8-Day Lemosho Route – Best for Acclimatization (Mt. Kilimanjaro)

The Lemosho Route is considered the most scenic and least crowded route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering excellent acclimatization and high success rates. This 8-day itinerary provides a gradual ascent, allowing trekkers to adjust to the altitude more effectively.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Moshi – Londorossi Gate (2,100m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)

  • Morning:

    • Pick-up from Moshi/Arusha and drive to Londorossi Gate for registration and briefing.
    • Continue to the Lemosho Trailhead.
  • Afternoon:

    • Start trekking through dense rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and exotic birds.
    • Hike Distance: 7 km (3-4 hours).
    • Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m) for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)

  • Morning:

    • Trek through the moorlands, with views of Shira Plateau.
  • Afternoon:

    • Hike Distance: 8 km (5-6 hours).
    • Arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) for rest and acclimatization.
  • Evening:

    • Dinner and overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

Day 3: Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp (3,840m)

  • Morning:

    • Trek across the Shira Plateau, one of the most beautiful sections of the route.
  • Afternoon:

    • Hike Distance: 7 km (3-4 hours).
    • Arrive at Shira 2 Camp (3,840m) for lunch and rest.
  • Evening:

    • Dinner and overnight at Shira 2 Camp.

Day 4: Shira 2 – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)

  • Morning:

    • Trek through Alpine Desert to Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization.
  • Afternoon:

    • Descend to Barranco Camp (3,960m), passing through Giant Senecios and Lobelias.
    • Hike Distance: 10 km (6-8 hours).
  • Evening:

    • Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.

Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (4,035m)

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast and climb the Barranco Wall, a thrilling but non-technical section.
  • Afternoon:

    • Continue trekking to Karanga Camp (4,035m).
    • Hike Distance: 5 km (4-5 hours).
  • Evening:

    • Dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp.

Day 6: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,640m)

  • Morning:

    • Trek to Barafu Camp (4,640m), the final base camp before the summit push.
  • Afternoon:

    • Hike Distance: 4 km (4-5 hours).
    • Early dinner and rest before midnight summit attempt.

Day 7: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)

  • Midnight:

    • Wake up at 11:30 PM for the final summit push.
    • Trek past Stella Point (5,739m) and reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise.
  • Morning:

    • Celebrate at Africa’s highest point with stunning glacier views.
    • Descend to Barafu Camp (4,640m) for breakfast.
  • Afternoon:

    • Continue descending to Mweka Camp (3,100m).
    • Hike Distance: 17 km (12-16 hours).
  • Evening:

    • Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.

Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Moshi

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast and final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m).
    • Hike Distance: 10 km (3-5 hours).
  • Afternoon:

    • Receive summit certificates and drive back to Moshi/Arusha.

Why Choose the Lemosho Route?

✔️ Best for acclimatization, leading to higher success rates.
✔️ Most scenic Kilimanjaro route, offering breathtaking landscapes.
✔️ Less crowded, providing a quieter, more immersive experience.
✔️ Diverse terrain: Rainforest, moorlands, alpine desert, and glaciers.


Package Includes:

Transport from Moshi/Arusha and back.
All park fees and permits.
Professional guides, cooks, and porters.
All meals during the trek.
Camping equipment and tents.


The 8-Day Lemosho Route is perfect for trekkers who want the best acclimatization, scenic beauty, and high summit success rates on Mount Kilimanjaro!