Lemosho Route 8 Days – Kilimanjaro Climb
The Lemosho Route 8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb is one of the most scenic and successful routes to Uhuru Peak. This trail takes you through rainforest, the vast Shira Plateau, and breathtaking alpine deserts before summiting Africa’s highest peak. With more days for acclimatisation, the Lemosho Route offers one of the highest success rates for climbers seeking both beauty and challenge on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Route Overview
- Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights on the mountain
- Difficulty: Challenging but rewarding
- Accommodation: Camping
- Success Rate: Very high due to gradual acclimatization
Route Highlights:
Hike Distance: ~65 km | Vertical Gain: ~4,300 m | Drop: ~4,900 m | Trekking Time: ~50-55 hrs
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha – Forest Camp
Start: ~2,360 m |End: ~2,895 m | Distance: ~6-7 km |Time: 3-4 hrs | Zone: Montane Forest
You leave the hotel early and drive to Londorossi Gate. Registration done, the trail takes you into dense rainforest alive with the sounds of insects, birds, and monkeys. The trail is lush, wet underfoot, and framed by giant trees. Lunch is served along the trek; in mid-afternoon you reach Forest Camp where tents await. A gentle start to get acclimatisation underway.
Day 2: Forest Camp – Shira 1 Camp
Start: ~2,895 m | End: ~3,505 m | Distance: ~8 km | Time: 5-6 hrs | Zone: Heath / Moorland
Today the forest gives way to moorland. You’ll trek through podocarpus and juniper forest, then gradually emerge into a zone of heather and volcanic rock. The Shira Plateau unfolds before you, with sweeping views of Kibo’s snow-cap. By late afternoon, you arrive at Shira 1 Camp for rest and acclimatisation.
Day 3: Shira 1 – Moir Hut
Start: ~3,505 m | End: ~4,200 m | Distance: ~10-12 km | Time: 5-7 hrs | Zone: Moorland → Alpine Desert
Crossing the Shira Plateau is one of the most scenic days. Open skies, wide vistas, volcanic rock fields, and the occasional chance to hike further into the Lent Hills if energy allows. Arrive mid-afternoon at Moir Hut. Here the air thins; this camp helps your body adjust.
Day 4: Moir Hut – Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)
Start: ~4,200 m | End: ~3,976 m | Distance: ~7 km | Time: ~4-6 hrs
This is an acclimatisation highlight. From Moir, the climb to Lava Tower gives you dramatic views and a taste of high altitude. After a break here, you descend into the Barranco Valley. The Garden of the Senecios lies ahead giant groundsel and lobelia catch the eye. Overnight at Barranco gives you rest after a challenging but rewarding day.
Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Start: ~3,976 m | End: ~4,000 m | Distance: ~5 km | Time: ~4-5 hrs
Having tackled the Barranco Wall in the morning, you find yourself above the valley with dramatic views. The trail undulates through ridges and descents, giving your body time to adapt before heading higher. Sunset here is often spectacular with views of the southern ice fields.
Day 6: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Start: ~4,000 m | End: ~4,645 m | Distance: ~5 km |Time: ~5-6 hrs
Today is a steady climb into the alpine desert. Vegetation thins and the wind picks up. Arrive at Barafu Camp with enough time to rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare mentally and physically for midnight summit.
Day 7: Barafu – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Start: ~4,645 m | Summit: ~5,895 m (Uhuru Peak) | End: ~3,100 m | Distance: ~16-17 km | Time: 12-14 hrs
The summit attempt begins under the stars. You ascend through cold, wind-swept scree past Stella Point to reach Uhuru Peak at dawn an unforgettable moment. Then descend via Barafu, through alternating zones, until you reach Mweka Camp. Descent is hard on the body, but the reward is immense.
Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
Start: ~3,100 m | End: ~1,640 m | Distance: ~10 km | Time: 3-4 hrs
Your final stretch winds down through forest; birds chirping, moss, moisture in the air. At Mweka Gate you complete registration and are awarded your summit certificate proof of your achievement. Then transfer back to Arusha for hot showers, celebration dinner, and rest.
Inclusive
- Airport transfers and two-night hotel stay in Moshi /Arusha
- Mountain transfers and sleeping bag
- Professional Kilimanjaro guides, porters, and cooks (salaries and park fees covered)
- Four-season, waterproof tents (twin-sharing) with sleeping mattresses
- Emergency oxygen and nutritious meals on the mountain
- Purified drinking water and mess tents with tables and chairs
- Kilimanjaro park fees, including conservation, camping, rescue, and 18% VAT
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Exclusive
- Tanzania Visa Requirements
- International and Domestic Flights
- Personal Trekking Gear (e.g., hiking boots, clothing, available for rent)
- Tips and Gratuities for Kilimanjaro Crew
- Travel Insurance for Kilimanjaro Trek
- Personal Expenses (laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.)
- Meals Not Included in Itinerary
- Alcoholic Drinks, Beer, and Bottled Beverages
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