8 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE CLIMBING
(+ 2 days in a hotel)
The 8 Days Lemosho Route is one of the most beautiful and rewarding routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It is designed to give climbers a better chance to reach the summit by allowing more time for acclimatization. Starting on the western side of Kilimanjaro, the route takes you through lush rainforests, scenic moorlands, and rocky landscapes before reaching the snowy summit at Uhuru Peak.
The 8 Days Lemosho Route offers breathtaking views, fewer crowds, and diverse landscapes. It is perfect for adventurers who want an unforgettable Kilimanjaro climbing experience. The route is longer, giving you plenty of time to adjust to the altitude and improve your chances of a successful climb.
Temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro vary greatly depending on the altitude. At the base, temperatures can range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). As you ascend, the temperatures drop significantly, reaching below freezing at night near the summit. Climbers should prepare for temperatures as low as -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F) at Uhuru Peak.
Do You Need a Sleeping Pad?
Yes, you will need a good-quality sleeping pad to ensure warmth and comfort during the climb. Bush Lion Trekking and Tours provides sleeping pads, but you are welcome to bring your own for extra comfort. Our team also offers quality tents and sleeping bags for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Itinerary summary
- Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
- Day 2: Lemosho Glades (2385m) to Big Tree Camp (2780m)
- Day 3: Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3500m)
- Day 4: Shira 1 Camp (3500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)
- Day 5: Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)
- Day 6: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)
- Day 7: Karanga Camp (3963) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
- Day 8: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)
- Day 9: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
- Day 10: Depart Tanzania
Who Should Climb the 8 Days Lemosho Route?
The 8 Days Lemosho Route is perfect for adventurers seeking a more scenic and gradual climb with excellent acclimatization opportunities. This route is ideal for climbers who want to take their time to adjust to the altitude while enjoying the stunning landscapes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Though considered one of the longer routes, the Lemosho Route provides a higher success rate due to its extended itinerary. However, climbers must be physically prepared to handle the extended trekking days and varying terrains. Choose the 8 Days Lemosho Route with Bush Lion Trekking and Tours for a rewarding and breathtaking Kilimanjaro climbing experience!
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Lemosho Glades (2385m) to Big Tree Camp (2780m)
You will be picked up at your hotel at around 08:00am and transferred to the Lemosho gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After the registration process you will still start our climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp where you will be spending the night.
- Distance covered: 7km / 4.3mi
- Approx. time taken: 4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3500m)
Today you will trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. Our destination for today is the Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds. We gain a reasonable amount of altitude today and parts of the route are fairly steep.
- Distance covered: 8.5km / 5.3mi
- Approx. time taken: 7 hrs
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp (3500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)
Today you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon you will take an acclimatization walk then head back to camp for dinner and overnight.
- Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
- Approx. time taken: 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)
Your trek starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking in to the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.
- Distance covered: 10km / 6.2mi
- Approx. time taken: 7 hrs
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)
Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
- Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi
- Approx. time taken: 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Karanga Camp (3963) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.
- Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi
- Approx. time taken: 3 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 8: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)
We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
- Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi
- Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 9: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a hot welcome shower.
- Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi
- Approx. time taken: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 10: Departure Tanzania
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Hotels check out is 11:00am. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay till 6:00 PM for an extra fee
PRICE FOR 8 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE CLIMBING
Prices (quoted in USD/per person)
1 Person | 2 – 4 People | 5 – 6 People | 7 – 9 People | 10 & Above |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$2,350 USD | $2,080 USD | $2,040 USD | $2,000 USD | $1,950 USD |
Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route - 8 days
Joining group Date
- 12 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2025
- Places already reserved: 4 / 14
- 18 Feb 2025 - 27 Feb 2025
- Places already reserved: 2 / 14
- 02 Mar 2025 - 11 Mar 2025
- Places already reserved: 2 / 14
- 08 Mar 2025 - 17 Mar 2025
- Places already reserved: 2 / 14
- 06 Jun 2025 - 15 Jun 2025
- Places already reserved: 3 / 14
- 08 Jun 2025 - 16 Jun 2025
- Places already reserved: 4 / 14
- 17 Jun 2025 - 26 Jun 2025
- Places already reserved: 2 / 14
- 10 Jul 2025 - 19 Jul 2025
- Places already reserved: 4 / 14
- 15 Jul 2025 - 24 Jul 2025
- Places already reserved: 2 / 14
Included
- Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
- 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi (BB) Panama Garden Resort/Parkview inn hotel
- Pre-Climb Briefing And Orientation
- Park Fees And Permits
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate Park entry fees,
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- Double layered Sleeping Mats 4 inches (10cm) thick
- 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Hot water for washing
- 4 Season Mountain Tents
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Safety Equipment (Like Oxygen Tanks, First Aid Kits, Etc.)
- Portable Flush Toilet with a toilet tent
- Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate
Not Included
- Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
- Travel Insurance (Medical, Evacuation, Trip Cancellation, Etc.)
- Personal Gear (Such As Hiking Boots, Clothing, Backpacks, Etc.)
- Tips For Guides, Porters, And Other Staff
- Additional Accommodation And Meals Before Or After The Climb
- Alcoholic Beverages And Other Personal Expenses
- Laundry (Available at hotel).
Payment Terms
Deposit Payment
- Deposit is $100 of the total booking amount.
- Deposit can be paid either via a bank transfer or an online card payment.
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charges), this is non-refundable.
- We offer bank accounts in 10 different currencies for bank transfer.
- Once you make the advance payment you will receive a booking confirmation.
Balance Payment
- Balance can be paid via bank transfer, online card payment, or with cash.
- Bank payment can be done 15 days prior to the tour date (recommended 30 days prior).
- Card Payment can be done 1 day prior to the tour date (recommended 7 days prior).
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charge), this is non-refundable.
- Cash can be paid on arrival (USD printed in or after the year 2009).
Cancellation Policy
8 days and above departure
- No cancellation fees.
0 to 7 days before departure
- 50% of the total tour price will be charged as cancellation fees.
- The 5% surcharge paid for either or both advance and balance payments is non-refundable in case of cancellation of the trek.
FAQs for Lemosho Route
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE LEMOSHO ROUTE?
From the perspective of acclimatization and daily altitude gain, the Lemosho Route is considered one of the easiest routes to climb Kilimanjaro. The extra time and distance of this route helps acclimatize well and minimizes the risk of altitude sickness. However it still includes the challenging ascent up the Barranco Wall and a steep climb to the summit on the final night.
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE LEMOSHO ROUTE?
The exact trekking distance for the Lemosho Route is 71km or 43 miles fom start to finish. This is done over 7 or 8 days. The average daily altitude gain is about 500m mainly because of the much higher starting point at 2360m and the longer duration of the trek. On the summit night you will climb 1200m from Barafu camp to Uhuru peak.
WHAT IS LEMOSHO ROUTE'S SUMMIT SUCCESS RATE?
Due to its longer length, summit success rates on the Lemosho route are one of the highest on the mountain. Whilst there are no official statistics, the average success rate across all operators is 90% for the 8 day trek and a 85% success rate for the 7 day trek. However, we have a success rate of over 95% for the 8 day Lemosho route and a 92% success rate for the 7 day option.
HOW IS THE SCENERY ON THE LEMOSHO ROUTE?
The Lemosho Route is considered to be the most scenically beautiful of all the routes. The route takes trekkers from the west side of the mountain through lush rainforest before joining up with the Lemosho Route to cross the spectacular Shira Plateau. The route takes in the west and south of the mountain and the views are incredible, particularly from on the southern circuit.
