The 8 Days Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic, diverse, and successful routes to the Roof of Africa – Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m). Known for its breathtaking landscapes and excellent acclimatization profile, the Lemosho Route offers trekkers the best chance to reach Uhuru Peak successfully.
This route approaches Kilimanjaro from the western slopes, crossing lush rainforest, rolling moorlands, and the dramatic Shira Plateau before merging with the Machame Route. It’s ideal for climbers looking for a less crowded, more beautiful, and rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.
Route Facts:
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights on the Mountain
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Success Rate: 90%+
Starting Point: Londorossi Gate (2,100m)
Ending Point: Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Best Months: January to March & June to October
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 6 km
Habitat: Rainforest
Your adventure begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Londorossi Gate, where registration and briefing take place. After meeting your mountain crew, you’ll start trekking through dense rainforest, home to black and white colobus monkeys, tropical birds, and rich flora. The trail is gentle and shaded, perfect for acclimatization.
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa (2,820m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 8 km
Habitat: Moorland
As you leave the forest behind, the trail opens into rolling heather and moorland terrain. The climb gradually ascends through valleys and ridges, offering panoramic views of the Shira Ridge and Mount Meru in the distance. You’ll arrive at Shira 1 Camp, located on the Shira Plateau—one of Kilimanjaro’s oldest volcanic formations.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Shira 1 (3,500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,900m)
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 7 km
Habitat: Moorland
A short but important acclimatization day. You’ll trek across the Shira Plateau, one of the most beautiful parts of the route, with sweeping views of Kibo Peak. Optional detours include hiking to Shira Cathedral for stunning panoramic vistas. The trail is gentle, helping your body adjust to the increasing altitude.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Shira 2 (3,900m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Semi-desert / Alpine
This is a key acclimatization day as you ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m)—a dramatic volcanic formation—before descending to Barranco Valley. The “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adapt to the thin air. Expect incredible views of the Western Breach and Kibo Glacier.
Overnight: Barranco Camp, beneath the Barranco Wall Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (3,995m)
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 5 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Today’s climb begins with the famous Barranco Wall, a thrilling scramble that requires no technical skills—just balance and focus. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Heim Glacier and Kibo Peak. The trail then winds through ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Karanga (3,995m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m)
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 4 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
A short but steep climb brings you to Barafu Camp, your final base before the summit push. “Barafu” means “ice” in Swahili, reflecting the cold, windswept environment. Rest early, have a hot meal, and prepare your gear for the midnight summit attempt.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,673m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Hiking time: 10–14 hours
Distance: 17 km
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
This is the summit day – the most challenging yet rewarding part of your climb. Around midnight, you’ll begin the steep ascent to Stella Point (5,756m), then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Witness an unforgettable sunrise above the clouds and celebrate your success!
After photos and a short rest, descend carefully to Barafu for brunch, then continue to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Return to Moshi
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Rainforest
Descend through lush rainforest filled with birds and tropical plants. At Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate – a symbol of your incredible achievement. Our driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower and a well-earned celebration dinner.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Why Choose the Lemosho Route:
High success rate due to gradual acclimatization
Stunning scenic variety – rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, glaciers Less crowded than the Machame or Marangu routes
Perfect for first-time climbers looking for a balanced challenge
Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route:
The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons:
January to March: Clear skies, fewer crowds, moderate temperatures.
June to October: Stable weather and excellent summit conditions.
Avoid heavy rains (April–May and November) for the best experience.
✅ 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (Bed & Breakfast)
✅ Private transport to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
✅ Qualified, professional mountain guides and full support crew
✅ All Kilimanjaro National Park fees (conservation, camping & crew fees)
✅ 18% VAT on all tour services
✅ All camping accommodations on the mountain
✅ High-quality, four-season mountain tents
✅ All ground transport to and from the trailhead
✅ Rescue fees as required by the park authority
✅ All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
✅ Guide and porter accommodations plus their mountain entry fees
✅ Daily health checks using a pulse oximeter
✅ First aid kit carried by the lead guide
✅ Emergency oxygen cylinder for altitude-related issues
✅ Sleeping mats and sleeping bags
✅ Treated, safe drinking water throughout the trek
✅ Fair wages for guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority
❌ International flights
❌ Tanzania visa fees
❌ Tips for guides, porters, and mountain crew
❌ Private portable toilet (available for $120 per group)
❌ Laundry services
The 8 Days Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic, diverse, and successful routes to the Roof of Africa – Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m). Known for its breathtaking landscapes and excellent acclimatization profile, the Lemosho Route offers trekkers the best chance to reach Uhuru Peak successfully.
