8 Days Lemosho Route

The Lemosho Route is one of the most beautiful and least crowded Kilimanjaro climbing routes, offering diverse scenery, excellent acclimatization, and a very high summit success rate. Over 8 days and 7 nights, trekkers journey through multiple climate zones—starting from lush montane rainforest, moving through heath and moorland, into the alpine desert, and finally reaching the arctic zone at Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point (5,895m).

Known for its panoramic views and smooth acclimatization profile, the Lemosho Route boasts a summit success rate of up to 95% for the 8-day itinerary. The total trek covers 46 km (28.5 miles), making it a rewarding challenge for determined climbers.

Impala Explorer recommends this route for trekkers seeking spectacular landscapes, a less crowded experience, and the highest chance of summit success.

Day 1: Arrival – Transfer to Moshi

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our Impala Explorer driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. After checking in, you will meet your professional mountain guide for a pre-climb briefing and gear check. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel, enjoying the pool, or exploring the friendly town of Moshi. Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2,250m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780m) – Trekking through Montane Rainforest

After breakfast, you’re driven to Londorossi Gate for registration and a briefing by the park officials. The hike starts through dense montane rainforest, a biodiversity hotspot where you may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a variety of colorful birds. The trail is shaded, with soft forest floor making for easier hiking. After about 3–4 hours and 6 km of trekking, you arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, nestled in the forest. Dinner is served in the mess tent while you enjoy the peaceful sounds of the forest. Early to bed to rest your legs and prepare for the altitude gains ahead.

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) – Entering the Alpine Moorland Zone

Today you leave the forest behind and emerge onto the vast Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth. The scenery changes dramatically to open heaths and alpine moorlands dotted with giant lobelia and groundsels — plants endemic to Kilimanjaro. You will enjoy sweeping views of Kibo Peak looming ahead and Mount Meru in the distance. The hiking distance is approximately 8 km and takes 6–7 hours with moderate ascents. Camp is set up at Shira 1 Camp, offering stunning sunset views. This day is crucial for acclimatization.

Day 4: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) to Moir Hut (4,100m) – Acclimatization & High Plateau Trekking

After a leisurely breakfast, you traverse gently across the Shira Plateau towards Shira 2 Camp, enjoying panoramic mountain views and the unique high-altitude flora. From here, the trek continues to Moir Hut, a rarely visited site, perfect for additional acclimatization walks on the Lent Hills. The total hiking distance is about 10 km over 5–6 hours. Taking your time today helps your body adjust to the thinning air, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. Expect cooler temperatures and a quiet night under a blanket of stars.

Day 5: Moir Hut (4,100m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m) – Challenging Acclimatization Day

This is one of the most important days for your acclimatization. You’ll ascend steeply to Lava Tower, known as the "Shark’s Tooth," where you can rest and hydrate before descending approximately 700 meters to Barranco Camp. Despite ending the day lower in altitude, the climb to Lava Tower helps your body adapt. The hike covers about 12 km and takes 7–8 hours. Stunning views of the Barranco Wall and the Kibo summit await you at camp, where you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and rest.

Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,000m) – Conquer the Great Barranco Wall

Prepare for a memorable morning as you climb the imposing Barranco Wall — a Class 2 scramble requiring agility but not technical climbing skills. Most trekkers find the climb easier than expected, rewarded by breathtaking views of Heim Glacier and the crater rim above the clouds. The trail then winds through the Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp. Today’s hike is about 6 km and takes 4–5 hours. Rest, eat well, and hydrate as you prepare for the summit push.

Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673m) – Final Ascent to Base Camp

A steady ascent brings you to Barafu Camp, perched on a rocky, windswept ridge. Barafu means “ice” in Swahili, reflecting the harsh conditions you’ll experience here. This camp is the final stop before the summit night, with no water available at camp — make sure to carry sufficient fluids. The trek is around 4 km and takes 4–5 hours. After an early dinner, your guide will review the summit plan and safety protocols. Early to bed for a midnight wake-up.

Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m) – Summit Day & Descent

Prepare for one of the most physically and mentally demanding days of your life. Beginning around 11:30 pm, you’ll ascend slowly through cold, rocky scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. The 6-hour climb is challenging, but the sunrise at Stella Point offers a spectacular reward. From here, it’s a further 2-hour climb through snow and ice to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa. After summit photos and celebration, descend back to Barafu for rest and lunch, then continue down to the lush Mweka Camp for a well-earned night of rest.

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Final Descent & Transfer to Moshi

On the last day, you’ll hike through the beautiful rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your official summit certificates from Tanzania National Park. Celebrate your achievement with the Impala Explorer team as you descend approximately 10 km over 3–4 hours. You’ll then be driven back to Moshi for hot showers, a festive dinner, and the chance to share stories with fellow climbers.

📞 Book Your Kilimanjaro Adventure Now!

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro with confidence. Choose Impala Explorer for a safe, scenic, and unforgettable trekking experience via the Marangu Route.

Rates including VAT

Rates Including VAT
Price (USD)	Per Person	No. of Persons Traveling Together
$1880	Per Person	1
$1760	Per Person	2
$1700	Per Person	3
$1640	Per Person	4
$1600	Per Person	5
$1580	Per Person	6
$1500	Per Person	7 or more

Items Included in the Price & Not Included:

Items Included	Items Not Included
Transport from the arrival point to Moshi	Extras in the hotel
Transport from Moshi to the departure point	Drinks other than water
Accommodation before the climb	Tips to mountain crews
Accommodation after the climb	Meals in Moshi
All accommodations in huts on the mountain	Personal gear like sleeping bags, hiking poles, etc.
Park fees on Kilimanjaro	Flights
Rescue fees on the mountain (by car)	Anything not listed above
3 meals daily on the mountain
Sleeping and dining huts
Guide and porters
Cooks and waiters
First aid kit
Service of an English-speaking mountain guide
Transportation to the mountain
Transportation from the mountain
All government taxes
Oximeter on the mountain