Kilimanjaro Trek via Lemosho Route - 8 Days
Tour Overview
Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route – 8 Days
The Lemosho Route is widely considered the most beautiful and rewarding trail to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m / 19,341 ft). Beginning from the western side of the mountain, it offers a gradual ascent, excellent acclimatization profile, and an opportunity to spot wildlife in the rainforest zone.
This route connects with the Machame Route at Shira Plateau and follows the Southern Circuit, which gives climbers panoramic views of the summit from different angles.
Safari Highlights
Stunning scenery from lush rainforest to alpine desert to glacier views at the summit
High success rate due to the gradual altitude gain and built-in acclimatization days
Lower foot traffic during the early days of the hike
Opportunity to spot colobus monkeys, birds, and other wildlife in the early stages
Overnight camping for a deeper wilderness experience
Summit via Barafu or Kosovo Camp, with an early morning push to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise
Type: Camping Expedition
Route: Lemosho Route
Duration: 8 Days on the Mountain / 2 Nights at Hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Success Rate: High
Best For: Trekkers seeking scenic views, fewer crowds, and excellent acclimatization
Price - Based on2 Pax $2,480 Per Person
Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Welcome to Kilimanjaro.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), you’ll be warmly greeted by a representative from Travencia Safaris. After a friendly welcome and short briefing, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. As you drive through the foothills of Kilimanjaro, keep an eye on the horizon, on clear days, the mountain may reveal itself briefly before retreating behind clouds. This first glimpse of Africa’s tallest peak often stirs a mix of excitement and awe.
- Accommodation: Planet Lodge.
- Meals: Bed & Breakfast.
Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2,250m) → Big Tree Camp / Mti Mkubwa (2,780m)
Your journey begins after breakfast with a drive to the Londorossi Gate for registration, followed by a forest track to the Lemosho starting point. The trek begins through beautiful, undisturbed rainforest rich in wildlife—look out for black-and-white colobus monkeys and a variety of birds. The hike ends at Big Tree Camp, named for the towering trees that shade the area. Overnight at Big Tree Camp, Meals base on Lunch & Dinner.
- Distance: ~6 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Day 3: Big Tree Camp → Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Today’s trail ascends steeply through varied vegetation zones. You’ll leave the rainforest behind, cross a transition zone, and enter the heather zone with lava ridges and views opening up toward Shira Ridge. As you reach the western side of the Shira Plateau, Kibo Peak begins to dominate the skyline. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp, Meals base on Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp (3,990m) or Moir Hut (4,100m)
This is a gentle day for acclimatization as you cross the Shira Plateau with expansive views and soft trails. You’ll reach Shira 2 Camp by early afternoon. Trekkers wanting additional solitude and better acclimatization may continue to Moir Hut, a quieter, more remote camp at the base of the Lent Hills. Both options allow excellent views and optional short hikes in the afternoon. Overnight at Shira 2 Camp or Moir Hut, Meals base on Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Distance: ~7–10 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower (4,600m) → Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Today is an essential acclimatization day. You’ll ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m), a towering volcanic formation in the alpine desert zone, before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach is critical for acclimatization and greatly improves summit success. Barranco Camp sits beneath the dramatic Barranco Wall, surrounded by giant groundsels and impressive mountain scenery. Overnight at Barranco Camp, Meals base on Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Day 6: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Begin the day by scrambling up the iconic Barranco Wall (not technical but steep and exciting). Once at the top, enjoy panoramic views before traversing several valleys and ridges along the Southern Circuit trail. You’ll reach Karanga Camp by lunchtime, making this a shorter day that supports continued acclimatization. Overnight at Karanga Camp, Meals base on Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Day 7: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp (4,640m) or Kosovo Camp (4,700m)
Today’s trek climbs steadily up to Barafu Camp, the main base camp for the summit attempt. The terrain is rocky and exposed. Trekkers with a permit may continue a bit further to Kosovo Camp, which offers a quieter and slightly higher base with a better summit start. You’ll arrive early to eat, rest, and sleep before the midnight ascent. Overnight at Barafu Camp or Kosovo Camp, Meals base on Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Distance: ~4–5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Day 8: Summit Day! Barafu/Kosovo Camp → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)
The final summit push begins around midnight. You’ll ascend steep switchbacks up scree and volcanic rock to Stella Point (5,685m), then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak—Africa’s highest point. After celebrating and capturing summit photos, descend back to Barafu for a rest and hot meal. You’ll then continue downhill to Mweka Camp for a well-earned sleep. Trekking poles are highly recommended. Overnight at Mweka Camp, Meals base on Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Distance: ~6 km ascent + 10 km descent
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours.
Day 9: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate (1,640m) → Transfer to Moshi/Arusha
A gentle descent through lush rainforest marks your final walk on Kilimanjaro. Listen for birdsong and watch for monkeys as you make your way to Mweka Gate. After signing out and receiving your summit certificate, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved shower and celebration.
- Distance: ~10 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Accommodation: Planet Lodge.
- Meals: Bed & Breakfast.
