8 days Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route
What your day looks like
Welcome to our 8-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route! Experience the snow-covered slopes of Africa’s highest peak. The Lemosho Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the West, similar to the Shira and the newly established Northern Circuit routes. The trek begins at Londorossi Gate, taking you on a two-day journey through lush rainforest, followed by a series of rolling hills. The remainder of the trek offers classic mountain scenery, with camps where we set up our tents. The Lemosho Route typically takes 7 or 8 days to complete, and it joins the Machame Route at Barranco Camp. This is the most scenic of all the Kilimanjaro routes and also boasts the highest success rate. Lemosho is ideal for those who are capable of trekking challenging terrain and sleeping in small tents for several days, but also for those eager to explore the stunning wilderness. The descent ends at Mweka Gate.
The experience, in brief
- See beautiful landscapes on your way to the top
- Hike through the most scenic trail of all the Kilimanjaro routes
- Immerse yourself in the aweinspiring beauty of towering mountains
Your day, step by step
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Transportation. The adventure begins! After a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Londorossi Gate, you will be registered by the national park authorities. From there, you’ll continue on a 15 km drive into the dense rainforest, where your trek officially starts.
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Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Londorossi Gate (2250m) – Big Tree Camp (2780m) – Beginning of Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route: The trail is moderately steep as you make your way to Big Tree Camp (2780m). Along the way, keep an eye out for monkeys and fascinating birds. Once you arrive at camp, the tents will already be set up, and hot tea and washing water will be waiting to welcome you.
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Tent accommodation included
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Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Big Tree Camp (2780m) – Shira Camp 1 (3500m) – Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route Today, we’ll follow a trail that takes us out of the forest and into the vast savannah and giant heather moorland zone. As we ascend through the scenic rolling hills, we will cross several streams on our way to the Shira Ridge. From there, we’ll descend to Shira Camp 1 (3500m). The view of Kibo from the plateau is absolutely spectacular.
Moshi
Tent accommodation included
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Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Shira Camp 1 (3500m) – Shira Camp 2 (3900m) – Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route Today, we’ll enjoy a gentle walk across the plateau leading to Shira Camp 2 (3900m), situated in moorland meadows by a stream. This is an excellent acclimatization day, with a variety of walks available on the plateau. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth, offering breathtaking views and a unique landscape.
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Tent accommodation included
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Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Shira Camp 2 (3900m) – Lava Tower (4640m) – Barranco Camp (3960m) Today, you will gain 700m in altitude but descend to sleep at Barranco Camp, which is 60m higher than last night’s camp. This ascent and descent will aid in acclimatization, as you will reach 4640m before descending again. The day starts with a long uphill trek toward the Lava Tower Hut (4640m), where you'll notice the landscape shifting to a rocky alpine desert. Later, the path descends into the Barranco Valley, filled with giant Senecias and Lobelias. After six to seven hours of trekking, you will reach Barranco Camp, often considered the most beautiful camp on the mountain.
Moshi
Tent accommodation included
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Barranco Camp (3960m) – Karanga Camp (4035m) Today begins with the challenging Barranco Wall. At first, it may look intimidating, but you'll soon realize that it’s not as difficult as it appears, although there are some tricky sections where you'll need to hold on tight. Once you reach the top, take a moment to admire the stunning views. The rest of the route follows along the mountain ridge, leading into and out of the Karanga Valley. After lunch, you'll arrive at Karanga Camp (4035m), where you'll be treated to fantastic views of Kibo's southern glacier, as well as the summit of Kibo itself.
Moshi
Tent accommodation included
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Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Karanga Camp (4035m) – Barafu Camp (4640m) Today’s hike will take you through a desolate, rocky, moon-like landscape. It’s a relatively easy day, with a steady uphill climb. The goal for today is Barafu Camp, located on a narrow ridge with a full view of Mawenzi Peak. You will follow a trail that passes through the afro-alpine desert until you reach your destination at Barafu Camp (4640m). Once there, take the rest of the day to relax and prepare your daypack for tonight’s summit attempt. Supper will be served early—be sure to eat and drink enough to fuel your body. Try to rest as much as possible, as you will be woken up around midnight to begin your trek to the summit.
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Accommodation included
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Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Barafu Camp (4640m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3080m) It will be dark and cold as you set off just after midnight. Using your headlamp, you will climb the frozen volcanic dust towards Stella Point on the crater rim, which will take about six hours. You should arrive just as the sun begins to rise. From Stella Point, it’s only one or two more hours to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the crater. Congratulations – you’ll be standing on top of the world! Take a brief moment to capture photos and share celebratory hugs before you begin the steep, dusty descent. By now, the volcanic ash will have thawed. You’ll stop for a short tea break at Barafu Camp, then continue downhill for about three hours to Mweka Camp (3080m), your overnight stop. Be sure to refuel by drinking plenty of fluids and enjoy a hearty meal at supper time.
Moshi
Tent accommodation included
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Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp – End of Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route The day begins with a traditional farewell ceremony from the porters. Afterward, you’ll start your descent, comfortably making your way through the lush green forest. After about three hours, you will reach Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting.
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We hope you enjoyed your stay! From there, you’ll return to Stella Maris Lodge, where a hot shower, a cold drink, a debriefing, and your well-deserved certificate of achievement will be waiting. Congratulations on completing your Kilimanjaro climb! Well done!
What to know before booking
Included
Full board accommodation on the mountain All park fees Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables) Oxygen cylinder - only for emergency English speaking guide Mountain crew (cook and porters) First aid kit and pulse oximeter Mentioned transfers
Not Included
Sleeping bags Gratuities Travel Insurance Visa fees Flight Laundry All meals and drinks in Moshi town
What to Bring
Camera Sunglasses Sunscreen Hat Bag for Essentials Comfortable clothing and footwear Cash for personal use
Meeting & Pickup
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, clear the arrival formalities and meet the Kilimanjaro Heroes transfer team outside the customs area or accommodation within the area of Moshi
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 10 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business