Kilimanjaro Climbing 8 Days Lemosho Route

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The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and rewarding ways to summit Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m / 19,341 ft). This 8-day itinerary allows for extra acclimatization, increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak successfully. Starting from Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest on the western side, the trail takes you through moorlands, alpine deserts, and glacial landscapes. With stunning views and a gradual ascent, this route offers an unforgettable trekking experience. Why Choose the 8-Day Lemosho Route? Better Acclimatization: More time to adjust to altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. Higher Success Rate: A gradual climb improves the chances of reaching the summit. Diverse Landscapes: Experience Kilimanjaro’s rainforest, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and glaciers.

Itinerary

Arrival at Kiliamanjaro Airport / Moshi– Pre-Trek Briefing

Elevation: 900m (2,953 ft) Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi Meals: Dinner Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a Nafika Tours representative will transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Here, you’ll meet your expert mountain guide for a briefing, followed by a gear check. If you need any equipment, you can rent it in Moshi. Enjoy your welcome dinner and rest before your adventure begins.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp Elevation: 2,100m → 2,820m (6,890 ft → 9,250 ft)

Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp After breakfast, you will drive 3-4 hours to Londorossi Gate for park registration. The trek starts in lush rainforest, where you may spot colobus monkeys and other wildlife. The hike is short and gradual, helping your body adjust to the altitude. You will pass through dense vegetation, feeling the cool, humid air of the rainforest. By late afternoon, you will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (“Big Tree Camp”), where you will have dinner and rest.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp, Elevation: 2,820m → 3,505m (9,250 ft → 11,500 ft)

Distance: 8 km / 5 miles Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp Leaving the rainforest, you enter the heather and moorland zones, where the landscape becomes more open. The trail becomes steeper, and you’ll begin to feel the effects of altitude. You’ll walk through giant heather and volcanic rock formations. The first views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks appear, a breathtaking sight. You will arrive at Shira 1 Camp, located on Shira Plateau, where you will rest for the night.

Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp, Elevation: 3,505m → 3,850m (11,500 ft → 12,630 ft)

Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp A relaxed trek across the Shira Plateau, offering panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks. The terrain is mostly flat, making for an easy day of trekking. You’ll see unique Senecio plants, which are only found at high altitudes in East Africa. In the afternoon, you may take an optional short acclimatization hike. At Shira 2 Camp, enjoy a gorgeous sunset over the mountain before dinner.

Day 4: Shira 2 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower, Elevation: 3,850m → 4,600m → 3,960m.

Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles Hiking Time: 6-7 hours Accommodation: Barranco Camp This is an important acclimatization day. You will ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m), where you’ll rest and have lunch. The high altitude will challenge your breathing, but this helps your body adjust. After Lava Tower, you descend to Barranco Camp, following the “climb high, sleep low” strategy. The camp is set beneath the famous Barranco Wall, with spectacular glacier views.

Day 5: Barranco to Karanga Camp,Elevation: 3,960m → 4,035m (12,990 ft → 13,250 ft)

Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Accommodation: Karanga Camp The day begins with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall. Though steep, it is non-technical and requires only basic scrambling. The trail then leads through alpine desert, with stunning views of glaciers. A shorter trek today allows for extra rest and acclimatization. At Karanga Camp, you’ll enjoy a warm meal and prepare for the final ascent.

Day 6: Karanga to Barafu Camp (Summit Base Camp), Elevation: 4,035m → 4,673m (13,250 ft → 15,330 ft)

istance: 4 km / 2.5 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Accommodation: Barafu Camp A gradual but challenging climb to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. The landscape is barren, with strong winds and freezing temperatures. Arrive early, eat a hot meal, and rest as much as possible. Your guide will give a final briefing before the midnight ascent. Sleep early—it’s a big night ahead!

Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp, Elevation: 4,673m → 5,895m → 3,100m.

Distance: 17 km / 10.6 miles Hiking Time: 12-15 hours Accommodation: Mweka Camp At midnight, you begin the final push to the summit. Trek in darkness, using headlamps and moving slowly. After 5-6 hours, you reach Stella Point (5,756m)—the sunrise here is unforgettable. A final 1-hour push takes you to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa! After celebrating, you descend to Barafu Camp for a rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi, Elevation: 3,100m → 1,640m (10,170 ft → 5,380 ft)

Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours A final descent through the rainforest brings you to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate. After lunch with your team, return to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration dinner.

Inclusion

Price Includes
Two nights accommodation in Hotel
Private transport to / from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Moshi
Qualified guides with mountain crew
National park fees
18% VAT on tour fees and services
All camping equipment; mountain tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats
Transport
Rescue fees
All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Guides and porters’ accommodations and their entry fees on the mountain
Pulse oximeter
First aid kit
Emergence oxygen
Katady filtered water through the trek
Fair wages to guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authorit

Exclusions

Flights
Visa
Insurance
Tips to mountain crew
Personal Items
Laundry services (available at the hotel for cost)

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Expedition Information

$1,800

Q2, Q3, Q4

Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route ,

Kilimanjaro

Mountaineering,

Trekking,

Climbing

Fitness Level

Technical Level

Group Size

2-20

Ratio

2:2

Nafika Tours

Continent:

Africa

Country:

Tanzania

Location:

Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Elevation:

5,895 m / 19,340 ft

GPS:

-3.3486456 N°, 37.3435249 E°