8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Lemosho Route

Q: What should I pack for an 8-day trek?

Essential items include layered clothing, trekking boots, gloves, hat, sunscreen, trekking poles, headlamp, daypack, and reusable water bottles . Layering is crucial for temperatures that range from rainforest warmth to icy summit conditions.

Q: What accommodation is provided along the route?

The Lemosho Route uses camping-style accommodation , with spacious tents at each campsite. Meals are prepared by skilled cooks, and porters assist with carrying luggage.

Q: What scenery and wildlife can I expect?

Hikers traverse lush rainforest, alpine moorlands, and rocky summit zones . Along the way, you may encounter colobus monkeys, exotic birds, and small antelopes in the lower forested sections. The varied landscapes make it one of Kilimanjaro’s most visually rewarding routes.

Q: Are guides and porters included?

Yes. All treks include professional guides, porters, and cooks , who carry gear, prepare meals, and provide support to ensure safety and comfort throughout the climb.

Home » 8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Lemosho Route

8 Days, 7 Nights

Price On Request

Tour Summary

Day 1

Lemosho Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira Plateau

Accommodation: Shira 1 camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Shira Plateau – Moir Camp

Accommodation: Moir Hut

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Moir Camp – Barranco Camp

Accommodation: Baranco Camp

Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

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Tour Overview

The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This 8-day itinerary with Kiwoito Africa Safaris offers a longer trek, better acclimatization, and a higher success rate. The journey starts on the western side of the mountain with a drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, you hike through dense rainforest, filled with wildlife and rich vegetation, before reaching Shira Ridge over the first two days.

You then cross the beautiful Shira Plateau, one of the most open and scenic areas on the mountain. The trail is gentle and less crowded at this stage. The route later joins the Machame Route near Lava Tower. From here, you follow the Southern Circuit, passing below Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field. This section offers wide views and helps your body adjust to the altitude before the final ascent.

You reach the summit via Barafu Camp, then descend using the Mweka Route. The Lemosho Route stands out for its quiet start, varied landscapes, and strong acclimatization profile.

Day by day

Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Pick up at Arusha/Moshi, then drive to the Londorosi gate on the Western side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. We will begin our hike at the Lemosho trailhead. Please note that in rainy/muddy conditions, sometimes the vehicles can’t make it to the true trailhead, so there can be some extra hiking. After a picnic lunch, we will hike for about 4 hours to the forest camp. In the forest, exotic moss and flowers delight the eye while bird calls entertain the ear. You may see Black and White Colobus monkeys as well as signs of the elephants that travel in this area.

Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Hiking: 3-4 hours
Overnight Altitude ~9,498’

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

As we leave the Montane Forest and enter the Hagenia zone, our views open and we will catch our first views of the Kibo peak. This is a good acclimatization hike, as we go up and down several ridges along the way to our highest point of the day at 11,500’ before descending to camp.

Overnight: Shira 1 Camp.
Hiking: 6-9 hours
Overnight Altitude: 11,500’

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

We will traverse the Heath zone of the Shira Plateau and begin climbing the western slope of the Kibo Massif. Along the way, we will enjoy a picnic lunch at Scott Fisher Memorial Camp (the well-known Mt. Everest guide). We will continue on to the upper health zone and Moir camp. Depending on the weather, acclimatization hikes can be arranged in the late afternoon

Hiking: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Moir Camp
Altitude: ~13,650′

Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower

We leave the heath zone and enter the alpine zone as we hike 4-6 hours past Lava Camp (up to about 14,300’) with its volcanic landscape and then down a bit into the scenic Barranco Valley to camp.

Hiking: 4-6 hours
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Altitude: ~13,044′

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Ascend the Great Barranco Wall with views of Kilimanjaro’s ice fields, then hike up and down across some small valleys on your way to Karanga Camp.

Hiking: 3-5 hours
Overnight: Karanga
Altitude: ~13,106′

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Hike about 3-5 hours to Barafu Camp, again with some ups and downs across small valleys. After settling into camp, we’ll have a demonstration on the use of safety equipment such as the Gamow (hyperbolic) bag and oxygen. Early supper and rest in camp before your wake-up call to start your summit ascent around 11:00 PM or midnight.

Hiking: 3-5 hours
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Altitude: ~15,100.’

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Summit day. We will start our ascent to the summit (19,340ft – 5,896m) around 11:00 PM or midnight the night prior. The goal for you – and numerous other climbers – is to reach the peak right at sunrise. In reality, due to differences in hiking speed, energy, and altitude acclimatization, there is a several-hour span where most climbers reach the summit. Using headlamps (bring extra lithium batteries, which last much better in cold dark conditions!), you will ascend 6-7 hours to Stella Point and then another 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak, the summit. After a summit celebration and photo, descend to Barafu camp for lunch and then to Mweka camp to sleep overnight.

Hiking: Very variable on both the up and the down; 12-17 hours typical

Summit 19,341’
Overnight Altitude: 10,448’

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

We make the final descent to the trailhead today, about 3-5 hours hiking. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro and heading back to town. Arrive at your lodge usually between 3 and 5 PM.
Hiking: 3-5 hours

Price

Price per person (2 pax)	$ 2,946
Price per person (4 pax)	$ 2,662
Price per person (6 pax)	$ 2,616

Inclusions

Safety Equipment:
Professional Mountain Guides, all head guides (at least 1 per trip) currently certified by NOLS USA as WFR (Wilderness First Responder)
Park Fees
Campsite fees
Emergency Rescue Fees
Camping equipment and other gears:
Mountain Meals
Transfer from the hotel to the starting point
Transfer from the last point to the hotel

Exclusions

Accommodation upon arrival and last day
Tips for a mountain guide, recommended 15-20 per group per day
Porters 5$ – 10$ per porter per group per day
Personal expenses
Personal items
Personal insurance/travel insurance
Personal medicines/first aid kit
Personal trekking gears
Sleeping bag

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What should I pack for an 8-day trek?

Essential items include layered clothing, trekking boots, gloves, hat, sunscreen, trekking poles, headlamp, daypack, and reusable water bottles. Layering is crucial for temperatures that range from rainforest warmth to icy summit conditions.

What accommodation is provided along the route?

The Lemosho Route uses camping-style accommodation, with spacious tents at each campsite. Meals are prepared by skilled cooks, and porters assist with carrying luggage.

What scenery and wildlife can I expect?

Hikers traverse lush rainforest, alpine moorlands, and rocky summit zones. Along the way, you may encounter colobus monkeys, exotic birds, and small antelopes in the lower forested sections. The varied landscapes make it one of Kilimanjaro’s most visually rewarding routes.

Are guides and porters included?

Yes. All treks include professional guides, porters, and cooks, who carry gear, prepare meals, and provide support to ensure safety and comfort throughout the climb.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes. The 8-day itinerary can be adjusted for extra acclimatization days, combined with a safari, or tailored to match your preferred pace and interests.

8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Lemosho Route

Tour Summary

Book With Us

Tour Overview