8-Day Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Through Lemosho Route
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Group Size
Max 10
Destination
Kilimanjaro
Type
Trekking
About This Safari
This route to Kilimanjaro is the most scenic and offers the smoothest acclimatization, which increases your chances of successfully reaching the summit. We offer this tour over six or seven days in addition to eight. The trek starts on the western side of the mountain at the Londorossi Gate. As an alternative, you can take the Shira route, which begins at a higher, more challenging attitude.
Tour Highlights
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views along one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic routes.
Benefit from gradual acclimatization to improve your chances of reaching the summit
Explore diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to alpine deserts and glaciers.
Begin your trek at Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro’s western side.
Choose a 6-, 7-, or 8-day itinerary to suit your schedule and trekking preferences.
Experience the beautiful Shira Plateau and spectacular views of Kibo Peak.
What's Included
Included
Porterage
Rescue fee
Park fees
(For non-residents)
All activities
(Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation
(Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation
(Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Meals
(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water
(On all days)
Not Included
Climbing gear
International flights
(From/to home)
Roundtrip airport transfer
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips
(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items
(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Photos
8-Day Itinerary
Budget camping
mount kilimanjaro
Arusha
Approx. 190 km
Approx. 5–6 hours (including crater game drive)
mount kilimanjaro
01
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After a briefing with our climb managers the day before, the guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in Arusha in the morning to meet you and hold another briefing. Then, you will travel by vehicle (roughly 3-4 hours) to Kilimanjaro National Park's western entrance: Londorossi Gate (2,200 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking towards the first camp of the route: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m). Raincoats are necessary on this day in particular, as you will be walking through the rainforest. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, put up tents, and cook lunch for you. After lunch, the group will depart on an acclimatization hike towards Shira 1 Camp which features a 300-meter gain in altitude, after which you will hike back down to Mti Mkubwa Camp, where a hot dinner will be waiting.
Lunch
Dinner
Activities
Trek through lush rainforest and spot unique wildlife.
Hike across the scenic Shira Plateau with breathtaking mountain views.
Explore alpine deserts, rocky landscapes, and volcanic formations.
Enjoy guided nature walks and photography opportunities along the trail.
Experience high-altitude trekking with planned acclimatization hikes.
Camp under the stars and enjoy spectacular mountain sunsets.
Hike to the summit of Uhuru Peak for an unforgettable sunrise experience.
Descend through Kilimanjaro’s beautiful landscapes with your professional mountain crew
This trek is available in 6, 7, or 8 days, depending on your preferred itinerary.
The 8-day route is recommended for better acclimatization and a higher chance of reaching the summit.
Good physical fitness and preparation are essential for this high-altitude trek.
The route starts at Londorossi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Shira route begins at a higher altitude and may be more challenging for acclimatization.
Summit success depends on individual fitness, health, weather conditions, and acclimatization.
Professional mountain guides, porters, and a cook accompany the trek.
Suitable hiking boots, warm clothing, rain gear, and essential trekking equipment are required.
Accommodation during the trek is in mountain tents.
Follow your guide’s instructions, walk slowly, stay hydrated, and report any symptoms of altitude sickness immediately.
Budget camping
mount kilimanjaro
mount kilimanjaro
Approx. 190 km
Approx. 4–5 hours (including game drive)
mount kilimanjaro
02
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
An early wakeup, breakfast, and a gradual trek upwards until 3,500 meters; at that point, for the first time you will be able to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano. On the whole, the passage from Mti Mkubwa Camp to the second high-altitude Shira 1 Camp (3,505m) is rather easy and takes about 5-6 hours. This will allow you to start the acclimatization process gradually, which is a mainstay of good trekking. When you reach the camp, your team of specialists will cook you lunch. You will have the chance to rest in your tent or walk around the nearby area.
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Activities
- Trek through lush rainforest and spot unique wildlife.
- Hike across the scenic Shira Plateau with breathtaking mountain views.
- Explore alpine deserts, rocky landscapes, and volcanic formations.
