8 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
8 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Tour Starts & Ends: Arusha
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TREK OVERVIEW
The 8-day Lemosho Route is considered one of the most scenic and less crowded routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Offering excellent acclimatization opportunities and diverse landscapes, this route is ideal for climbers who want a slower, more relaxed trek with breathtaking views. Starting from the western side of Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho Route passes through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and rugged landscapes, before reaching the snow-capped Uhuru Peak. The longer duration of this trek improves your chances of a successful summit, making it a rewarding choice for adventure seekers.
Our Tanzania Destinations
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi, where you will meet your guides for a briefing about the upcoming trek. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore the town, or prepare your gear for the climb. Moshi, nestled at the foot of Kilimanjaro, offers a serene introduction to your trekking adventure.
- Moshi Accommodation Options
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Kilimanjaro Luxury Camp
Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Londorossi Gate (2,250m) for registration and final preparations. From here, you’ll take a short drive to the trailhead, where your Kilimanjaro adventure begins. The first day’s trek takes you through the dense rainforest, where you might see monkeys and unique bird species. The trail leads to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m), where you will rest for the night.
Trek Information
- Distance: 7 km
- Hiking time: 3-4 hours
- Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Leaving the rainforest behind, today’s trek takes you into the heath and moorland zone, offering panoramic views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. The trail ascends steadily as you cross the plateau, and by mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,610m), where you’ll spend the night. The wide-open plains and striking views make this an unforgettable part of the journey.
Trek Information
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking time: 5-6 hours
- Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Today’s hike is a short but important acclimatization day as you trek from Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m). The trail offers excellent views of Kibo Peak and takes you across the Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic parts of the route. Once at Shira 2 Camp, you can take a short acclimatization hike to further adjust to the altitude.
Trek Information
- Distance: 7 km
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Today is a significant acclimatization day as you ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m), where you’ll have lunch before descending to Barranco Camp (3,960m). This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to the higher altitude. The day’s trek provides stunning views of the rugged landscape, including the Lava Tower and the famous Barranco Valley, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by towering cliffs and unique giant groundsels.
Trek Information
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking time: 7-8 hours
- Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, you’ll tackle the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable climb that rewards you with stunning views once you reach the top. From there, the trail descends into the Karanga Valley before making a short ascent to Karanga Camp (4,035m). This shorter day is designed to aid in acclimatization and ensure you’re well-rested for the summit push.
Trek Information
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking time: 7-8 hours
- Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
The trek from Karanga to Barafu Camp (4,640m) marks the final stage before the summit attempt. The trail becomes steeper as you ascend through the alpine desert, with stunning views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, you’ll rest and prepare for the midnight ascent to the summit. You’ll have an early dinner and go to bed early, as the summit attempt begins just after midnight.
Trek Information
- Distance: 4 km
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Overnight: Barafu Camp
- Distance (ascent): 6 km to the summit
- Hiking time (ascent): 6-8 hours
- Distance (descent): 15 km to Horombo Hut
- Hiking time (descent): 5-6 hours
- Overnight: Horombo Hut
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Mweka Camp
Your summit day begins around midnight. The ascent is steep and challenging, passing through scree and snow as you approach Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim. From here, you’ll continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa, where you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise over the vast landscape. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,110m), where you’ll spend the night.
Trek Information
- Distance (ascent): 5 km to Uhuru Peak
- Hiking time (ascent): 7-8 hours
- Distance (descent): 12 km to Mweka Camp
- Hiking time (descent): 5-6 hours
- Overnight: Mweka Camp
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, Return to Moshi
On your final day, you’ll descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m), where you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificate. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi, where you can rest and celebrate your successful climb. Enjoy the evening exploring the town or simply relaxing at your hotel.
Trek Information
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking time: 3-4 hours
- Moshi Accommodation Options
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Kilimanjaro Luxury Camp
Day 10: Departure from Moshi
After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. This marks the end of your incredible 8-day journey on the Lemosho Route, with memories of standing atop the Roof of Africa and experiencing the natural beauty of Kilimanjaro.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Park Fees: All Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees, camping or hut fees, and rescue fees are typically included in the total package.
- Professional Guides: Certified and experienced mountain guides will lead the trek. Their services include navigation, safety management, and mountain knowledge.
- Porters and Cooks: A team of porters will carry your gear, set up camp, and prepare meals, while cooks ensure that you are well-fed with nutritious meals throughout the trek.
- Meals: Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided during the trek. Meals are designed to sustain energy levels, including snacks and drinks (water, tea, coffee).
- Camping Equipment: High-quality camping gear such as tents, sleeping mats, and cooking equipment is usually provided for camping routes. Hut accommodations (like on the Marangu route) are also included where applicable.
- Transportation: Transfers to and from the starting point of the trek, as well as from the airport to your hotel.
- Accommodation Before and After the Trek: One or two nights of accommodation in Moshi or Arusha (usually one night before and one night after.
- Summit Certificates: You will receive an official certificate upon reaching Uhuru Peak or Stella Point.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- International Flights: Flights to and from Tanzania (or the destination country) are not included.
- Visa Fees: You will need to arrange your Tanzanian visa, which is not included in the trekking package.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and health insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, and evacuation is typically not included but is essential for the trek.
- Personal Equipment: Items such as sleeping bags, trekking poles, personal clothing (boots, jackets, gloves), and backpacks must be brought by the climber or rented separately.
- Tips for Guides, Porters, and Cooks: Tips are customary and expected at the end of the trek. The amount usually ranges between $250 to $300 per climber, depending on group size and satisfaction.
- Optional Activities: Additional activities or excursions before or after the trek, such as safaris, cultural tours, or city visits, are generally not included.
- Medical Expenses: Any medical treatment required during or after the trek, aside from evacuation services, is not covered.
- Personal Expenses: Costs for souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, or other personal expenses incurred during your stay are not included.
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