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Safiri Tanzania
8-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
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Trek 8 days

8-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Widely regarded as the most beautiful way up Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho route approaches from the west across the remote Shira Plateau before joining the southern circuit. Eight days offers superb acclimatisation and the highest summit success rates on the mountain.

Highlights

  • The most scenic and least crowded approach
  • Remote western start across the Shira Plateau
  • Excellent acclimatisation over eight days
  • Highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro
  • Cross the dramatic Barranco Wall
  • Summit Uhuru Peak at 5,895m via Barafu
  • Full mountain crew of guides, cooks and porters

Day by day

  1. 1

    Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

    Drive to Londorossi Gate on the western side, then trek through pristine rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp at 2,780m (about 3-4 hours). A gentle first day rich in forest wildlife. Overnight in tents.

  2. 2

    Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

    Climb out of the forest onto the moorland and cross onto the Shira Plateau, reaching Shira 1 Camp at 3,505m (about 5-7 hours). Sweeping views open up towards Kibo. Overnight in tents.

  3. 3

    Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp

    A gradual trek across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp at 3,850m (about 3-4 hours), with an optional acclimatisation walk in the afternoon. Overnight in tents.

  4. 4

    Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

    Ascend to Lava Tower at 4,600m for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp at 3,960m (about 6-7 hours). This 'climb high, sleep low' day is vital for acclimatisation. Overnight in tents.

  5. 5

    Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

    Tackle the famous Barranco Wall, then traverse ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp at 3,995m (about 4-5 hours). A shorter day to keep acclimatising. Overnight in tents.

  6. 6

    Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

    Climb across alpine desert to Barafu Camp at 4,673m, the launch point for the summit (about 4-5 hours). Rest and prepare for a midnight departure. Overnight in tents.

  7. 7

    Summit day — Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

    Set out around midnight for Stella Point and on to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m for sunrise (6-8 hours up). After the summit, descend to Barafu for a rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp at 3,100m. A long day of 12-15 hours.

  8. 8

    Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

    A final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (about 3-4 hours) to collect your summit certificate. Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

What's included

  • park and camping fees
  • professional mountain guides
  • cooks and porters
  • all meals on the mountain
  • camping equipment (tents, mess tent)
  • rescue fees
  • transfers to and from the gates

Not included

  • international flights
  • Tanzania visa
  • travel insurance with high-altitude cover
  • personal trekking gear and sleeping bag
  • tips for the mountain crew
  • hotel nights before and after the climb
  • drinks and personal items

Tour companies for this trip

For a multi-day trip like this, an operator handles the vehicles, camps and logistics end to end.

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Nomad Tanzania

Unclaimed

Arusha

Luxury mobile & permanent safari camps

Serengeti Ruaha Nyerere (Selous)
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Asilia Africa

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Arusha

Boutique safari camps and lodges

Serengeti Ruaha Migration camps
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Thomson Safaris

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Arusha

Northern-circuit safaris with private camps

Serengeti Ngorongoro Cultural
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Wayo Africa

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Arusha

Walking & active safaris off the beaten track

Walking safaris Serengeti Fly camps
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