- Enjoy guided nature walks and photography opportunities along the trail.
- Experience high-altitude trekking with planned acclimatization hikes.
- Camp under the stars and enjoy spectacular mountain sunsets.
- Hike to the summit of Uhuru Peak for an unforgettable sunrise experience.
- Descend through Kilimanjaro’s beautiful landscapes with your professional mountain crew.
This trek is available in 6, 7, or 8 days, depending on your preferred itinerary.
The 8-day route is recommended for better acclimatization and a higher chance of reaching the summit.
Good physical fitness and preparation are essential for this high-altitude trek.
The route starts at Londorossi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Shira route begins at a higher altitude and may be more challenging for acclimatization.
Summit success depends on individual fitness, health, weather conditions, and acclimatization.
Professional mountain guides, porters, and a cook accompany the trek.
Suitable hiking boots, warm clothing, rain gear, and essential trekking equipment are required.
Accommodation during the trek is in mountain tents.
Follow your guide’s instructions, walk slowly, stay hydrated, and report any symptoms of altitude sickness immediately.
Budget camping
mount kilimanjaro
mount kilimanjaro
Approx. 120 km
Approx. 4–5 hours (including game drive)
mount kilimanjaro
03
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Departing from Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) and a light trekking towards the second high altitude camp: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m). This trek is not difficult and you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of Africa and the unique flora of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding area. Shira 2 Camp is the best place on the trip to see Mount Meru (the fifth summit of Africa), weather permitting.
When you arrive at the camp, you will have lunch, and after a two-hour rest, everyone will complete an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp that features a 300-meter gain in altitude.
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Activities
Trek through lush rainforest and spot unique wildlife.
Hike across the scenic Shira Plateau with breathtaking mountain views.
Explore alpine deserts, rocky landscapes, and volcanic formations.
Enjoy guided nature walks and photography opportunities along the trail.
Experience high-altitude trekking with planned acclimatization hikes
Starting altitude: Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m).
Destination altitude: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m).
Trekking difficulty: Moderate, with a gradual ascent suitable for acclimatization.
Scenic views: Enjoy panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s landscapes and Mount Meru, weather permitting.
Unique flora: Discover the distinctive high-altitude plants and volcanic terrain of the Shira Plateau.
Lunch and rest: Enjoy lunch at Shira 2 Camp, followed by approximately two hours of rest.
Acclimatization hike: Complete an optional guided hike toward Lava Tower, gaining approximately 300 m in altitude before returning to camp.
Budget camping
mount kilimanjaro
mount kilimanjaro
Approx. 120 km
Approx. 4–5 hours (including game drive)
mount kilimanjaro
04
Shira 2 Camp to the Lava Tower and Descent to Barranco Camp
After breakfast, you will leave Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,630 m). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters. It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be.
Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Here, you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! Next day you will be climbing it, but don't worry: it features a very simple hiking trail.
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Activities
Trek across the beautiful Shira Plateau toward Lava Tower.
Climb to Lava Tower at 4,630 m, enjoying spectacular volcanic landscapes and mountain views.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at Lava Tower and spend 1–2 hours at altitude for acclimatization, as conditions allow.
Descend through scenic valleys toward Barranco Camp at 3,960 m.
Photograph the impressive Barranco Wall and surrounding alpine desert scenery.
Enjoy dinner and overnight camping at Barranco Camp.
High-altitude acclimatization: This is a challenging day due to the significant elevation gain. The climb-high, sleep-low approach helps your body adjust to the altitude.
Trekking difficulty: Expect several ascents and descents over rocky, uneven terrain.
Altitude sickness: Headaches, nausea, dizziness, and unusual fatigue may occur. Inform your guide immediately if you experience symptoms.
Pacing: Walk slowly, stay hydrated, and follow your guide’s instructions throughout the trek.
Weather conditions: Temperatures and weather can change quickly, so carry warm layers, rain protection, and suitable hiking boots.
Barranco Wall: You will see this famous rock formation from camp. The following day involves a guided scramble up the wall; it is not a technical climbing route, but some sections are steep and require care.
