Kilimanjaro Trek

Lemosho Route - 8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb

Our top pick for summit success: a quiet, scenic western route with an extra day for acclimatisation.

  • 8 days on the mountain (+2 hotel nights)
  • Challenging
  • 5,895 m - Uhuru Peak
Overview

About the Lemosho Route - 8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb

Lemosho starts on the far western side of the mountain, so the first two days are through untouched forest with very few other climbers. Its gradual profile and extra day make it the route with the best summit success rates.

It joins the Machame route at Lava Tower and finishes via Barafu and the south-east summit approach.

Trip Highlights

  • Highest summit success rate
  • Remote, quiet first days
  • Shira Plateau crossing
  • Barranco Wall & southern circuit
Day by Day

Detailed Itinerary

Day 0Arrival in Moshi

Pick-up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening your lead guide runs a full briefing and gear check – anything missing can be rented locally.

Overnight: Moshi hotel (B&B)

Day 1Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (2,650 m)

Scenic drive to the western gate, then a gentle forest hike.

Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 (3,610 m)

Out of the forest onto the Shira ridge with huge views.

Overnight: Shira 1 Camp

Day 3Shira 1 to Shira 2 (3,850 m)

An easy acclimatisation day across the plateau.

Overnight: Shira 2 Camp

Day 4Shira 2 to Lava Tower (4,600 m) to Barranco (3,960 m)

Climb high to Lava Tower, sleep low at Barranco.

Overnight: Barranco Camp

Day 5Barranco Wall to Karanga (3,995 m)

Scramble the Barranco Wall and cross to Karanga.

Overnight: Karanga Camp

Day 6Karanga to Barafu (4,673 m)

Short climb to base camp and rest.

Overnight: Barafu Camp

Day 7Summit Day & descent to Mweka

Midnight start for Uhuru Peak at sunrise, then descend to Mweka.

Overnight: Mweka Camp

Day 8Descent & Departure

Final descent through the rainforest to the park gate, where you receive your summit certificate and celebrate with your crew. Transfer back to Moshi for a well-earned hot shower.

Overnight: Moshi hotel (B&B) – or continue to safari or Zanzibar

Where You Stay

Choose Your Comfort Level

WhereWhat to expect
Before & after the climbTwo nights in a comfortable hotel in Moshi or Arusha with breakfast, hot showers and secure luggage storage.
On the mountain (standard)Four-season mountain tents for two, thick sleeping mats, a dining tent with table and chairs, and freshly cooked meals.
Comfort upgradesPrivate toilet tent, single-occupancy tents, extra-thick mattresses and additional oxygen — just ask.
Inclusions

What’s Included

Included

  • Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping/hut fees & rescue fees
  • Licensed, Wilderness First Responder-trained mountain guides
  • Porters, cook and fair crew wages
  • Quality mountain tents, sleeping mats and mess tent
  • Three hot meals a day plus snacks and purified water
  • Pulse oximeter checks twice daily, oxygen & first-aid kit
  • Airport transfers and 2 nights hotel in Moshi/Arusha (before & after)
  • Summit certificate

Not included

  • International flights and visa fees
  • Travel insurance covering trekking to 6,000 m (required)
  • Tips for guides, porters and cook
  • Personal climbing gear (rental available)
  • Sleeping bag (rental available)
  • Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
Before You Go

Good to Know

Best time to climb

The driest months are late June–October and January–early March. April–May and November are wetter but quieter.

Fitness & preparation

No technical climbing skills are needed, but you should be able to hike 5–8 hours a day. Train with long walks, hill hikes and stairs for 2–3 months before you travel.

Safety on the mountain

Our licensed guides check your oxygen saturation and pulse twice a day, carry emergency oxygen and first-aid kits, and follow a clear evacuation plan. Your safety always comes before the summit.

What to pack

Layered clothing, a warm down jacket, waterproofs, broken-in boots and a 4-season sleeping bag (rental available in Moshi). We send a full checklist after booking. More advice on our travel info page.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need climbing experience?

No. Kilimanjaro is a trek, not a technical climb. Good fitness and a positive mindset matter most.

How are porters treated?

Our crew receive fair wages, proper equipment and load limits. Happy crews make safer, better climbs.

Can I rent gear?

Yes — sleeping bags, jackets, poles and more are available to rent in Moshi.

Can I add a safari or Zanzibar?

Yes, most climbers add a 3–5 day safari or a few beach days in Zanzibar afterwards. We plan it as one seamless trip.

Trip at a Glance

  • Duration8 days on the mountain (+2 hotel nights)
  • DifficultyChallenging
  • Max altitude5,895 m - Uhuru Peak
  • AccommodationMountain camping
  • DeparturePrivate, any date
Tailor-made priceYour price depends on travel dates, group size and comfort level. Get an exact, all-inclusive quote within 24 hours.

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Tailor-made in Tanzania

Make This Trip Your Own

Every itinerary can be adjusted — more days, different camps, add Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro. Tell us what you have in mind and we will tailor it within 24 hours.