This route approaches Kilimanjaro from the western slopes, crossing lush rainforest, rolling moorlands, and the dramatic Shira Plateau before merging with the Machame Route. It’s ideal for climbers looking for a less crowded, more beautiful, and rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.
Route Facts:
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights on the Mountain
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Success Rate: 90%+
Starting Point: Londorossi Gate (2,100m)
Ending Point: Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Best Months: January to March & June to October
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 6 km
Habitat: Rainforest
Your adventure begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Londorossi Gate, where registration and briefing take place. After meeting your mountain crew, you’ll start trekking through dense rainforest, home to black and white colobus monkeys, tropical birds, and rich flora. The trail is gentle and shaded, perfect for acclimatization.
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa (2,820m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 8 km
Habitat: Moorland
As you leave the forest behind, the trail opens into rolling heather and moorland terrain. The climb gradually ascends through valleys and ridges, offering panoramic views of the Shira Ridge and Mount Meru in the distance. You’ll arrive at Shira 1 Camp, located on the Shira Plateau—one of Kilimanjaro’s oldest volcanic formations.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Shira 1 (3,500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,900m)
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 7 km
Habitat: Moorland
A short but important acclimatization day. You’ll trek across the Shira Plateau, one of the most beautiful parts of the route, with sweeping views of Kibo Peak. Optional detours include hiking to Shira Cathedral for stunning panoramic vistas. The trail is gentle, helping your body adjust to the increasing altitude.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Shira 2 (3,900m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Semi-desert / Alpine
This is a key acclimatization day as you ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m)—a dramatic volcanic formation—before descending to Barranco Valley. The “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adapt to the thin air. Expect incredible views of the Western Breach and Kibo Glacier.
Overnight: Barranco Camp, beneath the Barranco Wall Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (3,995m)
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 5 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Today’s climb begins with the famous Barranco Wall, a thrilling scramble that requires no technical skills—just balance and focus. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Heim Glacier and Kibo Peak. The trail then winds through ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Karanga (3,995m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m)
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 4 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
A short but steep climb brings you to Barafu Camp, your final base before the summit push. “Barafu” means “ice” in Swahili, reflecting the cold, windswept environment. Rest early, have a hot meal, and prepare your gear for the midnight summit attempt.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,673m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Hiking time: 10–14 hours
Distance: 17 km
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
This is the summit day – the most challenging yet rewarding part of your climb. Around midnight, you’ll begin the steep ascent to Stella Point (5,756m), then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Witness an unforgettable sunrise above the clouds and celebrate your success!
After photos and a short rest, descend carefully to Barafu for brunch, then continue to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Return to Moshi
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Rainforest
Descend through lush rainforest filled with birds and tropical plants. At Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate – a symbol of your incredible achievement. Our driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower and a well-earned celebration dinner.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Why Choose the Lemosho Route:
High success rate due to gradual acclimatization
Stunning scenic variety – rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, glaciers Less crowded than the Machame or Marangu routes
Perfect for first-time climbers looking for a balanced challenge
Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route:
The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons:
January to March: Clear skies, fewer crowds, moderate temperatures.
June to October: Stable weather and excellent summit conditions.
Avoid heavy rains (April–May and November) for the best experience.
✅ 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (Bed & Breakfast)
✅ Private transport to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
✅ Qualified, professional mountain guides and full support crew
✅ All Kilimanjaro National Park fees (conservation, camping & crew fees)
✅ 18% VAT on all tour services
✅ All camping accommodations on the mountain
✅ High-quality, four-season mountain tents
✅ All ground transport to and from the trailhead
✅ Rescue fees as required by the park authority
✅ All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
✅ Guide and porter accommodations plus their mountain entry fees
✅ Daily health checks using a pulse oximeter
✅ First aid kit carried by the lead guide
✅ Emergency oxygen cylinder for altitude-related issues
✅ Sleeping mats and sleeping bags
✅ Treated, safe drinking water throughout the trek
✅ Fair wages for guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority
❌ International flights
❌ Tanzania visa fees
❌ Tips for guides, porters, and mountain crew
❌ Private portable toilet (available for $120 per group)
❌ Laundry services