Lemosho 8-days Route: The glades
The 8-day Lemosho Route is one of the best and most scenic ways to climb Kilimanjaro. It has a very high success rate (around 90%) because the long route and extra night between Barranco and Barafu give your body more time to adjust. Starting from the quiet western side, you walk through rainforest and across the Shira Plateau, with more days to acclimatize than 6 or 7-day routes. This makes it a safer, less crowded choice, especially for first-time trekkers.
8-Days Lemosho Route Itinerary
Arrival in Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport, your private driver-guide will meet you and transfer you to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Later, your mountain guide will provide a full briefing and equipment check, ensuring you are ready for the climb.
Day 01
Arusha (1,400m) – Lemosho Gate (2,150m) – Big Tree Camp (2,800m)
Hiking time: 3 hrs | Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, drive about 2.5 hours to Londorossi Gate for registration and supply distribution. Enjoy a hot lunch before beginning your trek through lush rainforest, home to Colobus monkeys and rich birdlife. By evening, arrive at Big Tree Camp where porters will have set up tents. Dinner and overnight here. Expect cold night temperatures.
Day 02
Big Tree Camp – Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)
Hiking time: 5–6 hrs | Distance: ~5 km | Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, continue through the last stretch of rainforest before entering the open moorland zone. The trail gradually ascends with views of the Western Breach glaciers and Kibo Peak. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp in time for a hot lunch, dinner, and overnight.
Day 03
Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp via Cathedral Point (3,872m)
Hiking time: 4–5 hrs | Distance: ~8 km | Habitat: Moorland
Cross Shira Ridge, a gentler and more open section with sweeping views of the Great Rift Valley and Mount Meru. The moorland is dotted with giant lobelias and unique highland flora. Stop at Cathedral Point for acclimatization before proceeding to Shira 2 Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 04
Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Hiking time: 6–8 hrs | Distance: 10 km | Habitat: Semi-desert
Climb gradually east toward Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” At 4,640m, this section aids acclimatization. From here, descend to Barranco Camp at 3,960m, with spectacular views of the southern glaciers. Dinner and overnight at Barranco.
Day 05
Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (3,995m)
Hiking time: 4 hrs | Distance: 7 km | Habitat: Semi-desert
Today begins with the thrilling climb of the Barranco Wall. Though steep, it requires no technical climbing—just a bit of scrambling with the support of your guide. Traverse ridges and descend into the Karanga Valley before arriving at Karanga Camp. Dinner and overnight.
Day 06
Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,667m)
Hiking time: 3 hrs | Distance: 2 km | Habitat: Alpine desert
Hike through a dry alpine desert with rocky terrain to Barafu Camp. This final staging point offers incredible views of Mawenzi Peak and the summit trail ahead. After an early dinner, prepare for your summit attempt and get some rest.
Day 07
Summit Attempt – Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Hiking: 12–14 hrs | Distance: ~14 km | Habitat: Scree, ice, forest
Wake at 11:00 PM for tea and biscuits before beginning your climb under the stars. Ascend through scree to Stella Point (5,757m), the most challenging part of the trek. From here, continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, reaching the summit at sunrise. After celebrating briefly, descend to Barafu for rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 08
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate (1,980m)
Hiking time: 3 hrs | Distance: ~2 km | Habitat: Forest Enjoy your final breakfast before descending through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here, climbers receive summit certificates—green for Stella Point, gold for Uhuru Peak. Celebrate with your crew before being transferred to Arusha or Moshi for a hot shower, dinner, and overnight. Alternatively, transfer directly to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward flight.
Package Details
What is Included
Professional Guides
Expert, wilderness-first-aid certified local guides and assistant guides.
All Park Fees
National Park entrance, camping, and rescue fees included.
Camping Equipment
High-quality 4-season tents, dining tents, chairs, and tables.
Arusha/Moshi Transfers
Round-trip transport between your hotel and the park gates.
Mountain Crew
Dedicated team of porters and professional mountain chefs.
Dining & Nutrition
Three fresh, calorie-rich meals daily plus clean drinking water.
Safety Logistics
Emergency oxygen, pulse oximeters, and first aid kits on every trek.
Eco-Commitment
Carbon-offsetting for your trek and strict leave-no-trace protocols.
What is Excluded
Planning Your Budget (Exclusions)
- International Flights: Your journey to and from Tanzania is not included.
- Visa Fees: Tanzanian entry visa costs (approx. $50-$100 depending on nationality).
- Personal Gear: Sleeping bags, hiking boots, and thermal clothing (rental options available).
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive insurance covering high-altitude trekking is mandatory.
- Tips for Crew: Gratuities for your dedicated guides, porters, and mountain chefs.
- Pre/Post Safari Stays: Extra nights in Arusha outside of the itinerary.
- Private Expenses: Laundry, alcoholic beverages, and personal snacks.