8 Days Lemosho Kilimanjaro
8 Days Lemosho Route Overview
The 8 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro is one of the most recommended itineraries for climbers seeking the highest summit success rate with a gradual and comfortable ascent many climbers choose the 8 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro. With extra time for acclimatization, this route is ideal for trekkers who prefer a slower pace, better altitude adjustment, and a safer journey to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Starting from the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro at Lemosho Gate, the 8 days Lemosho itinerary takes you through a variety of ecosystems from lush rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and the arctic summit zone. The route is known for its quiet and scenic start, offering breathtaking views across the Shira Plateau before joining the Machame trail for a steady approach toward the summit.
This itinerary is also available as a group departure, making it a great option for solo travelers or those looking to reduce costs while sharing the experience
This itinerary follows the scenic Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro, widely considered the most beautiful and successful trekking route on the mountain.
The 8-day program provides the best “climb high, sleep low” acclimatization profile, with additional time at key points such as Lava Tower and Barranco Camp. This significantly improves your body’s ability to adjust to altitude and increases your chances of reaching the summit successfully.
Along the way, you will experience some of Kilimanjaro’s most iconic highlights:
- Lemosho rainforest
- Shira Plateau
- Lava Tower
- Barranco Wall
- Barafu Camp (base camp)
This 8-day itinerary is the most comfortable option on the Lemosho Route, offering a slower pace and higher success rate compared to the 6 Days Lemosho Route and 7 Days Lemosho Route, making it the best choice for climbers prioritizing safety, experience, and summit success.
Trekking
Kilimanjaro
Accommodation
Camps
Accommodation
Camp
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Preparation & Route Experience
We always recommend spending at least one night in Moshi before starting your trek. This gives you time to rest, relax, and prepare for the climb. During this day, you will meet your guide for a full briefing, have your equipment checked, arrange any rental gear if needed, and ask any questions before the climb begins.
Favoured by climbers looking for a quieter and more scenic ascent, the Lemosho Route takes you through diverse landscapes that change each day. It is also one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro for wildlife, especially birdlife, making the early days of the trek particularly unique.
With extra days built into the itinerary, this route offers excellent acclimatization. Optional short acclimatization hikes along the way help your body adjust to altitude, greatly improving your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.
Although the route covers approximately 46 km, it is one of the most successful routes on Kilimanjaro due to its gradual profile and steady “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) pace.
8 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Itinerary
Arrival in Tanzania
Your 8 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro adventure begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your lodge in Moshi. In the evening, you will meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing and equipment check to ensure you are fully prepared for the climb. Enjoy a restful overnight stay at Kili Kivuli Accommodation or a similar comfortable accommodation.
- Total distance: 4.8km
- Hiking Time (approx.): 2 hours
The starting point of the Lemosho climb is located some distance from Moshi town (approximately 2 hours’ drive). We’ll get you straight into African life with a preliminary African massage (a term of endearment we have for the not-so-great road) on the way out to your start point. You will have fantastic views out of the window driving through rural Tanzanian scenery. Upon arrival at the Londorossi gate we will pay your park fees, and drive slightly further to the starting point at 2385m where you will don your day pack and start walking.
Today is by no means a strenuous hike hours but gives you time to adjust into your walking pace… and plenty of opportunities to look up hoping to spot some black and white colobus monkeys in the forest. A lucky few may even spot buffalo or even elephant! Today you will overnight at Mti Mkubwa (literal translation= big tree) camp, so called because of the large conifer trees, providing shade over the camp, one of the most picturesque on the mountain
- Total distance: 7.9km
- Hiking Time (approx.): 5-6 hours
This day is always among the favourites from our trekkers as you leave the forested glades to emerge out into moorland with fantastic views to the Shira plateau, but more importantly the magnificent peak of Kibo. This day is when the climbing starts, with a 700m elevation gain. Your guide will make sure you are going at a slow pace, to ward off any altitude sickness. The day starts with lots of small ups and downs, before climbing to the top of a ridge. You will head eastwards along this ridge with views over to Ngare Nairobi River and the emergency 4 x 4 track.
