8 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the pristine Lemosho Route - the most scenic and least crowded route on the mountain. Perfect for climbers seeking a wilderness experience with excellent acclimatization and high summit success rates.
The Lemosho Route is considered the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro, offering breathtaking views from the western side of the mountain. It begins with a remote and pristine wilderness experience before joining the Machame Route on the third day.
This route is renowned for its excellent acclimatization profile with the "climb high, sleep low" strategy built into the itinerary. The 8-day duration provides the best possible acclimatization, resulting in one of the highest summit success rates among all routes.
The Lemosho Route approaches from the west, traversing through diverse ecosystems including untouched rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone. It offers panoramic views of the mountain from all angles.
This itinerary includes 2 hotel nights in Moshi, professional mountain crew, emergency oxygen, park fees, meals, camping equipment, and all trekking support services provided by IPPO Adventures.
Duration
8 Days Trek
Summit
Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Accommodation
Camping (Tents)
Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging
Success Rate
Very High (95%+)
Route Style
Scenic & Pristine
Best For
Wilderness Experience
Acclimatization
Excellent (8 days)
Climbing Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival – Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our driver will meet you and transfer you to Moshi town. Relax after your flight and prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro White House Hotel / Similar
Day 1: Moshi – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Altitude: 1,640m – 2,850m
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 4–5 Hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
- Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Tents)
After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate for registration and briefing. Begin your trek through the pristine rainforest with its giant ferns, mosses, and colorful birdlife. The trail is gentle and offers views of the mountain through the trees.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Altitude: 2,850m – 3,840m
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 5–6 Hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (Tents)
Leave the rainforest and enter open moorland with spectacular views of the mountain. The trail becomes steeper as you ascend towards Shira Plateau, offering stunning views of Kibo Peak and the volcanic landscape.
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
- Altitude: 3,840m – 4,630m – 3,980m
- Distance: 12 km
- Time: 6–8 Hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accommodation: Barranco Camp (Tents)
This is the acclimatization day where you climb high to Lava Tower (4,630m) and sleep lower at Barranco Camp. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy is crucial for acclimatization. The scenery is dramatic with views of Kibo and the Barranco Wall. This is where the Lemosho Route joins the Machame Route.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Altitude: 3,980m – 4,040m
- Distance: 5 km
- Time: 3–4 Hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accommodation: Karanga Camp (Tents)
Tackle the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb that offers spectacular views. After reaching the top, traverse the rocky terrain to Karanga Camp. This is a short day to allow for extra rest and acclimatization.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Altitude: 4,040m – 4,680m
- Distance: 6 km
- Time: 4–5 Hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accommodation: Barafu Camp (Tents)
Continue the ascent to Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit. The landscape becomes more barren as you enter the alpine desert. Rest, eat an early dinner, and prepare for the summit attempt starting around midnight.
Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
- Altitude: 4,680m – 5,895m – 3,100m
- Distance: 17 km (5 km up, 12 km down)
- Time: 8–12 Hours
- Accommodation: Mweka Camp (Tents)
Start the summit climb around midnight. Trek to the crater rim at Stella Point (5,756m), then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Witness an unforgettable sunrise from the roof of Africa. Celebrate your achievement before descending to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Moshi
- Altitude: 3,100m – 1,650m
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 3–4 Hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Moshi for celebration and a hot shower.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro White House Hotel / Similar
Day 8: Departure
Transfer from Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. End of your adventure with IPPO Adventures.
Tour Prices
| Package Type | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Joining Group | USD 2,100 |
| Private Group (4+ people) | USD 2,200 |
| Private Tour (1-3 people) | USD 2,400 |
Included
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- 8 Days Lemosho Route Climb
- Park fees and rescue fees
- Tented camping accommodation
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
- Pre and post trek hotel accommodation (2 nights)
Excluded
- International flights
- Tanzania Visa
- Travel insurance
- Medical insurance
- Tips for crew
- Personal expenses
- Sleeping bags (can be rented)
- Personal trekking gear
Payment Policy
Traveler pays 20% deposit to secure the booking. Remaining balance is payable upon arrival in Tanzania.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to one week before tour start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and pristine routes on Kilimanjaro, offering excellent acclimatization and some of the most beautiful views of the mountain from the western side.
It offers the perfect combination of scenic beauty, excellent acclimatization, high summit success rates, and a wilderness experience with fewer crowds compared to other routes.
Uhuru Peak stands at 5,895 meters above sea level.
The 8-day itinerary provides excellent acclimatization with the "climb high, sleep low" strategy, resulting in one of the highest summit success rates of any Kilimanjaro route (95%+).
No technical climbing skills are required. Good physical fitness and proper acclimatization are essential. The 8-day itinerary provides the best possible acclimatization.
The best months are January-March and June-October when the weather is dry and clear with excellent mountain visibility.
The Lemosho Route is less crowded than other routes, especially on the first few days, offering a true wilderness experience before joining the Machame Route.
