8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route
8 Days | 7 Nights
Over view
Experience a professionally guided Mount Kilimanjaro expedition designed for optimal acclimatization and summit success. The 8-day Lemosho Route offers a gradual ascent across diverse ecological zones – rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacial summit terrain. This route is widely recognized for its scenic beauty, low traffic in the early stages, and high success rate due to its extended acclimatization schedule. Professional mountain guides, safety monitoring, oxygen support, and quality camping equipment ensure a safe and comfortable Kilimanjaro climbing experience in Tanzania.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Arusha or Moshi to Lemosho Gate
Day 2: Visit Big Tree Camp – Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Transfer from Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp
Day 4: Transfer from Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Day 5: Transfer from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 6: Transfer Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp
Day 7: Transfer from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha or Moshi
Day 8: Rest and Departure
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Arusha or Moshi to Lemosho Gate
The journey begins with an early morning pickup from Arusha or Moshi, followed by a scenic drive to Lemosho Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. After registration with Kilimanjaro National Park authorities, climbers begin trekking through dense rainforest characterized by tall trees, moss-covered branches, and rich biodiversity.
Wildlife such as colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and tropical birds are commonly seen. The trail is gentle and allows climbers to adjust to the trekking rhythm. Arrival at Big Tree Camp includes tent setup, hot dinner, briefing, and overnight rest.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water include
Day 2: Visit Big Tree Camp – Shira 1 Camp
The trail gradually leaves the rainforest and enters the moorland zone with open landscapes and volcanic formations. Climbers experience cooler temperatures and expansive views of the Shira Plateau. The terrain becomes more rugged with rocky paths and scattered vegetation such as giant heather and lobelias.
This day builds endurance and supports altitude adaptation while maintaining a steady pace. Arrival at Shira 1 Camp includes an acclimatization briefing and overnight camping.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included
Day 3: Transfer from Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp
This stage of the trek crosses the wide Shira Plateau, offering clear views of Kibo Peak and surrounding volcanic ridges. The relatively short trekking distance allows for acclimatization walks in the afternoon.
Guides conduct health checks, including oxygen saturation monitoring and pulse readings to assess altitude adaptation. Dinner and overnight at Shira 2 Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included
Day 4: Transfer from Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
This is a critical acclimatization day. Climbers ascend to Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation used to improve altitude adaptation. The air becomes thinner and temperatures drop significantly. After lunch at Lava Tower, the route descends to Barranco Camp, reinforcing the climb-high, sleep-low strategy.
Barranco Camp sits beneath the dramatic Barranco Wall and provides one of the most scenic camping locations on Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included
Day 5: Transfer from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Climbers ascend the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble requiring careful footing and guidance from mountain guides. After reaching the top, the trail descends into Karanga Valley before climbing gradually to Barafu Camp.
This stage prepares climbers for the summit attempt. Barafu Camp serves as the final base camp where early dinner and rest are essential before the midnight climb.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included
Day 6: Transfer Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp
Summit Attempt – Midnight Start
The summit attempt begins around midnight with headlamps and warm gear. Climbers move slowly through steep scree and icy terrain toward Stella Point (5,756m) and finally Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – the highest point in Africa.
Sunrise at the summit provides panoramic views of glaciers and the African plains. This is the highlight of the entire Kilimanjaro expedition. After celebration and photos, climbers descend carefully back to Barafu Camp for brief rest.
Descent to Mweka Camp
Continue the descent through rocky terrain into greener vegetation zones. Oxygen levels increase, and climbers begin to feel stronger. Arrival at Mweka Camp for overnight rest and celebration with the mountain crew.
Meals: Breakfast (early snack), Packed Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included
Day 7: Transfer from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha or Moshi
Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Climbers receive summit certificates and complete park formalities. Transfer back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for a hot shower, rest, and overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Drinking water included
Day 8: Rest and Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. Alternatively, you may continue with a safari or Zanzibar beach extension – ask your guide for options.
Meals: Breakfast | Drinking water included
End of Tour
Inclusions
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees (entry fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and conservation charges)
Professional English-speaking mountain guides certified and experienced in high-altitude trekking
Assistant guides, porters, and mountain cooks (full support crew)
Airport pickup and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha/Moshi
Transport from Arusha or Moshi to Lemosho Gate and return from Mweka Gate
2 nights hotel accommodation in Arusha or Moshi (before and after the climb) with breakfast
High-quality mountain tents (4-season camping tents) and sleeping mattresses
Dining tent with tables and chairs for meals
All meals during the trek
Drinking water and boiled water on the mountain
Emergency oxygen cylinders and first aid medical kit
Summit certificates issued by Kilimanjaro National Park
Government taxes and VAT
Exclusions
International and domestic flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel and medical insurance (mandatory for climbing Kilimanjaro)
Personal hiking gear (sleeping bag, trekking poles, boots, clothing, etc.)
Tips and gratuities for mountain crew (guides, porters, cooks)
Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, beverages, souvenirs)
Alcoholic and soft drinks at the hotel or on the mountain
Extra hotel nights before or after the trek not listed in the itinerary
Optional activities such as safari, Zanzibar beach extension, or cultural tours
Portable toilet and private tent (available at extra cost)
Rescue costs not covered by insurance