Eight days Lemosho route
8 days—This best 8 days Kilimanjaro climbing Lemosho route, Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route typically takes around 7-8 days
$1850-3000 USD
pp
Safari summary
The Lemosho Route offers climbers a longer and more gradual ascent to Kilimanjaro's summit, providing ample time for acclimatization and maximizing the chances of success.
Overview:
Length: The Lemosho Route typically takes 7-8 days to complete.
Difficulty: Considered moderate to challenging, the route demands a good level of physical fitness and mental resilience.
Altitude Gain: Climbers ascend from approximately 2,385 meters (7,825 feet) at the Lemosho Gate to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), covering a total altitude gain of approximately 3,510 meters (11,516 feet).
Terrain: The terrain varies from lush rainforests at lower altitudes to heather moorlands, alpine deserts, and rocky slopes as climbers ascend higher. The route offers diverse landscapes, including panoramic vistas of Kilimanjaro and its surrounding plains.
Accommodation: Campsites along the route provide basic facilities for overnight stays in tents. These campsites include Big Tree Camp, Shira 1 Camp, Shira 2 Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, and Mweka Camp.
Acclimatization: The longer duration of the Lemosho Route allows for better acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude-related illnesses such as altitude sickness.
Key Data:
Distance: The total distance covered on the Lemosho Route is approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) from start to summit and back down.
Altitude Profile: The gradual ascent profile of the Lemosho Route aids in acclimatization, with opportunities for rest and acclimatization hikes at higher altitudes, such as Lava Tower (4,630 meters/15,190 feet) and Karanga Camp (3,995 meters/13,106 feet).
Success Rate: The Lemosho Route boasts a relatively high summit success rate, often exceeding 85% due to its longer duration and gradual ascent profile.
Best Time to Climb: The optimal climbing seasons for the Lemosho Route are from late June to October and December to March, coinciding with the dry seasons in Tanzania. These months offer clear skies, lower precipitation, and milder temperatures, providing favorable conditions for climbing and summiting Kilimanjaro.
Overall, the Lemosho Route stands out for its scenic beauty, gradual ascent, and high success rates, making it a popular choice for climbers seeking a challenging yet rewarding Kilimanjaro experience. However, climbers should be well-prepared, physically and mentally, and adhere to proper acclimatization protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek to the Roof of Africa.
About this tour
Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
Main focus | None | |
Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
Best months | All months | |
Countries | ||
Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Bird watching—with professional guide
- Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- All drinks
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Laundry
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Lemosho Gate to Big Tree Camp
Kilimanjaro
Moshi/Arusha to Lemosho Gate (2,385m/7,825ft) to Big Tree Camp (2,780m/9,121ft) After breakfast, drive to the Lemosho Gate (about 2-3 hours). Register at the gate, meet your guides and porters, and begin the trek. Hike through the lush rainforest, spotting various flora and fauna along the way. Reach Big Tree Camp, set up camp, and rest for the night. Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
Big Tree Camp
Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Kilimanjaro
Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,505m/11,499ft) Depart Big Tree Camp after breakfast, continuing the ascent through the rainforest. Gradually leave the forest behind as you ascend into the heather and moorland zone. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, set up camp, and rest. Enjoy panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and its surrounding landscape. Hiking time: 5-7 hours.
Shira 1 Camp
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Kilimanjaro
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,840m/12,598ft) Leave Shira 1 Camp after breakfast, trekking across the Shira Plateau. Ascend further into the alpine desert zone, with vast open vistas. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp, set up camp, and rest. Continue acclimatizing to the altitude. Hiking time: 4-6 hours.
Shira 2 Camp
Barranco Camp
Kilimanjaro
Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) Depart Shira 2 Camp after breakfast, trekking towards the Barranco Valley. Cross the rocky terrain and ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m/15,190ft) for acclimatization. Descend to Barranco Camp, tackling the famous Barranco Wall along the way. Arrive at Barranco Camp, set up camp, and rest. Hiking time: 6-8 hours.
Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Kilimanjaro
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,106ft) Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast, continuing the ascent towards Karanga Camp. Trek through the alpine desert, with stunning views of Kilimanjaro's glaciers. Arrive at Karanga Camp, set up camp, and rest. Continue acclimatizing and prepare for the summit push. Hiking time: 4-5 hours.
Karanga Camp
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Kilimanjaro
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,331ft) Depart Karanga Camp early, ascending towards Barafu Camp, the final base camp. Trek through rocky and barren terrain, with Kilimanjaro's summit in sight. Arrive at Barafu Camp, rest, and prepare for the summit attempt. Receive a briefing on the summit night. Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
Barafu Camp
Summit Day to Mweka Camp
Begin the summit push in the early hours of the morning, usually around midnight. Ascend through the darkness, following the switchbacks of the steep slopes. Reach Stella Point (5,739m/18,829ft) at the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak. Watch the sunrise from the summit, celebrating your achievement. Descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and brunch. Continue descending to Mweka Camp for overnight rest. Hiking time: 10-14 hours (summit), 4-6 hours (descent to Mweka Camp).
Mweka Camp
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Kilimanjaro
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft) Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Sign out with the park authorities, receive summit certificates, and say goodbye to your climbing team. Transfer back to Moshi/Arusha. Celebrate your Kilimanjaro summit achievement with a well-deserved meal and rest. Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
Moshi Hotel
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