8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Lemosho Route
8 Days, 7 Nights
Price On Request
Tour Summary
Day 1
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Accommodation: Shira 1 camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Accommodation: Moir Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Accommodation: Baranco Camp
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
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: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: RainForest
On the first day of the 8-day Kilimanjaro Climb Lemosho Route, depart from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, which takes approximately 4 hours to complete entry formalities. Then, drive to the Lemosho Trailhead. When we arrive at the trailhead, we start hiking through an undisturbed forest until we reach the first campsite.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Health
We continue along the trail that leads out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock adorned with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we arrive at Shira Ridge before gently descending to Shira 1 Camp. Here we get our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
We spent a full day exploring the Shira Plateau. Shira 2 Camp is accessible via a gentle walk east through moorland meadows. Then we deviate from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used location at the base of Lent Hills. Lent Hills offers a variety of walks, making it an ideal acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of Earth’s highest plateaus.
Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We start the day by going down a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900-foot cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys before dropping sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb brings us to Karanga Camp. This is a short day intended for acclimatization.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and reach the junction with the Mweka Trail. We continue to the rocky section of Barafu Hut. You have completed the Southern Circuit, which provides views of the summit from a variety of angles. We set up camp, rest, and eat an early dinner in preparation for the summit day. From this vantage point, you can see Mawenzi and Kibo’s peaks.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: RainForest
We start our climb to the summit very early in the morning, around midnight. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the journey. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be brutal. We ascend through the darkness for several hours, taking frequent but brief breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most spectacular sunrise you will ever see over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we descend straight to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be hard on the knees; trekking poles are recommended. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, so mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we have our final dinner on the mountain and get some well-deserved sleep.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: RainForest
On the final day, we descend to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it may be wet and muddy. From the gate, we travel another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village and drive us back to our hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
Price
Â
| Price per person (2 pax) | $2,946 |
| Price per person (4 pax) | $2,662 |
| Price per person (6 pax) | $2,616 |
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Inclusions
- Safety Equipment:
- Professional Mountain Guides, all head guides (at least 1 per trip) currently certified by NOLS USA as WFR (Wilderness First Responder)
- Park Fees
- Campsite fees
- Emergency Rescue Fees
- Camping equipment and other gears:
- Mountain Meals
- Transfer from the hotel to the starting point
- Transfer from the last point to the hotel
Exclusions
- Accommodation upon arrival and last day
- Tips for a mountain guide, recommended 15-20 per group per day
- Porters 5$ – 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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.