8-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing – Lemosho Route itinerary
Overview
Experience one of Africa’s most rewarding mountain adventures with Excellence Africa Adventures, a locally based Tanzania tour operator offering professionally guided Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions. The 8-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing – Lemosho Route itineraryis designed for both private climbs and group-joining departures, combining spectacular landscapes, expert mountain guidance, carefully planned acclimatization, nutritious meals, and dedicated mountain crew support.
Starting on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho Route crosses beautiful rainforest, the Shira Plateau, dramatic alpine landscapes, the Great Barranco Wall, and the high-altitude slopes leading to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
Duration: 8 days on the mountain
Route: Lemosho Route
Accommodation: Mountain tents throughout the trek
Difficulty: Challenging
Summit target: Uhuru Peak, 5,895 metres
Tour options: Private expedition or group-joining climb
- Best for: Adventure seekers, couples, friends, solo travellers and organized groups
Kili treks on Lemosho route
Tour Plan
Elevation: approximately 2,780 m | Hiking: 3–4 hours
Meals: Lunch and dinner
After breakfast at your hotel in Moshi, meet your mountain guide and climbing crew for the transfer to Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro’s western side. Complete park registration and continue to the trailhead.
Begin trekking through the beautiful montane rainforest, where you may see colobus monkeys, forest birds and unique vegetation. Walk at a comfortable pace before reaching Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp in mountain tents.
Elevation: approximately 3,500 m | Hiking: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast, leave the rainforest and ascend through heathland and moorland. As the vegetation becomes shorter, the landscape opens to wide views across the western slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Your guide maintains a steady walking pace with regular hydration and rest stops. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, where you can enjoy the mountain scenery and a freshly prepared dinner.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp.
Elevation: approximately 3,850 m | Hiking: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Continue across the spectacular Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most distinctive high-altitude landscapes. Enjoy views of the mountain’s volcanic formations, expansive moorland and, in clear weather, Mount Meru.
This shorter trekking day provides time to rest and adjust to the increasing altitude. Depending on weather, energy levels and the guide’s assessment, an additional acclimatization walk may be arranged.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp.
Highest point: approximately 4,630 m | Camp: approximately 3,960 m | Hiking: 6–8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek through the alpine desert toward Lava Tower, an impressive volcanic formation. This is a key acclimatization day, following the principle of climbing higher during the day before descending to sleep at a lower elevation.
After lunch or a suitable rest at the Lava Tower area, descend through dramatic mountain scenery to Barranco Camp, beneath the imposing Barranco Wall.
Overnight: Barranco Camp.
Elevation: approximately 3,995 m | Hiking: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast, begin the ascent of the Barranco Wall, a memorable section of the Lemosho Route. With guidance from your mountain team, carefully negotiate the rocky trail and enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and glaciers.
Continue along the Southern Circuit through undulating terrain to Karanga Camp. The relatively short distance allows time to recover, hydrate and prepare for the higher camps ahead.
Overnight: Karanga Camp.
Elevation: approximately 4,600 m | Hiking: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and early dinner
After breakfast, continue ascending across the alpine landscape to Barafu Camp, the main high camp for the summit attempt. Your guides monitor the group’s condition and make sure everyone has time to rest.
The mountain crew prepares an early dinner, checks essential equipment and briefs climbers on summit-night procedures. Get into your sleeping bag early, as the summit attempt typically begins around midnight.
Overnight: Barafu Camp.
Summit: 5,895 m | Hiking: approximately 12–16 hours in total
Meals: Hot drink and light food before departure, breakfast or brunch after descent as arranged, and dinner
Begin the summit attempt around midnight with your guides. Ascend slowly through the darkness toward Stella Point (approximately 5,756 m), resting as needed. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Celebrate your achievement, take photographs and enjoy the extraordinary sunrise and summit views when weather permits. The guide will determine the safe duration at the summit based on conditions.
Descend carefully to Barafu Camp for a short recovery break, then continue to Mweka Camp through the alpine landscape and upper moorland.
Overnight: Mweka Camp.
Descent: approximately 3,100 m to 1,640 m | Hiking: 3–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Enjoy breakfast before the final descent through Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. After completing the park exit procedures, receive your summit certificate if you have qualified for one.
Your driver will transfer you back to Moshi for a shower, a well-earned rest and a celebration of your achievement.
End of the 8-day mountain expedition.
Private Lemosho climb
Dedicated guide team for your private party.
Flexible walking breaks and pace within safe operating limits.
Suitable for couples, families, friends and private groups.
More flexibility for dietary preferences and individual support.
Private transfers and hotel arrangements can be quoted.
Departure date selected by your party, subject to availability.
Group-joining Lemosho climb
Join other climbers on a scheduled departure.
Share the guiding and mountain logistics costs across the group.
Meet travellers from different countries.
Follow the planned group itinerary and established camp schedule.
Shared transport and accommodation arrangements where specified.
Departure operates subject to the operator’s minimum group size and booking conditions.
Recommended personal climbing equipment
Climbers should prepare for tropical rain, cold nights and sub-zero summit conditions. Recommended items include:
Waterproof hiking boots and gaiters.
Thermal base layers, fleece and insulated jacket.
Waterproof jacket and trousers.
Warm gloves, summit mittens, hat and neck warmer.
Sleeping bag rated for cold mountain conditions.
Headlamp with spare batteries.
Trekking poles and a daypack.
Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip protection.
Reusable water bottles or hydration system suitable for cold temperatures.
Personal toiletries, quick-drying towels and prescribed medication.
Included/Excluded
All applicable Kilimanjaro National Park entrance and conservation fees
Pre- and post-climb services
- International flights to and from Tanzania.
- Personal trekking equipment, clothing, hiking boots, sleeping bag and trekking poles.
- Meals outside the mountain itinerary.
- Personal spending, snacks, alcoholic drinks and souvenirs.
- Tips for guides, cooks and porters.
