Overview
8-Days Lemosho Route
The 8-Days Lemosho Route with Chipmunk Expeditions offers one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and successful summit experiences. Starting on the western slopes, this route provides a gradual acclimatization profile, diverse landscapes, and fewer crowds during the first days. Climbers cross the expansive Shira Plateau, ascend through the alpine desert, and approach the summit via Barafu Camp for a steady and safe final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
With our highly trained guides, professional mountain crew, and premium camping equipment, this itinerary is designed to maximize safety, comfort, and summit success—making it one of the most reliable routes for both first-time and experienced climbers.
Highlights
- Scenic & Less Crowded Route
- Best Acclimatization for Summit Success
- Cross the Majestic Shira Plateau
- Climb the Famous Barranco Wall
- Expert Guides & Full Support Crew
Itinerary
The 8-Day Lemosho Route with Chipmunk Expeditions offers one of the most scenic, balanced, and successful journeys to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Beginning on the quiet western slopes, this itinerary takes you through lush rain-forest, across the vast and breathtaking Shira Plateau, and into the high alpine desert before making a well-paced summit push via Barafu. With its gradual acclimatization profile, diverse landscapes, and exceptional guiding support, the Lemosho Route provides the perfect combination of beauty, challenge, and comfort—maximizing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) safely and confidently. This 8-day climb is ideal for trekkers seeking a rich, immersive, and rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.
Elevation: 2,100m → 2,785m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 6 km
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Your adventure begins with a morning drive to Lemosho Gate, located on the western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. After registration and a detailed briefing from your professional Chipmunk Expeditions mountain team, you enter the beautifully dense montane rainforest, a region known for its rich biodiversity. As you trek through towering trees draped in moss, you may encounter colobus monkeys, duikers, and a variety of exotic bird species.
By late afternoon, you arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, where your tents are already set up. Enjoy a warm dinner prepared by our mountain chefs as you settle in for your first night on the mountain.
Elevation: 2,785m → 3,500m
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours | Distance: 8 km
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a nourishing breakfast, the trail leads you steeply out of the rainforest and into the heather and moorland zone. The vegetation becomes lower, and you begin to experience wide, open views across the rolling foothills.
As the trail climbs onto the Shira Ridge, you gain your first clear views of Kibo Peak, the main summit cone of Kilimanjaro. The day ends with a gentle descent into the Shira Plateau, one of the mountain's most impressive volcanic features. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp, where stunning sunsets over the plateau are common.
Elevation: 3,500m → 3,840m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 7 km
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is a shorter hiking day designed for gradual acclimatization. You trek eastward across the expansive Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert characterized by dramatic lava formations and sweeping views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers.
Despite the easy pace, today offers excellent photographic opportunities and allows your body to adjust to the thinning air. Arriving early at Shira 2 Camp, you enjoy a hot lunch, afternoon rest, and a breathtaking panorama of the mountain.
Elevation: 3,840m → 4,630m → 3,960m
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours | Distance: 10 km
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a crucial acclimatization day following the principle of “climb high, sleep low.”
The trail gradually ascends toward the famous Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation sitting at 4,630m. Here, you stop for lunch and allow your body to adjust to the higher altitude.
Afterward, the path descends into the beautiful Barranco Valley, filled with giant groundsels and towering lobelias. The mesmerizing views of Kilimanjaro’s southern glaciers make this one of the most scenic sections of the entire route.
Camp is set at the base of the Barranco Wall at Barranco Camp, offering one of the most iconic sunset views on Kilimanjaro.
Elevation: 3,960m → 4,035m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 5 km
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your day begins with the exhilarating ascent of the Barranco Wall, a non-technical but steep and exciting climb that rewards you with magnificent vistas over the valley. Once at the top, you traverse a series of ridges and valleys within the starkly beautiful alpine desert.
The hike to Karanga Camp is relatively short but essential for continued acclimatization. Upon arrival, you enjoy a hot lunch and spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing for the final ascent to higher elevations.
Elevation: 4,035m → 4,640m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 4 km
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s steady ascent takes you toward Barafu Camp, the base for your summit attempt. The landscape becomes increasingly barren and volcanic.
Once at Barafu, perched on a rocky ridge, you enjoy sweeping views of Mawenzi Peak and the summit trail ahead. After an early dinner, you rest and prepare for the summit push, which begins just before midnight.
Elevation: 4,640m → 5,895m → 3,080m
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours | Distance: 17 km
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At midnight, guided by moonlight and your expert Chipmunk Expeditions guides, you begin the final ascent to the roof of Africa. The climb to Stella Point is physically challenging but incredibly rewarding, often accompanied by a stunning sunrise over the Mawenzi crater.
From Stella Point, a gentle ascent along the crater rim leads to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa and one of the world’s greatest achievements.
After celebrating and taking photos, descend to Barafu Camp for a brief rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp, where warm meals and a well-deserved sleep await.
Elevation: 3,080m → 1,640m
Hiking Time: 3 hours | Distance: 10 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a final breakfast on the slopes of Kilimanjaro before descending through the vibrant rainforest to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, you receive your official summit certificates from the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority.
A Chipmunk Expeditions vehicle awaits to transfer you back to your lodge in Moshi/Arusha for a relaxing evening and celebration of your successful climb.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Professional Mountain Crew – Certified English-speaking guides, experienced cooks, and a skilled team of porters.
- Accommodation on the Mountain – Fully-serviced camping throughout the 8 days (tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, tables & chairs).
- Meals (BLD) – Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared fresh daily, including dietary options on request.
- Drinking Water – Treated and filtered water for the entire hike.
- All National Park Fees – Conservation fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and summit fees.
- Kilimanjaro Safety Equipment – First aid kit, pulse oximeter, portable oxygen cylinder (for emergencies).
- Luggage Support – Porters to carry camping equipment and duffel bags (up to 15 kg per climber).
- Transfers – Pick-up and drop-off from Moshi/Arusha to the Lemosho Gate and return from Mweka Gate.
- Summit Certificate – Official Kilimanjaro National Park certificate upon successful completion.
- Pre-Climb Briefing – Detailed safety, gear, and route briefing by your head mountain guide.
The Cost Excludes
- International & Domestic Flights
- Accommodation Before & After the Trek (can be arranged on request)
- Personal Gear – Sleeping bags, trekking poles, headlamps, hiking boots, and personal clothing.
- Travel Insurance – Highly recommended and required for high-altitude trekking.
- Tipping for Mountain Crew – Standard tipping guidelines provided upon booking.
- Soft Drinks & Alcoholic Beverages
- Personal Expenses – Snacks, souvenirs, and items of a personal nature.
- Medical Expenses – Including medications, vaccinations, and emergency evacuation if not covered by insurance
FAQs
The Lemosho Route is considered moderately difficult, offering gradual elevation gain and excellent acclimatization. It is suitable for both first-time trekkers and experienced hikers, especially with the 8-day itinerary.
The 8-day version has one of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro, often above 90%, due to its longer acclimatization profile and steady elevation adjustments.
No technical climbing experience is required. However, good physical conditioning is important. Regular walking, stair climbing, and cardio exercises are recommended before the trek.
All nights are spent in fully serviced mountain camps, including high-quality tents, sleeping mats, a dining tent, portable toilets, and professional staff who handle all camp setup.
Chipmunk Expeditions prioritizes safety. Guides conduct daily health checks, carry first aid kits, and have oxygen cylinders for emergencies. If altitude symptoms become severe, a controlled and safe descent will be arranged.
Tour Map
