8 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb

Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp → Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp → Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Gate

Starting

$2,100

per Person

Overview

The 8-Day Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the best ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Offering breathtaking scenery, excellent acclimatization, and lower traffic during the early stages of the trek, Lemosho provides an exceptional balance between adventure and summit success. The route approaches Kilimanjaro from the remote western side of the mountain, traversing pristine rainforest, the vast Shira Plateau, dramatic alpine landscapes, and the iconic Barranco Valley before joining the southern circuit towards the summit.

Thanks to its gradual ascent profile and additional acclimatization time, the 8-day itinerary achieves one of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro, averaging between 90% and 95%. The best climbing seasons are January to March and June to October, when climbers typically enjoy clearer skies and more stable weather conditions.

Route Highlights

  • One of Kilimanjaro’s highest success-rate routes
  • Exceptional acclimatization profile
  • Spectacular and diverse scenery
  • Remote and less crowded start
  • Full traverse of the Shira Plateau
  • Famous Barranco Wall climb
  • Stunning views throughout the trek
  • Excellent route for photographers

Day to Day

Itinerary

DAY 1

Londorossi Gate (2,100m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)

After breakfast, drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate for registration. From here, continue to the trailhead where your trek begins.

The route enters pristine rainforest filled with towering trees, moss-covered vegetation, and abundant wildlife. Keep an eye out for black-and-white colobus monkeys as you make your way toward Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours

Distance: 6 km

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Accomodation:

Mti Mkubwa Camp

DAY 2

Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m) – Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)

Leave the rainforest behind as you ascend into the heath and moorland zone. The trail gradually climbs onto the western slopes of Kilimanjaro, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and distant plains.

Arrive at Shira 1 Camp in the afternoon and enjoy your first unobstructed views of Kibo Peak.

Hiking Time: 5-6 Hours

Distance: 8 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accomodation:

Shira 1 Camp

DAY 3

Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) – Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)

Today’s trek is relatively gentle and allows your body to continue adjusting to the altitude. Cross the vast Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world, while enjoying panoramic views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru.

Arrive at Shira 2 Camp with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the mountain scenery.

Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours

Distance: 7 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accomodation:

Shira 2 Camp

DAY 4

Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,950m)

This is one of the most important acclimatization days of the climb. Ascend gradually to Lava Tower where lunch is served at over 4,600 meters.

After spending time at altitude, descend to Barranco Camp following the climb-high, sleep-low principle. This approach significantly improves acclimatization and contributes to the route’s excellent summit success rate.

Hiking Time: 6-8 Hours

Distance: 10 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accomodation:

Barranco Camp

DAY 5

Barranco Camp (3,950m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m)

Begin the day by tackling the famous Barranco Wall. Despite its intimidating appearance, the climb is non-technical and offers some of the most rewarding views on the mountain.

Continue through alpine valleys and ridges before reaching Karanga Camp. The shorter hiking day allows for additional acclimatization and recovery.

Hiking Time: 4-5 Hours

Distance: 5 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accomodation:

Karanga Camp

DAY 6

Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Continue your ascent through the alpine desert zone towards Barafu Camp. The rugged landscape provides incredible views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding mountain environment.

Arrive at camp during the afternoon and spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing for your summit attempt.

Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours

Distance: 4 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accomodation:

Barafu Camp

DAY 7

Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to the summit. This challenging but unforgettable climb takes you through Stella Point before reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise.

Standing atop Africa’s highest mountain is an extraordinary achievement and a moment you’ll never forget. After enjoying the summit views and taking photographs, descend to Barafu Camp before continuing to Mweka Camp.

Hiking Time: 10-15 Hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accomodation:

Mweka Camp

DAY 8

Mweka Camp (3,100m) – Mweka Gate (1,640m)

After breakfast, descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate where you’ll receive your official summit certificate.

Celebrate your achievement before transferring back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

Hiking Time: 3-5 Hours

Distance: 10 km

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Accomodation:

No Accomodation

  • Kilimanjaro park fees
  • Rescue fees
  • Camping fees
  • Professional mountain guides
  • Assistant guides
  • Porters
  • Mountain cook
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Drinking water
  • Oxygen cylinder
  • Pulse oximeter monitoring
  • Emergency first aid kit
  • Government taxes and VAT
  • Summit certificate
  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Sleeping bag rental
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for mountain crew
  • Snacks and beverages outside meal plans

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