8 Days Kilimanjaro Trek – Lemosho route

8 Days 7 Nights

The 8-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Lemosho Route offers a thrilling and scenic journey to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain. Beginning at Lemosho Gate, the trail takes you through lush rainforest, into rolling heather and moorland zones, revealing sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. A key highlight of the trek is the challenging but rewarding ascent of the Barranco Wall, offering dramatic panoramas. Proper acclimatization is built into the route with a climb to Lava Tower followed by a descent to Barranco Camp. Continuing through Karanga Camp, you reach Barafu Camp—your base for the summit attempt. The final ascent begins at midnight, culminating at Uhuru Peak just in time for a breathtaking sunrise over the African plains. The descent follows the Mweka Route, bringing you back through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. This 8-day Lemosho trek blends adventure, altitude, and awe-inspiring scenery for an unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.

  • Bus from/to Hotel After/Before trek
  • Tents
  • 5,895 metres
  • Kilimanjaro International Airport
  • Hiking
  • All meals
  • English
  • Easy to Moderate
  • 1-100
  • 12
  • 80

  • Scenic and Less Crowded- Start Begin your trek through the remote and lush rainforests of Lemosho, offering a peaceful and pristine introduction to the mountain.
  • Diverse Ecosystems Experience- Kilimanjaro’s varied ecological zones from tropical rainforest to alpine desert each with unique flora, fauna, and terrain.
  • Acclimatization Advantage- The route’s longer duration and gradual ascent provide better opportunities for altitude acclimatization, increasing summit success rates.
  • Barranco Wall Climb- Scramble up the iconic Barranco Wall a thrilling and scenic section offering panoramic views of the mountain and valleys below.
  • Stunning Summit Ascent- Embark on a midnight summit push from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, culminating in a magical sunrise from Africa’s highest point

Starting Elevation: Lemosho Gate (2,385 meters / 7,825 feet)
Ending Elevation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750 meters / 9,022 feet)
Trekking Time: Approximately 3–4 hours

Your adventure begins at Lemosho Gate, where you'll complete the necessary registration before setting off. The trail leads you through the dense and vibrant rainforest zone, home to unique flora and possible sightings of monkeys and exotic birds. After a scenic hike, you'll arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you'll spend the night surrounded by nature’s serenity.

Elevation at the end: Shira 1 Camp (3,505 meters / 11,499 feet)
Trekking time: Approximately 5–7 hours

Today's trek begins in the lush rainforest and gradually ascends into the heather and moorland zone. As the vegetation thins, expansive views of Mount Kilimanjaro begin to emerge, providing a dramatic backdrop to your journey. You’ll spend the night at Shira 1 Camp, nestled on the Shira Plateau.

Elevation at the end: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 meters/12,795 feet)

Trekking time: Approximately 4-6 hours The trek today leads to Shira 2 Camp. As you gain altitude, you'll notice the vegetation becoming sparser. The campsite provides beautiful views of the surrounding plains and the mountain.

Elevation at Lava Tower: 4,630 meters / 15,190 feet
Elevation at Barranco Camp: 3,976 meters / 13,044 feet
Trekking time: Approximately 6–8 hours

Today’s journey takes you on a gradual climb to Lava Tower, reaching one of the highest points of the trek so far—an important milestone for acclimatization. After a break at Lava Tower, you’ll descend into the scenic Great Barranco Valley, arriving at Barranco Camp for the night. This “climb high, sleep low” approach significantly aids in adjusting to the altitude, preparing your body for the days ahead.

Elevation at the end: Karanga Camp (3,995 meters / 13,107 feet)
Trekking time: Approximately 4–5 hours

Today’s trek begins with the exhilarating ascent of the Barranco Wall—a steep but rewarding climb offering stunning views. After conquering the wall, the trail eases into a gentler uphill journey across glacial valleys, eventually leading to Karanga Camp. Here, you'll rest and acclimatize, preparing for the next stage of your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Elevation at the end: Barafu Camp (4,673 meters / 15,331 feet)
Trekking time: Approximately 3–4 hours

Today’s hike is relatively short but important, as you make your way to Barafu Camp, the final staging point before your summit attempt. The early arrival allows ample time to rest, refuel, and mentally prepare for the demanding ascent to Uhuru Peak later that night.

