8 Day Kilimanjaro – Climbing Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Distance covered: 7 km

Approximate time taken: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

After an early breakfast at the hotel, you depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate (1,800 m), a scenic three-hour drive passing through Boma N’gombe and the rural village of Sanya Juu, offering a brief but authentic glimpse of local life. Upon completing park formalities, you are transferred to the trailhead at 2,350 m to begin the trek. The journey unfolds through a pristine rainforest, where towering trees, filtered sunlight, and playful blue monkeys define the landscape. A gentle hike leads to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp at 2,750 m for your overnight stay.

Distance covered: 7 km

Approximate time taken: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rainforest/Moorland

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

As the trek leaves the lush rainforest behind, the landscape transforms into the stark beauty of the heather and moorland zone. Towering lobelias, pale flora, and dusty sand patches create a surreal contrast across the plateau. The trail climbs steep ridges toward the Shira Plateau, offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro and the glowing red sun setting over Mount Meru. Along the way, you’ll cross peaceful streams before descending gently to Shira Camp 1 (3,600 m), surrounded by the quiet expanse of this high-altitude wilderness.

Distance covered: 10 km

Approximate time taken: 4 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before trekking through the open, serene moorland, a less-traveled and peaceful path. As you reach Shira Plateau, the towering peak of Kilimanjaro comes into full view, offering a truly magical moment. A hot lunch awaits at Shira Camp 2 (3,810 m), followed by short guided excursions to aid acclimatization. Afterward, you can unwind and take in the quiet beauty of the plateau, enjoying the calm and expansive highland surroundings.

Distance covered: 10 km

Approximate time taken: 6 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

The Lemosho Route joins the Machame Route as it approaches the striking Lava Tower. A gentle climb through vivid desert shrubs leads to Barranco Camp over a 6-7-hour trek, offering stunning highland scenery along the way. Shark’s Tooth, a jagged volcanic formation from millennia past, marks the path south toward the imposing Lava Tower (4,600 m). As snow dusts the landscape, the descent to Barranco Camp reveals the dramatic Western Breach. The ashen Barranco Wall, with its deep indentations and olive-green foliage along the famous “Breakfast Wall,” provides a captivating natural spectacle.

Distance covered: 6 km

Approximate time taken: 4 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

The day begins with an exciting climb up the impressive Barranco Wall, standing 200 meters high. A short section requires using hands and feet to scramble up, rewarding you with spectacular views of Kibo and the surrounding landscape. The trail then gently undulates, crossing several shallow streams before reaching the sparkling waters of the Karanga River. A delicious lunch awaits at Karanga Camp (3,930 m). The relatively short trek is designed to aid acclimatization while allowing time to enjoy the dramatic high-altitude scenery.

Distance covered: 4 km

Approximate time taken: 3 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

The trek continues through a rocky zone, with landscapes glistening under the crystal light of the Southern Glaciers. Crossing paths with the Mweka Route reveals stunning panoramic vistas. A challenging one-hour climb up the steep, rock-strewn Lava Ridge brings you to Barafu Camp (4,681 m). Reaching this point marks the completion of the Southern Circuit, with the summit rising above a sea of clouds. The campsite, lightly dusted with snow and dotted with sparse vegetation, resembles a natural masterpiece. After a hearty hot meal, rest early in your sleeping bag, as the summit push begins at midnight.

Distance covered: 20 km

Approximate time taken: 14 hours

Habitat: Glacier/Moorland/Rainforest

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

You’ll be woken at 11:00 p.m. for a light snack and hot tea before beginning the final 5 km push to the summit. This is the most challenging day of the 8-day Lemosho Route, lasting around 16 hours, with temperatures between -5°C and -10°C. The gradual climb through the serene scree fields passes the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers, offering breathtaking views that make the cold almost forgettable. At Stella Point (5,672 m), sunrise paints the rocks in gold and orange, and shortly after, you’ll reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Africa’s highest point, where you can take in the glinting ice cliffs and jagged Mawenzi Peak. The descent to Barafu Camp allows for rest before continuing down the 9 km trail to Mweka Camp (3,100 m), passing moorlands, dense forests, and returning wildlife. A hot dinner and starry skies await to close this epic day.

Distance covered: 10 km

Approximate time taken: 3 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Meal: Breakfast, and lunch included

Celebrate your achievement with a hearty breakfast as your porters sing in the background. The gentle 1,300 m descent to Mweka Gate takes just a few hours, and each climber receives a Gold Summit Certificate as a memento. From Mweka Village, drivers transfer you to your hotel for a refreshing hot shower, clean clothes, and a comfortable bed. Later, you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight home, or onward to a safari adventure, which we can arrange for you.