemosho Route begins with drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. After registration, the journey continues to the Lemosho Trailhead, where the trek starts. The climb is short and gentle, leads through a lush montane rainforest teeming with life, including Colobus monkeys and various bird species. The day ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp (“Big Tree Camp”), a quiet forest campsite ideal for rest and initial acclimatization.

Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa - Shira 1 Camp

Kilimanjaro

The day begins with an early breakfast at Mti Mkubwa Camp, as the climb continues deeper into Kilimanjaro’s wilderness. The climb steadily through the heather and moorland zone. As you ascend, the forest canopy opens up, offering the first expansive views of the mountain’s vast terrain. The steady pace allows for breaks and photo opportunities along the way. After several hours of climbing, you arrive at Shira 1 Camp, situated on the edge of the plateau.

Shira 1 Camp

Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp

Kilimanjaro

Day Three is a steady trek across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp at 3,900 meters. The trail gradually gains elevation, helping with acclimatization while offering panoramic views of Kibo Peak and distant Mount Meru. Vegetation becomes sparse as the landscape shifts to alpine desert, with occasional sightings of giant lobelias. The hike takes about 4 to 6 hours over gentle terrain. Shira 2 Camp offers stunning views and a quiet setting, preparing climbers for higher altitudes ahead.

Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira 2 - Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro

Day Four is a key acclimatization day, with a climb from Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) to Lava Tower (4,600 m), then a descent to Barranco Camp (3,976 m). This “climb high, sleep low” approach helps the body adjust to the altitude. The 6–8 hour trek passes through alpine desert, with a rest stop at the impressive Lava Tower. The descent offers stunning views of Barranco Valley and its unique plant life. Though challenging, this day is essential for adapting to higher elevations.

Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp

Kilimanjaro

Day Five begins with a climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble offering incredible views. After reaching the top, the trail continues through rolling hills and valleys, passing beneath the Heim Glacier. The climb is moderate and takes about 4 to 5 hours, ending at Karanga Camp. This day is shorter to allow continued acclimatization and recovery after the previous challenging day. Karanga Camp provides beautiful views and a restful stop before the final ascent stages.

Karanga Camp

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro

Day Six is a gradual but steady climb from Karanga Camp (3,995 m) to Barafu Camp (4,673 m), the base camp for the summit attempt. The climb takes about 3 to 4 hours through alpine desert terrain with little vegetation. Climbers arrive at Barafu in the early afternoon to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight summit push. This is a crucial day for conserving energy before the final ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Barafu Camp

Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp

Kilimanjaro

Marks summit night. Climbers begin the final push in the dark, ascending steadily past Stella Point (5,739 m) and reaching the summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) at sunrise an unforgettable moment above the clouds at the highest point in Africa. After enjoying the summit, climbers descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue downward to Mweka Camp (3,100 m) for the final overnight on the mountain.

Mweka Camp

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Kilimanjaro

The descent continues through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), where climbers receive their summit certificates and are transferred back to their lodge in Moshi. The 8-day Lemosho Route is ideal for climbing seeking a scenic, less crowded, and well-paced climb with a high chance of summit success.

No Accommodation

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