8 Days Lemosho Route
Highlight of the hike
The 8 Days Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most scenic, well‑paced, and successful way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Beginning on the quiet western side of the mountain, this route offers lush rainforest, wide alpine views, and excellent acclimatization, making it ideal for climbers who want both comfort and a high summit success rate.
With an extra acclimatization day built in, the 8‑day Lemosho itinerary allows your body to adapt gradually to altitude, significantly increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft). This route is perfect for first‑time climbers who want the best possible experience and outcome.
Quick Facts – 8 Days Lemosho Route
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 Days / 7 Nights |
| Route | Lemosho (West to South) |
| Highest Point | Uhuru Peak – 89m |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging |
| Success Rate | Very High (90%+) |
| Starting Point | Lemosho Gate |
| End Point | Mweka Gate |
| Accommodation | Camping |
| Best Time to Climb | January–March & June–October |
Why Choose the 8 Days Lemosho Route?
Choosing the 8 Days Lemosho Route is a strategic decision, not just a longer itinerary. This duration is widely recommended by experienced Kilimanjaro guides because it balances scenic value, acclimatization, and summit success better than shorter routes.
Key reasons climbers choose this option:
Higher Summit Success Rate – The extra day significantly reduces altitude sickness risk
Better Acclimatization Profile – Gradual ascent following the “climb high, sleep low” principle
More Scenic Approach – Remote western entry with expansive views and diverse ecosystems
Less Crowded Start – Fewer climbers during the first days compared to Machame
Ideal for First-Time Climbers – No technical skills required, just good fitness and preparation
For many climbers, the 8‑day Lemosho route represents the best balance between safety, comfort, and achievement on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Itinerary in Summary
Day 0: Arrive JRO → transfer to Moshi → hotel overnight on BB meal plan.
Day 1: Hotel → Lemosho Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp
Day 4: Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
Day 5: Barranco → Karanga Camp
Day 6: Karanga → Barafu Camp
Day 7: Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Millennium Camp
Day 8: Millennium Camp → Mweka Gate → transfer to Moshi → hotel
Day 9: Hotel → transfer to JRO (departure.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Lemosho Gate to big tree camp (2780m)
You will be picked up at your hotel after your breakfast and drive to Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete park entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to big tree camp which is the first camp site.
Distance: 7 kilometers.
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3500m)
Today we hike through the trail leading out of the rain forest across the grassy moorland terrain, the path is scattered with volcanic rocks we reach Shira 1 camp where we will be camping tonight at this point you can catch a glimpse of Kibo peak
Distance: Distance: 8 kilometers
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)
We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, we will take afternoon acclimatization before heading back to your camp for dinner and overnight.
Distance covered: 8 kilometers.
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Barranco Camp (3960m
Today we are hiking to Barranco camp we start our day by passing through the upland dessert on to the lava ridges before reaching the panoramic views, walking in to the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), also known as “Shark’s Tooth “our highest point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley by now you shall have acclimatized which will improve your performance the following day.
Distance covered: 10 kilometers
Approx. time taken: 6-7hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Today our day begins by descending to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then climb the cliff, a long steep but non-technical nearly 900 ft. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend into Karanga Valley and finally to Karanga Camp.
Distance covered: 5 Kilometers
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We leave Karanga camp and hike to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles from this position you will be able to view the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks from your camp as you enjoy your early dinner.
Distance covered: 3 Km
Approx. time taken: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m
Today we start off at around midnight and hike steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for about 5 hours reaching Stella point (5739m) at this point you will enjoy the most spectacular view of sunrise through the ice cliffs, we continue walking for one hour arriving at Uhuru Peak the highest point (5895m) where we will spend a few moments and grab some pictures before we start our descent back to Stella point and finally to Barafu camp for breakfast and thereafter walk down to Millennium Camp for rest.
