8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek

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Description

Included/Excluded

Tour Plan

Reviews

The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and successful routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m). Approaching the mountain from the remote western side, this route offers a quieter start, excellent acclimatization, and breathtaking landscapes throughout the climb.

Beginning in lush rainforest, the trail crosses the expansive Shira Plateau, passes dramatic valleys and alpine desert, and culminates in an unforgettable sunrise summit at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. With its gradual ascent and well-spaced camps, the Lemosho Route provides exceptional comfort and one of the highest summit success rates before descending through verdant rainforest to Mweka Gate.

Route Highlights

One of the most scenic and least crowded Kilimanjaro routes
Excellent acclimatization profile and high summit success rate
Traverse rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and glacial zones
Cross the vast Shira Plateau
Climb the iconic Barranco Wall
Sunrise summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Professional guides, full crew support, and quality meals

Included/Excluded

Airport transfers
Pre-climb briefing and full equipment check
Park fees, camping fees, and conservation fees
Kilimanjaro rescue and emergency support fees
Professional, certified mountain guide(s)
Pre-climb briefing and full equipment check
Park fees, camping fees, and conservation fees
Kilimanjaro rescue and emergency support fees
Professional, certified mountain guide(s)
Full mountain crew (assistant guides, cook, and porters)
All meals on the mountain as specified in the itinerary
Clean, safe drinking water throughout the trek
Quality tents and sleeping mattresses
Dining tent with tables and chairs
All government taxes and VAT
Summit certificate (green or gold certificate upon successful ascent)

nternational and domestic flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
Optional equipment rental (available on request)
Tips for mountain crew (guides, cooks, and porters)
Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary (mainly in Arusha)
Additional accommodation before or after the trek (unless specified)

Tour Plan

Day 1: Arrival – Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Later in the day, meet your professional mountain guide for a detailed briefing, safety instructions, and a full equipment check to ensure you are well prepared for the climb.
Overnight: Arusha
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha – Lemosho Gate – Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp

After breakfast, drive to Lemosho Gate for registration, then continue to the trek’s starting point. Begin hiking through pristine rainforest, rich with birdlife and colobus monkeys. The trail gently ascends to Mti Mkubwa Camp, your first night on the mountain.
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp

Leave the rainforest behind and climb steadily into the heath and moorland zone. Enjoy expanding views as vegetation changes and Mount Meru appears in the distance. Cross onto the vast Shira Plateau before reaching Shira 1 Camp.
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

A gentle trek across the Shira Plateau with minimal altitude gain, allowing excellent acclimatization. Enjoy spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding plains as you continue to Shira 2 Camp.
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

This is a key acclimatization day. Hike uphill to Lava Tower (4,630m), then descend into the dramatic Barranco Valley. The “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adapt to altitude while offering stunning scenery beneath the Breach Wall.
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

Begin the day by climbing the famous Barranco Wall, a fun and rewarding scramble with incredible panoramic views. Continue across rolling alpine terrain to Karanga Camp, where you rest and acclimatize further.
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

A steady ascent leads to Barafu Camp, your base camp for the summit attempt. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and mentally preparing for the midnight climb.
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Begin your summit attempt around midnight, trekking slowly under the stars to Stella Point, then onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). After celebrating and taking photos at the summit, descend carefully to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha

After breakfast, descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. Transfer back to Arusha for relaxation and celebration.
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Arusha
Meals: Breakfast