8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro

Itinerary Overview

8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro is widely considered one of the most scenic routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting on the western slopes of the mountain, it traverses lush rainforest, expansive moorlands, alpine desert, and glacier-covered peaks. 8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro is less crowded, offers excellent acclimatisation opportunities, and has a high summit success rate, making it ideal for those seeking a beautiful and less-traveled ascent.

The 8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro version allows for optimal acclimatisation, increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak safely and comfortably.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After registering at Londorossi Gate, you’ll drive to the trailhead and begin the trek through lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp. Wildlife like elephants and buffalo may be spotted along the way, with an armed ranger for safety. Lunch is usually served before hiking, and dinner awaits at camp.

Elevation: 2,100m to 2,820m
Distance: ~5.5 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp 1

Today’s hike begins with a gradual ascent through the last stretch of rainforest before entering the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper as you reach the scenic Shira Plateau. You’ll arrive at Shira Camp 1, located on the plateau’s western edge, where you’ll rest for the night.

Elevation: 2,820m to 3,500m
Distance: ~5.5 km | Time: 5–6 hrs | Habitat: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Moir Hut

Trek across the Shira Plateau to Shira Camp 2 (3,850m), where you’ll join hikers from the Machame Route. Enjoy sweeping views of the valley and the Western Breach. Continue past the Shira Caldera on a less-traveled trail to Moir Hut. This high-altitude camp is cold and windy—symptoms of altitude may begin. Monitor your body carefully. Sleeping high aids acclimatization for the days ahead.

Elevation: 3,500m to 4,200m
Distance: ~8.5 km | Time: 5–7 hrs | Habitat: Low Alpine / High Alpine Zone

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Today’s trek crosses a stark alpine desert as you ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) and the Shark’s Tooth. After lunch at the tower, descend along the scenic Southern Circuit to Barranco Camp (3,900m). Though you’ll sleep at a similar altitude as the night before, the climb-high, sleep-low approach enhances acclimatization.

Elevation: 4,200m to 4,600m to 3,900m
Distance: ~12 km | Time: 6–7 hrs | Habitat: High Alpine Zone

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Day five begins with the challenging Barranco Wall, a steep 257-meter scramble requiring hands and feet. After conquering the wall, you descend into the Karanga Valley and trek through a series of ridges to reach Karanga Camp. For 8-day trekkers, this is your overnight stop. It’s a key day for acclimatization before heading higher.

Elevation: 3,900m to 3,960m
Distance: 7 km | Hiking Time: 4 hours | Habitat: High Alpine Zone

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

This is a relatively short and gradual trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp via the 8 Days Lemosho Route. The trail merges with the Mweka Route as it ascends to the base camp at 4,680 meters. Take this opportunity to rest, enjoy the panoramic views, and mentally prepare for the final summit ascent later in the night.

Elevation: 3,960m to 4,680m
Distance: Approximately 6 km
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Habitat: High Alpine Zone

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Summit day begins around midnight with tea and biscuits before a long, steep ascent through glacial terrain. The trail to Stella Point (5,739m) is challenging and slow, requiring strong will and steady pacing. After a short break at Stella Point, you’ll push onward for 1–2 hours along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating briefly at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for rest, then continue to Mweka Camp for overnight.

Elevation (M): 4,680m to 5,895m to 3,100m Distance: 4.5 km ascent / 11 km descent
Hiking Time: 6–8 hrs ascent / 5–8 hrs descent
Habitat: Glacial Zone

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Your final trek on Mount Kilimanjaro takes you through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Though relatively short, the descent can be tiring due to sore muscles from the previous day’s efforts. Walk slowly and take in the scenery. Upon reaching the gate, you will sign out with park authorities and receive your well-earned certificate—either for Stella Point or the summit at Uhuru Peak.

Elevation (M): 3,100m to 1,640m
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Breakfast, Lunch

Cost includes

All transfers

Professional and experienced mountain guide, cook and porters

Rescue fees

Quality mess tents with tables and chairs

Clean purified water

Accommodation before climbing

All entry fees

All meals during your trekking

Large portion of fresh healthy nutritious food

Cost Excludes

Sleeping bags, bring your own sleeping bag but still you can rent it in Arusha at reasonable

Flight ticket

Gratitude’s for Kilimanjaro climbing crews

Personal expenses (e.g. laundry bills, telephone bills, beverages etc.)

Anything not mentioned above