Distance covered: 13.4 Kilometers
Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 8: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
Today is our last day on the mountain we descend down to Mweka gate where we will correct our summit certificate we expect the terrain to be wet and muddy, a transfer vehicle will be waiting to drive us back to the hotel for refreshment and celebration for our victory.
Price : Starting from US$ 2032 per person
| 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons | 7 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2499 | $2178 | $2098 | $2056 | $2048 | $2040 | $2032 |
Price Includes
- Airport transfers (JRO – hotel – JRO)
- Transfers to and from mountain gates.
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees.
- Camping fees and rescue fees.
- Professional mountain guide(s), cook & porters
- All meals on the mountain.
- Quality camping equipment (tents, tables, chairs)
- Drinking water on the mountain.
- Summit certificate.
Price Excludes
- International flights.
- Tanzania visa.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guides, cooks & porters.
- Personal trekking gear.
- Sleeping bags & trekking poles. (can be rented)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone, drinks)
- Optional activities (safari, Zanzibar, day tours)
- Pre-trek and post-trek hotel nights.
Our Local Expertise & Safety Standards
Your Kilimanjaro climb is led by experienced Tanzanian mountain guides who know the terrain, weather patterns, and altitude challenges intimately.
We operate in full compliance with Kilimanjaro National Park regulations and prioritize:
Daily health checks
Proper acclimatization pacing
Emergency response readiness
Fair porter treatment and ethical operations
Climbing with a local operator means direct communication, better value, and authentic on‑ground expertise.
Pre & Post Hike Accommodation Options
- Panama Garden Resort price per person on BB Meal plan in a single room private room. USD 60
- Bristol cottage in Moshi-price per person per night sharing on BB meal plan. USD 48
Reserving your spot for the 8 days Lemosho trek with Amet Adventures
In order to reserve your spot we only require a 15 % deposit of the trek price payment should be made via Bank wire transfer to Amet Adventures bank account, we will always share an invoice with our banking details during our communications.
Final balance can be settled 21 days prior the trek date or upon arrival on site.
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Info You'll Get From Us Upon Booking Kilimanjaro Trek
- Training Manual for your Kilimanjaro trek: Upon reserving your 8 days Lemosho trek tour with Amet Adventures a detailed training Manual will be shared with you detailing guidelines on how to training for your Kilimanjaro trek.
- Packing list; Details of what gears you require for Kilimanjaro trek will also be communicated including a complete packing list for Mount Kilimanjaro rental gears that you might need including the recomended size of your duffel and Daypack.
- Support crew size: Support crew will be allocated depending on your group size and this will be communicated in good time.
- Tipping policy: A tipping guideline for your Kilimanjaro crew will be shared.
- Toilet situation: We will advise available options for your bathroom many hikers on Kilimanjaro prefer a portable toilet rather than the so called Long-drop Pit latrines – we will arrange for portable toilets at a small fee of USD 150 per the whole trip.
- Sleeping arrangements in your tents: We provide tents for 1 and 2 people per tent with enough space for your luggage each with a 3- inch thick Mattress.
- Water on Mt Kilimanjaro: Fred Water from natural springs is boxed and filtered you can bring along water purification tablets.
- Extra Luggage that you don’t need on Mt kilimanjaro can always be left at the hotel until the day you return.
- Weather conditions: we will share the mountain’s weeks weather forecast by the time you start off your trek to ensure you are fully prepared with the right gears and clothing.
- Safety and evacuation on Mont Kilimanjaro: We advise that you secure a travel insurance cover before you arrive in Tanzania one that covers risks above 5000 meters above the sea level, in the event that you require to be evacuated for health or altitude related issues there’s a local helicopter company that we can easily coordinate rescue ,with the help of your guides and crew.
- Food and resupply: We strive to provide fresh food throughout your trek therefore we have a re-supply for fresh food scheduled in between your trek. Speaking of food we also cater for special dietary requirements , just keep us in the know of any restrictions and leave the rest to us.