8 Days Hiking Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Min Age

5+

Max Pax

30

Tour Price

$ 2,100

Plan Trip To
Africa

Our sample itineraries are customizable based on your choices. Our experts collaborate with you to design your perfect journey!

Tour Overview

The Lemosho route is a popular and scenic trail that offers stunning views, excellent acclimatization, and high summit success rates. Starting on the western slope of Kilimanjaro, it provides a quieter, less crowded approach compared to other routes. The trek passes through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, offering trekkers the chance to experience the mountain’s varied ecosystems. The route is available in 7- and 8-day itineraries, with the 8-day option recommended for better acclimatization.

A key highlight of Lemosho is Cathedral Peak (3,872 m), one of the highest points of the Shira Volcano, where climbers can enjoy an acclimatization hike and take in spectacular views of the surrounding areas. Another iconic feature of the route is the Dendrosenecio kilimanjari, an alien-like plant species found only on Kilimanjaro. With its great acclimatization profile and breathtaking landscapes, the Lemosho route offers an unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.

Tour Day By Day

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Where to Stay

Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro offers an adventurous and immersive experience, combining comfortable, well-equipped tents with breathtaking mountain views. Sleep in cozy sleeping bags at scenic, safe campsites, enjoy hot meals served by supportive staff, and wake to stunning landscapes and starry skies. It’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature.

Tour Detailed Itinerary

Arrival

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Kirenga Tours representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group. Extra charges will apply for additional individual transfers. To avoid extra costs, sync your group's arrival and departure times.

PLEASE NOTE : Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

Day 2 | Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Today you will trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. Our destination for today is the Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds. We gain a reasonable amount of altitude today and parts of the route are fairly steep.

  • Elevation: 2,750m to 3,500m
  • Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Habitat: Moorland

Day 3 | Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon you will take an acclimatization walk then head back to camp for dinner and overnight.

  • Elevation: 3,500m to 3,850m
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Habitat: Moorland

Day 4 | Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Your trek starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking into the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.

  • Elevation: 3,850m to 3,960m (via 4,640m)
  • Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5 | Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.

  • Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 5 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6 | Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.

  • Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 4 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 7 | Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.

  • Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m, then down to 3,080m
  • Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
  • Distance: 18 km
  • Difficulty: Very Challenging
  • Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest

Day 8 | Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.

  • Elevation: 3,080m to 1,640m
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Habitat: Rainforest

Day 9 | Depart Tanzania

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi or Arusha town and grab some gift shops before heading to the airport.

Safari, Cycling Adventures and other add-on are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania

Includes

  • Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
  • Professional, English-speaking guide
  • Mountain crew (cook, summit porter& porters)
  • Overnight stays in tents
  • Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs )
  • Meals according to the itinerary
  • Drinking water, tea & coffee
  • Oxygen tank and oximeters
  • All national park fees
  • Transfer from the hotel to the National Park gate and back

Excludes

  • International or Local Flights
  • Optional activities
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • Travel insurance

Who Would Enjoy This Experience?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an adventure open to anyone with determination and a reasonable level of fitness, regardless of prior mountaineering experience. From seasoned trekkers seeking their next challenge to first-time climbers eager to push their limits, this journey welcomes adventurers from all walks of life. With various routes tailored to different skill levels and timeframes, Kilimanjaro offers something for everyone, whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner. The key to success lies in proper preparation, including physical training, mental resilience, and acclimatization to altitude. Families, solo travelers, and even groups celebrating milestones often embark on this life-changing journey, supported by expert guides who ensure safety and an unforgettable experience.

When to Experience This Tour!

The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during its two distinct dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. These periods offer the most stable weather, with clear skies, mild temperatures, and less chance of rain, ensuring breathtaking views of the summit and surrounding landscapes. Climbers in January to March can enjoy quieter trails and occasional snow at the peak, creating a magical alpine experience. Meanwhile, June to October aligns with peak travel seasons, where sunny days and starry nights enhance the trek’s appeal. These optimal windows allow adventurers to focus on the climb, relish nature’s beauty, and increase their chances of a successful summit.

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