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
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).
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.
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.
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.’
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.
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.
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.
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
- All applicable park entry fees as per the program.
- Government taxes VAT & local levies.
- Service of highly experienced English-speaking guide(s); porters & cook.
- Camping equipment like mountain tent, mattress, chairs, etc. (Except for Marangu Route).
- Transport from the hotel to the park gate, as well as from the park gate to the hotel.
- Meals on Full board (Unless listed as upgrade) on trek as indicated on the program.
- Unlimited drinking water (As specified in the day-by-day section).
- Accommodation Type: Camping or hut in Marangu Route.
- Rescue fees, Emergency oxygen, Pulse oximeter, and First aid kit.
- Guides and porters' accommodations, meals and their entry fees on the mountain.
- Fair wages to guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority.
Climbing Cost Excludes
- International flights (From/to home) and domestic Flight.
- 2-night accommodation in Arusha Before and after trek.
- Pick up and drop off at the airport.
- Tips (Tipping guideline Guide $10-$20pp per day, Cooker & Porters $5-$10pp per day).
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, Visa entry fees upon arrival at the airport or online $50-$100 per person per entry depending on nationality, etc.).
- Any extra orders at meals are not included. Set menu meals are part of the package.
- Government-imposed increase of taxes or park fees.
- Medical/luggage Insurance.
- Portable flush toilet
- Sleeping bag
Our Climbing Addons
| Hotel Name | Single Room | Double Room | Triple Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kili Seasons Hotel | USD 165 | USD 165 | USD 165 |
| Kibo Palace Hotel | USD 195 | USD 248 | USD 273 |
| Forest Hill Hotel | USD 150 | USD 218 | USD 270 |
| Mlimba Parm Hotel | USD 60 | USD 120 | — |
| Parrot Hotel | USD 95 | USD 180 | — |
| African Tulip Hotel | USD 198 | USD 334 | — |
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 Item | Rate |
|---|---|
| Private Toilet | USD 150 |
| Private Tent | USD 7 per day |
| Kailas X3 III Alpine Tent with Vestibule | USD 12 per day |
| Thicker Sleeping Mattress | USD 10 per mattress |
| Thermosets | USD 17 per thermoset |
| Full Climbing Gear Rental | USD 350 per climb |
Transfers
We offer the following transfer options:
| Route | Rate |
|---|---|
| Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) → Moshi / Arusha | USD 70 per vehicle |
| Moshi / Arusha → Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) | USD 70 per vehicle |
| Arusha → Moshi | USD 100 per vehicle |
| Moshi → Arusha | USD 100 per vehicle |
Payment Terms
| Deposit Payment | |
| Deposit Amount | 30% of the total booking amount |
|---|---|
| Payment Methods | Bank transfer or online card payment |
| Card Payment Fee | 5% surcharge (non-refundable) |
| Bank Transfer | Bank account details provided upon request |
| Confirmation | Booking confirmation sent after deposit is received |
| Balance Payment | |
| Payment Options | Bank transfer, card payment, or cash |
| Bank Transfer | Recommended 30 days prior; accepted up to 15 days before tour |
| Card Payment | Recommended 7 days prior; accepted up to 1 day before tour 5% surcharge (non-refundable) |
| Cash Payment | Accepted on arrival (USD notes printed in or after 2009) |
| Cancellation Policy | |
| 10+ Days Before Departure | Only bank charges apply as cancellation fees |
| 0–9 Days Before Departure | 50% of total tour price charged as cancellation fees |
| Postponement | Trek can be postponed to any new date at no extra cost |
| Card Surcharge | 5% surcharge on advance/balance payments is non-refundable |
Climb Highlights
| Location | Mount Kilimanjaro |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 Days / 7 Nights |
| Summit Success Rate | Higher success rate |
| Difficulty Level | Difficulty |
| Minimum Age | 8+, 12+, 16+ |
| Price |
From $2,163 Per Person |
Why Planning Your Climb with Us?
- Experienced Local Guides
- Licensed & Certified Company
- We specialize in customized climbs
- Fair Pricing, No Hidden Costs
- Safety First
- Sustainable & Ethical Travel
- $2,300
- $2,500
- $2,500


