The 8-day Lemosho route is a highly recommended and scenic option for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its excellent acclimatization profile and high summit success rate (typically 90-95%). The extra time on the mountain allows for a more gradual ascent and follows the beneficial “climb high, sleep low” strategy, which helps minimize altitude sickness risks.
This 8-day Lemosho trek offers a gradual ascent through diverse landscapes, minimizing altitude sickness risks and maximizing your chances of summit success. This route, starts on the western side of the Mount Kilimanjaro, guides climbers through a diverse tapestry of ecosystems, from lush rainforests to the stark beauty of the alpine desert.
Total Distance: ~70 km (43 miles)
Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights on the mountain)
Starting Elevation: 2,100m (6,890 ft) at Lemosho Gate
Summit Elevation: 5,895m (19,341 ft) at Uhuru Peak
Difficulty: Medium/High (Non-technical, but altitude makes it tough)
Success Rate: ~90–95% (Highest on the mountain)
You will be picked to your hotel/Lodge in Moshi from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and get to meet your guide who will explain you everything about your Kilimanjaro trek, also to check whether you have the required Kilimanjaro mountain gear and last minute preparations.
Bristol Cottages Kilimanjaro
Morning: After breakfast in Moshi or Arusha, you’ll be transferred to the Lemosho Gate, located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. The drive takes approximately 2-3 hours and passes through local villages and coffee plantations.
At the Gate: Registration formalities will be completed here, and you’ll meet your trekking crew – guides, porters, and cook.
The Trek: The trek begins with a gentle walk through lush rainforest. Keep an eye out for black and white colobus monkeys, various bird species, and unique flora. The trail is relatively flat and well-maintained.
Mti Mkubwa or Big Tree Camp: You’ll arrive at Forest Camp in the late afternoon. Tents will be set up, and a hot dinner will be served. This camp is nestled within the montane forest, offering a tranquil and immersive experience.
3-4 hours
390 meters (1,279 feet)
Montane Forest
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mti Mkubwa Camp
Morning: After breakfast, the trail gradually steepens as you leave the rainforest behind and enter the heather and moorland zone.
The Trek: The vegetation transitions to giant heathers and open moorland, offering increasingly expansive views. You’ll likely have your first clear views of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s main summit.
Shira Camp 1: You’ll reach Shira Camp 1 in the afternoon. This camp provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding plains and the Shira Ridge.
Acclimatization: A short acclimatization walk may be offered by your guides to help your body adjust to the higher altitude.
5-7 hours
755 meters (2,477 feet)
Heather
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shira 1 Camp
Morning: Today is a shorter trekking day, primarily focused on acclimatization and exploring the Shira Plateau.
The Trek: You’ll traverse the relatively flat and scenic Shira Plateau, a remnant of Kilimanjaro’s oldest volcanic cone. The views of Kibo and the surrounding volcanic landscape are breathtaking.
Shira Camp 2: You’ll arrive at Shira Camp 2 in the early afternoon. This camp offers even more spectacular views and is a great place to relax and soak in the scenery.
Optional Hike: An optional hike to the Shira Cathedral (a prominent rock formation) can be arranged for further acclimatization and exploration.
3-4 hours
395 meters (1,295 feet)
Alpine Desert
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shira 2 Camp
Morning: This is a crucial acclimatization day. You’ll trek uphill to the Lava Tower, a significant landmark, before descending to Barranco Camp. “Climb high, sleep low” is the principle here.
The Trek: The trail ascends through an alpine desert zone with sparse vegetation. Reaching the Lava Tower (4,630m / 15,190ft) is the highest point of the day. You’ll have lunch here.
The Descent: After lunch, you’ll descend steeply into the Great Barranco Valley, a stunningly beautiful area with giant groundsels (Senecio Kilimanjaro).
Barranco Camp: Barranco Camp is located in a sheltered valley, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation. It’s considered one of the most scenic campsites on Kilimanjaro.
6-8 hours
+730 m (2,395 ft) / -670 m (2,198 ft)
Alpine Desert
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Barranco Camp
Morning: Today begins with the challenging but non-technical Barranco Wall.
The Trek: You’ll carefully ascend the Barranco Wall, which takes about 1-2 hours. While it looks daunting from below, the trail is well-trodden and provides excellent views. Your guides and porters will offer assistance. After the wall, the trail undulates with some ups and downs.
Karanga Camp: You’ll descend into the Karanga Valley and then make a short, steep climb to Karanga Camp. This camp is situated on a rocky ridge with excellent views.
Optional Afternoon Hike: An optional acclimatization walk can be done in the afternoon.
4-5 hours
75 meters (246 feet)
Alpine Desert
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Karanga Camp
Morning: This is a shorter trekking day to allow for rest before the summit push.
