🏔️ 8-Day Lemosho Route Itinerary – Ultimate Guide to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
8 Days • Start and end in Arusha or Moshi
$ 1,540 pp (USD)
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📌 Benefits of the Route
Superior Acclimatization
The 8-day Lemosho Route boosts summit success
with acclimatization. Extra time at altitude reduces sickness, enhancing your climb. Over 90% of trekkers reach Uhuru Peak this way.
Less Crowded Trails
Unlike Machame, the 8-day Lemosho Route stays quieter longer. Fewer climbers mean a peaceful, immersive Kilimanjaro adventure. Enjoy nature without the crowds on this path.
Stunning Scenic Diversity
Lemosho’s 8-day trek showcases rainforests, plateaus, and alpine deserts. Views of Kibo and Barranco Wall captivate every climber. This diverse beauty sets it apart from other routes.
Gradual Ascent Advantage
The 8-day Lemosho Route ascends slowly for better endurance. Gentle slopes ease fatigue, making the summit push manageable. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike.
🧭 The Route Map
📈 Introduction to the Lemosho Route
Planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route in 8 days? This detailed itinerary offers the perfect blend of scenic beauty, gradual acclimatization, and a high summit success rate (over 90%). Known for its stunning views and quieter trails, the 8-day Lemosho Route is ideal for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike. Read on for a day-by-day breakdown, expert tips, and everything you need to conquer Africa’s highest peak.
🌟 Highlights of the 8-Day Lemosho Route for Kilimanjaro?
🐘 Wildlife Encounters: Spot blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and even small antelope in the lower rainforest zone during the early days of the trek.
🧗♂️ The Iconic Barranco Wall: Climb the thrilling yet safe Barranco Wall, often called the “Breakfast Wall,” with breathtaking views along the way.
🌄 Unforgettable Sunrise Summit: Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft) at dawn and watch the sunrise over the African continent—a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
🏕️ Comfortable Campsites: Well-established campsites at scenic locations offer clean water, tents, and rest areas throughout the trek.
🗓️ Detailed 8-Day Lemosho Route Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be greeted by a Kilimanjaro 360 representative and transferred to your hotel, which is included in your package rate. Your accommodation is designed for comfort and relaxation, featuring cozy rooms, hot showers, friendly staff, a swimming pool, and Wi-Fi access.
In the evening, you’ll attend a pre-climb briefing with our team. This important session ensures you're fully prepared for the trek, covering gear checks and answering any last-minute questions.
Note:
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Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group.
🕖 Please note: Hotel check-in begins at 7:00 PM.
Arusha City
Arrival Day
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Elevation: 2,360 m (7,742 ft) to 2,895 m (9,498 ft)
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Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
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Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
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Habitat: Rainforest
Your adventure begins with a 3-4 hour drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate. After registration, trek through the lush rainforest teeming with colobus monkeys and exotic birds. The gentle uphill path leads to Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you’ll spend your first night under the stars.
💬 Tip: Pack a rain jacket, rainforests can be unpredictable!
Your adventure begin
Explore variety of animals & birds
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Elevation: 2,895 m (9,498 ft) to 3,505 m (11,500 ft)
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Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
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Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
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Habitat: Heath and Moorland
Leave the rainforest behind as you ascend into the heath zone. The trail offers stunning views of lava tubes and the Shira Plateau. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, perched on the plateau with your first glimpse of Kibo Peak.
💬 Tip: Hydrate well-altitude effects start here
Entering the Moorland
Explore the stunning views of shira
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Elevation: 3,505 m (11,500 ft) to 3,890 m (12,762 ft)
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Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
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Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
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Habitat: Moorland
Trek across the expansive Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic stretches. A gentle ascent takes you to Shira 2 Camp, with optional acclimatization hikes to Cathedral Peak (3,872 m/12,703 ft) for panoramic views.
💬 Tip: Use this day to adjust to the altitude—“climb high, sleep low” works wonders.
Optimal Acclimatization
Panoramic Views
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Elevation: 3,890 m (12,762 ft) to 4,630 m (15,190 ft) to 3,950 m (12,959 ft)
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Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
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Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
A key acclimatization day! Climb to Lava Tower (4,630 m) for lunch amid volcanic rock formations, then descend to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy preps your body for higher altitudes while showcasing giant Senecio plants.
💬 Tip: Pace yourself descent can be tough on knees.
Entering the alpine desert
Explore the Senecio plants & massive rock formations here
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Elevation: 3,950 m (12,959 ft) to 4,040 m (13,254 ft)
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Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
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Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
Tackle the famous Barranco Wall-a 257 m (843 ft) scramble that’s less technical than it looks. Enjoy jaw-dropping views of Kibo and the southern ice fields before descending into Karanga Valley. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
💬 Tip: Trust your guides they’ll help with the scrambly bits.