Elevation at the summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet)
Elevation at Mweka Camp: 3,100 meters / 10,170 feet
Trekking time: Approximately 12–16 hours

Your summit day begins around midnight, as you embark on a challenging ascent under the stars. After a steady climb, you’ll reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, just in time to witness a breathtaking sunrise. Following your moment of triumph at the summit, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp, where you'll spend the night and recover from your incredible achievement.

Elevation at the End: Mweka Gate (1,640 meters / 5,380 feet)
Trekking Time: Approximately 3–4 hours

On your final day, you’ll hike down through the lush rainforest from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll be awarded your summit certificate an official recognition of your achievement and bid farewell to the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.

  • Park fees: This includes the entrance fees to Kilimanjaro National Park, camping or hut fees, and conservation fees.
  • Professional guides and porters: The package typically includes experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the mountain and its routes. Porters are also provided to carry the bulk of your gear and camping equipment.
  • Meals: Most packages include all meals during the climb, from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to snacks. The food is often prepared by the trekking company and is designed to provide the necessary energy for the ascent.
  • Camping equipment or huts: Depending on the route you choose, the package may include camping equipment like tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats. For the Marangu Route, accommodation is in huts with basic amenities.
  • Safety equipment: Safety gear such as first aid kits, oxygen cylinders, and communication equipment may be included for emergencies.
  • Transfers: Some packages include airport transfers and transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro starting point (e.g., Machame Gate or Marangu Gate).

  • International flights: The package usually does not include international airfare to Tanzania.
  • Visa fees: You’ll need to obtain a Tanzanian visa, and this cost is typically not included in the package.
  • Personal gear: Climbers are responsible for bringing their personal gear, such as clothing, hiking boots, daypacks, and other essentials.
  • Travel insurance: It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations. This is usually not included in the package.
  • Tips: While not mandatory, it’s customary to tip the guides, porters, and other staff for their hard work and support.
  • Additional accommodation: Accommodation before and after the climb is often not included in the package. You’ll need to arrange and pay for these separately.
  • Personal expenses: Any expenses for souvenirs, extra snacks or drinks, and other personal items are not included.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route:

What is the Lemosho Route on Kilimanjaro?

The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and popular routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins on the western side of the mountain, offering a less crowded experience with stunning views of the Shira Plateau, volcanic cones, and diverse ecosystems.

How difficult is the Lemosho Route?

The Lemosho Route is considered moderate in terms of difficulty. The main challenge is the altitude, but the route provides plenty of time for acclimatization, making it suitable for most trekkers in good physical condition.

What is the success rate of the Lemosho Route?

The Lemosho Route has one of the highest summit success rates due to its gradual ascent and longer acclimatization periods, typically around 85-90%

What kind of accommodation is used on the Lemosho Route?

Trekking on the Lemosho Route involves staying in tents throughout the climb. The trek operators provide spacious tents, sleeping mats, and meals served in dining tents.

What wildlife might I encounter on the Lemosho Route?

In the lower forest zones, you might see blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, antelopes, and a wide range of bird species. As you ascend, wildlife sightings become less common.

How can I prevent altitude sickness?

The Lemosho Route is excellent for acclimatization due to its gradual ascent. Make sure to follow your guide’s advice, hydrate regularly, eat well, and take things slowly. It's also recommended to take Diamox or consult a doctor beforehand for any altitude medication.

8 Days Kilimanjaro Trek – Lemosho route
From $2,800
/ Adult
From $2,600 $2,500
/ Child
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