8-Days Kilimanjaro Climbing – Lemosho Route

8 Days 7 Nights

Overview

The 8-day Lemosho Route is widely regarded as Kilimanjaro’s most scenic approach, offering an extraordinary journey through ever-changing landscapes on the mountain’s western slopes. More than a climb, it is a true climate expedition, revealing the dramatic ecological diversity that defines Mount Kilimanjaro.

Gentle mountain streams meander through the heart of the Barranco Valley, flowing quietly beneath drifting clouds. Frost-dusted valleys contrast beautifully with the brilliant blue glaciers that glisten across the vast ice fields above. Ancient forests give way to towering emerald canopies, where young trees thrive amid lush, moisture-rich vegetation carpeting the forest floor.

As the sun rises high, long shadows stretch across the terrain, creating a striking interplay of light and contrast. On the expansive Shira Plateau, faint buffalo trails are etched into the soft earth, while wisps of milky white mist drift slowly, wrapping the landscape in an almost mystical calm.

This unforgettable route captures the essence of Kilimanjaro raw, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful making the Lemosho Route an exceptional choice for climbers seeking both adventure and immersion in nature.

Day to Day Itinerary

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: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rainforest

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 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 slope to Shira Camp 1.

  • Distance covered: 7 km
  • Approximate time taken: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Rainforest/Moorland

You will begin the day with a delicious breakfast and trek in 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; you are free to relax.

  • Distance covered: 10 km
  • Approximate time taken: 4 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland

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: 10 km
  • Approximate time taken: 6 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine desert

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 trek will assist your acclimatization.

  • Distance covered: 6 km
  • Approximate time taken: 4 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine desert

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: 4 km
  • Approximate time taken: 3 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine desert

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: 20 km
  • Approximate time taken: 14 hours
  • Habitat: Glacier/Moorland/Rainforest

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 a 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 have decided to go on a safaris well, that's a different adventure, and we will take care of that for you!

  • Distance covered: 10 km
  • Approximate time taken: 3 hours
  • Habitat: Rainforest

What is included in this trek package?

  • All applicable park entry fees as per the program.
  • Government taxes VAT & local levies.
  • Service of highly experienced guide(s), porters, & cook.
  • Camping equipment like a mountain tent, mattress, chairs, etc. (Except for the Marangu Route).
  • Transport from the hotel to the park gate, as well as from the park gate to the hotel.
  • Meals on a full-board basis (unless listed as an upgrade) during the trek, as indicated in 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 the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority

What is excluded in this trek package?

  • International flights (From/to home) and domestic flights.
  • 2-night accommodation in Arusha Before and after the 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 in taxes or park fees.
  • Medical/luggage Insurance.
  • Portable flush toilet
  • Sleeping bag

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8-Days Kilimanjaro Climbing – Lemosho Route
From $2600
/ Adult
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8-Days Kilimanjaro Climbing – Lemosho Route