The Trek: The trail ascends steadily through a barren alpine desert landscape with increasing signs of volcanic activity. You’ll have excellent views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Barafu Camp: Barafu Camp is situated on a rocky, exposed ridge with no vegetation. “Barafu” means “ice” in Swahili, and the camp is often cold and windy.
Summit Preparation: After lunch, your guides will provide a detailed briefing about the summit climb. It’s crucial to rest, hydrate, and prepare your gear (headlamp, warm layers, water bottles, etc.). Dinner will be served early, and you’ll try to get some sleep before the midnight wake-up call.
3-4 hours
~ 645 meters (2,116 feet)
Alpine Desert
Lunch, Dinner
Barafu Camp
Midnight Wake-up: You’ll be woken up around midnight for a light snack and tea before starting the summit ascent.
The Ascent: The initial part of the climb is steep and over loose scree. You’ll trek slowly in the darkness with headlamps, following your guide. The pace is deliberately slow (“pole pole” in Swahili) to conserve energy and aid acclimatization.
Stella Point: After several hours of climbing, you’ll reach Stella Point (5,756m / 18,885ft) on the crater rim. This is a significant achievement, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the sunrise (weather permitting).
Uhuru Peak: From Stella Point, the trail flattens out slightly along the crater rim for the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft), the “Roof of Africa”! Take time to celebrate your accomplishment, take photos, and soak in the incredible views.
The Descent: The descent from the summit is much faster but requires careful footing. You’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and some refreshments.
Continue to Millennium Camp: After resting at Barafu, you’ll continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820m / 12,533ft), located in the upper rainforest. The lower altitude and thicker air will feel much easier.
Celebratory Dinner: A well-deserved hot dinner will be served at Millennium Camp, and you’ll have a much-needed good night’s sleep.
ascent: 6-8 hours, descent: 4-7 hours
+1,215 m (3,986 ft) / -2,075 m(6,808 ft)
Alpine Desert
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Millennium Camp
Morning: After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll begin your final descent through the lush rainforest.
The Trek: The trail is well-maintained and descends gradually. You’ll likely see more monkeys and diverse plant life.
Mweka Gate: At the Mweka Gate, you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificates!
Transfer: You’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved shower and rest.
4-5 hours
~2,180 meters (7,152 feet)
Montane Forest
Breakfast, Lunch
Bristol Cottages Kilimanjaro
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.
Price per person based on group size. All prices in USD
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Bristol Cottages Kilimanjaro is a comfortable accommodation property located in Moshi, offering travelers a convenient stay close to Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes and safari departure points. The property provides a calm environment suitable for both short and extended stays.
The cottages are surrounded by greenery and peaceful outdoor spaces that create a relaxing atmosphere for guests preparing for adventures in northern Tanzania. Its location allows easy access to Moshi town, local attractions, and transportation services.
Accommodation includes private cottages and guest rooms equipped with modern amenities for comfort and convenience. Guests can enjoy friendly hospitality, dining services, and restful surroundings during their stay.
Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, is the first overnight stop on the popular Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Located at approximately 2,650 meters (8,694 feet) above sea level, the camp sits within the lush montane rainforest zone on the western slopes of the mountain. It is one of the quietest and most peaceful camps on Kilimanjaro, offering climbers a comfortable introduction to their trekking adventure.
The name “Mti Mkubwa” means “Big Tree” in Swahili, reflecting the dense forest environment that surrounds the camp. The area is filled with giant trees, moss-covered branches, colorful flowers, and tropical vegetation, creating a completely different atmosphere from the higher alpine areas of the mountain. Trekkers often hear birds singing and may even spot black-and-white colobus monkeys moving through the forest canopy during the hike to camp.
The journey to Mti Mkubwa Camp begins at Londorossi Gate, where climbers complete park registration before entering the rainforest. The hike to the camp is generally gentle and allows trekkers to settle into the climb while enjoying the natural beauty of Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. The cool forest air and shaded trails make the first trekking day relatively comfortable compared to the more demanding days ahead.
Accommodation at Mti Mkubwa Camp is tent-based, with trekkers sleeping in mountain tents arranged within forest clearings. The camp includes basic facilities such as toilets and ranger stations, while meals are prepared by the trekking crew. Due to its lower altitude and sheltered location, temperatures at the camp are usually milder than those experienced higher on the mountain.
Shira 1 Camp is a scenic campsite located on the expansive Shira Plateau on Mount Kilimanjaro. Situated at approximately 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) above sea level, the camp is commonly used by trekkers following the Lemosho and Shira routes. It marks the transition from the rainforest and moorland zones into the open alpine environment of the mountain.
