8-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Lemosho Route

Trip Overview - 8-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Lemosho Route

The 8-day climbing Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic trails on the west of Kilimanjaro, and it is a virtual climate expedition. The shallow mountain stream wanders peacefully through the Barranco Valley’s bottom amid the clouds. Frosting shields the valleys, whilst the azure glaciers extravagantly scatter across the landscape of the ice fields. Immature trees flourish amongst the towering emerald canopies, and the lush vegetation conceals the moist floors. Thick shadows cast down from the bright sun. Faint buffalo trails are carved into the smooth grounds of the Shira Plateau, and milky white mist clings to and enrobes everything it can.

You will encounter the stunning sights of the Lava Tower and scramble up the impressive Barranco wall. There is a slight chance of spotting some magnificent wildlife along the leisurely trail. The lemosho route 8 days provides optimal conditions for acclimatization, which increases your chance of reaching the glorious summit.

Full Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Moshi to Starting point (2,300m) to Mti Mkubwa (2,750m)

Distance covered: 7 km

Approximate time taken: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

You will enjoy an enticing breakfast at the hotel before proceeding from Moshi to Londorossi Gate (1,800m). The three-hour drive travels on an unpaved stretch of bumpy road through the town of Boma N’gombe and the Sanya Juu village offers motorists an intimate encounter with the natives. After completing the necessary park registration, you will be transported to the initial point of your trek at 2,350m. The glory of the forest is revealed in the illuminating radiance of the sun. Almond-brown trees stand serenely, brimming with a tender glow. Gems of amber encrust the bark exterior. Green canopies deliver shelter for the exotic blue monkeys. The short trek through the rainforest leads to the Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750m).

Day 2 -Mti Mkubwa (2,750m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,550m)

Distance covered: 7 km

Approximate time taken: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rainforest/Moorland

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

 

As the trail begins to move towards Shira Camp 1, the scenery transforms dramatically from the lush rainforest to the barren heather moorland zone. The parched landscape is speckled with enormous lobelias, contrasting white fauna and flora and dusty sand dunes. We will journey up the steep ridges leading to the Shira Plateau, featuring the glorious views of the looming Kilimanjaro and the raging bloodshot orb of light slowly sinks beneath the horizon of Mount Meru in the west. We will cross several tranquil streams as we continue over the Shira Ridge (3,600m) and on a declining slop to Shira Camp 1.

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 (3,550m) to Shira Camp 2 (3,840m)

Distance covered: 10 km

Approximate time taken: 4 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

 

You will begin the day with a delicious breakfast and trek on an exposed moorland zone. This route is less frequented making it tranquil and untouched. Reaching Shira Plateau will reveal the stunning views of the peak of Kilimanjaro. The exhilarating sensation of witnessing the summit is magical. A hot lunch will be served at Shira Camp 2 (3,810m). Your guide will lead brief excursions for acclimatization, afterwards you are free to relax.

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 (3,840m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m)

Distance covered: 10 km

Approximate time taken: 6 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

The Lemosho Route connects with the Machame Route before approaching the molten Lava Tower. The gentle incline leading to the Barranco Camp is encompassed in beautiful scenery and encrusted in vivid desert shrubberies (6-7-hour hike). Shark’s Tooth is an enormous, serrated rock that a volcano discharged thousands of years ago; it is also an indication that we must travel south and cross the light valleys to the immense Lava Tower (4,600m).

Specks of snow will gradually scatter themselves on the scenery, and as we descend to Barranco Camp, the frosted landscapes of the Western Breach will begin to sprout. The ashen Barranco Wall is engraved with extraordinary indents, and olive foliage is strewn across the ‘Breakfast Wall.’

Day 5: - Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (3,930m)

Distance covered: 6 km

Approximate time taken: 4 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

 

The day commences with a simple trek up the astonishing Barranco (200m high). For a short period, you will need to use your hands and feet to scramble up the wall and upon reaching the surface you will have an opportunity to marvel at the scenic splendour of the vistas of Kibo. The trail traverses up and down with various shallow streams leading to the flickering, glittery streams of the Karanga River. An appetizing lunch will be served at the Karanga campsite (3,930m). The short trekking will assist your acclimatization.

Day 6:Karanga Camp (3,930m) to Barafu Camp (4,700m)

Distance covered: 4 km

Approximate time taken: 3 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

 

The rocky zone provides an uphill path that features landscapes battered in the crystal glow of the Southern Glaciers. Intersecting with the Mweka route allows us to witness the splendid vistas. A sixty-minute climb up a steep, rock-strewn Lava Ridge is your ticket to the Barafu Camp (4,681m).

Reaching the camp signifies that you have dominated the Southern Circuit of the mountain, and the enchanting, sky-piercing view of the summit is submerged in an ocean of clouds. The terrain at the campsite resembles an unfinished painting. The landscape is blanketed in a thin layer of snow with sparse vegetation.

A substantial, warm meal will be served, and we suggest that you jump into your sleeping bag as soon as possible. We will embark on our journey to the summit at midnight.

