The 8-Day Lemosho Route Climb is one of the best ways to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is scenic, less crowded in the early stages, and gives climbers more time to adjust to the altitude.
The route begins on the western side of Kilimanjaro and passes through rainforest, open moorland, the wide Shira Plateau, alpine desert, and finally the icy summit of Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres.
One of the main advantages of the eight-day itinerary is the slower pace. The journey from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp is divided into two days, with an overnight stop at Karanga Camp. This gives you more time to rest before summit night, which begins around midnight.
This route is ideal for travellers who want a better acclimatization schedule, beautiful scenery, and a strong chance of reaching the summit. It is suitable for both experienced hikers and first-time high-altitude trekkers with good fitness and proper preparation.
The eight-day Lemosho Route is one of the most recommended Kilimanjaro climbing itineraries because it offers excellent scenery and a well-paced acclimatization schedule.
The route begins in a quieter part of the mountain, giving climbers a more peaceful experience during the first few days. It later joins the Machame Route and passes through famous landmarks such as Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Karanga Camp, and Barafu Camp.
The additional day between Barranco and Barafu allows you to rest at Karanga Camp before moving to the final summit camp. This helps reduce fatigue and gives you more time to prepare for summit night.
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a morning transfer from your hotel in Moshi to Lemosho Gate.
After completing the park registration and meeting your mountain crew, you will begin your trek through the dense rainforest of Kilimanjaro National Park.
This is the shortest hiking day of the tour and provides a gentle introduction to the mountain. The forest is rich in plant life and is home to black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, colourful birds, and other wildlife.
After approximately two to three hours of walking, you will arrive at Big Tree Camp, where your crew will prepare dinner and help you settle in for your first night on the mountain.
Starting Point: Lemosho Gate
Ending Point: Big Tree Camp
Elevation: 2,385m to 2,780m
Hiking Time: Around 2–3 hours
Accommodation: Camping at Big Tree Camp
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, continue along a narrow trail through the rainforest before entering the heath and moorland zone.
As you climb higher, the dense forest begins to disappear and is replaced by open grassland, giant heathers, lobelias, and other mountain plants.
The trail offers wider views of the surrounding landscape as you approach the lower slopes of the Shira Plateau.
After approximately three to four hours of hiking, you will reach Shira Camp 1, where you will enjoy dinner and your second night on the mountain.
Starting Point: Big Tree Camp
Ending Point: Shira Camp 1
Elevation: 2,780m to 3,500m
Hiking Time: Around 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Camping at Shira Camp 1
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today’s hike is shorter and less demanding, giving you more time to enjoy the scenery and continue adjusting to the altitude.
You will cross the broad Shira Plateau, one of the most beautiful parts of the Lemosho Route. On a clear day, you may enjoy excellent views of Mount Meru, the Great Rift Valley, and the upper slopes of Kilimanjaro.
The trail passes through old volcanic landscapes and areas covered with giant senecio plants, some of which grow several metres tall.
By afternoon, you will arrive at Shira Camp 2, located at approximately 3,900 metres.
Starting Point: Shira Camp 1
Ending Point: Shira Camp 2
Elevation: 3,500m to 3,900m
Hiking Time: Around 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Camping at Shira Camp 2
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today is an important acclimatization day.
After breakfast, begin the steady climb towards Lava Tower, a large volcanic rock formation located at approximately 4,640 metres.
The climb takes you to a much higher elevation and gives your body a chance to experience thinner air before descending to sleep at a lower altitude. This follows the useful mountaineering principle of “climb high, sleep low.”
After resting and having lunch near Lava Tower, descend into the beautiful Barranco Valley. The scenery changes again as giant senecio and lobelia plants return.
After a long but rewarding day, you will arrive at Barranco Camp, which sits below the famous Barranco Wall.
Starting Point: Shira Camp 2
Ending Point: Barranco Camp
Highest Point: Lava Tower – 4,640m
Sleeping Elevation: Approximately 3,960m
Hiking Time: Around 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinne
After breakfast, begin the day with the climb up the famous Barranco Wall.
Although the wall looks steep from below, it is not a technical climb. Some sections require you to use your hands for balance, and your guide will help you move safely through the rocky path.
Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of Kibo Peak, Kilimanjaro’s southern glaciers, and the surrounding valleys.
The trail then continues through a series of ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp.
This shorter day gives you more time to rest and continue acclimatizing before moving to the final summit camp.
Starting Point: Barranco Camp
Ending Point: Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m
Hiking Time: Around 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Camping at Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, leave Karanga Camp and continue towards Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit attempt.
The trail passes through a dry alpine desert with little vegetation. The rocky landscape and wide mountain views create a dramatic setting as you climb higher.
You will normally reach Barafu Camp after three to four hours of hiking. On arrival, enjoy lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon resting.
Your guide will check your summit clothing, headlamp, water, and equipment before you have an early dinner and prepare for the midnight climb.
Starting Point: Karanga Camp
Ending Point: Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
Hiking Time: Around 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Your summit day begins around midnight.
After a light meal and hot drink, you will start the slow climb towards Stella Point, located on the crater rim.
This is the most challenging part of the trek due to the steep trail, cold temperatures, and high altitude. Your guide will keep a slow and steady pace to help you manage your energy.
After approximately five to seven hours, you will reach Stella Point. From there, continue along the crater rim for another one to two hours until you reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres.
Standing at the highest point in Africa as the sun rises is an unforgettable achievement. You will have time to take photographs, enjoy the views, and celebrate with your guide.
After the summit, descend back to Barafu Camp for breakfast and a short rest. You will then continue down to Mweka Camp, where you will spend your final night on the mountain.
Starting Point: Barafu Camp
Highest Point: Uhuru Peak – 5,895m
Ending Point: Mweka Camp
Sleeping Elevation: 3,080m
Total Hiking Time: Around 12–15 hours
Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, your mountain crew may perform a traditional farewell ceremony before you begin the final descent.
The trail takes you through Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest, where you may spot monkeys, colourful birds, and thick mountain vegetation.
After approximately two to three hours, you will arrive at Mweka Gate, where you will sign out of Kilimanjaro National Park and receive your summit certificate.
Your driver will meet you at the gate and transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, enjoy a hot shower, and celebrate your successful climb.
Starting Point: Mweka Camp
Ending Point: Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,080m to 1,630m
Hiking Time: Around 2–3 hours
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
