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8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route
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Climbing Overview
- Mount Kilimanjaro Climb
- Lemosho Route
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights on the Mountain
Route: Lemosho Route
Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Start Point: Londorossi Gate
End Point: Mweka Gate
Summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft)
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation: Mountain Camping
Success Rate: Among the Highest on Kilimanjaro
The 8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via the Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the finest way to summit Africa's highest mountain. Famous for its spectacular scenery, gradual ascent, lower crowds during the early stages, and excellent acclimatization profile, the Lemosho Route consistently delivers some of the highest summit success rates on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Unlike shorter itineraries, this 8 Days Lemosho Route allows climbers to adapt properly to the altitude through a carefully designed schedule following the important "climb high, sleep low" principle. The route traverses nearly every ecological zone found on Kilimanjaro, from lush rainforest and dramatic moorlands to alpine deserts and the glacier-covered summit.
For many experienced guides, the 8-day Lemosho itinerary represents the perfect balance between adventure, safety, comfort, and summit success.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
After breakfast, depart from Moshi and drive toward the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. The journey passes through villages, coffee farms, and beautiful countryside before reaching Londorossi Gate.
Upon arrival, complete park registration formalities while the mountain crew organizes supplies and equipment. Following a short drive to the trailhead, begin your trek through the rainforest zone.
This section of the mountain is rich in biodiversity. Dense vegetation, giant trees, and moss-covered trails provide a magical introduction to Kilimanjaro. The pace remains gentle to allow your body to begin adjusting gradually to the altitude.
After several hours of trekking beneath the rainforest canopy, arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp where tents will already be prepared.
Distance: Approximately 6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Starting Altitude: 2,100 m
Ending Altitude: 2,650 m
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Camping – Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast, leave the rainforest behind as the landscape begins transforming into open heath and moorland.
The trail steadily climbs while offering your first panoramic views of the Shira Plateau and distant mountain ridges. As the forest thins, giant heathers and unique alpine vegetation dominate the scenery.
Today's hike is longer but remains moderate, allowing climbers to continue adapting naturally to increasing elevation.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp during the afternoon and enjoy spectacular sunset views.
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Starting Altitude: 2,650 m
Ending Altitude: 3,610 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Camping – Shira 1 Camp
Today's trek is relatively gentle and serves as an important acclimatization day.
Cross the famous Shira Plateau, one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world. The route provides breathtaking views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding mountain landscape.
Because the terrain is less demanding, climbers have more time to relax, appreciate the scenery, and allow their bodies to adapt.
Shira 2 Camp sits in an exposed alpine environment with incredible sunset opportunities and clear nighttime skies.
Distance: Approximately 7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Starting Altitude: 3,610 m
Ending Altitude: 3,850 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Camping – Shira 2 Camp
This is one of the most critical acclimatization days of the entire expedition.
After breakfast, ascend toward Lava Tower, an impressive volcanic rock formation rising dramatically above the alpine desert.
As you climb higher, the effects of altitude may become more noticeable. Guides closely monitor climbers while encouraging a slow and steady pace.
Upon reaching Lava Tower, enjoy lunch and appreciate the achievement of climbing above 4,600 meters.
From there, descend to Barranco Camp following the important principle of "climb high, sleep low," which significantly improves acclimatization and increases summit success.
Barranco Camp is considered one of the most beautiful campsites on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,630 m
Ending Altitude: 3,960 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Camping – Barranco Camp
Today's highlight is the famous Barranco Wall.
Although its appearance can seem intimidating, the climb is non-technical and achievable with the support of experienced guides.
Climbers navigate rocky sections while enjoying spectacular views across glaciers, valleys, and surrounding peaks.
After conquering the Barranco Wall, continue through rolling terrain toward Karanga Camp.
This shorter day provides valuable recovery and additional acclimatization before the summit approach.
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Starting Altitude: 3,960 m
Ending Altitude: 4,035 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Camping – Karanga Camp
Continue ascending through the alpine desert zone toward Barafu Camp, your final base camp before summit night.
Vegetation becomes increasingly sparse while temperatures gradually decrease.
Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon resting, organizing equipment, and preparing mentally for the summit attempt.
Your guides conduct detailed safety briefings and health checks to ensure everyone is ready.
An early dinner is served before retreating to your tents for several hours of sleep.
Distance: Approximately 4 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Starting Altitude: 4,035 m
Ending Altitude: 4,673 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Camping – Barafu Camp
Shortly before midnight, begin the summit push under a sky illuminated by thousands of stars.
This is the most physically and mentally demanding stage of the climb.
Moving slowly and steadily, ascend toward Stella Point as your guides continuously monitor your progress and offer encouragement.
As dawn breaks over East Africa, continue the final stretch to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent.
Standing at 5,895 meters above sea level, reaching Uhuru Peak represents the culmination of months of preparation and determination.
Celebrate your incredible achievement, take photographs at the summit sign, and enjoy breathtaking views above the clouds before beginning the descent.
Return to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch before continuing down to Mweka Camp.
Distance: Approximately 17 km
Hiking Time: 11–14 hours
Highest Altitude: 5,895 m
Ending Altitude: 3,100 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Camping – Mweka Camp
Enjoy your final breakfast on the mountain before descending through Kilimanjaro's rainforest.
As the trail winds downward through lush vegetation, reflect on the extraordinary journey you have completed.
Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, climbers receive official summit certificates recognizing their achievement.
Meet your transfer vehicle and return to Moshi for well-deserved celebrations and rest.
You leave not only with a certificate but also with memories, friendships, and the pride of standing on the Roof of Africa.
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Starting Altitude: 3,100 m
Ending Altitude: 1,640 m
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel (Own Arrangement)
Included &
Not Included
Climbing Cost Includes
- ✓ Professional mountain guides, assistant guides, cooks, and porters
- ✓ Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees
- ✓ Camping fees and rescue fees
- ✓ Transportation to and from the mountain
- ✓ Mountain tents and camping equipment
- ✓ Three freshly prepared meals daily during the trek
- ✓ Drinking water throughout the climb
- ✓ Daily health monitoring checks
- ✓ Emergency oxygen and first aid equipment
- ✓ Government taxes and conservation fees
- ✓ Summit certificate upon successful completion
Climbing Cost Excludes
- ✗ International flights
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Visa fees
- ✗ Tips for guides, cooks, and porters
- ✗ Sleeping bag and personal hiking equipment
- ✗ Personal expenses
- ✗ Alcoholic and soft drinks