LEMOSHO ROUTE ITINERARY 8 DAYS
Lemosho route itinerary 8 days is considered to be the best option for hiking Kilimanjaro. Here is the day-by-day information when hiking the route over 8 days.
The main difference between the 7 day and 8 day itineraries are simple. The 8 day option splits the long hike from Big Tree camp to Shira 2 camp over 2 days. This is achieved by adding an extra night at Shira 1 camp.
The benefits of the Lemosho route itinerary 8 days are as follows:
- Better acclimatization: The extra day on the mountain give your body more time to adapt to the altitude. This will reduce the risk of getting altitude sickness.
- Reduced fatique: On the 7 day version, the hike from Big Tree camp to Shira 2 camp is long on a demanding trail. The Lemosho route itinerary 8 days breaks this distance into 2 manageable days. This will make the hike more enjoyable and less exhausting.
Lemosho route itinerary 8 days day by day info
Day 1 - Lemosho gate 2 100m to Big Tree camp 2 650m
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: 7 km
Altitude gain: 550m
Habitat: Montane forest
Your adventure starts with a 3 to 4 hours drive from Moshi to the Lemosho gate. The trail leads you into the lush rainforest where you may encounter wildlife along the way. You will spend the night at the Mti Mkubwa camp, which translates from Swahili to Big Tree camp.
Day 2 - Big Tree camp 2 650m to Shira 1 camp 3 610m
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
Distance: 7 km
Altitude gain: 960m
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, the hike starts with about an hour through the last stretch of rainforest. The trail then gradually steepens as you enter the giant heather and moorland zone. A landscape consisting of tall grasses, shrubs and volcanic rock formations. along the way you will cross several streams before reaching Shira 1 camp, located on the western edge of the Shira Plateau.
Day 3 - Shira 1 camp 3 610m to Shira 2 camp 3 850m
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
Distance: 10 km
Altitude gain: 240m
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast you leave Shira 1 camp crossing the gentle slopes of the vast Shira Plateau. The hike leads to Shira Cathedral (3 872m) a large geological formation of solidified lava on the Shira Plateau. This is one of the most striking viewpoints, offering breathtaking panoramas of the landscapes.
Day 4 - Shira 2 camp 3 850m to Baranco camp 3 900m
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours to Lava tower and 2 to 3 hours to Baranco camp
Distance: 7 km to Lava tower and 3.3km to Baranco camp
Altitude gain: 850m
Habitat: Semi desert
This is a key acclimatization day on the Lemosho route. Hike up to Lava Tower, 4 600m and enjoy lunch at the base of this impressive volcanic formation. Lava tower is a volcanic rock formation that formed many years ago. Afterwards the trail descends to Baranco camp for the overnight. This climb high, sleep low strategy is one of the most effective ways to help your body adjust to the altitude and reduce the risk to get altitude sickness. Click on the Kilimanjaro Lemosho route map to visualize this section of the hike
Day 5 - Baranco camp 3 900m to Karanga camp 3 995m
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
Distance: 6 km
Altitude gain: 257m
Habitat: Semi desert
After breakfast, you will begin the climb up the famous Baranco Wall. A section that often looks intimidating, but is usually easier than expected. At the top, enjoy breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro. From here the route merges with the Umbwe route. The trail passes 3 valleys, before reaching Karanga camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 6 - Karanga camp 3 995m to Barafu camp 4 673m
Hiking time: 3 hours
Distance: 4 km
Altitude gain: 678m
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast you will make a steady ascent to Barafu camp. Barafu means “ice” in Swahili. True to its name, strong cold winds often sweep across this exposed camp. From here summit lies 1 222m higher and you will start your summit attempt later the same night. After an early dinner, go to bed to rest and recharge for the climb ahead.
Day 7 - Barafu camp 4 673m to Uhuru peak 5 895m to Mweka camp 3100m
Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours to Uhuru peak and 6 hours to Mweka camp
Distance: 5 km to Uhuru peak and 9 km to Mweka camp
Altitude gain: 1 222m
Habitat: Stone scree and ice capped summit
Wake around 23:00 for tea and biscuits before starting the toughest part of the hike. After a steep 6 hour hike to Stella Point (5 756m), enjoy a stunning sunrise across Africa. From here it is a final 2 hour push to Uhuru Peak, highest point in Africa!
After celebrating, you will head back to Barafu camp for an early lunch and short rest. You will the descent down to Mweka camp for the last night on Kilimanjaro. You have the option to overnight at Millennium camp if needed.
Day 8 - Mweka camp 3 100m to Mweka gate 1 640m
Hiking time: 5 hours
Distance: 10km
Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, enjoy your final hike through the forest to the Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll sign the register and collect your well-earned summit certificate. Congratulations, you have completed the Lemosho route itinerary 8 days!
Lemosho route gallery
Lemosho route trip information
Recommended duration
The minimum duration for the Kilimanjaro Lemosho route itinerary is 6 days. But we highly recommend the 8-day option. Altitude sickness is unpredictable and can affect anyone, regardless of their age or fitness. It most often occurs when hikers ascend too high too quickly. The extra 2 days on the 8 day itinerary give your body more time adjust to the higher altitude. This will greatly reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Think of it as investing in both your safety and your chances of reaching the summit.
Difficulty Rating
The Kilimanjaro Lemosho route itinerary 8 days is moderately challenging. Expect to hike 6 to 7 hours a day with significant altitude gain. While the hike is not technical, you will encounter steep sections and uneven terrain. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker. Beginners with little or no prior hiking experience can tackle the Lemosho route. Its excellent acclimatization profile helps your body adjust gradually to the altitude. We recommend a good level of fitness to fully enjoy the climb.
Meals on the mountain
Our chefs keep you energized with fresh, hearty meals every day.
Breakfast: Fruit, cereal, porridge, eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon, and hot drinks.
Lunch: Either packed or sit-down—sandwiches, burgers, pasta, fresh veggies, fruit, and more.
Dinner: A full spread with soup, bread, chicken curry, steak, rice, pasta, potatoes, vegetables, and desserts.
On summit night, enjoy a hot midnight snack, and celebrate with a well-deserved feast at base camp.
We also cater for vegan, vegetarian, Halaal, and gluten-free diets—please let us know in advance. Please click here for more information.
Accommodation
Before and after your climb, you’ll stay at Chanya Lodge in Moshi, in twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
On the Lemosho route, you’ll sleep in sturdy 4-season mountain tents carried and pitched by our porters. Two climbers share a tent, with single tents available on request.
Meals are served in a dedicated mess tent, providing a warm and comfortable space to relax and dine.
Recommended kit list
You’ll need the right gear for a safe and comfortable climb. Please follow our final packing checklist.. To help keep costs down, many items are also available for rent—see our gear rental pricelist.
Luggage
The hotel provides a luggage storage room for items you don’t need on the mountain. Each hiker may bring one duffel bag (up to 15kg / 32lbs), which will be carried by a porter between camps.
Training and fitness
Good preparation makes the climb far more enjoyable. Check out our training plan designed to help all our hikers get ready.
Pre-climb briefing
Your head guide will hold a pre-climb briefing the day before your hike. We recommend arriving early to allow time to attend. During the briefing, the guide will review the climb plan, check your gear, assist with rentals if needed, and answer any questions.
JOIN A GROUP HIKE!
8 day Lemosho route GROUP hike from only
US $ 2580 per person sharing!
Click here for more information.
BOOK A PRIVATE HIKE!
8 day Lemosho route PRIVATE hike from only
US $ 2 773 per person sharing!
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The Barranco Wall
The Barranco Wall may look intimidating, but it’s not a sheer cliff—it’s a steep, rocky ridge on Kilimanjaro’s southern slope, rising 257m (843ft). The trail follows a series of switchbacks, making it manageable for most hikers with reasonable fitness and basic scrambling skills.
Despite its dramatic appearance, the Barranco Wall is not a technical climb. No special equipment is needed, and your guide will be there to support you. The trickiest section is a single step around a rock outcrop, after which the rest is a fun and rewarding scramble to the top.
Lemosho route map
For a more detailed view of the Lemosho route, kindly click on the provided route map for an enlarged version.
