The Lemosho Route’s combination of stunning landscapes, gradual ascent, and high success rates make it an excellent choice for your Kilimanjaro hiking adventure
Take the time to prepare, choose the right Kilimanjaro mountain trekking route
8 Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Summit Itinerary: Best Climbing Experience & Success Rates
Lemosho route Overview
The Lemosho Route is often described as the most beautiful and rewarding way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Panoramic views, diverse landscapes, and high success rates make this route ideal for Kilimanjaro climbers of all levels. This affordable 8-day Lemosho route Kilimanjaro trekking itinary is available for budget/cheap and luxury trekkers allows for plenty of time for acclimatization, increasing your chances for a successful summit. Here is everything you need to know before embarking on this adventure with our Kilimanjaro Rwenzori Trekking experts.
Lemosho Route Price/Cost per Person Climbing Kilimanjaro
How Much It Costs to Climb/Hike Kilimanjaro Using the Lemosho Route?
The cost for a person climbing Kilimanjaro in 8 days via the Lemosho Route from our Kilimanjaro Rwenzori trekking experts starts from $2,500 to $3,500 depending on the budget of our clients, budget and luxury trekkers are all catered for. The price varies from one tour operator to another because it is dependent on the number of persons in a group and the level of services included. In fact, luxurious packages costing $4,000-$6,000 will afford the clients portable toilets, high-quality tents, and personal guides.
What does the Lemosho route climbing cost include?
- Park fees-$900-$1,000
- Emergency rescue fees
- Guides, porters, and crew: $1,000–$1,500
- Camping gear and food: $300–$500
- Transport and logistics: $150–$300
This puts the total cost at $2,500–$4,000 for a standard Kilimanjaro budget trekking package/ itenary via Lemosho Route for 8 days. If one intends to travel in style, then the luxury Kilimanjaro trekking cost/price via the Lemosho route will exceed $4,500.
Lemosho Route Accommodation Options
Accommodation on the Lemosho Route of mount Kilimanjaro includes the tents that your Rwenzori Kilimanjaro Climbing company provides. Campsites are provided at strategic points along the route and include:
- Big Tree Camp – 2,650m: The first stop in the lush rainforest.
- Shira Camp 1 and Shira Camp 2 -3,500m-3,850m: Situated in the moorland zone with spectacular views of Kibo Peak.
- Barranco Camp – 3,900m: Set in a dramatic valley surrounded by towering cliffs.
- Karanga Camp (4,035m): The perfect spot to acclimatize.
- Barafu Camp (4,640m): Your base camp for the summit attempt.
- Mweka Camp (3,100m): The final stop before completing your mount Kilimanjaro descent.
Time Required to Climb Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route
The our luxury or budget Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route climbing Itinerary is designed to be completed in 8 days by our best Kilimanjaro Rwenzori Trekking experts in East Africa. This includes 6 days of ascent and 2 days of descent. In this extended time, plenty of time for acclimatization can be carried out, which reduces a lot of risk concerning the altitude sickness issue, ensuring better summit success.
8 day Lemosho route hiking Itenary- Summit Kilimanjaro Mountain, Tanzania
8-Day Lemosho Route hiking Itinerary Highlights
- Day 0: Pre-trek
- Briefing Arrival at Moshi.
- Pre-trek briefing and equipment review.
- Day 1: Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Drive to Lemosho Gate;
- trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp.
- Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp Trail through the moorland;
- Shira Ridge to Shira 1 Camp.
- Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Gentle hike across the plateau to Shira 2 Camp.
- Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
- Trek via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp.
- Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Steep climb up the Barranco Wall to Karanga Valley.
- Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Final ascent preparation at Barafu Camp.
- Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka
- Camp Midnight summit attempt to Uhuru Peak.
- Descent to Mweka Camp via Barafu Camp.
- Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi;
- return to Moshi.
Inclusions for the best affordable 8-Day Lemosho Route Itinerary
- Pre-Trek Services:
- Pre-trek briefing and equipment check at your hotel in Moshi.
