Lemosho Route

9 Days | 8 Nights

From $2,429/ person

Your trip overview

The 8-day variation of the Lemosho route presents an optimal choice for ascending Mount Kilimanjaro via this route due to its favorable acclimatization period, resulting in a higher rate of summit success.

This specific variant includes a split climb from Barranco to Barafu over two days, allowing for a crucial rest day preceding the summit attempt. This rest day is essential, especially considering that the summit push begins in the early hours of the morning, leading climbers to face the mountain’s most challenging day while sleep deprived.

By incorporating a shorter day before the ascent, climbers can approach the summit feeling more refreshed.

Although there is a 7-day Lemosho route option available, the recommendation is for the 8-day itinerary due to its additional day allocated for acclimatization, thus enhancing the likelihood of reaching the summit.The Lemosho trail stands out for its reputation as one of the most picturesque, tranquil, and less-traveled routes on the mountain, offering a respite from crowds.

It is also the newest route and boasts a remarkable variety of natural systems and landscapes. Over the course of the trek, hikers traverse through lush rainforest terrain during the initial two days before transitioning to heath and moorland on the third day, where the Lemosho trail intersects with the Machame Route. This relatively brief path, starting from Kilimanjaro’s western slope, encompasses some notably steep and undulating sections.

Duration: 7 – 8 days Difficulty: Moderate Scenery: Outstanding Traffic: ModerateThe 8-day ascent via the Lemosho route boasts an impressive summit success rate of approximately 90%, whereas the shorter 7-day variation maintains a commendable summit success rate of 90% as well. Opting for the longer duration increases the likelihood of reaching the summit, indicating that a longer itinerary correlates with higher success rates.

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Mti Mkubwa

Mount Kilimanjaro

Shira 1

Mount Kilimanjaro

Barranco camp

Mount Kilimanjaro

Moir Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro

Karanga camp

Mount Kilimanjaro

Barrafu camp

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mweka hut

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mweka Gate

Mount Kilimanjaro

Planning Your Safari

Organizing a safari in Kenya, especially to the Masai Mara, can be overwhelming due to the many choices available for transport, accommodation, and activities.

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Commencing our 8-day expedition on the Lemosho Route, we embark from the hotel in Moshi or Arusha, driving to the Londorossi Park Gate early in the morning after a substantial breakfast.

Prior to initiating our ascent along the wooded trail to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite at 2895m, our dedicated porters meticulously prepare and transport the necessary provisions and equipment. The night will be spent at this campsite.

Elevation (m):
2360m to 2895m

Distance:
6km

Time:
3-4 hours

Habitat:
Montane Forest

Where to stay

Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1

Today’s trek leads us to the expansive Shira Plateau, a caldera formed by the collapse of Kilimanjaro’s third volcanic crater. Our journey culminates at Shira 1 camp, where we will set up camp for the night. Expect significantly colder temperatures compared to the previous night, given the higher elevation.

Elevation (m):
2895m to 3500m

Distance:
8 km,

Time:
5-6 hours.

Habitat:
Moorland.

Where to stay

Shira 1 camp

Day 3: Shira 1 to Moir Hut

Leaving the forest behind, we transition into the moorland zone, encountering steeper terrain along the way. Our path leads us to Shira Cave, offering breathtaking views of the Arrow Glacier.

We navigate an easy-grade trek across the high-altitude Shira Caldera before reaching an elevation of 4200 meters, where we establish camp for the night at Moir Hut.

Elevation (m):
3500m to 4200m

Distance:
14 km,

Time:
5-7 hours.

Habitat:
Moorland.

Where to stay

Moir Hut

Day 4: Moir Hut via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Our journey takes us upward to the base of the Lava Tower at 4600m for a midday meal and acclimatization. Continuing along a stony and rugged eastward trail, this day proves to be our most challenging yet, with the potential to feel the effects of altitude for the first time. After lunch, we descend over 650 meters to reach Barranco camp.

The high altitude at Lava Tower aids in acclimatization before descending for rest. The descent to Barranco camp takes approximately 2 hours and offers splendid photographic opportunities of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. Positioned in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, the camp promises a stunning sunset while awaiting dinner.

