Start the 8 days Lemosho route at Londorossi Gate on the quiet western side and circle the mountain. Wide views, low crowds and a well-paced plan for good acclimatization.
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The 8 days Lemosho route is widely seen as the most scenic trail on Mount Kilimanjaro, with wide views from several sides of the mountain. It is one of the newer routes and is less crowded than most. It is our preferred route, because it balances low traffic, fine scenery and a high summit success rate. The climb starts at Londorossi Gate (2,360 m) on the western side.
The trail passes through montane rainforest, then reaches the Shira Ridge before it curves around the southern circuit, with views of the summit from many angles. Lemosho also allows very good acclimatization, which improves your chance of reaching the top. Request a quote for this 8 days Lemosho route and we will adapt it to your dates and group size.
In short, this 8 days Lemosho trek is a scenic route with fewer people. First, you meet for a briefing in Moshi. Then you start on the western side of the mountain. Next, you cross the Shira Plateau.
After that, you pass Barranco and Karanga on the way to Barafu Camp. Finally, you climb to the summit and descend to Mweka Camp. Because the route is long, you have more time to adjust to the altitude. Overall, it balances low traffic, fine scenery and a high summit success rate.
Locations are approximate and shown for orientation. Your exact route may vary slightly with conditions.
Rainforest, moorland, semi-desert and alpine desert
Shira Plateau hikes and the Lava Tower day
Midnight start to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak
Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall and the glaciers
Day by Day Plan
Day00If you have booked the optional airport transfer, we pick you up from Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport and take you to your hotel in Moshi. Plan to arrive at least one day before the trek. Today you have the pre-trek briefing at your hotel, and we review your equipment and rent any gear you need.
Day01After breakfast and the briefing, drive about 3 hours to Londorossi Park Gate. A forest track, which needs a 4WD vehicle, leads to Lemosho Glades. From there you walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite.
Day02After breakfast the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. You cross several streams, go over the Shira Ridge and then walk gently down to Shira 1 Camp, which sits by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
Day03A gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Many hikes are possible on the plateau, which makes this an excellent acclimatization day.
Highlight: Excellent acclimatization day on the Shira Plateau.
Day04From the Shira Plateau you climb a ridge to the east, past the junction towards Kibo. The trail then turns south-east to the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (4,650 m). Shortly after the tower is a second junction that leads to the Arrow Glacier. You then walk down to Barranco Camp. You end the day at about the same height as you started, but this day is very important for acclimatization and prepares your body for summit day.
Highlight: Lava Tower at 4,650 m, a key day for acclimatization.
Day05After breakfast you leave Barranco and climb the steep ridge of the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction that joins the Mweka Trail.
Day06You continue up to Barafu Camp. In addition, this completes the South Circuit, which gives views of the summit from many different angles. At camp you rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for summit day.
Day07Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am) you climb towards the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Then, you head north-west through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. In addition, this is the hardest part of the trek, both mentally and physically. At Stella Point you rest briefly and see a magnificent sunrise.
Faster hikers may see the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point you may find snow on the 1-hour climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. You then descend to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles help on the loose gravel.
Highlight: Stand on Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa.
Day08After breakfast you continue down to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificate. The lower slopes can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles help. Shorts and a t-shirt are usually enough here, but keep rain gear and warmer clothes handy. Our vehicle meets you at Mweka Gate and drives you back to your hotel in Moshi, about 60 minutes.
Get a personalized price for this 8 Days Lemosho Route climb. Your final cost depends on your travel dates, group size and any extra nights or gear rental.
Fast reply from our safari team
Final price depends on your travel dates, group size and accommodation preferences.
This Lemosho Route climb can be adapted to your dates, fitness and group size. You can ask for extra nights in Moshi or private gear rental. Prepare with our Kilimanjaro trekking guide for first-timers, trekking checklist, Trekking FAQs and quality gear rental. See what past travelers say about us on SafariBookings, TripAdvisor and Google reviews, or read our customer reviews page.
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