- Optional airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport.
- Accommodation:
- One or more nights in a hotel in Moshi: before and after the trek
- Mountain Kilimanjaro camping accommodation for 7 nights during the trek.
- Meals:
- All meals on the mountain: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Drinking water on the mountain.
- Trekking Team:
- Professional English-speaking mountain guides certified by Kilimanjaro National Park-KINAPA.
- Experienced porters carry camping equipment and personal things;
- A cook who prepares the group with fresh meals.
- Camping equipment including but limited to:
- High-quality, all-weather mountain tents
- Sleeping mats
- Dining tent with tables and chairs if applicable
- Transportation includes:
- Private best affordable Tanzania 4 x 4 vehicle transport from Moshi to Lemosho Gate
- Return transfer from Mweka Gate back to Moshi
- Mount Kilimanjaro Park/Permit Fees:
- Entrance fees into Kilimanjaro National Park
- Kilimanjaro Camp/Camping fees
- Rescue Fee in case of emergencies
- Safety Equipment:
- Portable Oxygen Cylinders
- First aid kit
- Daily Health checks by guides to observe acclimatization.
- Kilimanjaro Trekking certificate at the end (Gold for summit, green for Stella point)
Exclusions for the best affordable 8-Day Lemosho Route Itinerary
- International Travel:
- Flights to and from Tanzania.
- Kilimanjaro nearby Accommodation Outside Moshi:
- Personal Trekking Gear:
- Optional Costs:
- Extra nights at the hotel in Moshi.
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (on Kilimanjaro is customary).
- Travel Insurance:
- Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and medical evacuations.
- Meals Outside the Trek:
- Lunches and dinners in Moshi (before and after the trek).
- Miscellaneous:
- Tanzanian visa fee upon arrival.
- Personal expenses: for example, laundry, extra drinks, snacks.
- Optional tours after trekking, such as safari and Kilimanjaro cultural tours.
Other Kilimanjaro packages + related Links
- Marangu Route: 5-6 days
- Machame Route: 6-7 days
- Rongai Route: 6-7 days
- Northern Circuit: 9 days
- Umbwe Route: 6-7 days
- Shira Route: Similar to Lemosho
- Kilimanjaro Hiking Guide
- Other Kilimanjaro Packages
- Kilimanjaro nearby Game parks
- Margherita Peak Climb
- Central Circuit route (8 days)
- Rwenzori Trekking Services
Contact Us
Kilimanjaro Rwenzori experts
- Phone: +256702571234
- Email: rwenzorikilimanjaro@gmail.com
8 day Lemosho route Detailed Climbing Itinerary – Best Affordable Kilimanjaro Trekking Experience
Day 0: Arrival and Pre-Trek Preparation
Your luxury or budget 8 day Kilimanjaro Lemosho climb journey begins with arrival at either Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport. If you have booked airport transfers, you’ll be picked up by our dedicated driver in one of our best affordable 4×4 car rentals in Tanzania. You then proceed to your Moshi or Arusha hotel, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet your team for the Kilimanjaro trek.
Our Kilimanjaro Rwenzori trekking guides will go over the Kilimanjaro climb via Lemosho route details, review safety protocols, and conduct a thorough equipment check at the pre-trek briefing. This extra day allows you to acclimatize and get ready for the climb. You can take this evening to relax, explore the town, or shop for last-minute essentials.
- Budget Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Backpackers Hostel
- Luxury Accommodation: Arusha Serena Hotel or Meru Hotel
Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After an early breakfast, the 1st day of this 8 day lemosho route climb itnerary of mount Kilimanjaro will start with a drive in scenery to Lemosho Gate. After all permits are finalized, you will start with a gentle trek through the dense montane forest, with wildlife like colobus monkeys and brightly colored turacos. This is a short but very important acclimatization day that helps your body get accustomed to the mountain environment.
