8-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide
Overview
Day by Day
Included
Getting There
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Overview
Featuring captivating scenic vistas, pristine wildlife, excellent acclimatization opportunities and low traffic of climbers, Lemosho is our personal first favorite for reaching the roof of Africa.
After a 4-hour long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate you'll find yourself on the western slope of Mt Kilimanjaro, from there the route will take you to the world-famous Shira Plateau. That's where you'll embark on your adventure through all climate zones - from alpine meadows to eternal ice. The climb is smooth and gradual, featuring the highest success rate of all routes on Kilimanjaro.
Six, seven and eight-day programs are available, so you can choose depending on the amount of time at your disposal. Longer programs are always recommended over the shorter ones for better acclimatization.
6 and 7-day Lemosho programs start from a high-altitude drop-off: you’ll be transferred to the elevation of 3,500 m/ 11,500 f by an off-road vehicle and start the hike from there. This is meant to maximize acclimatization transition - the higher you start, the easier your adaptation will be.
Tour Features
Budget camping
This is a budget camping tour.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 6 people per group.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for single travelers
Single travelers can join this group tour.
Minimum age of 15 years
The minimum age for this tour is 15 years.
Activities & Transportation
Getting around: minivan & hiking/walking
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
✅ Kilimanjaro park fees & camping fees
✅ Professional mountain guides, porters & cooks
✅ All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
✅ Drinking water & hot beverages
✅ Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
✅ Transport from Moshi/Arusha to Londorossi Gate & back
✅ Oxygen tank & emergency first aid kit
Excluded
❌ Flights & visas
❌ Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, boots, poles)
❌ Tips for guides & porters ($250–$350 per hiker recommended)
❌ Travel insurance & medical evacuation
❌ Additional accommodations before/after the trek
8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Itinerary - Day by Day Breakdown
This 8-day Lemosho Route itinerary is meticulously crafted to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek, maximizing your chances of reaching the Roof of Africa.
Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania & Pre-Climb Briefing (Moshi/Arusha)
Activities: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, pre-climb briefing with your Kilimanjaro outfitter.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi/Arusha e.g., Weru Weru River Lodge, Sal Salinero Hotel).
Highlight of the Day: Arriving in Tanzania and feeling the excitement build for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Tip for the Day: Relax, hydrate, and ensure you have all necessary gear ready for the trek.
Day 1: Londrossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp: 4.8km /3mi | 3-4 Hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft Altitude gained: 396m
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira I Camp: 7.9km/5mi | 4-6hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft
Altitude gained: 719m
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop
Accommodation: Shira I Camp
Day 3: Shira I Camp –Shira Hut: 6.9km/4.3mi | 5-7hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft
Altitude gained: 391m
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo&rsquo's glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little-used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Accommodation: Shira Hut
Day 4: Shira Hut – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp: 10.1km/6.3mi | 4-6hrs| Semi-Desert
Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 91m
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
Day 6: Hike Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp: 3.3km /2 Mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained: 628m
Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained: 628m
We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Day 7: Hike Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp: 3.3km /2 Mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m,
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789m
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
“Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!”
After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain.
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them today. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!
Overnight Karibu Heritage House (Bed & Breakfast only) before being transferred to your journey home, safari, or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar.
First-time Kilimanjaro climbers: Its gradual ascent and manageable daily distances make it an excellent choice for those new to high-altitude trekking.
Trekkers prioritizing acclimatization: If you are concerned about altitude sickness or have had issues at altitude before, the 7-day Rongai is highly recommended.
Those seeking a quieter, less crowded experience: If you prefer a more secluded trek away from the busier routes, Rongai offers a more tranquil adventure.
Nature lovers and photographers: The diverse landscapes and unique flora and fauna along the Rongai Route make it a visually rewarding climb.
Best Time to Climb the Rongai Route
The best time to climb the Rongai Route is during the dry seasons:
January to March: Warmest and driest conditions, excellent for summit attempts.
June to October: Another dry season, slightly cooler than January-March, also ideal for climbing.
Avoid the rainy seasons (April-May and November-December) for the best trekking conditions. However, Rongai is generally drier than the southern routes even during shoulder seasons.
