8-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route

8 days Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tour Type
Private tour
Start
Arusha
End
Arusha
Minimum People
2+

Tour Overview:

The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and less-crowded paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Offering breathtaking views, rich biodiversity, and an excellent acclimatization profile, this route is ideal for climbers seeking both adventure and a higher chance of summit success. The trail begins on the western slopes of the mountain, traversing lush rainforest, expansive heather and moorland, and surreal alpine deserts before culminating at Uhuru Peak—Africa’s highest point.

This carefully designed 8-day itinerary allows for optimal acclimatization and steady altitude gain, which greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit. Along the way, you’ll experience dramatic landscapes, fascinating plant life, and awe-inspiring views of glaciers and surrounding peaks. With professional mountain guides, dedicated porters, and nutritious meals throughout the climb, this journey is both safe and unforgettable.

Tour Highlights:

Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Arusha/Moshi.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m).
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,480m).
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,860m).
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950m) via Lava Tower (4,600m).
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,200m).
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600m).
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m).
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,500m).

• Route Duration: 8 Days on the Mountain | 10 Days Total
• Route Type: Camping
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
• Scenery: Excellent
• Success Rate: Very High

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, located in the beautiful Kilimanjaro region. Once settled in, your mountain guide will meet you at a convenient time for a comprehensive pre-climb briefing and gear check. This meeting ensures that you're fully prepared for the journey ahead.

❖ Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll drive for approximately 3 hours to Londorossi Gate for registration and final preparations. Once permits are secured and lunch is enjoyed, your trek begins through the lush rainforest. The trail is rich with flora and fauna, including ancient fig trees, colorful birds, and the occasional monkey. You’ll gradually ascend through this beautiful environment, arriving at Mti Mkubwa—“Big Tree” Camp—in the late afternoon. After a warm dinner, settle into your tent for a well-earned rest.

〽 Elevation Gain: 650 meters | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Today’s hike marks a significant change in scenery as you leave the rainforest behind and ascend into the heather and moorland zone. The trail is steeper and winds through giant heathers and volcanic rock formations. As the vegetation becomes sparser, panoramic views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru emerge. You'll arrive at Shira 1 Camp in the afternoon, where the views are wide open and the air crisp. Spend the evening resting and enjoying a hot meal as you begin to feel the effects of the higher altitude.

〽 Elevation Gain: 730 meters | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

Today is a shorter trek, allowing time to acclimatize. You’ll cross the Shira Plateau—a vast expanse formed by volcanic activity—with views of Kibo Peak looming in the distance. Along the way, enjoy sightings of unique alpine vegetation and, if the skies are clear, catch distant views of Mount Meru and the Ngorongoro Highlands. You’ll reach Shira 2 Camp by midday, where you’ll rest and prepare for the following day’s more strenuous hike. Sunset views from camp are particularly striking, often painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.

〽 Elevation Gain: 380 meters | Hiking Time: 3–5 hours

This day is crucial for acclimatization. You’ll trek steadily upwards through the alpine desert zone to reach the impressive Lava Tower at 4,600 meters. Here, you’ll pause for lunch and rest in the thin air, helping your body adjust to the altitude. The afternoon descent to Barranco Camp takes you through one of Kilimanjaro’s most dramatic landscapes—a valley filled with giant groundsels and lobelias. Nestled beneath the towering Barranco Wall and the Heim Glacier, Barranco Camp offers some of the most spectacular views on the mountain.

〽 Elevation Gain: 810 meters | Net Gain: 90 meters | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

Your day begins with a thrilling scramble up the Barranco Wall, a challenging but rewarding climb that offers sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. With the help of your guide, you’ll navigate the rocky ascent safely and confidently. Once atop the wall, the trail becomes gentler, leading across undulating terrain before descending into the Karanga Valley. After crossing the riverbed, a final short climb brings you to Karanga Camp, perched on a ridge with views of Kibo Peak ahead.

〽 Elevation Gain: 250 meters | Hiking Time: 3–5 hours

Today’s trek takes you through a stark alpine desert landscape, with few plants but awe-inspiring views of glaciers and surrounding peaks. You’ll ascend steadily, passing key junctions in the trail network and spotting glacial formations like the Heim and Kersten glaciers. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, you’ll have an early dinner and retire to your tent for rest. A summit briefing will be conducted as you prepare for the final push to Uhuru Peak later tonight.

〽 Elevation Gain: 400 meters | Hiking Time: 3–5 hours

Around midnight, you’ll begin your final ascent under a sky full of stars. The trail is steep and challenging, but your guides will pace the group carefully and provide constant support. After 5–6 hours, you’ll reach Stella Point (5,756m) in time for a magnificent sunrise. From there, a final one-hour push takes you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Take time to celebrate and capture photos before beginning the descent back to Barafu Camp for rest and brunch. After recharging, continue down to Mweka Camp through moorland and lush forest zones, where you’ll spend your final night on the mountain.

〽 Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters | Descent: 2,795 meters Hiking Time: 6–7 hours to the summit, 6–7 hours descent

Following breakfast, you’ll complete the last leg of your trek, descending through Kilimanjaro’s vibrant rainforest. The trail is often damp and slippery, so take care with each step. At Mweka Gate, you'll receive your summit certificates and be met by our vehicle for transfer back to Moshi/Arusha. A hot lunch awaits, along with a warm shower and a well-deserved rest at your hotel.

〽 Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters | Hiking Time: 4 hours

Optional 6-Day Variation:
For climbers with limited time, a 6-day version of this route is available. On Day 5, instead of camping at Karanga, you’ll have lunch there and continue directly to Barafu Camp for an early dinner and overnight rest before the summit ascent.

No. of People	7 Days Tour (Per Person)	8 Days Tour (Per Person)
2 People	$2,713	$3,072
4 People	$2,213	$2,509
6 People	$2,031	$2,314

Inclusion &
Exclusion

All park entrance, camping, hut, and rescue fees.
All meals and filtered drinking water while on the mountain.
Camping equipment, including mountaineering, mess, and sleeping tents, tables and chairs, toilet tent, sleeping mattresses, and pillows.
Certified Wilderness First Responder guide, cook, and porter salaries and fees.
Transport to/from national park gates.
Transfers to/from the airport (all participants should arrive in one group).
First aid kit and pulse oximeter.
Portable oxygen cylinder.
Two nights’ accommodation before and after the climb.

Gratuities.
Soda and alcohol.
Health/evacuation insurance.
Visa fees.
International airfare.
Laundry.
Ascents via Crater Camp incur an additional USD 350 per person.

Important
Information

Prices are per person and do not include international flights to and from your home country.
This tour welcomes children aged 10 and above.
In case of fully booked accommodations, we will offer a suitable alternative of similar quality.