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,700m) to Summit (5,895m) (midnight start) descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Distance covered: 20 km

Approximate time taken: 14 hours

Habitat: Glacier/Moorland/Rainforest

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

 

You will be awoken at 11:00 pm, and we will provide you with a light snack and a steaming cup of tea before you begin your 5km trek to the summit. This is an extended hike that lasts approximately 16 hours, making this the most challenging day on the 8-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route. Temperatures typically range between -5°C and -10°C.

The gradually increasing incline of the valley, located near the eerily tranquil scree fields, traverses among the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers—the view is so astounding that the freezing temperatures will be forgotten. At Stella’s Point (5,672m), brilliant gold and orange hues bleed like fire over the rocks. The first slither of the sun peeks over the skyline in a radiant, white form, and the snow turns liquid gold and silver.

After sixty minutes, you will reach the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak (5,895m). You will have an opportunity to take some photos and marvel at the surrounding scenery, glinting ice cliffs, and the jagged Mawenzi Peak. Our descent requires us to turn around and embark on the trail to Barafu Camp, where we will have a brief resting period.

The spectacular, vast plains of Kilimanjaro are so enchanting that the 9km route to Mweka Camp (3,100m) feels rapid. The route is moderate and lasts four to five hours. As you venture on the declining rocky scree trail, the scenery will start to sprout, and the ice will melt away.

The barren landscapes of the moorland will be the first milestone; dense vegetation and exotic wildlife will begin to radiate as we approach the forest habitat. We will proceed to the campsite, where you can scoff down a scrumptious, piping-hot dinner while seizing the last opportunity to observe the Milky Way.

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,800m) to Moshi

Distance covered: 10 km

Approximate time taken: 3 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Meal: Breakfast, and lunch included

 

The melodies of your porters celebrating will fill the air whilst you enjoy an appetizing breakfast. The 1,300m descent to the Mweka gate is classified as an easy trek and will only last a few hours. Gold Summit Certificates will be awarded to every member of your group as a small souvenir.

Our drivers are one relaxed stroll to the Mweka village away, and they will transport you to the hotel where an invigorating hot shower, plush mattress, and clean clothes await you. Our driver will bring you to the airport, from where you will take your flight back home. If you’ve decided to go on a safari—well, that’s a different adventure, and we’ll take care of that for you!

8-dDay climbing Lemosho Route Cost Breakdown

Number of People

1 Pax

2 Pax

3 Pax

4 Pax

5 Pax

Price is Per Person

$2,623

$2,163

$2,047

$1,939

$1,893

Climbing Cost Includes

Climbing Cost Excludes

Our Climbing Addons

Hotels Addons for Extra Charges We offer the following hotel options in Arusha. Accommodation based on half board per person.
Hotel NameSingle RoomDouble RoomTriple Room
Kili Seasons HotelUSD 165USD 165USD 165
Kibo Palace HotelUSD 195USD 248USD 273
Forest Hill HotelUSD 150USD 218USD 270
Mlimba Parm HotelUSD 60USD 120
Parrot HotelUSD 95USD 180
African Tulip HotelUSD 198USD 334
Please note: If any hotel is booked out or unavailable, we will book you in an alternate equivalent hotel.

Climbing Gear Add-ons

If you are booking a hotel directly, please check with us before booking to ensure we can meet you and arrange pickup.

Gear ItemRate
Private ToiletUSD 150
Private TentUSD 7 per day
Kailas X3 III Alpine Tent with VestibuleUSD 12 per day
Thicker Sleeping MattressUSD 10 per mattress
ThermosetsUSD 17 per thermoset
Full Climbing Gear RentalUSD 350 per climb
Our packages include a 2-inch foam mattress by default. You may upgrade to a 4-inch mattress for an additional cost as listed above.

Transfers

We offer the following transfer options:

RouteRate
Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) → Moshi / ArushaUSD 70 per vehicle
Moshi / Arusha → Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)USD 70 per vehicle
Arusha → MoshiUSD 100 per vehicle
Moshi → ArushaUSD 100 per vehicle

Payment Terms

Deposit Payment
Deposit Amount30% of the total booking amount
Payment MethodsBank transfer or online card payment
Card Payment Fee5% surcharge (non-refundable)
Bank TransferBank account details provided upon request
ConfirmationBooking confirmation sent after deposit is received
Balance Payment
Payment OptionsBank transfer, card payment, or cash
Bank TransferRecommended 30 days prior; accepted up to 15 days before tour
Card PaymentRecommended 7 days prior; accepted up to 1 day before tour
5% surcharge (non-refundable)
Cash PaymentAccepted on arrival (USD notes printed in or after 2009)
Cancellation Policy
10+ Days Before DepartureOnly bank charges apply as cancellation fees
0–9 Days Before Departure50% of total tour price charged as cancellation fees
PostponementTrek can be postponed to any new date at no extra cost
Card Surcharge5% surcharge on advance/balance payments is non-refundable

Climb Highlights

LocationMount Kilimanjaro
Duration8 Days / 7 Nights
Summit Success RateHigher success rate
Difficulty LevelDifficulty
Minimum Age8+, 12+, 16+
Price From $2,163
Per Person
This price is based on two people

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