Safety first: Your guide may adjust the itinerary or descent based on weather, altitude symptoms, and the group’s condition.
Budget camping
mount kilimanjaro
mount kilimanjaro
Approx. 120 km
Approx. 4–5 hours (including game drive)
mount kilimanjaro
05
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
You'll have an early wake-up, breakfast, and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.
Then, you will start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don't worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp, you will be offered a warm lunch. After a couple of hours, you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 200-meter gain in altitude, and then descend back down to the camp.
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Activities
Early morning ascent of the famous Barranco Wall.
Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak and surrounding landscapes.
Trek through valleys and ridges toward Karanga Camp.
Enjoy a warm lunch and rest at camp.
Complete an acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp.
Return to Karanga Camp for dinner and overnight camping
Start early to avoid crowds at Barranco Wall.
Some sections of the wall are steep and require careful footing.
The trail includes several ascents and descents.
Follow your guide’s pace and instructions throughout the trek.
Stay hydrated and walk slowly to support acclimatization.
Weather conditions can change quickly; carry warm clothing and rain protection.
Report any symptoms of altitude sickness to your guide immediately.
Budget camping
mount kilimanjaro
mount kilimanjaro
Approx. 190 km
Approx. 5–6 hours (including crater game drive)
mount kilimanjaro
06
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
In the morning after breakfast, you will begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp (4,640 m), the starting point for a night summiting Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Our team will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax. After regaining strength, you have to complete an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m) and then back to Barafu Camp, where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting.
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Activities
Trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640 m).
Enjoy scenic views of Kilimanjaro’s rugged alpine landscape.
Complete an acclimatization hike toward Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m).
Return to Barafu Camp for a hot dinner.
Rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt to Uhuru Peak.
Barafu Camp is the base camp for the final summit ascent
The trail involves steep sections and high-altitude terrain.
Walk slowly, stay hydrated, and follow your guide’s instructions.
Keep warm clothing, gloves, and headlamps ready for the summit night.
Rest as much as possible before the midnight departure.
Inform your guide immediately if you experience symptoms of altitude sickness.
Summit success depends on weather, health, and individual acclimatization.
Budget camping
mount kilimanjaro
mount kilimanjaro
Approx. 120 km
Full-day safari
mount kilimanjaro
07
Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp
Departure from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at night and the start of summiting Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Technically the climb is relatively simple. However, the most challenging part is the high altitude. Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor their physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then, you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m).
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Activities
Begin the midnight ascent from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Enjoy the sunrise and panoramic views from the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Take summit photos at Uhuru Peak.
Optional glacier visit, depending on conditions and safety.
Descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest.
Continue downhill to Millennium Camp (3,820 m) for dinner and overnight camping.
Begin the midnight ascent from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Enjoy the sunrise and panoramic views from the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Take summit photos at Uhuru Peak.
Optional glacier visit, depending on conditions and safety.
Descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest.
Continue downhill to Millennium Camp (3,820 m) for dinner and overnight camping.
mount kilimanjaro
Approx. 120 km
Approx. 4–5 hours
mount kilimanjaro
08
Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,650 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. After a lunch we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to Arusha, in this day we can help to arrange accommodation in Arusha.
Breakfast
lunch
no accomodation
Activities
Enjoy breakfast surrounded by the tropical rainforest at Millennium Camp.
Descend through Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,650 m).
Celebrate your successful summit achievement with your mountain crew.
Sign the guestbook and share feedback about your climbing experience.
Receive your commemorative summit certificate at the office.
Enjoy lunch before transferring back to Arusha.
Accommodation in Arusha can be arranged on request.
- The descent can be tiring, so walk carefully and follow your guide’s instructions.
- Trekking poles are recommended to reduce pressure on your knees.
- Wear comfortable hiking boots and carry rain protection, as rainforest conditions can be wet.
- Keep drinking water and stay hydrated throughout the descent.
- The transfer to Arusha is included in the itinerary.
- Accommodation in Arusha is available upon request and may be optional for an extra cost.