Trail Highlights: Enter the lush forest alive with chirping birds and rustling leaves- a soft introduction to the Kilimanjaro wilderness.
- Starting Altitude: 1,830m (6,000ft)
- Ending Altitude: 2,650m (8,700ft)
- Scenic View: Montane Forest
- Distance: 6km
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Lemosho Budget Accommodation: Tents at Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Lemosho Luxury Option: Upgraded tent setup with extra comforts, gourmet meals
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
This Lemosho trail leaves the forest, opening up into the heather and moorland zone. The path becomes steep, and the landscape changes dramatically with sights of the Shira Plateau of mount Kilimanjaro. The golden grass and unique vegetation, such as giant lobelias, set this day’s hike visually.
Trail Highlights: Enjoy watching herds of eland or bushbuck while ascending to Shira Plateau. This usually presents spectacular views of the surrounding plain.
- Initial Altitude: 2,650m (8,700ft)
- Final Altitude: 3,500m (11,500ft)
- Scenic View: Moorland
- Distance: 8km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Lemosho Budget Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp tents
- Lemosho Luxury Option: Deluxe camping with hot water, extra privacy, and high-end service
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
This is a relaxing day on Shira Plateau. Its huge, open space offers dramatic views of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peaks. The day will be spent basking in acclimatization, local exploration, and mountain tranquility.
Trail Highlight: Optional short lemosho hikes in surrounding plateaus make great modifications as they improve your acclimatization while showing breathtaking vistas of Kibo Peak.
- Initial Altitude: 3,500m (11,500ft)
- Final Altitude: 3,850m (12,600ft)
- Distance: 8km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Scenic View: Moorland
- Lemosho Budget Accommodation: Tents at Shira 2 Camp
- Lemosho Luxury Option: Camp with premium amenities, chef-prepared meals, and spacious tents
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
This 4th day of the Kilimanjaro Lemosho climb/hike is a challenging but rewarding day. You’ll ascend to Lava Tower at 4,650m, allowing your body to acclimate to the higher altitude before descending to Barranco Camp. The semi-desert terrain and the towering Lava Tower create a strikingly dramatic landscape.
Trail Highlights: Today’s hike is very crucial to your acclimatization history in this 8 day Kilimanjaro summit via the Lemosho route. Downhill trek to Barranco Camp treats the eyes with the phenomenal landscape of Barranco Wall.
- Final Altitude: 4,650m (15,250ft)
- Initial Altitude: 3,850m (12,600ft)
- Ending Elevation: 4,000m (13,000ft)
- Distance: 8km
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Scenic View: Semi-desert
- Lemosho Budget Accommodation: Tents at Barranco Camp
- Lemosho Luxury Option: High-altitude comfort tents with additional heating options
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
The Lemosho route climb up Barranco Wall of mount Kilimanjaro is both challenging and exhilarating. Once at the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the valley below. The trail then descends into the lush Karanga Valley, where you’ll camp for the night.
Trail Highlights: Barranco Wall is a favorite among trekkers for its steep but manageable ascent and rewarding vistas.
- Altitude gain: 4,000m (13,000ft) to 4,050m (13,250ft)
- Distance: 5km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Scenic View: Alpine Desert
- Lemosho Budget Accommodation: Tents at Karanga Camp
- Lemosho Luxury Option: Premium camping with personal services
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Today, your 8 day Kilimanjaro climb/hike via Lemosho route itinerary hike takes you up higher toward Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt as guided by our Kilimanjaro Rwenzori Trekking experts. The terrain is so barren but gives magnificent views of Kilimanjaro’s Kibo Peak. After a short hike, spend the rest of your day resting and readying your last ascent.
Trail Highlights: Summit anticipation sets in once you settle into Barafu Camp.
