8 Days Lemosho Route - Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour

Tour Overview

The 8-day Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the **premium and most successful** way to climb Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the remote western side, this extended itinerary offers the best acclimatization possible with multiple "climb high, sleep low" days, resulting in summit success rates of 90–95%+ on well-supported trips. It combines breathtaking scenery with comfort and safety.

You'll trek through pristine rainforest, cross the vast and dramatic Shira Plateau, explore glacial valleys, conquer the famous Barranco Wall, and enjoy extra rest and acclimatization time before the midnight summit push — all while enjoying one of the most beautiful and least-crowded routes on the mountain.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Moshi or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Tanzania

DEPARTURE TIME

Morning briefing and transfer to the gate after hotel pickup

INCLUDED

Airport transfers	Camping accommodation (tents)
All park fees & rescue fees	Professional guides & porters
3 meals per day on trek	Portable oxygen & comprehensive first aid

NOT INCLUDED

International flights	Crew tips (recommended)
Personal climbing equipment rental	Travel insurance & Tanzanian visa

With top-tier camping (private toilet tents, thick sleeping mats, spacious mess tents), this 8-day Lemosho version delivers the ultimate combination of wilderness beauty, comfort, safety, and the highest probability of summiting Kilimanjaro.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Big Tree Camp (2,780m)

Drive to Londorossi Gate, register, then gentle trek through lush, undisturbed montane rainforest.

Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 6 km
Elevation gain: 680 m
Habitat: Rainforest

Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2,780m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,500m)

Steep climb out of forest onto the expansive Shira Plateau with sweeping moorland views.

Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Distance: 8 km
Elevation gain: 720 m
Habitat: Moorland

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 (3,500m) to Shira Camp 2 (3,840m)

Easy, scenic traverse across the vast Shira Plateau with panoramic views of Kibo and western glaciers.

Hiking time: 3–5 hours
Distance: 7 km
Elevation gain: 340 m
Habitat: Moorland

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 (3,840m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Important acclimatization day: climb high to Lava Tower, then descend into the spectacular Barranco Valley.

Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Distance: 10 km
Elevation gain/loss: 790 m up, 670 m down
Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)

Iconic scramble up the vertical Barranco Wall, followed by a beautiful traverse to Karanga Valley.

Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 5 km
Elevation gain: 75 m (net)
Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Steady climb to the rocky high camp with incredible close-up views of the summit glaciers.

Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 4 km
Elevation gain: 605 m
Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Midnight summit attempt via Stella Point for sunrise at Uhuru Peak, then long descent to Mweka Camp.

Hiking time: 7–8 hours ascent, 5–7 hours descent
Distance: 5 km ascent, 12 km descent
Elevation gain/loss: 1,255 m up, 2,795 m down

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Transfer to Moshi

Final rainforest descent to Mweka Gate. Receive summit certificates and transfer back to Moshi for celebration.

Hiking time: 3–5 hours
Distance: 10 km
Elevation loss: 1,460 m

1 review for 8 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb

physcode – January 24, 2017 :

The 8-day Lemosho is perfection — unbeatable acclimatization, incredible scenery, and we summited with energy to spare!

8 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour