8 Days Lemosho Route – Kilimanjaro Trekking.
The Lemosho Route is considered to be the most beautiful and least traveled path on Mount Kilimanjaro. This route starts on the western side of the mountain and gently connects to the Machame Route through the Shira Plateau.
The Lemosho Route is a great option for trekkers who want a longer acclimatization period and want to climb in a serene environment with stunning views. The 8-day luxury Lemosho Route itinerary will provide adventure, comfort, and outstanding service with expert guides, gourmet meals, and luxury camping equipment to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable climb.
Tour Highlights.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport—Transfer to your Hotel in Arusha.
Day 2: A Day Trip to Arusha National Park.
Day 3: Lemosho Gate (2,100 m) – Big Tree Camp (2,780 m).
Day 4: Big Tree Camp–Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m).
Day 5: Shira 1 Camp–Moir Camp (4,200 m).
Day 6: Moir Camp – Barranco Camp (3,960 m).
Day 7: Barranco Camp-Karanga Camp (4035 m).
Day 8: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,640 m).
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport—Transfer to your Hotel in Arusha.
After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a friendly guide from Nyumbu Beyond Journeys will meet you and transfer you to a comfortable private vehicle, for your trip to a premium hotel in Arusha, like Gran Meliá Arusha, Mount Meru Hotel, or Arusha Serena Hotel.
After checking in, you will be able to relax in the gardens, take a hot shower, and offload your travel fatigue. In the evening, your head mountain guide will meet with you and provide a thorough briefing for the trek. They will check your equipment, discuss the route, and answer any of your questions. Enjoy the wonderful meal and be sure to get some sleep. Your wonderful adventure will begin tomorrow.
Day 2: A Day Trip to Arusha National Park.
Wake up early in the morning and have breakfast. Before starting with your climb, you will have the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Arusha National Park, a small but beautiful park located at the edge of the city. You will go on a private game drive around lush landscapes where you will see giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and colobus monkeys. If you choose to, you might also take part in a short guided nature walk at the base of Mount Meru to offer a closer experience to wildlife.
Resting for the day allows you to acclimatize after arriving in Tanzania while giving you the chance to appreciate the country’s natural beauty, and you will return to your hotel in Arusha for dinner and overnight, ready for your mountain adventure.
Day 3: Lemosho Gate (2,100 m) – Big Tree Camp (2,780 m).
After breakfast, you will depart, and make your way from Arusha driving for around 3-4 hours to the Lemosho Gate, which is where your trek will start. You will enjoy views of hills, local villages, with local coffee farms.
At the gate, your guides will handle registration and permits as the porters prepare the gear. After a delicious lunch, you’ll start trekking through a dense rainforest with birds, monkeys, and exotic trees and plants all around you. There is a nice soft trail to walk on in shaded areas that makes it an enjoyable hike.
After 3 to 4 hours, you will arrive at Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa), and your luxury tent will be set up and waiting for you. Inside you will find a thick mattress and pillow along with a warm sleeping bag. Hot dinner will be served, and you can relax and enjoy the calming sounds of the forest.
Day 4: Big Tree Camp–Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m).
Get up early in the morning and have breakfast. By now, the trail is leading you out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone, where the vegetation starts to change to heather and giant lobelias. As you climb up, the forest will open up into wide open spaces where you will have your first awe-inspiring views of the snow-capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
You will hike for 5 to 6 hours at a slow to medium pace and will stop for lunch. The air will become cooler and thinner as you arrive at Shira 1 Camp, which is located on the ancient Shira Plateau that is a vast open plain formed by volcanic activity millions of years prior.
Upon arrival, find a warm drink, relax your legs, and take in the stunning views of Kibo Peak, which is illuminated by the sunset. Dinner will be served in the dining tent, and your porters will take care of every aspect of your comfort.
Day 5: Shira 1 Camp–Moir Camp (4,200 m).
This morning, we will depart on foot across the beautiful Shira Plateau, which is one of the most scenic sections of our trek. The terrain is rocky but not steep, and it will give you the opportunity to acclimatize gradually. We will trek through volcanic formations while enjoying endless views of the plains below us.
We should expect a 4- to 5-hour hike to Moir Camp. Moir Camp sits in a quiet valley and is situated beneath lava ridges that have survived the test of time. It is one of the least crowded camps on Kilimanjaro, designed for resting and reflecting. If we are feeling energetic in the afternoon, we may take a short acclimatization hike for even better views of the mountain range. Dinner will be served early so you can relax and get ready for the next day.
Day 6: Moir Camp – Barranco Camp (3,960 m).
On the 6th day of trekking, wake up and have breakfast. The journey ahead will be not only difficult but also rewarding. Today’s route ascends steadily to the well-known Lava Tower (4600 m), where you’ll take a lunch break. While this is one of the higher points on this trek, it is significant as part of adjusting to the altitude—”climb “high, sleep low.”
After your lunch break you descend into the Barranco Valley, home to the Barranco Camp resting among the massive groundsels and senecio plants. The descent aids in acclimatization, plus the views are stunning. The imposing Breach Wall rises above the camp and is a breathtaking backdrop. After a long day, enjoy your warm meal and much-needed sleep.
Day 7: Barranco Camp-Karanga Camp (4035 m).
After breakfast, you will be faced with another of Kilimanjaro’s most famous challenges, the Barranco Wall. It looks imposing from the base, but the ascent is just a fun, non-technical climb that will involve some light scrambling with your guide.
Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the southern glaciers of the mountain and the valleys below. The trail goes gently through alpine desert before arriving at Karanga Camp. It is a short day, so you can rest, eat, and hydrate in preparation for the subsequent elevation. In the evening, you will enjoy a lovely dinner with stars galore.
Day 8: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,640 m).
Today is the final push before the summiting plan. The trail from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp is steep and rocky; however, we will be moving slowly to reserve energy and to acclimate to the thinning air. As you ascend, you will notice that the landscape will change into high-altitude desert terrain.
You will arrive at Barafu Camp by early afternoon, where you will enjoy a hot meal and relax before the summit briefing. Your guide will go over the discussion about what’s planned for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. You will rearrange your gear, have an early dinner, and sleep early. This night was all about the preparation and excitement for the summit.
End of 8-Day Lemosho Route
Safari inclusions.
Pick up and drop-off.
Park entrance fees.
Professional mountain guides, porters, and cooks
Airport transfers and transportation
All park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
Full-board meals for the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Luxury camping equipment, like, sleeping tent, mattresses, chairs, tables
You will be housed in a luxury hotel in Arusha before the climb
Drinking water, teas, and coffee throughout the trek
Oxygen cylinder and first aid kit for any emergency
Summit certificate for each climber
Safari exclusions.
International and domestic flights
Visa for Tanzania + travel insurance
Personal trekking gear (clothing, boots, walking sticks)
Tips for your guides, porters and cooks
Beverages not included in the previous list (alcoholic beverages)
Extra hotel nights beyond the itinerary
Any personal expenses or souvenirs
