The Best Kilimanjaro Climb: Lemosho Route in 8 Days with high succes rate

The 8-day Lemosho route provides even more time for acclimatization, increasing your chances of a successful summit and making the trek more enjoyable and an enjoyable trek to Africa’s highest peak.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft (2,361 m to 2,895 m)
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moshi and driven to Londorossi Gate (approximately 3-4 hours). After registration and permits are sorted, you’ll drive further to the Lemosho trailhead. Your trek starts through the dense rainforest, where you may spot Colobus monkeys and other wildlife. Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp


Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft (2,895 m to 3,505 m)
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today’s trek is short but steep, leaving the rainforest and entering the heath and moorland zone. You’ll traverse the Shira Ridge, and catch your first glimpses of Kibo Peak, before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp


Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft (3,505 m to 3,810 m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
A leisurely walk across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth, with vast views of the Northern Icefields. You’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp, where you’ll have an afternoon acclimatization walk to prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower


Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft (3,810 m to 4,630 m) to 13,044 ft (3,976 m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
The day starts with a long ascent to Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (15,190 ft), an excellent acclimatization spot. After lunch, you descend into the Barranco Valley to Barranco Camp. This descent aids in acclimatization by following the principle of “climb high, sleep low.”

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp


Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft (3,976 m to 3,994 m)
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Start with the adventurous Barranco Wall climb, which isn’t technical but requires hands-on scrambling. Once over the wall, you’ll traverse undulating terrain to Karanga Camp. The shorter day and moderate altitude gain make this a great day for acclimatization.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp


Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,239 ft (3,994 m to 4,645 m)
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
A steady ascent to Barafu Camp, the staging area for the summit push. The landscape is bleak and desolate, with high winds typical in the area. After an early dinner, rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp


Elevation: 15,239 ft to 19,341 ft (4,645 m to 5,895 m) to 10,065 ft (3,068 m)
Distance: 17 km
Hiking Time: 11-15 hours (7-8 hours ascent to Uhuru Peak, 4-7 hours descent to Mweka Camp)
Habitat: Arctic to Rain Forest
Around midnight, you’ll begin your final ascent to the summit. The climb is steep and slow through heavy scree, reaching Stella Point at dawn. From Stella Point, you’ll continue around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue to Mweka Camp.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate


Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft (3,068 m to 1,638 m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
The final day is a descent through the lush forest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll collect your summit certificates. A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration.

Tips for Success


Acclimatization: Follow the “climb high, sleep low” principle and take acclimatization hikes.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water daily (3-4 liters).
Pace: Walk slowly to conserve energy and allow your body to adjust to the altitude.
Gear: Invest in good-quality gear, especially for cold weather at higher altitudes.
Health: Listen to your body and inform your guide of any symptoms of altitude sickness.
This 8-day Lemosho route itinerary offers a more gradual ascent, enhancing acclimatization and increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak successfully. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and the adventure of a lifetime!

Inclusions:


Professional Guides: Certified mountain guides, assistant guides, and porters.
Accommodation: Two nights at a hotel in Moshi (one before and one after the climb).
Camping Equipment: High-quality tents, sleeping mats, and dining tent.
Meals: All meals on the mountain, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Transportation: Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport and the trailhead.
Park Fees: Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees, camping fees, and rescue fees.
Safety Equipment: Oxygen cylinder, pulse oximeter, first aid kit, and VHF handheld radios.
Water: Treated and filtered drinking water throughout the climb.
Porter Services: Porters to carry all group gear and personal baggage (up to 15 kg).
Permits and Logistics: All necessary climbing permits and logistics arrangements.


Flights: International and domestic flights to and from Tanzania.
Visas: Tanzanian visa fees.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and health insurance.
Personal Gear: Personal hiking gear such as sleeping bags, clothing, boots, and trekking poles.
Tips: Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (recommended amount provided).
Optional Activities: Any additional activities or excursions not specified in the itinerary.
Meals in Moshi: Lunch and dinner while in Moshi (unless specified).
Vaccinations: Vaccination costs.
Miscellaneous: Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and communication charges.