8-Day Lemosho Trek – tarryadventuresandsafaris

8-Day Lemosho Trek – Mount Kilimanjaro

Welcome to the 8-Day Lemosho Route, widely regarded as the most scenic and best-acclimatized path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Beginning on the quiet western side of the mountain, this route offers a gradual ascent, diverse landscapes, and excellent success rates. Over eight days, you’ll cross multiple climate zones — from lush rainforest and vast moorlands to alpine desert and the arctic summit — giving your body the time it needs to adapt properly. If your priority is scenery, comfort, and the highest chance of reaching Uhuru Peak, the 8-day Lemosho route is the ultimate choice.

The Challenge Plan: Day-by-Day

Day 1: Into the Rainforest – Mti Mkubwa Camp

Your journey begins with a drive to Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro’s western side. After registration, you’ll start your hike through lush rainforest alive with birds and colobus monkeys. You’ll arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp, surrounded by towering trees and fresh mountain air.

Day 2: Forest to Moorland – Shira 1 Camp

Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail opens into heath and moorland. The landscape changes dramatically as views of the Shira Plateau begin to unfold. You’ll camp at Shira 1 Camp, with your first clear views of Kibo Peak on a clear day.

Day 3: Across the Shira Plateau – Shira 2 Camp

Today is a gentler and panoramic day as you cross the expansive Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. The walk is gradual, allowing your body to adjust while enjoying wide-open landscapes and volcanic rock formations.

Day 4: Acclimatization Day – Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

This is a key acclimatization day. You’ll hike up to Lava Tower (4,630m), giving your body time to adapt to higher altitude, before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy greatly improves summit success.

The Great Barranco Wall – Karanga Camp

The day begins with the exciting scramble up the Great Barranco Wall. While steep, it’s non-technical and incredibly rewarding. After reaching the top, you’ll continue through valleys and ridges to Karanga Camp, allowing further acclimatization.

Day 6: Short Acclimatization Hike – Karanga to Barafu Camp

A shorter hiking day brings you to Barafu Camp, your base camp for the summit attempt. You’ll rest, eat an early dinner, and prepare your gear for the midnight ascent.

Day 7: Summit Day – Uhuru Peak & Descent to Mweka Camp

Your summit attempt begins just after midnight. You’ll climb steadily through the night, reaching Stella Point at sunrise before making the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the Roof of Africa. After celebrating at the summit, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

Day 8: Final Descent – Mweka Gate

After breakfast, you’ll descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your official summit certificate. A vehicle will then transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.