8 Days Lemosho Route

Itinerary Summary

The Lemosho Route is considered the most scenic trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. With an excellent acclimatization profile and fewer crowds, the 8-day version offers the best chance of summit success while immersing you in stunning landscapes from rainforest to glaciers.

Full Itinerary Overview

The 8-day Lemosho Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and well-balanced treks, offering a high success rate due to its excellent acclimatization profile. Starting from the western side of the mountain, the trail passes through lush rainforest, open moorlands, and across the expansive Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route near Lava Tower. With gradual altitude gain and an extra day for acclimatization, trekkers have a smoother ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). The route includes dramatic landscapes, fewer crowds in the early days, and a thrilling midnight summit attempt via Stella Point. The descent follows the Mweka Route. This itinerary is ideal for those seeking a quieter, more scenic, and well-paced climb to the roof of Africa.

DAY 1 : Londorossi Gate (2,250m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)

After registration at Londorossi Gate, your adventure begins with a drive to the trailhead and a gentle trek through lush montane rainforest. Along the 6 km trail, which takes about 3–4 hours, you’ll walk under dense canopies and may spot blue monkeys or colobus monkeys before reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp for your first night on the mountain.
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp | Meals: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2 : Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)

Today, the trail leaves the forest and ascends steeply into the moorland zone. You’ll hike 8 km over 5–6 hours, crossing ridges and emerging onto the Shira Plateau, where you’ll begin to catch your first full views of Kibo Peak.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3 : Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,840m)

This is a short and gentle trek across the open Shira Plateau, helping your body continue to acclimatize. You’ll cover 7 km in about 3–4 hours, passing volcanic formations and enjoying expansive views of Mount Meru to the west.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 : Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)

A crucial acclimatization day, this stage ascends to the Lava Tower at 4,630m for lunch, before descending to sleep lower at Barranco Camp. The 10 km hike takes 6–7 hours, following the “climb high, sleep low” principle, which is key for altitude adaptation.
Overnight: Barranco Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5 : Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035m)

Start your day by scaling the impressive Barranco Wall, then traverse glacial valleys and ridges toward Karanga Camp. This dramatic 5 km stretch takes about 4–5 hours, offering exceptional views and an active but manageable hiking day.
Overnight: Karanga Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 : Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Today is a gradual uphill trek of 4 km, which takes 3–4 hours. You’ll climb through a cold, rocky landscape to reach Barafu Camp, your base camp for the summit. Rest early as the summit attempt begins around midnight.
Overnight: Barafu Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7 : Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)

You’ll begin the summit push around midnight, trekking 17 km over 11–15 hours total. The steep climb to Stella Point is demanding, but the final stretch to Uhuru Peak rewards you with Africa’s highest sunrise. After celebration and photos, descend via Barafu to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Overnight: Mweka Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8 : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Return to Moshi/Arusha

Your final descent is a 10 km hike that takes about 3–4 hours through rainforest terrain. At Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate before returning to Moshi or Arusha by vehicle for celebration or departure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Experience Kilimanjaro’s most breathtaking route with the 8-day Lemosho adventure—where scenic beauty meets high summit success. From remote rainforest trails to panoramic ridge walks across the Shira Plateau, this route offers unmatched views and excellent acclimatization with its gradual ascent profile. Perfect for trekkers seeking a quieter, more immersive journey to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Lemosho Route balances challenge and reward with every step.

INCLUDED

Full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) accommodation.
All game drives viewing in a custom built 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser
All park and entrance fees
Transportation with 4×4 vehicles with viewing roofs
Professional English-speaking driver/guide or other language as specified during the safari.
Bottled water in safari vehicles
Current Government taxes and levies
24-Hour support during the safari

NOT INCLUDED

Internal or International flights
Transfers to and from the airport
Balloon excursion (US$600 pp)
Entry visa to Tanzania.
Travel and health insurance
Gratuities to your guide, hotel staff, and porters
Meals, drinks, and excursions not described in the itinerary
Any other items of a personal nature, laundry, telephone and postage
Item of personal Nature

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