8 Days Lemosho Route

8 Days Lemosho Route

Description

Find an unforgettable adventure with our 8-Day Lemosho Route trek, one of the most scenic and successful routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Beginning on the western slopes, this route offers gradual acclimatization, stunning views, and varied landscapes—from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and the awe-inspiring Shira Plateau. It’s ideal for those seeking a longer, less crowded trek with a higher success rate. 

Over the course of 8 days, you’ll be guided by experienced professionals dedicated to your safety and success. With well-paced days and built-in acclimatization, the Lemosho Route increases your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak confidently. Join Migsam Safaris for a life-changing journey to Africa’s highest point through one of its most beautiful trekking paths. 

8 Day

Tanzania

6 Total Activities

Tour Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi: Gateway to Kilimanjaro

Migsam Safaris welcome you to Tanzania. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Moshi, the bustling base town at the foot of Kilimanjaro.
Later, you will undoubtedly meet with our trekking team for a pre-climbing briefing, gear check, and final preparations.

Some of the key activities
  • Hotel check-in and Airport pickup
  • Briefing with your mountain guide
  • Rest, hydrate, and mentally prepare for the adventure ahead

Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa)

Later on, the climb begins. Immediately after breakfast, you will certainly drive to Londorossi Gate (2250 m) for park registration.
A short drive from there leads to the trailhead, where the trek begins through the lush montane forest. The hike is peaceful and scenic, with chances to spot Colobus monkeys and exotic birds.

  • Distance: 6 km
  • Time: 3–4 hours
  • Starting Elevation: 2,250 m (7,380 ft)
  • Ending Elevation: 2,800 m (9,186 ft)
  • Habitat: Rainforest

Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp

The trek mostly takes you out of the forest and onto the vast, grassy expanse of the Shira Plateau. Terrain changes suddenly, as you enter the Moorland zone, with majestic views of Kibo Peak and the distant rim of the Shira Caldera.

  • Distance: 8 km
  • Time: 5–6 hours
  • Starting Elevation: 2,800 m
  • Ending Elevation: 3,610 m (11,844 ft)
  • Habitat: Moorland

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

It will be a relatively short day, enabling your body to continue acclimating. You will certainly continue trekking across the plateau and enjoy mesmerising views and dramatic volcanic scenic beauty. It is a superb day for photography and adjusting to the thinner air.

  • Distance: 7 km
  • Time: 3–4 hours
  • Starting Elevation: 3,610 m
  • Ending Elevation: 3,850 m (12,631 ft)
  • Habitat: Moorland

Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)

It is a critical acclimatisation day, as you will climb to the top of a lava tower (4630 m) and then descend to Barranco Camp to sleep. The route passes through the Alpine desert zone, and the Lava tower offers a striking view and a chance to experience the magnificent altitude. Sleeping at a lower elevation than you climb helps your body adapt to the altitude.

  • Distance: 10 km
  • Time: 6-7 hours
  • Starting Elevation: 3850 m
  • Maximum Point: 4630 m (Lava Tower)
  • Ending Elevation: 3796 m (Barraco camp)
  • Habitat: Alpine desert

Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp

The day begins with the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable climb that provides stunning views of the valley. Once you conquer the wall, you will traverse through the ridges and valleys until you reach the Karanga valley, a critical stop for rest and acclimatisation before the entire summit day.

  • Distance: 5 km
  • Time: 4–5 hours
  • Starting Elevation: 3,976 m
  • Ending Elevation: 3,995 m
  • Habitat: Alpine desert

Summit Day – Karanga Camp to Uhuru Peak, then Descent to Mweka Camp

Summit day is regarded as both the most challenging and the most rewarding day. After a pre-midnight wake-up call, you will certainly begin your final ascent under the stars.
The trail to Stella Point (5739 m) is suddenly steep and cold, but reaching the rim of Kibo Crater at sunrise is an unforgettable view. From this, a final push takes you to Uhuru Peak (5895 m), i.e., the roof of Africa.
Just after a brief celebration at the summit, you will undoubtedly begin the long descent to Barafu Camp for rest, and then down further to Mweka Camp for the rest of the night.

  • Distance: 17 km
  • Time: 12–14 hours total
  • Starting Elevation: 3,995 m
  • Summit Elevation: 5,895 m
  • Ending Elevation: 3,100 m
  • Habitat: Arctic (summit), then Alpine and Moorland

Mweka Camp to Moshi – Completion & Departure

The final trek takes you through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will sign out and receive your summit certificate. A vehicle will then transfer you back to Moshi for a hot shower and a well-deserved rest, or onward travel.

  • Distance: 10 km
  • Time: 3–4 hours
  • Starting Elevation: 3,100 m
  • Ending Elevation: 1,640 m
  • Habitat: Rainforest

Safari Tour Details

For Tour Updates, Luxury-Range Pricing Details, and Custom Itineraries

Why the Lemosho Route Package is Unique

Scenic & Gradual: Lemosho Route offers lush forests, open moorlands, and high plateau vistas, optimising acclimatisation.

Tailored Comfort: Midrange camping provides cosy essentials; luxury camping includes private tents, gourmet meals, and attentive service.

High Summit Success: Gradual ascent increases chances of reaching Uhuru Peak safely and comfortably.

Original Narrative: Each day is written with immersive, sensory language rather than standard checklist-style descriptions.

Include & Exclude

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    Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing

    Conquer Africa’s Highest Peak

    Uhuru Peak
    Reach Africa’s highest point with unforgettable sunrise summit views.
    Lemosho Route
    Scenic, less crowded trail offering excellent acclimatization and wildlife.
    Rainforest Zone
    Lush, green beginning filled with monkeys, birds, and unique flora.
    Summit Sunrise
    Golden light over glaciers marks an emotional, rewarding achievement.
    Glacial Views
    Ancient ice fields shimmer atop the world’s tallest freestanding mountain.
    Personal Triumph
    Climbing Kilimanjaro tests limits, builds confidence, and changes perspectives.
    Expert Guidance

    Personalized Journeys Crafted Just for Your Unique Adventure

    Frequently Asked, Easily Answered

    Tanzania Safari FAQs

    Do you have more questions about the safari and tour destinations in Tanzania? Our FAQs provide you with all the answers you need to plan for the perfect trip. From the best time to visit Tanzania to wildlife spotting tips to game drives, we’ve got you covered. Experience 

    your adventure with confidence.

    What makes the Udzungwa Mountains special?
    Udzungwa is known for its rainforest-covered mountains, rare primates, endemic birds, breathtaking waterfalls, and some of Tanzania’s best hiking and nature trails.
    How physically challenging are the hikes?
    Hikes range from easy to strenuous, depending on the trail. Sanje Waterfall and Mwanihana Peak treks require good fitness, steep climbs, and long walking hours.
    When is the best time to visit the Udzungwa Mountains?
    The best months are June to October (dry season). The park is open year-round, but trails get slippery during the rainy season (March–May).
    Are there any safety concerns?
    The park is very safe. Trails are well managed, and guides accompany all hikes. Lodges and camps follow standard safety guidelines for wildlife and forest trekking.
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