- Initial Altitude 4,050m (13,250ft)
- Final Altitude: 4,700m (15,350ft)
- Distance: 4km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Scenic View: Alpine Desert
- Lemosho Budget Accommodation: Tents at Barafu Camp
- Lemosho Luxury Option: Heated tents with pre-summit meal options
Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Begin the Kilimanjaro Lemosho climb in the dark of night, under a starry sky, for an otherworldly experience. Brute altitude and distance make this a very taxing trek, but the sunrise vistas of the horizon are well worth the struggle. From Stella Point, it’s a final push across the roof of Africa to Uhuru Peak. Take a moment to celebrate your accomplishment, then begin the descent to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Trail Highlights: Sunrise from the summit is unforgettable.
- Starting Elevation Altitude: 4,700m (15,350ft)
- Summit Elevation Altitude: 5,895m (19,340ft)
- Final Altitude: 3,090m (10,150ft)
- Distance: 5km up; 13km downTime: 5-7 hours up; 5-6 hours down
- Scenic View: Summit – ice-capped
- Lemosho route Budget Accommodation: Mweka Camp tents
- Lemosho route Luxury Option: Comfortable tents with extra blankets and meals
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi
This budget or luxury 8 day Lemosho route climb/hike itinerary or tour package of Kilimanjaro mountain ends with your final descent goes back through the lush montane forest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate. Celebrate with a hearty meal in Moshi before relaxing at your hotel.
Trail Highlights: Reflect on your journey as you descend, passing through Kilimanjaro’s lush lower slopes.
- Initial Altitude: 3,090m (10,150ft)
- Final Altitude: 1,680m (5,500ft)
- Distance: 10km up
- Scenic View: Forest
- Budget Accommodation: Springlands Hotel in Moshi
- Luxury Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel or Moshi Serena Hotel
Best Time to Climb/hike Kilimanjaro Using the Lemosho Route
The best time to climb or hike Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route is during the dry seasons between January and mid-March, the temperatures are fairly low and skies clear.
During June to October, the weather is warmer, and viewing is good. Avoid raining seasons- April, May, and November, as routes become slippery and muddy.
Kilimanjaro Success Rate at the Summit via Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route boasts a summit success rate of 90% or higher for Kilimanjaro climbers on this affordable, cheap or luxury 8-day Lemosho route climb itinerary of mount Kilimanjaro. The gradual ascent and ample acclimatization time contribute significantly to this success.
Difficulty Level of the Lemosho Route
This Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is rated as moderate to challenging. While the gradual ascent reduces the risk of altitude sickness, the long days of hiking require physical stamina. Cardiovascular training and endurance exercises are necessary in preparation.
Why Consider Our 8 day Lemosho Route climb Itinerary to Kilimanjaro Mountain?
This budget or luxury 8 day Lemosho Route climb to Kilimanjaro summit tour package is perfect for:
- First-time climbers: Its gradual ascent reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
- Nature enthusiasts: The route offers incredible scenery, including views of Kilimanjaro’s western breach.
- Adventure-seekers: It has a unique and less crowded adventure compared to other routes.
- Photographers get different landscapes and great views excellent for photography.
Why Lemosho Route is the Best Choice for Kilimanjaro hikers
- High success rate: This 8-day Kilimanjaro climb itinerary via Lemosho route allows for better acclimatization.
- Breathtaking views: From rainforest to alpine desert, witness varied ecosystems.
- Less crowded: In comparison with other mount Kilimanjaro routes such as Marangu and Machame routes, Lemosho Route offers less stress, especially in the initial days of the hike.
- Multiple starting points: Depending on logistics, it may be convenient to use one over another.
Other Climbing/Hiking Routes to Reach Kilimanjaro’s Summit
- Marangu Route: 5-6 days; popular but less scenic.
• Machame Route: 6-7 days; known as the “Whiskey Route” for its difficulty.
• Rongai Route: 6-7 days; the only route approaching from the north.
• Northern Circuit: 9 days; the longest and most scenic route.
• Umbwe Route: 6-7 days; steep and challenging.
• Shira Route: The same as Lemosho route, except the starting point is at higher elevations
Rwenzori trekking itineraries
Kilimanjaro climbing tours, Tanzania
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