8-Day Lemosho Route – Premium Kilimanjaro Climbing Expedition
Paradise LoveBirds Safaris
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations
Mountain Kilimanjaro
Best Season
June–October & December–March
ITENARIES
Overview
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and successful routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. Designed for excellent acclimatization and gradual elevation gain, it offers the highest summit success rate while showcasing sweeping landscapes, wildlife sightings and dramatic volcanic scenery.
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights on the mountain, Highest Point: Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341 ft), Start Elevation: Londorossi Gate (2,100m), End Elevation: Mweka Gate (1,640m), Difficulty: Moderately Challenging, Accommodation: Mountain Tents, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily, Success Rate: 90–95% (Very High)
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha (Optional Pre-Climb)
- Your guide meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel in Arusha. In the evening, you receive a detailed safety briefing, gear check, and orientation. Early rest prepares you for the climb.
- Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Arusha to Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Your day begins with a scenic drive to Londorossi Gate for registration. After permit processing, you start your trek through lush rainforest filled with monkeys, birds and towering trees. The trail is soft and moist underfoot, and the air is cool and fresh.
- Elevation: 2,650m → 3,500m
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: 6 km
- Habitat: Rainforest
- You reach Mti Mkubwa Camp, where your tents, warm water and hot dinner await.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
- You rise to a hearty breakfast, then begin a steady climb out of the forest. The vegetation thins out and wide views open across rolling hills. You arrive at the vast Shira Plateau, an ancient volcanic landscape.
- Elevation: 2,650m → 3,500m
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Distance: 8 km
- Habitat: Heather & Moorland
- You settle at Shira 1 Camp, surrounded by panoramic scenery.
Day 4: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp (Acclimatization Day)
- A gentle day designed for acclimatization. You traverse the plateau, exploring rocky ridges and enjoying majestic views of Kibo Peak. You arrive early at Shira 2 Camp, allowing your body time to adjust.
- Elevation: 3,500m → 3,900m
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: 7 km
- Habitat: Moorland
- In the evening, your guide checks oxygen levels and overall condition.
Day 5: Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- This is a key acclimatization day. You climb gradually toward Lava Tower, a massive volcanic structure at 4,600m. Lunch is served here before descending sharply into the beautiful Barranco Valley, filled with giant senecio plants.
- Elevation: 3,900m → 4,600m (Lava Tower) → 3,950m (sleep low)
- Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- The descent significantly boosts your acclimatization.
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- You start your morning with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, a non-technical but thrilling ascent with breathtaking views. The trail continues through ridges and valleys until you arrive at Karanga Camp.
- Elevation: 3,950m → 4,050m
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: 6 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- This is another important acclimatization day before the summit bid.
Day 7: Karanga to Barafu Base Camp
- A short, steep ascent brings you to Barafu Camp, the final base before the summit. You rest early, eat dinner by 5 PM, and prepare for the overnight ascent. Temperatures drop and the winds rise — but your guide keeps you motivated.
- Elevation: 4,050m → 4,680m
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: 4 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 8: SUMMIT DAY: Barafu to Uhuru Peak, then Down to Mweka Camp
- Your summit push begins at midnight. You climb slowly using the “pole pole” method as stars illuminate the sky. After reaching Stella Point, you continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.
- Elevation: 4,680m → 5,895m → 3,100m
- Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
- Distance: 17 km
- Habitat: Arctic → Rainforest
- You descend to Barafu for brunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Arusha
- A gentle walk through the forest leads you to Mweka Gate where you receive your official summit certificate. After farewells with the mountain crew, your driver returns you to Arusha for a warm shower and celebration dinner.
- Elevation: 3,100m → 1,640m
- Hiking Time: 3 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Habitat: Rainforest
Accomodations
Budget: Mount Meru Hotel
Mid Luxury: Arusha Safari Lodge
Inclusions
- All park fees & climbing permits
- Professional mountain guides, porters & cook
- All meals on the mountain
- Private tent, sleeping mattress & dining tent
- Purified drinking water
- Rescue fees (mandatory by KINAPA)
- Transfers from Arusha to the mountain & back
- Oxygen cylinder, oximeter & first aid kit
- Summit certificate
Exclusions
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips for driver/guide
- Souvenirs or personal purchases
Wildlife Highlights
- Tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara
- The Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino)
- Huge elephant herds in Tarangire
- Flamingos and hippos in Ngorongoro Crater
- Wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, and countless bird species
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What to pack
- thermal base layers
- fleece jacket & down jacket
- waterproof jacket & pants
- trekking boots
- warm gloves & beanie
- sunglasses & sunscreen
- headlamp with batteries
- reusable water bottle
- snacks and energy bars
Safety & Acclimatization
- Our guides are certified in high-altitude rescue.
- Daily checks include: oxygen saturation, heart rate, hydration levels, symptoms of AMS
- Slow ascent schedules guarantee higher summit success.
