Introduction
If you're dreaming of the 8 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek, this guide is your perfect starting point. The Lemosho Route offers beauty, adventure, and great acclimatization. Here’s your friendly, day-by-day breakdown prepared with insights from Climbing Kilimanjaro Tanzania.
Complete Guide: Day-By-Day Itinerary for the Lemosho 8 Days Route
Climbing Kilimanjaro is not just a trek—it’s a life-changing experience. And if there’s one route hikers rave about, it’s the 8 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek. This route gives you the perfect balance of scenic beauty, gradual altitude gain, and a higher success rate. Whether you're trekking with friends or joining a group at Climbing Kilimanjaro Tanzania, this itinerary will help you know exactly what to expect each day.
Let’s walk through the journey step-by-step—like two friends preparing for an unforgettable adventure.
1. Why Choose the Lemosho Route for 8 Days?
Before diving into the day-by-day breakdown, let’s talk about why the 8 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek is so popular:
✔ Less crowded than Machame & Marangu
✔ One of the most scenic routes—lush rainforest, Shira Plateau, alpine desert
✔ Excellent acclimatization profile
✔ Higher summit success rate
✔ Wildlife sightings at the start
If you’re serious about reaching Uhuru Peak comfortably, this is one of the best routes recommended by Climbing Kilimanjaro Tanzania.
2. Overview of the Trek
Here’s a quick look before we break it down in detail:
- Total Days: 8
- Summit Height: 5,895m
- Start Point: Londorossi Gate
- End Point: Mweka Gate
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Best For: Fit beginners, intermediate hikers, scenic lovers
Day-By-Day Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,100m to 2,650m
Duration: 3–4 hours
Terrain: Rainforest
Your trek begins at Londorossi Gate where you complete registration and enjoy a scenic drive through lush vegetation. The first day is gentle, passing through thick forest rich with monkeys, birds, and sometimes buffalo. By evening, you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp, a charming spot surrounded by tall trees.
This mellow warm-up makes the 8 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek feel accessible from the very beginning.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,650m to 3,500m
Duration: 5–6 hours
Terrain: Forest → Moorland
Today the scenery changes dramatically. You leave the rainforest and climb into moorland regions, eventually stepping onto the Shira Plateau—one of Kilimanjaro’s most impressive geological features. The vast open landscape and dramatic views of Kibo make this day unforgettable.
You’ll settle into Shira 1 Camp as the temperature drops and the African night sky comes alive.
Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,500m to 3,900m
Duration: 3–4 hours
Terrain: Shira Plateau
This is a short but important acclimatization day. You’ll traverse across the Shira Plateau, enjoying panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding highlands. It's a relaxing hike that helps your body adjust to the growing altitude.
Once at Shira 2 Camp, you can explore the area, rest, and enjoy another early dinner.
Day 4: Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,900m → 4,630m → 3,960m
Duration: 6–7 hours
Terrain: Alpine desert
This is one of the most crucial acclimatization days. You climb up to Lava Tower (4,630m) where lunch is served. Spending time at this altitude helps your body adjust.
Then you descend to Barranco Camp, a beautiful valley surrounded by giant Senecio plants. The climb high–sleep low strategy here significantly improves your summit chances.
This day is often the most memorable on the 8 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek.
Day 5: Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m
Duration: 4–5 hours
Terrain: Rocky wall → ridges
Your morning begins with the famous Barranco Wall—a steep but fun scramble. Although it looks intimidating, it’s actually one of the most enjoyable parts of the trek. The views at the top are simply breathtaking.
The trail then winds through valleys and ridges until you reach Karanga Camp, your acclimatization base for the day.
Day 6: Karanga to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
Duration: 3–4 hours
Terrain: Alpine desert
Today’s hike is shorter but steeper. You gradually make your way to Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit attempt. The air is thinner, the temperature drops, and you’ll feel the excitement building.
You’ll have an early dinner and rest because summit night begins around midnight.
Day 7: Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation:
4,640m → 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) → 3,100m
Duration: 11–14 hours
Terrain: Steep slopes → snow → forest
This is the big day—the reason you came here!
Summit Attempt
Around midnight, you begin the slow, steady climb toward Stella Point. The sunrise you witness here is something you will remember forever. From Stella Point, a final push leads you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Standing on top of Kilimanjaro is emotional, surreal, and absolutely worth every step.
Descent to Mweka Camp
After celebrating, you descend back to Barafu, rest briefly, and continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Duration: 3–4 hours
Terrain: Forest
Your last day is a gentle walk through lush rainforest. Once you reach Mweka Gate, you receive your summit certificate—proof of your incredible achievement.
Many trekkers celebrate with the team from Climbing Kilimanjaro Tanzania, reliving memories of the past eight days.
Additional Tips for a Successful Lemosho 8 Days Trek
1. Train at Least 8–10 Weeks Before
Focus on cardio, long hikes, and leg strength.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drink 3–4 liters daily to fight altitude sickness.
3. Walk Slowly
The Swahili phrase “Pole Pole” (slowly, slowly) is your best friend.
4. Use Proper Gear
Quality boots, layers, a -10°C sleeping bag, and trekking poles are essential.
5. Acclimatize Well
The 8-day route already offers this advantage—another reason it’s the favorite at Climbing Kilimanjaro Tanzania.
Is the 8 Days Lemosho Route Good for Beginners?
Yes! It’s one of the best routes for beginners because:
- You get more time to acclimatize
- The walking pace is manageable
- The scenery keeps you motivated
- It has a higher summit success rate
Just make sure you train properly and choose an experienced operator.
Best Time to Climb via the Lemosho Route
✔ January – March
✔ June – October
These months offer stable weather, clearer skies, and excellent trekking conditions.
Conclusion
The 8 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek is one of the best ways to reach the Roof of Africa comfortably and successfully. With stunning views, great acclimatization, and expert support from Climbing Kilimanjaro Tanzania, this route gives you everything you need for an unforgettable summit journey.