Majestic Barranco wall
Experience the massive views of Kibo
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Elevation: 4,040 m (13,254 ft) to 4,645 m (15,239 ft)
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Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
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Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
A short, steady climb takes you to Barafu Camp, your summit base. The trail joins the Mweka Route, offering multiple angles of Uhuru Peak. Rest and hydrate here to prepare for the midnight summit bid.
💬 Tip: Sleep early, summit day starts at midnight!
Prepare for the summit day
Rest enough for midnight summit
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Elevation: 4,645 m (15,239 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) to 3,100 m (10,170 ft)
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Distance: 5 km ascent (3.1 miles) / 12 km descent (7.5 miles)
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Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 5-6 hours descent
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Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
The big day! Start at midnight, ascending steep scree to Stella Point (5,732 m/18,800 ft) by sunrise. Push on for an hour to Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s summit. Celebrate, then descend to Mweka Camp through the alpine desert and rainforest.
💬 Tip: Dress in layers, temperatures drop below freezing.
Summit day
Cooler emperatures
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Elevation: 3,100 m (10,170 ft) to 1,828 m (6,000 ft)
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Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
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Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
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Habitat: Rainforest
A gentle descent through the rainforest leads to Mweka Gate. There, you can collect your summit certificate and transfer it back to Moshi or Arusha. Then, you can reflect on your epic achievement!
💬 Tip: Tip your crew, they’ve earned it.
Certification day
Collect your summit certificates at Mweka gate
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✅ Climbing Cost Includes
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Licensed English-speaking Lead Guide (often Wilderness First Responder certified)
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Assistant Guides
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Porters (carry your gear, tents, and supplies — typically 2-3 porters per climber)
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Cook (prepares fresh, hot meals daily)
The number of crew members depends on the size of your group, but you'll be well supported.
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Tents: Four-season mountain tents (shared by 2 people, unless a private tent is requested)
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Dining Tent with Table & Chairs
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Sleeping Mat
Note: Sleeping bags are usually not included by default but can be rented.
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3 Hot Meals Per Day: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, freshly prepared.
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Snacks: Often included during breaks.
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Dietary Needs: Most operators accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.
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Boiled & Filtered Drinking Water: Safe and provided throughout the trek.
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Treated and filtered water throughout the trek.
Pulse oximeter, oxygen tank, first-aid kit, and emergency evacuation coordination.
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Airport Transfers: Pickup and drop-off from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
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Hotel Accommodation (before & after the trek):
Usually 1 night before and 1 night after the climb in a hotel/lodge in Moshi or Arusha, with breakfast included. -
Pre-Climb Briefing:
Conducted by your guide to go over the route, safety procedures, gear check, and answer any questions.
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Daily Health Checks: Pulse oximeter readings, symptom checks
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First Aid Kit
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Emergency Oxygen (carried by the guide, used only in emergencies)
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Evacuation Plan: In case of emergency, coordinated with Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue.
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Kilimanjaro National Park Entry Fees
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Camping Fees
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Rescue Fees (mandatory and part of Kilimanjaro National Park regulations)
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Crew Wages & Fees (Porters, guides, cooks)
These fees are regulated and set by the Tanzanian government, making up a significant part of the total trek cost.
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Private transfers from Moshi/Arusha to Lemosho Gate and return from Mweka Gate.
2 nights in a comfortable hotel with breakfast (1 night pre-climb, 1 night post-climb).
Porters to carry luggage, tents, and supplies; fair wages and ethical treatment ensured.
❌ What's Not Included
Our Kilimanjaro packages exclude international flights. You’ll need to arrange and cover those separately. Feel free to reach out to your manager for airline recommendations flying to Tanzania.
Most travelers pay USD 50 for a single-entry visa valid for 90 days, while U.S. citizens are charged USD 100 for a multiple-entry visa. Reach out to our travel advisors for details on Tanzania visa regulations and requirements.
Tipping your mountain crew is a long-standing tradition in trekking across the globe. While never obligatory at Kilimanjaro 360, we encourage clients to reward their crew if the service meets their expectations. A suggested tip ranges between USD 250–350 per hiker.
You can learn more about tipping by reading our article here.
Sleeping bags, clothing, trekking poles, and boots (available for rent if needed).
Travel insurance is not included in our Kilimanjaro and Meru climbing packages. All participants must have valid travel insurance that specifically covers trekking at altitudes up to 6,000 meters and includes helicopter evacuation. As insurance policies and prices vary by country, we recommend checking with your provider to ensure these requirements are met and to confirm the exact costs.
Sleeping bags, clothing, trekking poles, and boots (available for rent if needed)Soft drinks, energy bars, alcoholic beverages not included..
Innocent Alfey
"Inno’s vision for sustainability ensures that every adventure not only uplifts the spirit but also honors and preserves the soul of Tanzania."
Answered by
ℹ️ 8-Day Lemosho Route: Top Climbing Questions Answered
Answered by
Innocent Alfey
1
What Makes 8-Day Lemosho Route Unique?
