8-days Lemosho route 2025/2027, There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north near Kenya. All routes except Marangu descend via Mweka.
Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro
8-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
As a newer route, it is more remote and arguably more beautiful, but a bit longer and slightly more expensive. It starts on the Western side of the mountain at the Londorossi Gate which is a further drive from town, and was introduced as an alternative to the Shira route.
After beautiful forests and moorlands it crosses the Shira Plateau on day 3 to connect with the Machame Route at Lava Tower and down towards Barranco Valley via the Southern Circuit. You may be lucky enough to see buffalo, elephant and other game. Because this route can be done over a longer period of time for acclimatization, it has a higher success rate of summit. 8-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Day by Day itinerary , 8-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp (2,780m), 8-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Elevation Gain: +680m
Time: 3-4 hours
Route: Drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate for registration, then trek through lush rainforest with a gradual incline.
Highlights: Wildlife sightings, such as colobus monkeys and exotic birds.
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (tents).
Meals: Lunch, dinner.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa (2,780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m), 8-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Elevation Gain: +720m
Time: 5-7 hours
Route: Leave the rainforest and ascend through the heather and moorland zone, reaching the Shira Plateau.
Highlights: Stunning views of Mount Meru and the expansive Shira Plateau.
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,840m), 8-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Elevation Gain: +340m
Time: 4-6 hours
Route: A gradual hike across the Shira Plateau, with spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscapes.
Highlights: Acclimatization and trekking through a unique volcanic landscape.
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,840m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m) via Lava Tower (4,630m), 8-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Elevation Gain/Loss: +790m/-670m
Time: 7-9 hours
Route: Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp.
Highlights: Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation, and the “climb high, sleep low” principle for acclimatization.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m), 8-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Elevation Gain: +75m
Time: 4-5 hours
Route: Start with a non-technical scramble up the famous Barranco Wall, then trek across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp.
Highlights: Stunning glacier views and a shorter day to enhance acclimatization.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m), 8-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Elevation Gain: +605m
Time: 4-5 hours
Route: A steady ascent through alpine desert to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt.
Highlights: Prepare for the summit push with an early dinner and rest.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,080m), 8-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,255m/-2,815m
Time: 12-16 hours
Route:
Midnight Start: Begin the final ascent to Stella Point (5,730m) under starlit skies. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Descend back to Barafu Camp for rest, then proceed down to Mweka Camp.
Highlights: Sunrise at Uhuru Peak and breathtaking views from the Roof of Africa.
Accommodation: Mweka Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,080m) to Mweka Gate (1,650m), 8-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Elevation Loss: -1,430m
Time: 3-4 hours
Route: A straightforward descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate.
Highlights: Celebrate your achievement and enjoy the lush rainforest during the descent.
Transfer: Drive back to Moshi or Arusha for a well-earned rest.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
Why Choose the 8-days Lemosho route 2025/2027 ?
Best Acclimatization: The extra day on the trail significantly increases your chance of summit success (up to 90%+).
Scenic Diversity: Traverse rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers, with stunning views of Kibo, Mawenzi, and Mount Meru.
Less Crowded: Lemosho’s remote start means fewer climbers on the trail initially.
Best Times to Climb
January to mid-March: Cooler weather and fewer crowds.
June to October: Warmer temperatures and clear skies, but a busier season.