8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb
Kilimanjaro's most beautiful and gradual route.
About this safari
Kilimanjaro's most beautiful and gradual route. Start on the quiet western side, cross the full Shira Plateau and give your body eight days to adapt before the summit — the best balance of scenery and success.
This 8 days private safari starts in Moshi and takes you to Quiet start in the western rainforest, Crossing the whole Shira Plateau, Extra night at Karanga before Barafu, Among the highest summit success rates on the mountain. Your own vehicle and guide set the pace, and every stay and transfer is confirmed around your dates.
Safari snapshot
A quick look at the route, day by day.
| Day | Place | Highlights | Hotel options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 m) | Game drives with your private guide | Mti Mkubwa Camp (tents) |
| Day 2 | Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) | Game drives with your private guide | Shira 1 Camp (tents) |
| Day 3 | Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m) | Game drives with your private guide | Shira 2 Camp (tents) |
| Day 4 | Lava Tower (4,630 m) to Barranco Camp (3,960 m) | Game drives with your private guide | Barranco Camp (tents) |
| Day 5 | Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp (3,995 m) | Game drives with your private guide | Karanga Camp (tents) |
| Day 6 | Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673 m) | Game drives with your private guide | Barafu Camp (tents) |
| Day 7 | Summit night: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), down to Mweka Camp | Game drives with your private guide | Mweka Camp (tents) |
| Day 8 | Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Moshi | Game drives with your private guide | Departure |
Ways to customise this trip
- Add a night in the bush, a cultural visit or a balloon flight
- Upgrade your stays or finish with beach time in Zanzibar
Route
- Day 1Mount Kilimanjaro
- Day 2Mount Kilimanjaro
- Day 3Mount Kilimanjaro
- Day 4Mount Kilimanjaro
- Day 5Mount Kilimanjaro
- Day 6Mount Kilimanjaro
- Day 7Mount Kilimanjaro
- Day 8Mount Kilimanjaro
Day by day
Here is how the days run. We can adjust the route around your dates and the pace you want.
1Day 1Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 m)Mti Mkubwa Camp (tents) / Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast in Moshi you drive about three hours around the western side of the mountain to Londorossi Gate (2,360 m) for registration, then continue by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead. The first walk is short — three to four hours through untouched rainforest, where you may hear colobus monkeys and see signs of forest elephants and buffalo. Camp is at Mti Mkubwa, 'Big Tree', in a clearing in the forest. Dinner and an introduction to camp life.
- Main stop
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation
- Mti Mkubwa Camp (tents)
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
2Day 2Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m)Shira 1 Camp (tents) / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The forest gives way to giant heather and moorland as you climb onto the Shira Ridge, about five to six hours of walking. From the top of the ridge the view opens across the Shira Plateau to Kibo for the first time — a highlight of the route. You descend gently to Shira 1 Camp on the plateau's western edge. The afternoon is free to rest; the night sky here, far from any towns, is remarkable.
- Main stop
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation
- Shira 1 Camp (tents)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3Day 3Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)Shira 2 Camp (tents) / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An easy, beautiful day crossing the Shira Plateau, an ancient collapsed volcano now covered in moorland. Three to four hours of gentle walking bring you to Shira 2 Camp in time for lunch. In the afternoon your guide leads an acclimatisation walk towards the Shira Cathedral or up a nearby ridge before you return to sleep lower. Use the afternoon to rest, rehydrate and enjoy the view of Mount Meru floating above the clouds.
- Main stop
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation
- Shira 2 Camp (tents)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4Day 4Lava Tower (4,630 m) to Barranco Camp (3,960 m)Barranco Camp (tents) / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You climb steadily east into alpine desert to Lava Tower, a 90-metre volcanic plug, and eat lunch at 4,630 m — the key acclimatisation point of the climb. The afternoon descent into the Barranco Valley passes stands of giant senecios and small streams to a camp sheltered beneath the Barranco Wall. About 10 km and six to seven hours. Most climbers feel much better after descending. The evening is spent at Barranco Camp (tents): a hot shower, sundowners as the light fades, and dinner while you compare the day's sightings. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.
- Main stop
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation
- Barranco Camp (tents)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5Day 5Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp (3,995 m)Karanga Camp (tents) / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning starts with the Barranco Wall, a fun, non-technical scramble with your guides helping on the trickier steps and great views from the top. The trail then dips and rises through the Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp, reached around lunchtime after four to five hours. This short day is deliberate: the extra night at similar altitude is what gives the eight-day climb its high success rate. Afternoon rest, and a chance to wash and dry clothes.
- Main stop
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation
- Karanga Camp (tents)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6Day 6Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673 m)Barafu Camp (tents) / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A three- to four-hour walk on a rocky ridge up to Barafu ('ice' in Swahili), the high camp on the south-eastern side of Kibo. You arrive for lunch and have the afternoon to rest and prepare. Your guide gives a detailed summit briefing — layering, water bottles that won't freeze, snacks and pace. Early dinner, then sleep until about 11 pm. In the late afternoon you check in at Barafu Camp (tents), with time to freshen up before dinner and a briefing from your guide about tomorrow. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.
