8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Safari Overview
CLIMB RATES
The Mountain Awaits.
A Longer, More Gradual Path to the Summit
The 8-day Lemosho Route is an excellent choice for travellers who want to experience Kilimanjaro at a more measured pace. Beginning on the mountain’s quieter western side, the route approaches through rainforest before crossing the expansive Shira Plateau and eventually joining Kilimanjaro’s southern circuit.
The longer itinerary provides additional time at altitude and incorporates a varied elevation profile as you travel towards Lava Tower, Barranco, Karanga and finally Barafu Camp.
Along the way, the scenery changes continuously, from dense forest and open moorland to volcanic formations and the stark alpine landscapes beneath Kibo.
With eight days on the mountain, Lemosho offers a combination of scenery, gradual progression and acclimatisation opportunities, making it one of our preferred Kilimanjaro routes.
DAY 01
Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp
Your Kilimanjaro journey begins with a transfer to Londorossi Gate on the western side of the mountain. After registration and preparations with your mountain team, continue towards the Lemosho trailhead and begin the trek.
The first section passes through lush montane rainforest, where dense vegetation surrounds the trail and the sounds of the forest accompany your gradual ascent.
Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, for your first night on Kilimanjaro.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 02
Mti Mkubwa Camp → Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, continue through the upper reaches of the forest before the vegetation gradually opens into heath and moorland.
As you climb higher, the scale of Kilimanjaro begins to reveal itself. The trail eventually reaches the western edge of the Shira Plateau, one of the mountain’s most distinctive landscapes.
Continue across open terrain towards Shira 1 Camp, where you spend the night with views across the plateau when conditions are clear.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 03
Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp
Today offers a relatively gradual journey across the Shira Plateau.
Rather than gaining altitude aggressively, the day allows your body additional time to adjust while you walk through expansive high-altitude landscapes beneath Kibo.
Depending on conditions and your guide’s plan, additional acclimatisation walking may be incorporated before settling into Shira 2 Camp.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 04
Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
Today is one of the most important acclimatisation days of the Lemosho Route.
The trail climbs towards Lava Tower, reaching approximately 4,600 metres. Here, you experience significantly higher altitude before descending again towards Barranco Camp.
The descent leads into the dramatic Barranco Valley, where unusual high-altitude vegetation contrasts with the enormous volcanic landscape surrounding Kibo.
By evening, settle into Barranco Camp beneath the famous Barranco Wall.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
SLEEPING ELEVATION
MEALS
DAY 05
Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
The morning begins with the ascent of the Barranco Wall, one of Kilimanjaro’s most recognisable trail sections.
Although steep and requiring the occasional use of your hands for balance, it is a guided scramble rather than a technical climb.
After reaching the top, continue across a spectacular landscape of ridges and valleys with views towards Kibo and the surrounding mountain terrain.
Eventually descend into the Karanga Valley before climbing again to Karanga Camp.
The shorter day provides valuable additional time for rest and acclimatisation.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 06
Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp
Leave Karanga and continue towards the increasingly barren upper slopes of Kilimanjaro.
The trail gradually climbs to Barafu Camp, positioned at approximately 4,640 metres and serving as your base for the final summit attempt.
After arriving, spend the remainder of the day resting, hydrating and preparing your clothing and equipment.
Your guides will provide a summit briefing before you attempt to sleep early. The final climb begins around midnight.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 07
Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
In the darkness of the early morning, begin the most demanding and memorable part of your Kilimanjaro journey.
Moving slowly under headlamps, climb through the cold high-altitude landscape towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
From Stella Point, continue towards Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, reaching the highest point in Africa as morning light spreads across the mountain.
After time at the summit, begin the long descent towards Barafu Camp before continuing farther down to Mweka Camp.
The change in altitude is dramatic, and by evening you are once again surrounded by a very different mountain environment.
OVERNIGHT
SUMMIT
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 08
Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Enjoy your final breakfast on Kilimanjaro before beginning the descent through the rainforest.
As you lose altitude, the vegetation becomes increasingly lush and the warmer air returns.
Eventually arrive at Mweka Gate, complete the park formalities and say goodbye to the mountain team who accompanied you throughout the climb.
Your driver will be waiting for the transfer back to your hotel and a very well-earned rest.
FINISH
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
What's Included
- All Park Fees
- Professional Kilimanjaro mountain guides
- Rescue fees
- Mountain tents and camping equipment as specified
- Porters and mountain support crew
- Mountain cook and prepared meals during the trek
- Drinking water while on the mountain
- Transfers to & from the gate
- Summit certificate for successful climbers
What's Excluded
- International flights
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips for guides, porters and cooks
- Personal trekking clothing and equipment
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Ready for Kilimanjaro?
Give yourself eight days to experience Kilimanjaro’s remarkable landscapes, acclimatise gradually and work towards the roof of Africa.