8-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route

8-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route

The 8-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Lemosho Route offers an exciting, challenging, and rewarding adventure. Known for its scenic beauty and high success rate, this route is perfect for both experienced climbers and those with strong endurance. This Kilimanjaro journey takes eight days, providing ample time for acclimatization and increasing your chances of reaching the Roof of Africa at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).

Lemosho Route Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our Excursia Adventures driver-guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Here, you’ll receive a briefing about the climb and have time to relax before your adventure begins.

Day 1: Moshi to Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

• Elevation: 2,250m (7,380 ft) to 2,750m (9,020 ft)
• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

After breakfast, your guide will give a final briefing before driving to Londorossi Park Gate for registration. A short drive takes you to Lemosho Glades, where your trek begins. You’ll walk through dense rainforest trails filled with unique flora and wildlife before arriving at Mti Mkubwa Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

• Elevation: 2,750m (9,020 ft) to 3,500m (11,485 ft)
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Today, the trail becomes steeper as you ascend into the moorland zone. You’ll cross the Shira Ridge at 3,600m (11,810 ft) and descend slightly to Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll spend the night near a scenic stream.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

• Elevation: 3,500m (11,485 ft) to 3,840m (12,600 ft)
• Distance: 7 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

A relaxed trekking day as you traverse the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most beautiful landscapes. This day also allows for acclimatization before heading to higher altitudes. You’ll set up camp at Shira 2 Camp.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

• Elevation: 3,840m (12,600 ft) to 4,630m (15,190 ft), then descend to 3,950m (12,960 ft)
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 6-7 hours

After breakfast, you’ll trek towards Lava Tower, a 300-foot-high volcanic formation. The ascent helps with acclimatization, followed by a descent to Barranco Camp, where you’ll witness stunning views of the Great Barranco Wall and Breach Wall.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Elevation: 3,950m (12,960 ft) to 4,200m (13,780 ft)
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

You’ll start by climbing the Barranco Wall, which looks intimidating but is manageable. Once at the top, the views of Kibo Peak are breathtaking. A short hike brings you to Karanga Camp, where you can rest and acclimatize.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Elevation: 4,200m (13,780 ft) to 4,673m (15,330 ft)
• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

You’ll trek towards Barafu Camp, the base camp for your final ascent. The trail is rocky and windswept, offering incredible views. After an early dinner, you’ll rest in preparation for the summit push.

Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 4,673m (15,330 ft) to 5,895m (19,341 ft), then descend to 3,100m (10,170 ft)
• Distance: 17 km
• Hiking Time: 12-14 hours

Around midnight, you’ll begin the toughest part of the climb. The trek to Stella Point (5,685m / 18,650 ft) is steep and physically demanding, but reaching the crater rim at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. A final push brings you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp for some well-earned rest.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi

• Elevation: 3,100m (10,170 ft) to 1,640m (5,380 ft)
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

A scenic hike through the rainforest leads you to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. After a farewell lunch, we’ll drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.

Departure: Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight home or assist with additional safari extensions if desired.

What’s Included?

• Park entry, camping, and rescue fees
• 18% VAT on tour fees
• Transportation to/from the park gate
• Professional guides, cooks, and porters
• Three meals daily on the mountain
• Filtered water throughout the trek
• Fair wages for the mountain crew
• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Two nights’ accommodation in Moshi (bed & breakfast)

What’s Not Included?

• International and domestic flights
• Travel and medical insurance
• Tanzania visa ($50, or $100 for U.S. and Canadian passport holders)
• Tips for the mountain crew
• Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages)
• Portable flush toilet with toilet tent ($100 per toilet)

Why Book Your Kilimanjaro Climb with Excursia Adventures?

Excursia Adventures specializes in expertly crafted adventure tours in Tanzania and beyond. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor for our commitment to responsible tourism, conservation, and community support. We offer customizable safaris including gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and cultural experiences across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, and Namibia.

Ready to take on Africa’s highest peak? Contact us today to plan your Kilimanjaro adventure!