The best ultimate in 8 days Kilimanjaro climbing lemosho route Overview
The Best Ultimate 8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Lemosho Route is one of the most popular and scenic routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
The route starts from the western side of the mountain and follows a gradual ascent, allowing for better acclimatization and higher success rates.
The Kilimanjaro climbing Lemosho route passes through a variety of landscapes, including lush rainforests, heathlands, and alpine deserts, before
reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak,
which stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).
Along the way, climbers will encounter a wide variety of flora and fauna, including unique wildlife such as colobus monkeys and
giant ground squirrels.
The additional day of acclimatization on the 8 days Lemosho route is particularly beneficial for climbers, as it allows for more
time to adjust to the altitude and reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
This extra day also offers an opportunity to explore the Shira Plateau and its unique geological formations.
This 8 days Lemosho route is considered a challenging but rewarding trek, offering breathtaking views of the mountain and its surroundings.
It is often recommended for experienced climbers who want to take their time to acclimatize properly and enjoy the unique beauty of the mountain.
Departure / Return Location
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Departure Time
Please arrive at least 2 hours before flight.
The Best Ultimate 8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Lemosho Route price/cost 2025
The average cost to climb Kilimanjaro via Lemosho route 8 days ranges from $1800 to $3500; the price varies from cheap, budget operators to large Western travel agents selling outsourced climbs at an inflated price.
There are various, unavoidable fixed costs for any tour operator, and if a climb seems too cheap, you’ve got to ask yourself why.
The Best Ultimate 8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Lemosho Route Itinerary
The Best Ultimate 8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Lemosho Route A full detailed day by day itinerary:
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp;
Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira One Camp;
Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Camp;
Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp or Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco;
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp;
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp;
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut;
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Moshi
Day 0: Arrival in Moshi
Your journey begins in Moshi, the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. After arriving, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you’ll meet your guide and team for a pre-climb briefing. This day includes gear checks, an overview of the itinerary, and final preparations. Rest well for the adventure ahead.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp)
- Elevation: 2,100m (6,890 ft) to 2,780m (9,121 ft)
- Distance: ~7 km (~4.3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
The journey starts with a scenic drive to Londorossi Gate for registration. The hike begins through lush rainforest with chances to spot wildlife such as monkeys. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp) for your first overnight on the mountain.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation: 2,780m (9,121 ft) to 3,500m (11,483 ft)
- Distance: ~8 km (~5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
The trail ascends out of the forest into the heath zone, offering your first views of Kibo Peak. The terrain becomes more open, with rolling moorlands and dramatic vistas. Shira 1 Camp is situated on the Shira Plateau, where you’ll camp under the stars.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation: 3,500m (11,483 ft) to 3,850m (12,631 ft)
- Distance: ~7 km (~4.3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
This shorter trek allows time for acclimatization. You’ll cross the Shira Plateau, a flat and expansive area with panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s Western Breach. Shira 2 Camp serves as your base for the night.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 3,850m (12,631 ft) to 4,600m (15,091 ft) to 3,900m (12,795 ft)
- Distance: ~10 km (~6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
This day includes a key acclimatization hike to Lava Tower, a dramatic volcanic formation. After a break at the tower, the trail descends into the Barranco Valley. You’ll camp at Barranco Camp, surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Barranco Wall.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 3,900m (12,795 ft) to 4,035m (13,238 ft)
- Distance: ~5 km (~3.1 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Today’s highlight is the Barranco Wall, a challenging but non-technical climb. After ascending the wall, the trail leads to rolling hills and valleys, eventually reaching Karanga Camp. This camp is essential for acclimatization and preparing for the summit push.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Elevation: 4,035m (13,238 ft) to 4,640m (15,223 ft)
- Distance: ~4 km (~2.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
A gradual climb brings you to Barafu Camp, the final base before the summit. After an early dinner, you’ll rest and prepare for the summit attempt, which starts in the middle of the night.
Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 4,640m (15,223 ft) to 5,895m (19,341 ft) to 3,068m (10,065 ft)
- Distance: ~17 km (~10.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
The most challenging and rewarding day begins with a midnight start. Using headlamps, you’ll ascend through the cold, dark night to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Celebrate your achievement before descending to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Elevation: 3,068m (10,065 ft) to 1,640m (5,380 ft)
- Distance: ~10 km (~6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
The final descent takes you through lush rainforest back to Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll receive your summit certificate before returning to Moshi for a hot shower and a celebratory meal.
The Best Ultimate 8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Lemosho Route Included
- Park fees
- Camp fees
- Rescue fees
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Portable toilet
- Accommodation in Arusha or Moshi
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Emergency oxygen
- Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Medical Kit and Oximeter
The Best Ultimate 8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Lemosho Route Not Included
- Both National and International flights
- Medical insurance
- Tips to mountain crew
- Items of a personal nature