Elevation (m):
4200m to 4600m to 3950m

Distance:
12 km

Time:
6-7 hours.

Habitat:
Semi-desert

Where to stay

Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

The day commences with an exhilarating scramble to the summit of the Great Barranco Wall, offering a thrilling start to our journey. Descending, we traverse beneath the towering icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers, navigating through scree terrain.

Our path leads us to the picturesque Karanga Valley at 3930m, where Karanga Campground awaits our arrival for an overnight stay.

Elevation (m):
3950m to 3930m

Distance:
7 km,

Time:
4 hours.

Habitat:
Alpine Desert

Where to stay

Karanga Camp

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Departing from Karanga campsite, we head towards the junction of the Mweka descending trail. Continuing upwards, we reach Barafu Hut. Having completed the Southern Circuit, we are treated to a variety of scenic views of the summit.

At Barafu Camp, we relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the upcoming summit day. From this elevated vantage point, both peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible, providing a stunning backdrop to our preparations.

Elevation (m):
3930m to 4600m

Distance:
6 km

Time:
3 hours

Habitat:
Alpine Desert

Where to stay

Barafu Camp

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

At 23:30, you’ll be gently awakened with a cup of tea and some snacks. Between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers, we embark on our ascent to the summit. Following a north-westerly route, we trek through thick scree to reach Stella Point on the crater rim. This segment marks the most mentally and physically challenging part of our journey.

Upon reaching Stella Point (5732m), weather permitting, we pause for a brief rest and are rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise, one of the most magnificent sights you’ll ever witness. We ultimately reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and Africa’s highest peak, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Despite the extreme nighttime chill at this altitude, temperatures warm considerably by the end of our trekking day.

Descending from the peak, we pass through Barafu for lunch before continuing down to Mweka Hut campsite. The rough gravel terrain necessitates the use of trekking poles as we descend to an altitude of 3100m. Later in the evening, we enjoy our final meal on the mountain before retiring for a well-deserved rest.

Elevation (m):
4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m),

Distance:
7km ascent / 23km descent

Time:
8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent

Habitat:
Stone screed and ice-capped summit

Where to stay

Mweka Hut camp

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Following breakfast, we embark on the final leg of our journey, trekking to the Mweka Park Gate where you will receive your well-deserved summit certificates. Expect muddy and damp conditions at lower elevations, making the use of gaiters and trekking poles beneficial.

Comfortable attire such as T-shirts and shorts is suitable, although it’s advisable to keep rain gear and warmer clothing accessible. With this descent, we conclude our 8-day adventure on the Lemosho Route.

Elevation (m):
3100m to 1800m,

Distance:
10 km

Time:
3-4 hours

Habitat:
Forest

Where to stay

Mweka Gate

Rates Per Person

The prices for the 8-day Lemosho Route package are as follows:

1PAX	2-5 PAX	6-10PAX	11+PAX
$2,784	$2,566 (per person)	$2,486 (per person)	$2,429 (per person)

Please contact us if you are interested in full moon Kilimanjaro climbs for this 8-day Lemosho route trip, and we will provide you with the dates for the years 2025-2026.

Trekking Route

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before & after the climb)

Breakfast included at the hotel

1 Post-climb celebratory drink (beer, juice, or soda) on us

Group transport to and from Moshi to ALL Kilimanjaro park gates

No additional transport fees will be charged to the Northern or Western route gates

Kilimanjaro National Park permits

Camping/Hut fees

Mountain rescue fees

Guides/Porters salaries

Private toilet for the party on all climbs (except for Marangu)

All season mountain tents

Foam sleeping pad (unless you opt to bring your own instead)

Mess tents, tables, chairs for parties of two or more

All meals on the mountain

No small party supplement fees will be charged

No single supplement fees for Private Climbs will be charged

Exclusions

Airfare

Personal Gear

Tips for porters & Guides

Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)

Tips and any items of personal nature.

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Lemosho Route

9 Days | 8 Nights

Your trip overview

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Mti Mkubwa

Shira 1

Barranco camp

Moir Hut

Karanga camp

Barrafu camp

Mweka hut

Mweka Gate

Planning Your Safari

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Rates Per Person

Trekking Route

Inclusions & Exclusions

Enquire this Tour

What our Client Say

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