Overview

The 8-Day Lemosho Route is often considered the most beautiful and scenic path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering diverse landscapes and a gradual ascent that allows for better acclimatization. Starting from the lush rainforest on the western slopes, this route traverses moorlands, alpine deserts, and glacial peaks, culminating at Uhuru Peak. The Lemosho Route is perfect for those seeking a quieter, more scenic trek with high summit success rates.

Best Time to Visit: June to October, December to February (dry seasons for clear skies and better trail conditions)

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

• Activities:
  • Arrive in Moshi and check into your hotel.
  • Meet your trekking guide for a detailed briefing, safety orientation, and equipment check.

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Moshi, such as Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel or Weru Weru River Lodge.
Meals:

• Dinner: Enjoy local dishes such as pilau (spiced rice) or grilled fish.

Recovery: Rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Moshi to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp (2,800 m)

• Distance: ~7 km
• Estimated Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Elevation Gain: ~680 m
• Terrain: Lush rainforest.

Highlights:

• Drive to Londorosi Gate for registration.
• Trek through Kilimanjaro’s dense rainforest, spotting colobus monkeys and exotic birds.

Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (tents).
Meals:

• Breakfast: Provided at your hotel.
• Lunch: Picnic-style on the trail.
• Dinner: Hot meal prepared by your trekking team.

Recovery: Rest in the peaceful surroundings of the rainforest.

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m)

• Distance: ~8 km
• Estimated Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
• Elevation Gain: ~700 m
• Terrain: Gradual ascent through heath and moorland.

Highlights:

• Trek out of the rainforest and onto the Shira Plateau, a vast expanse with stunning views.
• Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro’s Kibo Peak.

Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (tents).
Meals:

• Breakfast: Hot porridge, tea, and toast.
• Lunch: Packed lunch en route.
• Dinner: Warm, energy-rich meal at camp.

Recovery: Stretch and acclimatize under the stars.

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)

• Distance: ~7 km
• Estimated Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
• Elevation Gain: ~350 m
• Terrain: Moorland with stunning vistas.

Highlights:

• Continue across the Shira Plateau, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
• Optional short hike in the afternoon to further acclimatize.

Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (tents).
Meals:

• Breakfast: Energy-packed meal to start your day.
• Lunch: Hot meal served on arrival at camp.
• Dinner: Hearty dinner prepared by your trekking chef.

Recovery: Relax and acclimatize, preparing for the higher altitudes ahead.

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (3,960 m)

• Distance: ~10 km
• Estimated Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
• Elevation Gain: ~110 m (after ascending higher during the trek).
• Terrain: Rocky trails and alpine desert.

Highlights:

• Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630 m) for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp.
• Marvel at the changing landscapes, from rocky outcrops to giant lobelias and senecios.

Accommodation: Barranco Camp (tents).
Meals:

• Breakfast: Freshly prepared by your chef.
• Lunch: Packed meal near Lava Tower.
• Dinner: Hot dinner at camp.

Recovery: Acclimatize at lower altitudes and prepare for the Barranco Wall climb.

Day 6: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)

• Distance: ~10 km
• Estimated Trekking Time: 7-8 hours
• Elevation Gain: ~680 m
• Terrain: Steep climbs and alpine desert.

Highlights:

• Tackle the Barranco Wall, a thrilling but non-technical climb.
• Pass Karanga Valley and continue to Barafu Camp, the base for your summit attempt.

Accommodation: Barafu Camp (tents).
Meals:

• Breakfast: Energy-packed meal to fuel your climb.
• Lunch: Hot meal at Karanga Camp en route.
• Dinner: High-carb dinner to prepare for the summit push.

Recovery: Rest early for the midnight ascent.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and Down to Mweka Camp (3,080 m)

• Distance: ~5 km ascent to Uhuru Peak, ~12 km descent to Mweka Camp.
• Estimated Trekking Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 5-6 hours descent.
• Elevation Gain: ~1,255 m (ascent), ~2,815 m (descent).

Highlights:

• Begin your midnight trek to Uhuru Peak, witnessing a spectacular sunrise over Kilimanjaro’s glaciers.
• Celebrate your achievement at the summit before descending to Barafu Camp for rest, and then continuing to Mweka Camp.

Accommodation: Mweka Camp (tents).
Meals:

• Light snacks during the summit climb.
• Breakfast and lunch at Barafu Camp.
• Dinner at Mweka Camp.

Recovery: Sleep deeply after your summit success.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Moshi

• Distance: ~10 km
• Estimated Trekking Time: 3-4 hours descent.

Highlights:

• Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate for a certificate ceremony.
• Transfer back to Moshi for a well-deserved celebration.

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Moshi.
Meals:

• Breakfast: At Mweka Camp.
• Lunch: Packed lunch on the trail.
• Dinner: Optional celebration dinner in Moshi.

Tour Highlights

1. Scenic Beauty: Traverse lush rainforests, open moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers.
2. High Success Rate: Gradual ascent and acclimatization days improve summit success chances.
3. Dramatic Views: Enjoy stunning vistas of the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and Kilimanjaro’s glaciers.
4. Adventure: The Barranco Wall provides an exhilarating climbing experience.
5. Unforgettable Summit: Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, for a sunrise to remember.

Accommodations

• Tents on the Trail: Spacious, weatherproof tents with sleeping mats provided.
• Hotels in Moshi: Comfortable mid-range or luxury options for pre- and post-trek stays.

Meals

• Prepared by trekking chefs, meals are designed to provide the energy needed for the climb.
• Breakfasts: Porridge, eggs, toast, and coffee/tea.
• Lunches: Packed meals or hot dishes.
• Dinners: Soups, stews, rice, pasta, and carb-rich dishes.
• Dietary needs accommodated upon request.

Who Is This Tour For?

• Trekkers seeking a quieter, more scenic Kilimanjaro experience.
• Adventurers looking for a gradual ascent with high summit success rates.
• Those wanting to combine challenging climbs with stunning natural beauty.

Key Features

• Trekking Distance: ~70 km round-trip.
• Inclusions:
  • Park entry fees and permits.
  • Experienced guides, porters, and cooks.
  • Tents and meals during the trek.
  • Transfers to and from the trailhead.
• Exclusions:
  • Personal trekking gear (available for rent).
  • Tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
  • Optional oxygen tanks or altitude chambers.

Pricing Estimate

Cost: $2,200–$3,200 USD per person, depending on:

• Group size (discounts for larger groups).
• Accommodation type in Moshi.
• Additional gear rentals or add-ons.