8 Days Lemosho Route

Route Overview

Featuring captivating scenic vistas, pristine wildlife, excellent acclimatization opportunities, and low climber traffic, the Lemosho Route is one of the best ways to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also our personal favorite route to reach the Roof of Africa.

After a 3-hour drive from Moshi to Lemosho Gate, you will find yourself on the western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. From here, the trail leads you across the world-famous Shira Plateau, beginning your journey through all of Kilimanjaro’s climate zones—from lush rainforest to alpine meadows and, ultimately, eternal ice. The climb is smooth and gradual, and the Lemosho Route has the highest success rate of all Kilimanjaro routes.

We offer 7 and 8 days programs, allowing flexibility based on your schedule. Longer itineraries are always recommended for better acclimatization.

8 Days Lemosho Route Itinerary

Arrive in Tanzania

You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Later, your mountain guide will meet you for a full trek briefing and equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary gear. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 1 – Lemosho Gate (2100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650m)

Distance: 7 km
Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Your day begins with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a 2-hour drive to Londorossi Gate (2100m). After registration and final preparations, you begin your trek through the lush rainforest. By afternoon, you arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, where your tent and personal belongings will be ready. Overnight at Mti Mkubwa (2650m).

Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650m) to Shira I Camp (3600m)

Distance: 7 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest / Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and scattered heather, passing dramatic volcanic formations. Some sections are steep, offering excellent views of Kibo and the Shira Plateau. Overnight at Shira I Camp (3600m).

Day 3 – Shira I Camp (3600m) to Shira II Camp (3900m)

Distance: 10 km
Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today’s trek is short and gentle compared to other days. You will enjoy panoramic views of the northern ice fields and the western side of Kibo. After arriving at Shira II Camp, enjoy a hot lunch. In the afternoon, take an acclimatization walk before returning for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 – Shira II Camp (3900m) to Barranco Camp (3900m)

Distance: 10 km
Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Leaving the moorland behind, the trail leads into the alpine desert. You ascend to Lava Tower (4600m) for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp (3900m). The 3-hour descent offers stunning views of the Western Breach and Barranco Wall. The camp sits in a dramatic valley and is famous for its spectacular sunsets. Overnight at Barranco Camp.

Day 5 – Barranco Camp (3900m) to Karanga Camp (4000m)

Distance: 6 km
Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you begin the climb up the Barranco Wall (4200m)—one of the most enjoyable and rewarding sections of the route. After reaching the top and enjoying incredible views, continue to Karanga Camp (4000m). Overnight at Karanga.

Day 6 – Karanga Camp (4000m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)

Distance: 4 km
Time: 3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today, you continue upward to Barafu Camp (4640m). Along the way, you’ll have excellent views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After lunch at camp, rest and prepare for the upcoming summit attempt. Dinner is early, as you will wake around midnight.

Day 7 – Barafu Camp (4640m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) then down to Mweka Camp (3100m)

Distance: 20 km
Time: 14 hours
Habitat: Glacier / Moorland / Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Summit day begins around midnight with tea and snacks. You ascend the steep scree slopes for 4–5 hours, reaching Stella Point (5756m) just as the sun rises—an unforgettable moment. A final 1-hour walk brings you to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.

After photos and celebrations, descend to Barafu Camp for rest and lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp (3100m) for dinner and overnight.

Day 8 – Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)

Distance: 10 km
Time: 3 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

A final descent through the lush montane forest leads you to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificates. From here, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in Moshi for a warm shower and well-deserved celebration.

Departure – Transfer or Continue Your Tanzania Adventure

Later that evening or the following day, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.
Alternatively, Auresta Tanzania Travel can arrange an affordable safari to top wildlife destinations including Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or Serengeti National Park.

Included in the price

✅ 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

Not included in the price

❌ International flights
❌ Tanzania visa fees
❌ Tips for guides, porters, and mountain crew
❌ Private portable toilet (available for $120 per group)
❌ Laundry services