PRICING INCLUDES
- All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping / hut fees and climbing permits.
- Tanzania VAT on tourism activities.
- Standard services on the mountain.
- Transfers from Moshi to Machame gate and Mweka gate to Moshi.
- Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees.
- Chief guide carries a Pulse Oximeter, used to take blood-oxygen level readings of clients.
- Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid.
- Basic first kit (for use in emergency only).
- Qualified and well-trained mountain guide, assistant guides, cook and porters.
- Salaries for mountain support crew, as per required KINAPA minimum payments.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain.
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, camp chairs, camp tables, mess tent).
- Warm water for washing up daily.
- Porter to carry your duffel bag, with maximum weight of 19kg from one camp to the next camp.
- Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit.
- Commission and QT.
PRICING EXCLUDES
- International flight.
- Travel and personal accident insurance.
- Visa and Passport.
- Tips/gratuities for guides, cook and porters.
- Other expenditures like luxury drinks/beverage, alcoholic drinks at lodge/hotels or on your trip as well as souvenirs and personal items after or before trip.
- Optional excursions/activities not detailed in itinerary.
- Any additional services that will be requested.
Inquire This Tour
Acclimatization Considerations – Lemosho Route 8 Days.
The 8-day Lemosho Route is widely considered the best Kilimanjaro route for acclimatization, offering a slow, well-structured ascent profile with excellent “climb high, sleep low” opportunities. It significantly reduces the risk of altitude-related issues, making it ideal for trekkers prioritizing safety, comfort, and summit success.
Longest & Most Gradual Acclimatization Profile
Starting from the Lemosho Gate (~2,100m), the route gently ascends over multiple climate zones and elevation gains. The 8-day itinerary allows your body to adjust progressively, with shorter hiking days and extra time spent at key altitude zones — a major factor in its high summit success rate.
Climb High, Sleep Low” Strategy Built In
On Day 4, you ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) before descending to Barranco Camp (3,960m). This textbook “climb high, sleep low” practice forces your body to adapt to higher elevation stress, then recover at a lower camp — one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of AMS.
Extra Nights at Mid-Altitude Camps
By spending additional nights at camps like Shira Camp (3,840m) and Karanga Camp (4,035m), trekkers get more time at moderate elevations to adapt before pushing to Barafu (4,640m) or Kosovo Camp (4,700m) for the final summit attempt. This structured acclimatization pacing is unmatched on most routes.
Pacing, Nutrition & Hydration Still Critical
Even with a near-optimal route, altitude is unpredictable. Trekkers must:
- Move slowly (especially above 3,500m)
- Drink 3–4 liters of water daily
- Consume energy-rich foods
- Sleep well and avoid overexertion
Best Suited For
- First-time high-altitude trekkers
- Trekkers concerned about altitude sickness
- Photographers & nature lovers (more time = more scenic value)
- Anyone wanting to maximize summit success with minimal physical risk
Altitude Medication
Although natural acclimatization is well-supported on the 8-day route, many trekkers still carry Diamox (acetazolamide) as a backup (consult your doctor first). Being proactive about recognizing AMS symptoms and reporting them to your guide is still essential.
High Summit Success Rate:
With its gradual ascent, acclimatization day, and built-in recovery opportunities, the 8-day Lemosho Route has one of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro — often exceeding 90% for well-prepared trekkers.
Experience & Support
- Led by expert Travencia Safaris mountain guides, certified in Wilderness First Response (WFR).
- Supported by a full mountain crew (guides, cooks, porters).
- Emergency protocols in place, including oxygen, oximeters, and park rescue access.
- All camping equipment and hot meals included.
Frequently Asked Questions – Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek
Know before you goWhat is the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and less crowded routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It approaches from the western side of the mountain and offers excellent acclimatization opportunities and panoramic views.
How difficult is the Lemosho Route?
While not technical, the Lemosho Route is considered moderate to challenging due to its length and altitude. The longer duration helps with acclimatization, making it one of the more successful routes for summiting Kilimanjaro.
What is the summit success rate on the Lemosho Route?
The summit success rate is high, especially on the 8-day itinerary—around 90% or more, depending on the trekking company and individual preparation
What are the key highlights of the Lemosho Route?
- Remote and scenic start through lush rainforest
- Crosses the Shira Plateau
- Dramatic views from the Barranco Wall
- Less crowded in early days
- Offers a chance to see wildlife in lower elevations
Is the Lemosho Route crowded?
It is less crowded than the Machame or Marangu routes, especially in the early stages. It merges with the Machame Route after a few days, where it gets busier.
What is the best time to hike the Lemosho Route?
The best times are:
- January to early March (warmer, some chance of rain)
- June to October (drier, colder, clearer skies)
What kind of accommodation is used on the route?
The Lemosho Route is a camping route. Hikers sleep in tents provided and set up by the trekking company. Meals are cooked by a mountain chef.
Do I need a guide to hike the Lemosho Route?
Yes. All Kilimanjaro routes, including Lemosho, require certified guides. You must book with a licensed trekking company.
