The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and rewarding routes to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m / 19,341 ft). This 8-day itinerary offers an excellent balance between breathtaking scenery, gradual ascent, and enough time for acclimatization, greatly improving your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak successfully.
Beginning on Kilimanjaro’s western slopes, this route passes through lush rainforests, open moorlands, alpine deserts, and glacier zones. With fewer crowds and panoramic views throughout the trek, the Lemosho Route is perfect for those seeking both adventure and tranquility on Africa’s highest mountain.
Why Choose the 8-Day Lemosho Route with Chacha Safaris?
- Better Acclimatization
Eight days on the mountain means your body adjusts gradually, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
- Higher Summit Success Rate
The route’s longer duration and gradual climb improve your chance of successfully reaching the summit.
- Diverse Landscapes
Walk through Kilimanjaro’s changing ecosystems — from tropical rainforests and volcanic moorlands to the snow-capped summit.
- Less Crowded
Compared to routes like Machame or Marangu, Lemosho offers a quieter and more immersive trekking experience.
Itinerary | Day to day
Arrival in Tanzania – Pre-Trek Briefing
Elevation: 900 m (2,953 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Dinner
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a friendly Chacha Safaris representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing and gear check. If any equipment is missing, rentals can be arranged.
Enjoy a welcome dinner and rest before your adventure begins!
Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,100 m → 2,820 m (6,890 ft → 9,250 ft)
Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate for registration before starting your trek through Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest. Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys and tropical birds.
Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) by late afternoon for dinner and overnight rest.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,820 m → 3,505 m (9,250 ft → 11,500 ft)
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Today, you’ll leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone. The trail opens up to wide views and volcanic formations.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, located on the scenic Shira Plateau, with your first close-up views of Kilimanjaro’s snowcapped peaks.
Day 3: Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,505 m → 3,850 m (11,500 ft → 12,630 ft)
Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
A relatively easy trek across the Shira Plateau, with stunning panoramic views. You’ll spot the unique Senecio plants, found only in East Africa. Optional short acclimatization walks are available in the afternoon before dinner at Shira 2 Camp.
Day 4: Shira 2 – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,850 m → 4,600 m → 3,960 m (12,630 ft → 15,090 ft → 12,990 ft)
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
This is your key acclimatization day. Ascend to Lava Tower (4,600 m) for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. The camp sits below the dramatic Barranco Wall, offering spectacular evening views.
Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,960 m → 4,035 m (12,990 ft → 13,250 ft)
Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Begin with a fun and scenic climb over the Barranco Wall, one of the most iconic parts of the trek. Trek through alpine desert terrain before reaching Karanga Camp, a great place for rest and acclimatization before your final ascent.
Day 6: Karanga – Barafu Camp (Summit Base Camp)
Elevation: 4,035 m → 4,673 m (13,250 ft → 15,330 ft)
Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
The trail leads upward to Barafu Camp, your final stop before the summit. Rest early, eat well, and prepare mentally and physically for the upcoming summit night.
Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,673 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m (15,330 ft → 19,341 ft → 10,170 ft)
Distance: 17 km / 10.6 miles
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Wake up around midnight and begin your final ascent to Uhuru Peak, trekking under a blanket of stars.
Reach Stella Point (5,756 m) at sunrise — an unforgettable moment — before continuing to the summit of Africa.
After celebrating, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue to Mweka Camp for overnight.
Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi
Elevation: 3,100 m → 1,640 m (10,170 ft → 5,380 ft)
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Enjoy your last breakfast on the mountain before descending through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate.
Celebrate your success with your team before heading back to Moshi for a hot shower, a delicious dinner, and well-deserved rest.
LEMOSHO 8 DAYS PRICES
Prices (quoted in USD/per person)
| No of Pax | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,500 USD |
| 2-4 People | $2,450 USD |
| 5-9 People | $2,300 USD |
| 10+ People | $2,150 USD |
Price Included
Price Excluded
- Two nights accommodation in Hotel
- Private transport to / from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Moshi
- Qualified guides with mountain crew
- National park fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees and services
- All camping equipment; mountain tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats
- Transport
- Rescue fees
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Guides and porters’ accommodations and their entry fees on the mountain
- Pulse oximeter
- First aid kit
- Emergence oxygen
- Katady filtered water through the trek
- Fair wages to guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authorit
- Flights
- Visa
- Insurance
- Tips to mountain crew
- Personal Items
- Laundry services (available at the hotel for cost)