Following your lunch stop you will be able to see your trekking path laid out ahead for the next couple of days across the Shira plateau. There is a nice slow descent down to Shira 1 campsite where your chef will be cooking up a storm to reward your hard efforts.
- Total distance: 10.5m
- Hiking Time (approx.):6-8 hours
Not long after setting off across the plateau you will already be able to see your camp for that night – at Shira Huts. We’ve added the excursion to the Shira Cathedral (although this is optional) as it can be done in the same day, and provides that extra bit of acclimatization opportunity. On your trek over to the cathedral you can admire the lobelias and the naturalist in you can spot animal tracks as evidence the trail was originally used by small antelope in search of salt and fresh grazing. From the summit of the ‘cathedral’ you can again have clear views to Kibo and you can check out the Machame route, with which you will join up a little later on. From here it is a shorter walk to Shira Huts, passing along the crater rim and the helipad used for emergency evacuations, or (thankfully!) more commonly film crews.
- Total distance: 10.1km
- Hiking Time (approx.): 6-8 hours
Your final morning on the quieter Lemosho route before joining up with the Machame trekkers later on. You will emerge from the valleys peppered with lobelia and heather covering the ground to find yourself in the alpine desert ecosystem, with lichen covering every rock. The first few hours are steady uphill walking. This is best taken slowly as today is often the first day some may feel the symptoms of altitude sickness. Although after joining up with Machame route there is a shorter route to camp (which you will see porters and chefs running along) we take you on a diversion to Lava Tower Rock (alt. 4600m) to give you extra acclimatisation. From Lava Tower it’s all downhill to Barranco camp- feeling the chill where that cup of warm soup to start your dinner will be all the more welcome.
- otal distance: 6.6km
- Hiking time: 3-4 hours
A shorter day, giving you a good chance to adjust but still a little challenge as you leave the camp, climbing up what has been nicknamed the ‘breakfast rock’. It’s all worth it though as at the top of this rock you can have a great view to Kibo peak and its magnificent glaciers, whilst at the same time in the other direction you’ll be able to see Mt Meru. Also a very popular obligatory ‘jumping’ photo point.
This day also includes a lot of ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ until you reach the valley which marks the last point for water passing along this route. Make sure to keep an eye out for malachite sunbirds (a popular nesting spot for them) and enjoy the last bit of greenery you will see before you are on your way back down. Head back up the other side of the valley to Karanga camp where you can relax for the afternoon before enjoying a hearty dinner and tucking yourselves in.
- Total distance: 3.9km
- Hiking time: 3-4 hours
During your trekking this day you will find the trail to get steadily steeper all the way to Barafu camp. On the way you will pass over the volcanic rocks from previous explosions of this volcano and you will be able to view the entire landscape of the mountain. You will arrive at Barafu camp around 1pm for a hot lunch and then rest up and get some sleep in preparation for your summit night! Although during the day time it can be a little warm at this time, the Barafu or ‘ice’ camp really lives up to its name once the sun goes down.
Your friendly guide will give you a warm wakeup call at approximately 11pm (depending how well you have fared so far you may get up earlier or later). From here you will start your ascent to the summit. This is the final push to the top and so your guide will take you at a much slower pace compared to your trekking the previous days, to make sure you have the best chance of getting to the peak, giving your body time to cope with the high altitude. Once you reach Stella Point at 5735m you really have almost made it- only another 45 minutes until you will find yourself at Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. Enjoy your time here, take in what will surely be your most memorable sunrise and celebrate with your guide.
- Total distance: 10.8km
- Hiking time: Summit- Barafu Camp (2-3hours) Barafu Camp- Mweka Camp (4-5 hours)
From the summit you will descend back down to Barafu Camp where you will be welcomed by the rest of the crew and enjoy a short break and breakfast. Here you can have a nap for a couple of hours if you wish and depending on the time you arrive. From Barafu Camp you will make your way down to Mweka Camp, passing from desert to moorland terrain. You will reach Mweka Camp at approximately 5pm. There’s always a great atmosphere at camp this night – the hard work is over and now you can pat yourself on the back! Celebrations won’t go on for too long as you will no doubt want to head into the tent early.