The camp sits on one of Kilimanjaro’s oldest volcanic formations, offering wide-open landscapes and spectacular panoramic views. Unlike the forested camps lower on the mountain, Shira 1 Camp features open grasslands, volcanic rock formations, and sparse vegetation adapted to the harsher mountain climate. The area provides clear views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding plains stretching toward western Tanzania.
Trekkers reaching Shira 1 Camp often notice the effects of higher altitude for the first time, making the camp an important acclimatization stop during the climb. The route leading to the camp is less steep than many other sections of the mountain, allowing climbers to gradually gain elevation while enjoying the unique scenery of the Shira Plateau.
Accommodation at Shira 1 Camp is entirely tent-based, with camping areas spread across the plateau. Facilities are basic and include toilets and ranger stations. Nights at the camp are usually colder and windier than those at lower camps due to the open landscape and higher elevation. However, the clear skies often provide excellent opportunities for stargazing and photography.
Shira 2 Camp is a high-altitude campsite located on the expansive Shira Plateau on Mount Kilimanjaro at approximately 3,850 meters (12,631 feet) above sea level. The camp is commonly used by climbers on the Lemosho, Shira, and Northern Circuit routes and serves as an important acclimatization stop before trekking toward Lava Tower and the southern circuit of the mountain.
The landscape around Shira 2 Camp is dramatically different from the rainforest and moorland zones lower on the mountain. The area is dominated by open alpine desert terrain, volcanic rock formations, and sparse high-altitude vegetation. The camp offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kibo Peak, Mount Meru, and the vast Shira Plateau stretching across Kilimanjaro’s western slopes.
Trekkers reaching Shira 2 Camp often begin to feel the effects of altitude more noticeably due to the thinner air. For this reason, the camp plays a major role in helping climbers acclimatize gradually before moving to higher elevations. The hiking trails leading to the camp are generally gentle, allowing climbers to enjoy the scenery while steadily gaining altitude.
Accommodation at Shira 2 Camp is entirely tent-based, with designated camping areas spread across the rocky plateau. Nights are cold and temperatures can drop below freezing, especially during clear weather conditions. Despite the harsh environment, the camp remains one of the most scenic overnight stops on Kilimanjaro.
Barranco Camp is one of the most scenic and memorable camps on Mount Kilimanjaro, located at an altitude of approximately 3,960 meters (13,000 feet). Positioned on the southern slopes of the mountain, the camp is commonly used by climbers trekking through the Machame, Lemosho, Shira, and Umbwe routes. Surrounded by towering volcanic landscapes and unique alpine vegetation, Barranco Camp offers trekkers a beautiful resting point before continuing toward the summit.
The camp lies within the dramatic Barranco Valley, beneath the famous Barranco Wall and with excellent views of Kibo Peak. The surrounding environment is characterized by giant groundsels, everlasting flowers, and rugged mountain terrain that creates one of the most photographed locations on Kilimanjaro. Due to its position between the moorland and alpine desert zones, the scenery changes dramatically compared to lower camps, giving climbers a true sense of the mountain’s diverse ecosystems.
Barranco Camp is also an important acclimatization stop during the climb. Many itineraries reach the camp after ascending to higher elevations such as Lava Tower before descending again to sleep at Barranco. This “climb high, sleep low” approach helps the body gradually adapt to altitude and increases the chances of a successful summit attempt. Trekkers often spend the afternoon resting, enjoying mountain views, and preparing for the next day’s hike.
Accommodation at Barranco Camp is entirely tent-based, with climbers sleeping in mountain tents provided by their trekking operators. The camp includes basic facilities such as ranger stations and simple toilets, while meals are usually prepared by the mountain crew. Even with its remote setting, Barranco Camp remains one of the liveliest and most social camps on Kilimanjaro because several routes meet there before continuing toward the summit.
Karanga Camp is a scenic campsite on Mount Kilimanjaro located at approximately 3,995 meters (13,106 feet) above sea level. The camp is commonly used by climbers on the Machame, Lemosho, and Umbwe routes as they continue toward Barafu Camp and the summit.
The camp sits in a valley surrounded by rocky ridges, alpine vegetation, and dramatic mountain scenery. Trekkers reaching Karanga Camp often descend from Barranco Camp after climbing the famous Barranco Wall. The camp provides an important acclimatization stop before ascending to higher elevations.
Accommodation at Karanga Camp consists of mountain tents arranged across rocky camping grounds. The area offers clear views of glaciers, valleys, and surrounding peaks, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Barafu Camp is one of the main summit camps on Mount Kilimanjaro, located at approximately 4,673 meters (15,331 feet) above sea level. The camp is used by climbers on the Machame, Lemosho, Umbwe, and Southern Circuit routes before their final ascent to Uhuru Peak.
