The 8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Trek is one of the most scenic and rewarding ways to reach the Roof of Africa. Starting from the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, the route passes through lush rainforest, open moorlands, the dramatic Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Valley and the high alpine desert before reaching Uhuru Peak.
Highlights
- Shira Plateau
- Lemosho rainforest
- Lava Tower
- Barranco Wall
- Karanga Valley
- Barafu Camp
- Uhuru Peak — 5,895m
- African sunrise from the summit
- Professional mountain guide and support crew
Itinerary
The 8-day itinerary allows a more gradual ascent than shorter routes, giving your body additional time to adapt to altitude. You will trek at a comfortable pace with an experienced mountain crew, enjoy camping in designated mountain camps and experience the changing landscapes of Kilimanjaro.
Altitude: approximately 2,780m
Walking: 5–7 hours
After breakfast in Moshi, drive to the western side of Kilimanjaro and complete registration at Lemosho Gate. Begin trekking through the lush montane rainforest, where you may encounter birds, monkeys and beautiful forest vegetation.
Continue to Big Tree Camp for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Big Tree Camp
Meals: Lunch & dinner
Altitude: approximately 3,500m
Leave the rainforest behind as the vegetation gradually changes into heath and moorland. The trail opens into spectacular views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Explore the magnificent Shira Plateau while trekking toward the higher elevations. The landscape becomes increasingly alpine, with volcanic formations and dramatic views of Kibo.
Overnight: Moir Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Today is important for acclimatization. Trek toward Lava Tower at approximately 4,600m before descending into the beautiful Barranco Valley.
The descent allows your body to experience higher altitude before sleeping lower.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
After breakfast, tackle the famous Barranco Wall. Although it looks intimidating, experienced guides assist trekkers safely through the scrambling sections.
Continue toward Karanga Valley and enjoy views of Kibo.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
A shorter but important trekking day takes you to Barafu Camp, the starting point for your summit attempt.
After an early dinner, rest as much as possible and prepare your summit equipment.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Your summit day begins around midnight.
Trek slowly through the darkness toward Stella Point. From there, continue along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895m.
Celebrate your achievement before descending to Mweka Camp.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Complete your park registration and receive your summit certificate.
Transfer back to Moshi for a well-deserved shower and rest.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
- Kilimanjaro National Park entry and conservation fees
- Kilimanjaro camping or mountain hut fees, depending on the route
- Kilimanjaro rescue/emergency service fees
- Professional, experienced English-speaking mountain guide
- Qualified mountain support crew
- Porters to carry shared camping and trekking equipment
- Professional mountain cook
- All meals during the mountain trek — breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Drinking water during the trek
- Quality mountain tents and sleeping equipment for camping routes
- Dining tent, table and chairs on camping routes
- Mattress/sleeping mat
- Portable toilet where included in the selected package
- Airport/Moshi transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Accommodation in Moshi before and/or after the climb, according to the package
- Park registration and applicable trekking permits
- Summit certificate for successful Uhuru Peak summits
- Crew wages and standard mountain logistics
- Pre-climb briefing and equipment check
- First-aid kit and basic emergency support
- Guided trekking throughout the route
Excludes
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Personal clothing and hiking boots
- Tips for guides, porters and mountain crew
- Personal drinks and beverages
- Alcoholic drinks
- Laundry services
- Personal expenses
- Phone calls and internet services
- Medical expenses not covered by the park rescue arrangements
- Emergency evacuation beyond the services included in the package
- Additional hotel nights
- Airport transfers not included in the selected package
- Optional excursions and activities
- Private toilet or upgraded camping facilities unless specifically included
- Extra porter services for personal luggage beyond the standard allowance
- Any expenses resulting from changes to the itinerary caused by weather, illness or other circumstances outside the operator's control
