An epic Kilimanjaro ascent through lush forests and dramatic ridges, an unforgettable climb into the clouds.
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.
Remote, stunning, and beautifully challenging from start to summit
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
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
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
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
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
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 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.
Habitat: Arctic (summit), then Alpine and Moorland
Distance: 17 km
Time: 12–14 hours total
Starting Elevation: 3,995 m
Summit Elevation: 5,895 m
Ending Elevation: 3,100 m
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
Include
- Professional, experienced, and English-speaking mountain guides
- Professional cook and well-trained mountain crew (porters & waiter)
- All park fees and rescue fees
- Government taxes and VAT
- Airport transfers (to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Transfers to and from the Lemosho, Shira and northen circuit Gate
- Accommodation before and after the climb (2 nights at a hotel in Moshi/Arusha)
- Full board meals during the climb (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Clean, purified drinking water during the trek
- Hot drinks (coffee, tea, and cocoa)
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, and chairs)
- Portable chemical toilet & toilet tent
- Oxygen cylinder & oximeter (for altitude monitoring)
- Emergency first aid kit
- Fair wages for guides, cooks, and porters
- Certificate of achievement after successful climb
Exclude
- International flights
- Tanzania entry visa
- Travel and health insurance
- Tips for guides, cooks, and porters (recommended amount: $250–$300 per climber)
- Personal hiking gear (sleeping bag, trekking poles, boots, etc.)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.)
- Additional accommodation before or after the climb (beyond the included nights)
- Any optional tours or activities before or after the climb
Tanzania Safari FAQs
Udzungwa is known for its rainforest-covered mountains, rare primates, endemic birds, breathtaking waterfalls, and some of Tanzania’s best hiking and nature trails.
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.
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).
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.