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Overview
The Lemosho Route is widely considered the most beautiful trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers a scenic, lesser-traveled approach, beginning on the western slopes and crossing the expansive Shira Plateau. With its gradual ascent profile and low crowds in the early stages, it boasts one of the highest summit success rates on the mountain.
Perfect for climbers seeking a more remote and immersive experience, the 8-day version allows excellent acclimatization time and greater odds of a successful summit.
Route Snapshot
- Start Point: Londorossi Gate (Western Kilimanjaro)
- End Point: Mweka Gate
- Duration: 8 days / 7 nights on the mountain
- Distance: Approx. 71 km / 43 miles
- Max Altitude: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
- Success Rate: ~95% for 8-day climb
- Accommodation: Tented camping
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Day-by-Day Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Lemosho Glades (Forest Camp)
Transfer from your lodge in Arusha to Londorossi Gate. Begin trekking through lush montane rainforest, spotting monkeys and birds. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route.
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~2,900 m / 9,498 ft
Camp: Forest Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2 – Shira Plateau (Shira 1 Camp)
Climb out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. Cross several ridges with your first views of Kibo Peak.
Hiking Time: 6–9 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~3,500 m / 11,500 ft
Camp: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – Moir Camp (Upper Heath Zone)
Traverse the expansive Shira Plateau and continue climbing the western slope of Kibo. Lunch at the Scott Fisher Memorial Camp. Optional afternoon acclimatization hike.
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~4,160 m / 13,650 ft
Camp: Moir Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Enter the alpine zone. Ascend to Lava Tower (4,600 m) before descending into the scenic Barranco Valley—a classic “climb high, sleep low” acclimatization day.
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~3,960 m / 13,044 ft
Camp: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp
Climb the impressive Barranco Wall, passing through ridges and valleys. Enjoy incredible views of Kilimanjaro’s southern glaciers.
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~4,000 m / 13,106 ft
Camp: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Karanga to Barafu Camp
Continue through alpine desert landscapes to your final base camp. Briefing on use of oxygen and emergency procedures. Early supper and rest before the midnight summit push.
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~4,600 m / 15,100 ft
Camp: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Summit Day & Descent to Mweka Camp
Start your ascent around 11:00 PM – midnight. Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) at sunrise. After summit photos and celebration, descend to Mweka Camp via Barafu.
Hiking Time: 12–17 hours total
Summit Altitude: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
Overnight Altitude: ~3,180 m / 10,448 ft
Camp: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 – Final Descent to Mweka Gate
Hike through rainforest trails to Mweka Gate. Lunch, farewell to your mountain crew, and transfer back to your lodge in Arusha.
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
✅ What’s Included
- All park entry and camping fees
- Airport transfers
- 2 nights accommodation in Arusha (before and after trek)
- All meals on the mountain
- Professional, licensed guides and porters
- Emergency oxygen & medical kit
- Oximeter for daily health monitoring
- Sleeping tents & mess tents with chairs/tables
- Purified drinking water
- Crisis management protocols
❌ Not Included
- International or domestic flights
- Tanzanian visa fees
- Personal gear (packing list provided)
- Alcoholic & soft drinks
- Tips for guides, porters & cook (standard rates apply)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Portable toilet (available at extra cost)
Why Choose Us
✅ High Summit Success Rate
With a summit success rate of over 95% on the 8-day Lemosho Route, our expert-guided climbs give you the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak safely and successfully.
🧭 Expert Local Guides
Our professional mountain guides are Kilimanjaro-certified, fluent in English, trained in first aid, and passionate about sharing the mountain’s secrets. They monitor your health daily and support you every step of the way.
🛖 Premium Camping Experience
We provide high-quality mountain tents, thick sleeping mats, private toilets, and a dedicated kitchen crew to ensure your comfort and hygiene at every campsite.
🧡 Safety Comes First
Each climb includes daily health checks, emergency oxygen, pulse oximeters, and Gamow bags. Your well-being is always our priority.
🍽️ Delicious, Energy-Boosting Meals
Our mountain chefs prepare fresh, hearty, and nutritious meals daily — specially designed to keep your energy up and spirits high during the trek.
🌍 Responsible Tourism
We are proud members of KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project), ensuring our porters are fairly treated, well-equipped, and paid above average. We believe in ethical climbs that support local communities.
💼 All-Inclusive and Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees. Our rates include park fees, guide/porter wages, meals, tents, transfers, and more. What you see is what you pay.
⭐ Trusted by Hundreds of Happy Trekkers
We have guided trekkers from over 30 countries with glowing reviews and high return rates. With excellent pre-trip support, personalized attention, and local insight, we turn your adventure into a life-changing experience.
