Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 8 Days Guide
Snow Africa Team
Author
Explore the 8-day Lemosho route - Kilimanjaro's most scenic and successful path with excellent acclimatization and diverse landscapes.
The 8-day Lemosho route is widely considered Kilimanjaro's best path to the summit. With a 90%+ success rate, stunning scenery, and excellent acclimatization profile, Lemosho offers the optimal balance of challenge and achievability. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about this premium route.
Why Choose the Lemosho Route?
Lemosho has earned its reputation as Kilimanjaro's finest route for several compelling reasons:
- Highest success rate90-95% on the 8-day version
- Best acclimatizationGradual altitude gain with "climb high, sleep low" profile
- Scenic diversityRainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers
- Remote startFewer crowds in the first days
- Wildlife opportunitiesBuffalo and elephant sightings possible on western slopes
Route Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 days (7 nights) |
| Distance | 70 km total |
| Starting Point | Londorossi Gate (2,360m) |
| Summit Approach | Barafu (Southern Circuit) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Scenery | ★★★★★ |
| Traffic | Low to Moderate |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After registration at Londorossi Gate, drive to the Lemosho trailhead at 2,360m. The trek begins through pristine rainforest, home to black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and diverse birdlife. The trail is gentle, allowing you to settle into the rhythm of the climb. Camp at Mti Mkubwa ("Big Tree") surrounded by towering forest.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Ascend through the upper rainforest, emerging onto the heath zone with its giant heathers. The landscape opens up dramatically, offering first views of Kibo's snow-capped peak. Cross onto the Shira Plateau - one of Kilimanjaro's most spectacular features. Camp on the edge of the plateau with panoramic views.
Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
Trek across the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro's three volcanic cones. The walking is relatively easy across this high-altitude grassland, with stunning views of Kibo throughout. Optional acclimatization hike to Shira Cathedral (3,880m) in the afternoon.
Day 4: Shira 2 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
This is the key acclimatization day. Climb to Lava Tower at 4,630m - higher than any point you'll sleep. Lunch at Lava Tower allows your body to adapt before descending to Barranco Camp. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy is crucial for summit success.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Begin with the famous Barranco Wall - a non-technical scramble that's one of Kilimanjaro's highlights. Despite looking intimidating, most climbers find it enjoyable. After the wall, traverse through the Karanga Valley to camp. Shorter day allows rest before summit push.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Base Camp
A short but important day ascending to Barafu Base Camp. Arrive early afternoon, eat, hydrate, and rest. Prepare your summit gear and try to sleep before the midnight wake-up call. The barren landscape at Barafu emphasizes the achievement ahead.
Day 7: Summit Day - Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Wake at midnight for tea and biscuits. Begin the summit push under starlight, ascending steep scree slopes. Reach Stella Point (5,756m) on the crater rim as dawn breaks. Continue around the crater to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - the Roof of Africa! After photos and celebration, descend past Barafu to Mweka Camp.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Collect your summit certificates and celebrate with your crew. Transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved shower and rest.
Acclimatization Profile
The 8-day Lemosho provides optimal acclimatization through:
- Gradual ascentNo big altitude jumps in sleeping elevations
- Lava Tower acclimatizationReaching 4,630m on day 4
- Extra day vs 7-dayThe additional night significantly improves adaptation
- "Climb high, sleep low"Multiple opportunities to push altitude then descend
What's Included
Our Lemosho 8-day package includes:
- Airport transfers
- Pre and post-climb hotel accommodation
- All park fees and permits
- Professional guides and assistant guides
- Porters for gear carrying (15kg limit)
- 4-season mountain tents
- All meals on the mountain
- Filtered drinking water
- Emergency oxygen and first aid
- Summit certificate
Packing Essentials for Lemosho
Key items for this route:
- Rain gear (rainforest days can be wet)
- Warm summit layers (-15°C to -25°C possible)
- Broken-in hiking boots
- Trekking poles (essential for Barranco Wall descent)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- 3-4 liters water capacity
Best Time for Lemosho
Book Your Lemosho Adventure
Ready to tackle Kilimanjaro via its most scenic route? Our experienced guides have led hundreds of successful Lemosho expeditions.
View upcoming Lemosho departures or contact us for a custom itinerary.
