WhatsApp or Call
8 Days Lemosho Trek
Trek Overview
Join us for an incredible adventure on the Lemosho Route, one of the most scenic and gradual paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route is renowned for its stunning landscapes, low crowds, and high success rates, making it ideal for trekkers who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of Kilimanjaro. Over 8 days, you will cross diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to striking alpine deserts, as you make your way to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the Roof of Africa. The Lemosho Route not only offers breathtaking views but also provides excellent acclimatization opportunities, giving you the best chance of a successful summit. With experienced guides ensuring your safety and comfort, and midrange tented accommodations offering a restful retreat each night, this trek is an unforgettable journey through one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.
What to Expect
- Breathtaking Scenery: Experience awe-inspiring landscapes, including lush rainforests, moorlands, and dramatic alpine deserts.
- Gradual Acclimatization: This longer trek allows your body to adjust to the altitude, increasing your chances of a successful summit at Uhuru Peak.
- Low Crowds: Enjoy a more tranquil trekking experience compared to other routes, with fewer climbers on the trail.
- Wildlife Encounters: Observe various wildlife, including monkeys and unique bird species, in the lush forest areas.
- Experienced Guides: Our knowledgeable guides will share insights into the mountain’s ecology, culture, and climbing techniques.
- Comfortable Accommodations: Rest well in midrange tented camps with meals prepared by our skilled chefs.
- Memorable Summit Attempt: Conclude your trek with a nighttime ascent to Uhuru Peak, where you will witness a breathtaking sunrise over the surrounding landscapes.
8 Days Lemosho Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,385m) to Big Tree Camp (2,780m)
Your adventure begins at Londorossi Gate, where you will register with Kilimanjaro National Park. After a short drive to the trailhead, you will start trekking through the lush rainforest, encountering unique flora and possibly spotting colobus monkeys and other wildlife. The trail is relatively gentle today, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the forest as you make your way to Big Tree Camp.
- Elevation Gain: 395 meters
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 4.8 km (3 miles)
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Key Highlights:
- Walking through dense rainforest with towering trees and moss-covered paths
- Spotting monkeys, exotic birds, and diverse plant species
Arriving at Big Tree Camp, a peaceful setting for your first night on the mountain
Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2,780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Leaving the rainforest behind, today’s hike takes you into the moorland zone, where the vegetation starts to change dramatically. As you ascend towards the Shira Plateau, you will witness expansive views of Kilimanjaro’s western slopes. The day ends at Shira 1 Camp, where you can soak in the breathtaking scenery.
- Elevation Gain: 720 meters
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Habitat: Moorland
- Key Highlights:
- Transitioning from rainforest to open moorland
- Stunning views of the Shira Plateau and surrounding landscapes
- Enjoying the first clear glimpses of Kibo Peak, Kilimanjaro’s main summit
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) to Moir Hut (4,200m) via Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Today’s trek continues across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in Africa. The terrain becomes rockier as you gain altitude. You will pass by Shira 2 Camp before heading to Moir Hut, which sits beneath Lent Hills, offering an optional short acclimatization hike.
- Elevation Gain: 700 meters
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
- Habitat: Moorland
- Key Highlights:
- Walking across the vast and surreal Shira Plateau
- Optional acclimatization hike on the Lent Hills for better altitude adaptation
- Spectacular views of Kibo Peak in the distance
Day 4: Moir Hut (4,200m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m) via Lava Tower (4,630m)
This is a crucial acclimatization day as you climb to Lava Tower (4,630m) before descending to Barranco Camp. The principle of “hike high, sleep low” helps your body adjust to the altitude, increasing your chances of reaching the summit. The landscape changes into an alpine desert with fascinating rock formations.
- Elevation Gain: 430 meters to Lava Tower; descent of 670 meters to Barranco Camp
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Key Highlights:
- Acclimatization through the hike high, sleep low technique
- Reaching the iconic Lava Tower, a massive volcanic rock formation
- Descending into the Barranco Valley, home to unique giant senecios
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)
An exciting day begins with the famous Barranco Wall—a thrilling yet manageable scramble. At the top, you will be rewarded with some of the best views of the journey. The trek then continues over undulating terrain towards Karanga Camp, your last water point before the summit push.
- Elevation Gain: 75 meters
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Key Highlights:
- Climbing the Barranco Wall, a fun and rewarding challenge
- Spectacular views of glaciers and valleys below
- Arriving at Karanga Camp, an important rest point before the summit
Day 6: Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,080m)
Today’s trek is short but steep as you ascend to Barafu Camp, the final stop before the summit attempt. You will have an early dinner and rest, preparing for the toughest part of the climb—summit night.
- Elevation Gain: 605 meters
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Key Highlights:
- A steady climb with stunning views of Mawenzi Peak
- Arriving at Barafu Camp, the starting point for your summit push
Resting and hydrating for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,080m)
The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek! You will start the ascent around midnight, hiking through the cold, dark night to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. After celebrating your achievement, you will descend to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
- Elevation Gain: 1,255 meters to Uhuru Peak; descent of 2,815 meters to Mweka Camp
- Hiking Time: Ascent: 6-8 hours; Descent: 4-6 hours
- Distance: Ascent: 5 km (3.1 miles); Descent: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Habitat: Arctic conditions at the summit; descending through alpine desert and moorland
- Key Highlights:
- Summiting Kilimanjaro! Standing at 5,895m, the highest point in Africa
- Watching a breathtaking sunrise over Tanzania
A long but fulfilling descent to Mweka Camp
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,080m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Your final descent through the lush rainforest is a time for reflection. After receiving your summit certificates, you will celebrate your achievement before departing for your next adventure.
- Elevation Loss: 1,440 meters
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Key Highlights:
- A leisurely descent through the green, oxygen-rich rainforest
- Receiving your official summit certificate at Mweka Gate
- Celebrating your successful Kilimanjaro summit!
Why Choose Lemosho
Stunning Scenery: The Lemosho Route offers some of the most breathtaking views on Kilimanjaro, taking you through diverse landscapes that include lush rainforests, moorlands, and the stark beauty of alpine deserts.
Less Crowded: This route is one of the lesser-traveled paths on the mountain, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful trekking experience with fewer climbers on the trail.
High Success Rate: The gradual ascent of the Lemosho Route promotes better acclimatization, significantly increasing your chances of reaching the summit of Uhuru Peak.
Diverse Wildlife: Experience the rich biodiversity of Kilimanjaro, including opportunities to see unique flora and fauna, especially in the rainforest areas.
Expert Guidance: Our highly experienced guides will lead you through every step of the journey, ensuring your safety while providing valuable insights into the mountain’s ecology and culture.
Tour Price: Ask for a quote
Our 8 Days Lemosho Trek is fully customizable to fit your needs. Reach out for a quote, and we can talk about your budget and individual preferences.