eight-Day Lemosho Route
8 days—Experience an Unforgettable 8-Day Lemosho Route Expedition That Combines Stunning Scenery, Smooth Acclimatization, and an Exceptional Chance of Reach
$2284-2708 USD
pp
Safari summary
8-Day Kilimanjaro Hiking Summary – Lemosho Route
The 8-day Lemosho Route is considered one of the most scenic, gradual, and successful ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from the western side of the mountain, the trail offers a peaceful approach with fewer crowds, making it a favorite for climbers who want both adventure and a calmer, more immersive wilderness experience. The extra day in this itinerary provides better acclimatization, significantly improving summit success rates while reducing altitude-related challenges.
The journey begins in the lush rainforest, where hikers walk through green canopies filled with birds, wildlife, and moss-covered trees. As elevation increases, the route opens into the expansive Shira Plateau, offering panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic formations. The trail then leads toward the Lava Tower region for an important acclimatization stop before descending to the Barranco Valley, which helps the body adjust more effectively to the altitude.
One of the most memorable features is the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable rock formation that adds excitement without technical climbing. After crossing the wall, hikers move through alpine desert landscapes toward Karanga Camp and then to Barafu Camp, the high camp used for the final summit push.
Summit night begins around midnight, with climbers making their slow and steady ascent toward Stella Point and finally Uhuru Peak, standing at 5,895 meters. Reaching the summit at sunrise provides breathtaking views of the crater rim, hanging glaciers, and the vast plains stretching across East Africa. After celebrating the achievement, the descent follows the Mweka Route, passing through lower-altitude terrain and eventually returning to the rainforest.
Throughout the eight days, expert mountain guides and porters support climbers by managing camp setups, preparing meals, monitoring health, and ensuring safety. Their experience plays a crucial role in the success and comfort of the trek. Overall, the 8-Day Lemosho Route offers an ideal balance of scenic variety, steady altitude gain, and rewarding adventure making it one of the best choices for anyone aiming to reach the Roof of Africa with confidence and enjoyment.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | None | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | All months | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
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Fine details
Safari highlights
- Helicopter | microlight | fixed wing
- Hiking | trekking
- Farm | plantation visits
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- All drinks
- Hot air balloons
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Laundry
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest
Your adventure begins with registration at Londorossi Gate (7,742 ft), followed by a scenic drive to the trailhead. The 4-mile hike through lush rainforest takes 3-4 hours, ascending to Forest Camp (9,498 ft). Lunch is served on the trail, and dinner awaits at camp with time for rest and acclimatization briefings.
Forest Camp
Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp
The 5-mile trek takes 5-6 hours, climbing from 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft. You’ll emerge from the forest onto the spectacular Shira Plateau, with breakfast at camp, packed lunch on the trail, and dinner at Shira 1 Camp while enjoying panoramic mountain views.
Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Shira 1 to Moir Hut
This 7-mile acclimatization day covers 5-7 hours of hiking, ascending to 13,800 ft at Moir Hut. The route crosses the Shira Plateau’s northern circuit, offering incredible views and gradual altitude gain essential for proper acclimatization.
Moir Hut
Day 4: Moir Hut to Barranco Camp
A crucial acclimatization day involving a climb to Lava Tower (15,223 ft) before descending to Barranco Camp (13,044 ft). This 7-kilometer journey takes 4-6 hours and perfectly demonstrates the “climb high, sleep low” principle.
Barranco Camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga
The exciting Barranco Wall scramble begins your day, followed by a 3-mile trek taking 4-5 hours to reach Karanga Camp (13,123 ft). This shorter day allows for rest before the final summit push.
Karanga Camp
Day 6: Karanga to Barafu Camp
The final 3-mile approach to Barafu Camp (15,288 ft) takes 4-5 hours across alpine desert terrain. Early dinner and rest prepare you for the midnight summit attempt.
Barafu Camp
Day 7: Summit Day
Midnight departure for the 7-8 hour summit climb to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft), followed by descent to Mweka Camp (12,467 ft) for overnight rest.
Mweka Camp
Day 8: Descent to Mweka Gate
Final 3-4 hour descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate (5,380 ft) for celebration and certificate presentation.
Lodge
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