8 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE KILIMANJARO TREKKING

8 Days Lemosho route

Overview

The 8-day Lemosho Route is considered one of the most scenic trails on Kilimanjaro, offering panoramic vistas from various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, it’s a fantastic choice for climbers due to its balance of low crowds, stunning scenery, and a high summit success rate. This route is especially ideal for beginners, as the longer duration provides more time for acclimatization, making it one of the routes with the highest success rates on the mountain.
The Lemosho Route begins on the western side of Kilimanjaro at Londorossi Gate. From there, the trek moves through lush rainforest to the Shira Plateau over the first two days. The trail then continues east towards Lava Tower, followed by a descent to Barranco Valley via the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu.

What to Expect

After a 4-hour drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, you'll begin your journey on the western slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, heading towards the famous Shira Plateau. As you climb, you'll pass through diverse climate zones, from alpine meadows to permanent ice. The gradual ascent, combined with excellent acclimatization opportunities, makes this route one of the most successful for reaching the summit.
With breathtaking scenic views, abundant wildlife, and relatively low traffic from other climbers, the Lemosho Route is a favorite of Pamoja Kilimanjaro & Safaris for those seeking to reach the Roof of Africa.

Tour Plan

Arrival in Tanzania - Transfer from Airport to Moshi
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Moshi town. You will meet our Kilimanjaro trekking expert who will brief you on your upcoming Kilimanjaro trekking, then rest until the next day morning.

Day 1 - Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Health
We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Day 3 - Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadow towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail 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 Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Day 4 - Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15200ft down to 13000ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Day 5 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley
Elevation: 13,000ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After a climb of the Great Barranco Wall we continue around the southern ciruit train until we reach another sceneic location of Karanga Camp
Day 6 - Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 15,091(ft)
Distance: 4km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Arctic
The trail from Karanga to Barafu reaches the bleak high desert of Kilimanjaro. Barafu Camp is a basic camp geared towards the business of reaching the summit.
Day 7 - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak descent to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft descent to 10065ft
Distance: 18 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 13-14 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. 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.
Day 8 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

The Pamoja Kilimanjaro & Safari team will ensure that your dream of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro becomes a reality.

PRICE INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

Standard Included & Excludes.

Includes For Standard Trekking

✔ Oxygen Cylinder
✔ Medically qualified guides
✔ Twice a day medical health checkup, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope.
✔ Midrange accommodations before & after the climb, bed & breakfast basis, double occupancy (Key’s Hotel, Nguchiro Palace Hotel)
✔ Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
✔ Pick up and drop off to the Airport (Private transfers)
✔ Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees.
✔ Government tax (18% VAT ON TOUR FEE AND SERVICE)
✔ Mobile toilet
✔ Mountain climbing certificate
✔ Team Kilimanjaro rescue fees
✔ Fair Wages for the mountain crew as approved by Kilimanjaro national park Authority, and Kilimanjaro Association of Tour operator (KIATO)
✔ 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs/ 13.6 Kgs. of your personal gear.
✔ 4-season mountain tents, double occupancy.
✔ Mess tent, tables, chairs, double layer sleeping bag -250 C, 3 inches thick mattress and trekking poles.
✔ All meals while on the climb + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
✔ As much treated water you can drink while climbing.
✔ Hot water for washing up daily.

Luxury Included & Excludes.

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Very warm and welcoming travel agency, everything arranged very perfectly!. Whether it's mountain climbing arrangements or hunting tours, ..

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We attended the 7 days of Gillimazarohiking, all staff are very friendly and careful, get up in the morning careful to help us prepare hot water hot tea, .

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Our group had wonderful safari trip in northern Tanzania. It’s my personal first experience of safari but i would say i kinda fall in love into it right after this trip.

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