The 8-day Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and rewarding paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and gradual ascent, the Lemosho Route offers trekkers a more peaceful and less crowded experience compared to other routes. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for an immersive adventure with excellent acclimatization opportunities.
What makes the Lemosho Route stand out is its combination of stunning views, diverse ecosystems, and longer duration, allowing for optimal acclimatization. Starting in the lush rainforest, climbers gradually ascend through heather and moorland zones, progressing to alpine desert and, ultimately, the glaciated summit.
Nevertheless, along the way, trekkers are treated to panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks, vast Savannah, and the surrounding landscapes.
The 8-day Lemosho route itinerary is designed to maximize the chances of reaching the summit safely. The extended trek offers trekkers time to acclimatize properly, which is crucial for avoiding altitude sickness. This slower ascent, combined with ample rest days, ensures a higher success rate at reaching Uhuru Peak.
While the Lemosho Route is considered one of the longer routes, it provides trekkers with one of the most rewarding experiences. The campsites are located in beautiful settings, providing stunning views and a more tranquil atmosphere. The path also offers more varied terrain than other routes, making it a visually spectacular trek.
The final ascent to the summit is challenging but highly rewarding, offering a sense of achievement as you stand on the “Roof of Africa.” The 8-day Lemosho Route provides the perfect balance of adventure, acclimatization, and natural beauty, making it a top choice for those seeking a memorable Kilimanjaro trek.
Drive from your hotel to Londorossi gate for formalities, then drive to Lemosho trail and start a day hike to the first campsite.
Accommodation
Camping at Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,460m/7,742feet to 2,895m/9,498feet
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs
Habitat: Rainforest
Today we proceed on the trail leaving the rainforest and dive into savannah vegetation of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp.
Accommodation
Camping at Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,895m/9,498feet to 3,505m/11,500feet
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking time: 5-6 hrs
Habitat: Heath
Today, we will spend the full day exploring the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth. We will keep hiking until we reach shira 2 camp then divert from the main trail to Moir hut.
Accommodation
Moir hut
Elevation: 3,505m/11,500feet to 4,206m/13,800feet
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking time: 5-7 hrs
Habitat: Heath
Today we begin the day by climbing up a ridge and head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 feet tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is important for acclimatization.
Accommodation
Camping at Barranco Camp
Elevation: 4,206m/13,800feet to 4,629m/15,190feet
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
Lava tower to Barranco wall
Elevation: 4,629m/15,190feet to 3,963m/13,044feet
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking time: 2-3 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. We will then climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900ft, cliff.
From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This shorter day will prepare us for higher elevation at the summit.
Accommodation
Camping at Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,963m/13,044feet to 3,994m/3,106feet
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position.
Accommodation
Camping at Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3,994m/3,106feet to 4,672m/15,331feet
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
Today during midnight time we will begin our ascent to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At this elevation and time of day, the wind and cold can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.
Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak— the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro 5895 meters and the continent of Africa. Here, you can take a moment to reflect on your tremendous accomplishment. You’ll obviously have the opportunity to take a few pictures from the ‘Rooftop of Africa’ to memorialize this special moment.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch.
Accommodation
Camping at Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,672m/15,331feet to 5,895m/19,341feet
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking time: 7-8 hrs
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 5,895m/19,341feet to 3,067m/10,065feet
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking time: 4-6 hrs
Habitat: Rainforest
Our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka gate where our Dubu Adventures representative will be waiting to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for a deep shower and a well earned long rest.
Elevation: 3,067m/10,065feet to 1,639m/5,380feet
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs
Habitat: Rainforest
✅ Includes
❌ Excludes
The Lemosho Route is one of the most beautiful and less crowded routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It approaches the mountain from the west, traversing lush rainforest, the Shira Plateau, and the southern circuit before joining the Machame Route near Lava Tower. It offers a great balance of scenery, low traffic, and high summit success rates.
The 8-day itinerary provides the best acclimatization and the highest summit success rate (90–95%) among all Kilimanjaro routes. Advantages: Gradual altitude gain Stunning variety of landscapes Fewer crowds (especially on first days) Better adaptation and comfort
Day Route Section Altitude (m/ft) Hiking Time 1. Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp 2,100 → 2,785 m (6,890 → 9,137 ft) 3–4 hrs 2. Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp 2,785 → 3,500 m (9,137 → 11,483 ft) 5–6 hrs 3. Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp 3,500 → 3,850 m (11,483 → 12,631 ft) 4–5 hrs 4. Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp 3,850 → 4,630 → 3,976 m (12,631 → 15,190 → 13,044 ft) 6–8 hrs 5. Barranco → Karanga Camp 3,976 → 3,995 m (13,044 → 13,106 ft) 4–5 hrs 6. Karanga → Barafu Camp 3,995 → 4,673 m (13,106 → 15,331 ft) 3–4 hrs 7. Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp 4,673 → 5,895 → 3,100 m (15,331 → 19,341 → 10,170 ft) 10–14 hrs 8. Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate 3,100 → 1,640 m (10,170 → 5,380 ft) 3–4 hrs
It’s rated moderate to challenging due to altitude and long trekking days, but it’s non-technical — no climbing gear or ropes required. Good fitness and stamina are key. The longer acclimatization makes it easier than shorter routes like Marangu or Umbwe.
Panoramic views across the Shira Plateau Wildlife sightings in the lower rainforest “Climb high, sleep low” altitude strategy Joins the Machame Route near Lava Tower Fewer trekkers during early days
It’s a camping-only route. Tents are carried and set up by your porters. You’ll also have a dining tent, tables, chairs, and a private toilet tent (depending on the outfitter).
Best trekking seasons: January–March: Quieter, cooler, chance of snow at the summit. June–October: Dry, clear skies, warmer days — most popular. Avoid the long and short rainy seasons (April–May and November).
Rainforest (days 1–2): Warm and humid Shira Plateau (days 3–4): Dry and cooler High camp (days 5–7): Very cold at night (can reach -10°C to -20°C / 14°F to -4°F)
8-day Lemosho: 90–95% 7-day Lemosho: 85–90% Longer itinerary = better acclimatization = higher success.
From Original price was: $2,200.00.$2,100.00Current price is: $2,100.00.
From Original price was: $2,200.00.$2,100.00Current price is: $2,100.00.
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