- Total distance: 8.5km
- Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
Passing through the montane forest, similar to your first day trekking, you will make your way down to Mweka Gate, stopping to watch the monkeys and spot turaco birds or hornbills. Upon reaching the gate you will sign out and exit Kilimanjaro National Park. From here you will be picked up by our company transport and transferred back to our office in town where you will be presented with your certificate before returning to your hotel for a well-deserved rest (massages can be arranged)!
Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide
Enquire This Tour
Price Per Person (Private Climb)
Pax
Price(USD)
1
2,490
2
2,155
3
2,000
4
1,975
5
1,920
6
1,890
7
1,835
Included in cost:
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (1 Night before/ 1 Night after the climb) in kili-kivuli.com
- Transport to and from Moshi/Arusha to the trail head
- Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping /huts fees, rescue fee, and Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Expert guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Bottled oxygen for emergency rescue only
- Camping tents/Hut
- Sleeping pads
- Mess tents, tables, chairs, and lanterns
- Fresh and nutritious meals on the mountain
- Breakfast at the hotel
- pulse oximeter
- Emergency Radio Call
The price does not include
- Airfare and visa fees at airports
- Lunch or dinner at hotel
- Beverages at the hotel
- Personal gears and equipment
- Tipping
Important Informations
A favourite among our guides, the Lemosho Route begins in West Kilimanjaro and offers a quieter, more natural trekking experience. As you cross the Shira Plateau, you will enjoy wide panoramic views before joining the Machame route for a steady and scenic ascent toward the summit.
Suitable For
Anyone of average fitness looking for a slower, more comfortable climb with the highest chance of summit success.
Pros
- Best acclimatization profile on Kilimanjaro
- Highest summit success rate
- Less crowded during the first days
- Stunning scenery and panoramic views
- Ideal for a relaxed and safe climb
Cons
- Longer itinerary means higher cost
- Requires more time commitment
Trekking Days Required
8 days (recommended for best success), or shorter options available in 6 or 7 days
Related Trekking Packages
8 Days Lemosho Route -FAQ
1.Is the 8 Days Lemosho Route the best option for Kilimanjaro?
Yes, the 8 Days Lemosho Route is considered the best option for climbers who want the highest summit success rate. The extra days allow for better acclimatization, making the climb safer and more comfortable compared to shorter itineraries.
2.What is the success rate of the 8 Days Lemosho Route?
The 8-day itinerary has one of the highest success rates on Mount Kilimanjaro, often above 90% when combined with proper preparation and experienced guides. The longer duration allows your body to adjust gradually to altitude.
3.How difficult is the 8 Days Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route is considered a moderate trek. While it does not require technical climbing skills, good physical fitness is important. The 8-day version makes the climb easier by allowing a slower and more gradual ascent.
4.Is the 8 Days Lemosho Route suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is one of the best options for beginners because of its excellent acclimatization profile. Many first-time climbers successfully reach the summit using this itinerary.
5.What is the best time to climb the Lemosho Route?
The best months are January to March and June to October, when the weather is more stable and visibility is clear. However, the route can be climbed year-round.
6.What is the difference between 6, 7, and 8 Days Lemosho Route?
The main difference is acclimatization and pace:
- 6 Days Lemosho Route → faster, more challenging
- 7 Days Lemosho Route → balanced and most popular
- 8 Days Lemosho Route → highest success rate and most comfortable
- For a faster climb, see the 6 Days Lemosho Route
- For a balanced option, see the 7 Days Lemosho Route
7.Where does the Lemosho Route start and finish?
The route starts at Lemosho Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro and descends via the Mweka Route after the summit. This allows climbers to experience different landscapes on ascent and descent.
8.Do I need to spend a night in Moshi before the climb?
Yes, we strongly recommend arriving at least one day before your trek. This allows time for a full briefing, gear check, and preparation with your guide.
9.Can I join a group for the 8 Days Lemosho Route?
Yes, you can join a group climb to reduce costs and share the experience with other travelers.
The best months are January to March and June to October, when the weather is more stable and visibility is clear.However, the route can be climbed year-round.