8-DAY MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB — LEMOSHO ROUTE
Package Overview
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and successful routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. This 8-day itinerary starts on the quieter western side of the mountain, taking you through lush rainforest, open moorland, and dramatic alpine desert before the final summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). With a longer acclimatization profile than shorter routes, Lemosho offers one of the highest summit success rates on the mountain — a great choice for climbers who want to properly adjust to altitude while enjoying spectacular, less-crowded scenery.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Londorosi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,250m → 2,650m | Distance: ~6 km | Hiking time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest After breakfast, transfer from Arusha to Londorosi Gate to complete registration formalities. Begin the trek through dense montane rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and a rich variety of birdlife. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa (“Big Tree”) Camp, named for the giant forest trees surrounding the site. Overnight in tents. Accommodation: Tents
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,650m → 3,500m | Distance: ~8 km | Hiking time: 5–6 hours | Habitat: Rainforest to Moorland Continue climbing out of the rainforest and into the heather and moorland zone. The trail opens up to reveal sweeping views of the Shira Plateau, one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, set on the edge of the plateau. Overnight in tents. Accommodation: Tents
Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,500m → 3,850m | Distance: ~7 km | Hiking time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Moorland A shorter, gentler day across the rolling Shira Plateau, aiding acclimatization with a gradual elevation gain. Enjoy expansive views of Kibo’s summit ahead and the surrounding plains below. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp. Overnight in tents. Accommodation: Tents
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater – Full-Day Luxury Game Drive
Elevation: 3,850m → 4,600m (Lava Tower) → 3,950m (Barranco) | Distance: ~10 km | Hiking time: 6–7 hours | Habitat: Semi-Desert A key acclimatization day following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. Trek up to the Lava Tower (4,600m) for lunch, then descend into the Barranco Valley beneath the dramatic Barranco Wall and Kilimanjaro’s Southern Icefields. This altitude gain-and-loss helps your body adjust for the summit push ahead. Overnight in tents at Barranco Camp. Accommodation: Tents
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,950m → 4,035m | Distance: ~5 km | Hiking time: 4–5 hours | Habitat: SemiDesert Start the day with the scramble up the Barranco Wall — a fun, hands-on section that looks more intimidating than it is. Continue across the Karanga Valley, with excellent views of the summit. Arrive at Karanga Camp, the last water point before the summit. Overnight in tents. Accommodation: Tents
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,035m → 4,673m | Distance: ~4 km | Hiking time: 4 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert A short but steady climb to Barafu (“Ice”) Camp, your base for the summit attempt. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing gear for the night’s ascent. Early dinner and rest before a pre-midnight wake-up call. Accommodation: Tents
Day 7: Barafu Camp – Summit (Uhuru Peak) – Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,673m → 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) → 3,100m (Mweka) | Distance: ~7 km ascent + 12 km descent | Hiking time: 7–8 hours up, 4–6 hours down | Habitat: Arctic Summit Zone / Rainforest Depart Barafu around midnight for the summit push, climbing steadily through the night to reach Stella Point at sunrise and continuing to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa. Take in breathtaking views before beginning the long descent to Mweka Camp, dropping back into moorland and forest. Overnight in tents at Mweka Camp. Accommodation: Tents
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Transfer to Accommodation
Elevation: 3,100m → 1,640m (Mweka Gate) | Distance: ~10 km | Hiking time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest Final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for a well-earned hot shower, meal, and rest. Accommodation: Arusha
- Accommodation
- Meals (full board)
- Game Drives
- Park Fees
- Transportation
- Private Guide
- Airport Transfers
- Gourmet Dining
- Drinks (soft drinks, water, some alcohol)
- Concessions/Exclusive Areas
- Other Activities (optional)
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Visas
- Tips
- Personal Expenses
- Alcoholic Beverages (optional)
- Medical Expenses
- Optional Activities
- Sundowner Drinks and Special Meals