OVERVIEW

Lemosho variation is the ideal schedule for this route. On the 8 day Lemosho route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt. This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleep deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain. By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested. Lemosho is considered the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. It is our favorite route because it offers a great balance of low traffic, scenic views and a high summit success rate. Thus, Lemosho comes highly recommended. Most of our clients use Lemosho. The 8 day Lemosho route is highly recommended and used by most prominent Kilimanjaro operators.
Email us for the departure dates
COST: $ 2,250 PER PERSON SHARING (SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FOR $ 225)
Minimum 2 people
Best time to visit: June – October

MAP OVERVIEW

Duration

Price

from $2,250 /per person sharing

(single supplement for $225)

Day by Day Itinerary

1 - Londorossi Gate - Mti Mkubwa Camp

The Lemosho Route departs from the far West side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Getting to Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) takes approximately 2 hours from Moshi and longer from Arusha. At the gate, you will register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities before getting back into vehicles to be transported to the starting point which is a further 12km from Londorossi. During the wet season, the track can be very inaccessible to vehicles and you may need to walk the last few miles to the starting point. Most tour operators provide lunch at this point before starting the short trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters). Spotting large wildlife like elephant and buffalo is possible on this stretch of the mountain and you will likely be accompanied by an armed guide in case one of the big five gets too close for comfort! Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Inclusion

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation :

Budget Camping

Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa - Shira Camp

Day two starts with a gradual hike through the final stretch of the rainforest zone and then gets steeper as you approach the low alpine moorland zone. The trek is a long one that stops briefly for lunch at Shira Camp 1 which is on the western edge of the Shira Plateau; just over 8km from your starting point. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing. Overnight at the Shira Camp.

Inclusion

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation :

Budget Camping

Day 3 - Shira Camp 1 - Shira 2

We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. T A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Inclusion

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation :

Budget Camping

Day 4 - Shira 2 - Barranco Camp

We continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Inclusion

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation :

Budget Camping

Day 5 - Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

Inclusion

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation :

Budget Camping

Day 6 - Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Inclusion

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation :

Budget Camping

Day 7 - Barafu Camp - Summit - Mweka Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Inclusion

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation :

Budget Camping

Day 8 - Mweka Camp - Arusha

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka to drive you back to your Hotel book on your own arrangement

NB: Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters.

It is time for a celebration!

Inclusion

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation :

End of Tour

✅ Tour Inclusions

All national park entrance fees
All meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Services of porters (for treks where applicable)
All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle (unless stated as optional)
Government taxes and levies, including any officially imposed increases in park fees

❌ Tour Exclusions

Tips (tipping guideline: US$20.00 per person per day)
Climbing gear and personal equipment
Sleeping bag (can be rented upon request)
Roundtrip airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
International flights (to/from your home country)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone use, etc.)
Visa fees and travel insurance
Emergency evacuation and medical repatriation coverage

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