8-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is one of the best routes for acclimatization. The route is less used and a beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are inhabited by buffalo, elephant and other wildlife.
Prices generally range from approximately $1,800 to $3,700 per person.
8-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route has one of the highest sucess rates. The additional days give your body more time to acclimatize, reducing the effects of altitude sickness and give you more time to rest before attempting the summit. The 8-day Lemosho Route is renowned for its scenic beauty and high summit success rates, offering a gradual ascent that enhances acclimatization. Below is a detailed itinerary for this route:
Day by day 8-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,100m to 2,650m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After registration at Lemosho Gate, begin your trek through the lush rainforest, home to diverse flora and fauna, including colobus monkeys. The trail leads to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) for your first overnight stay.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp, 8-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Elevation: 2,650m to 3,610m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
The trail ascends through the forest, transitioning into the heather and moorland zones. You’ll traverse the Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp, located on the western edge of the Shira Plateau.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp, 8-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Elevation: 3,610m to 3,850m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
A gentle hike across the Shira Plateau leads to Shira 2 Camp. This day allows for acclimatization and offers panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower, 8-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Elevation: 3,850m to 3,900m (via 4,600m at Lava Tower)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert
This challenging day involves a trek to the Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation at 4,600 meters, which aids in acclimatization. Afterward, descend to Barranco Camp, situated in a valley below the Barranco Wall.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp, 8-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Elevation: 3,900m to 4,035m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Begin the day by climbing the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical ascent. Once atop the wall, traverse a series of hills and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, 8-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
A short yet steep climb leads to Barafu Camp, the base camp for summit attempts. Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the early morning ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,100m
Distance: 5 km ascent, 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
Commence the final ascent around midnight, trekking through the Arctic zone to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, 8-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Conclude your trek with a descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate before returning to Moshi or Arusha.
This itinerary provides ample time for acclimatization, significantly enhancing the likelihood of a successful and enjoyable summit experience.
Inclusions, 8-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Quality Mess tents Day 1
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Clean, purified drinking water
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Sleeping Mattress
All meals while on the Mountain
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Exclusions, 8-days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Tanzania Visa
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
The best Kilimanjaro’s Trekking Lemosho in Eight (8)-Days 2025-2026 balances scenic diversity with a gradual acclimatization profile, making it an excellent choice for climbers aiming for a safe, successful, and memorable journey to Kilimanjaro’s summit.