- Main stop
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation
- Barafu Camp (tents)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7Day 7Summit night: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), down to Mweka CampMweka Camp (tents) / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving at midnight, you climb by head torch for six to seven hours up switchbacks to Stella Point on the crater rim, timed to reach it around sunrise. From there it is about an hour to Uhuru Peak, with the glaciers glowing in the early light. After photos you descend to Barafu for a rest and brunch, then continue to Mweka Camp at 3,100 m, where the thicker air makes sleep easy. Twelve to fifteen hours in total.
- Main stop
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation
- Mweka Camp (tents)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8Day 8Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and MoshiBreakfast, Lunch
After a farewell song from the crew, you walk three to four hours down through rainforest to Mweka Gate, collect your summit certificate and drive back to Moshi or Arusha. The afternoon is yours to rest. Many climbers add a short safari to Tarangire and Ngorongoro, or fly to Zanzibar for a few days on the beach — ask us to plan the connection. Ngorongoro Crater is a world of its own: grassland, swamp, the yellow-barked Lerai forest and a soda lake, all ringed by steep walls. Going down early gives you the best light and the quietest hour on the crater floor before you climb back to the rim. In the afternoon your guide drives you back for your drop-off — your hotel, the airport for your onward flight, or a connection to Zanzibar. We can add an extra night or a beach stay if you would like more time.
- Main stop
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Where you stay on this trip. We can move the comfort level up or down when we plan your dates.
Day 1Mti Mkubwa Camp (tents)
Day 2Shira 1 Camp (tents)
Day 3Shira 2 Camp (tents)
Day 4Barranco Camp (tents)
Day 5Karanga Camp (tents)
Day 6Barafu Camp (tents)
Day 7Mweka Camp (tents)Tour rates
Your price depends on your dates, group size and the stays you choose. We confirm it in writing once we have checked availability.
Prices are per person and assume shared rooms. Season, park fees, group size, flights and lodge availability all affect the final quote.
Get my exact quoteWhat’s included
Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping or hut fees and rescue fees
- Professional mountain guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- All meals on the mountain and treated drinking water
- Tents, sleeping mats and mess tent (camping routes)
- Daily health checks with a pulse oximeter
- Transfers between Moshi or Arusha and the park gates
- Summit certificate
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel nights before and after the climb (we can add them)
- Sleeping bag and personal trekking gear (available to rent)
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 6,000 m
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Visa fees
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Read guideFrequently asked questions
Can this 8 days itinerary be changed?
Yes. We can review your dates, daily pace, room preferences and interests, then build a specific proposal. Changes to flights, activities or park nights may affect cost and availability.
Which accommodation will I stay in?
Your proposal will name the properties and room categories for each night. Any stays shown here are planning options and remain subject to availability; alternative properties are agreed before confirmation.
What wildlife will we see?
Wildlife sightings depend on season, weather and the animals themselves. Your guide plans around local conditions, but particular species, migration movements and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.
Can I change the route and accommodation?
Yes. The published routes are starting points. Tell us your dates, interests and preferred comfort level so we can adjust nights, transfers and activities before quoting.
What determines the final price?
The travel season, number of travellers sharing a vehicle, park fees, room arrangements, lodge availability and domestic flights all affect cost. Your written proposal will identify inclusions and optional extras.
Can the safari finish in Zanzibar?
A mainland safari can connect with Zanzibar by a separately arranged domestic flight. Leave enough time for the transfer and confirm baggage allowances before booking flights.
When is the best time for a Tanzania safari?
Wildlife can be seen all year. June to October is dry, with animals gathering near water. January to March brings the calving season in the southern Serengeti. April and May are the long rains: greener, quieter and often better value. We match the parks and camps to the month you travel.
How many days do I need?
Two or three days suit Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Four to six days let you add the Serengeti without rushing, and seven or more give time for extra parks, a cultural visit or the coast. Fewer long drives usually means a better trip.
Is the safari private?
Our tailor-made safaris are private: your own vehicle and guide, and a daily pace set around your group. Shared departures can sometimes be arranged for solo travellers — ask us and we’ll explain the options.
What vehicle will we travel in?
Game drives are in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for viewing and photography. Your proposal confirms the vehicle and seating for your group size.
Is a safari suitable for children?
Yes, with the right planning. We keep drives shorter, choose family-friendly rooms and build in rest time. Some camps and activities have minimum ages, so please share each child’s age when you enquire.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Most lodges and camps can prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other meals with notice. Tell us about allergies or requirements when you enquire and we’ll pass them to every property on your route.
Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?
Requirements depend on your nationality and recent travel, and a yellow fever certificate may be needed if you arrive from certain countries. Malaria precautions are generally advised. Please check with a travel health clinic before you go.
What should I budget for tips?
Tipping is not compulsory but is customary for guides and lodge staff. We include current guidance with your proposal so you can plan for it in advance.
Will there be Wi-Fi and charging?
Many lodges and camps offer charging points and some Wi-Fi, but the connection can be slow or limited to main areas in remote parks. A spare power bank is useful on game drives.
How far in advance should I book?
For July to October and the holiday season, three to nine months ahead gives the best choice of camps. Shorter notice is often possible — send us your dates and we’ll check availability.
A few details.
A good beginning.
Tell us who is coming and what you would love to find here. We’ll send back a route you can read, question and make your own.
- Planned around your dates and interests
- Midrange or luxury, at your pace
- A personal conversation with our local team