The 8-day Lemosho Route stands out with scenic diversity and acclimatization. It crosses rainforests, the Shira Plateau, and alpine deserts over 70 km. The extra day boosts summit success above 90%, offering trekkers stunning views of Kibo and a quieter trail compared to Machame, making it a top choice for a memorable Kilimanjaro climb.
2
How Hard Is 8-Day Lemosho Route?
The 8-day Lemosho Route is moderately challenging but beginner-friendly. Its gradual 5,895-meter ascent over eight days aids acclimatization, reducing altitude sickness risks. The Barranco Wall requires light scrambling, and summit night tests endurance. With training—hiking and cardio—you’ll manage this Kilimanjaro trek, especially with guides pacing you "pole pole" (slowly).
3
How Much Does 8-Day Lemosho Cost?
The 8-day Lemosho Route costs between $2,500 and $3,500 per person. Prices vary by operator, group size, and inclusions like guides, porters, and gear. This Kilimanjaro climb investment covers park fees, meals, and camping. Budget extra for tips and personal equipment to ensure a smooth, supported trek to the summit.
4
What’s the Best Season for Lemosho?
The best seasons for the 8-day Lemosho Route are dry: January-March and June-October. These months offer clear skies, less rain, and optimal trail conditions for climbing Kilimanjaro. January-March is warmer, while June-October has cooler nights but stunning views. Avoid April-May and November for a safer, more enjoyable summit push to Uhuru Peak.
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What Gear Do I Need for Lemosho?
For the 8-day Lemosho Route, pack quality hiking boots and poles. A warm sleeping bag, layered clothing, and waterproofs handle Kilimanjaro’s weather shifts. Bring a headlamp, water purifier, and snacks for summit night. Renting gear locally is an option, but test everything before trekking to ensure comfort and safety on this epic climb.
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Can Beginners Climb 8-Day Lemosho Route?
Yes, beginners can tackle the 8-day Lemosho Route with preparation. Its gradual ascent aids acclimatization, easing altitude challenges for new climbers. No technical skills are needed, just fitness—train with hikes and cardio months prior. Experienced guides support you, making this Kilimanjaro route ideal for first-timers aiming for Uhuru Peak success.
7
Lemosho 7 days vs Lemosho 8 days
The Lemosho 7-day route is shorter, more budget-friendly, but offers less acclimatization time, increasing altitude sickness risk. It skips a rest day, pushing climbers to ascend faster. The Lemosho 8-day route includes an extra day for acclimatization, typically at Shira 2 or Karanga Camp, improving summit success rates and comfort. The 8-day option is ideal for less experienced climbers or those prioritizing health and a higher chance of summiting Kilimanjaro.
8
Lemosho 8 days vs Northern Circuit
The 8-day Lemosho Route (70 km) offers stunning southern scenery, high summit success (90%), and moderate crowds, merging with Machame. The Northern Circuit (88 km, 8-9 days) provides quieter northern slopes, better acclimatization, and a 95-98% success rate, ideal for solitude seekers.
🛈 Good to Know
Type G
Tanzania
If you're traveling from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa, you'll need a Type G adapter.
Sh
Tanzanian Shiling
Tanzania
To ensure safe travel to Tanzania, get vaccinated:
Typhoid - Advised for Tanzania. Best 2 weeks prior.
Hepatitis A - Advised for Tanzania. Best 2 weeks prior.
Cholera - Advised for Tanzania. Best 2 weeks prior.
Tuberculosis - Advised for Tanzania. Best 3 months prior.
Hepatitis B - Advised for Tanzania Best 2 months prior.
Rabies - Advised for Tanzania. Best 1 month prior.
Meningococcal meningitis - Advised for Tanzania. Best 3 weeks prior.
📍 Tour Starting Point
This tour begins and ends in Moshi or Arusha, Tanzania — a vibrant gateway to Kilimanjaro and many of the country’s national parks.
✈️ International Flights
We can assist you in choosing your international flights, you'll need to book them independently.
🛬 Recommended Airports
Fly to/from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO - Check price) near Arusha. Or fly to/from Arusha Airport (ARK - Check price) via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi (Kenya) 📌 (Tip: Check prices for both options to find the best deal.)
🚐 Airport Transfers Included
Relax — airport transfers to and from your hotel are included in the tour package.
🏨 Extra Accommodation Available
Need more time to explore or rest? Additional nights before or after the tour can be arranged at an extra cost.
For tours departing before December 18, 2025, 10% is required. For tours after June 18, 2025, a minimum 5% payment secures your booking with Kilimanjaro 360. The remaining balance will be charged upon rrival date in Tanzania at your Hotel. Kilimanjaro 360 charges no booking fees and uses the stated currency. Departure dates and prices may vary, and Kilimanjaro 360 will notify you of any issues before confirming your booking. Accepted payment methods for "Kilimanjaro 360" include Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express, and PayPal, with no additional fees from Kilimanjaro 360