The camp is situated in a harsh alpine desert environment with rocky terrain, steep slopes, and strong winds. The name “Barafu” means “ice” in Swahili, reflecting the cold conditions experienced at this altitude. Climbers usually arrive in the afternoon, rest briefly, and begin their summit attempt around midnight.
Accommodation at Barafu Camp consists of mountain tents placed on rocky ground. Despite the challenging environment, the camp provides spectacular views of glaciers, surrounding peaks, and dramatic mountain landscapes.
Millennium Camp is a lower-altitude campsite on Mount Kilimanjaro located at approximately 3,820 meters (12,532 feet) above sea level. It is commonly used by climbers descending the mountain after successful summit attempts, particularly on the Mweka Route.
The camp is positioned near the edge of the rainforest zone, where the alpine environment gradually transitions back into greener vegetation and forest landscapes. After the demanding summit climb, many trekkers appreciate the warmer temperatures and increased oxygen levels found at Millennium Camp.
Accommodation at the camp consists of mountain tents arranged within designated camping areas. The atmosphere is usually relaxed and celebratory as climbers recover from the summit and prepare for the final descent to Mweka Gate.
Bristol Cottages Kilimanjaro is a comfortable accommodation property located in Moshi, offering travelers a convenient stay close to Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes and safari departure points. The property provides a calm environment suitable for both short and extended stays.
The cottages are surrounded by greenery and peaceful outdoor spaces that create a relaxing atmosphere for guests preparing for adventures in northern Tanzania. Its location allows easy access to Moshi town, local attractions, and transportation services.
Accommodation includes private cottages and guest rooms equipped with modern amenities for comfort and convenience. Guests can enjoy friendly hospitality, dining services, and restful surroundings during their stay.
Everything you need to know about what makes this route special
This 8-day itinerary is designed with good acclimatization in mind, but individual responses to altitude vary. Listen to your body and communicate any concerns to your guides.
Scenery: Passes through rainforest, heather/moorland, volcanic desert, and arctic zones, including panoramic views from the Shira Plateau.
While no technical climbing is involved, a good level of fitness is essential for this trek. Regular cardiovascular exercise and some hiking experience are recommended.
Proper gear is crucial for a successful and comfortable climb. This includes warm layers, waterproof and windproof outerwear, sturdy hiking boots, a good sleeping bag, a headlamp, and trekking poles.
You will be accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable local guides and a team of porters who will carry your camping equipment and supplies. Their expertise is invaluable for your safety and enjoyment.
Consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations and medications for travel to Tanzania and high altitude trekking.
Drinking plenty of water and eating well are vital for acclimatization and energy levels. Your cook will prepare nutritious meals throughout the trek.
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking up to at least 6,000 meters (approximately 19,700 feet) and medical emergencies.
Choose the best season for your Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing adventure
Clear & Warm
21–27°C base / -7 to -29°C summit
High
Premium
The warmest months on the mountain, with excellent visibility. Expect generally clear skies in the mornings and evenings; clouds may appear during the day with occasional brief showers.
Clear & Cold
15–20°C base / -10 to -20°C summit
Very High
Premium
The probability of rain is minimal, skies are mostly clear, and the visibility is unparalleled. July and August are the busiest months on the mountain, with crowds thinning in September and even more so in October.
Variable — occasional showers
18–25°C base / -10 to -20°C summit
Low to Moderate
Standard
Early October is still stable, but by November, less stable weather patterns can bring rain every day for a short period. March begins with a short dry window, but by mid-March the long rains begin.
Eat even if you aren't hungry: High altitude suppresses appetite, but you’ll be burning 4,000+ calories on summit day. Force down the porridge!
It offers the best acclimatization profile on the mountain. By starting on the western side at a lower elevation and spending 8 days on the trail, you give your body ample time to adjust. It also features the most diverse scenery, crossing through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic zones.
The 8-day Lemosho route has one of the highest success rates on Kilimanjaro, typically between 85% and 95%. For comparison, shorter 5 or 6-day routes often have success rates below 60%.
It is rated as moderately difficult. While no technical climbing is required (it’s a “walk-up”), you will be hiking 4–8 hours a day at high altitude. The most famous “challenge” is the Barranco Wall, a non-technical scramble that requires using your hands for balance but is generally enjoyed by trekkers.
Prices usually range from $2,200 to $4,000 USD per person.
Many climbers use Diamox to help with acclimatization, but it is a personal choice. You should consult your doctor before your trip to discuss its pros and cons.
From your first inquiry, Climbing Preparation, packing to your summit selfie at Uhuru Peak — we’ve got every step covered. Here’s why thousands of climbers trust Kilimanjaro Bound to conquer this majestic mountain.
Download our comprehensive Kilimanjaro Packing List PDF to ensure you have all the essential clothing, gear, and equipment needed for a safe and comfortable trek to the summit.
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