8 Days Lemosho Route: Ultimate Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide

Introducing the 8 Days Lemosho Route

Mount Kilimanjaro, standing gracefully at 5,895 meters, invites climbers to explore its timeless beauty. Among its many paths, the 8 days Lemosho Route offers a quiet, thoughtful ascent through Tanzania’s wild landscapes. Introduced in the early 2000s as a tranquil alternative to busier trails, this route begins on the western slopes, guiding you through lush forests and open plateaus toward the summit. With Our complete Guide, this ultimate journey unfolds over eight gentle days, offering a chance to connect with nature and reach Uhuru Peak with ease and confidence.

What Makes the 8 Days Lemosho Route Special

The 8 days Lemosho Route is a journey of balance and calm. Unlike shorter routes that hurry toward the top, this path takes its time, allowing you to adjust to the altitude naturally. It begins in a peaceful rainforest, where the air feels fresh and alive, then opens to the wide Shira Plateau—a serene expanse shaped by ancient volcanic forces. With fewer travelers sharing the trail, you’ll find moments of stillness, interrupted only by the soft sounds of nature. Compared to the 7-day Lemosho Route , the extra day here brings a sense of ease, making your climb both approachable and fulfilling.

The Gentle Science Behind the 8-Day Lemosho Route

Climbing high requires harmony between body and mountain, and the 8 days Lemosho Route supports this beautifully. As you ascend, your body gradually adapts to thinner air, a process made smoother by the route’s extended timeline. Spending two days above 3,900 meters—between Barranco and Barafu Camps—helps you breathe more comfortably when it matters most. Experts note that this pacing can make summiting feel less strenuous, offering a calm and steady path to success. With Rede Tours and Safaris, our guides keep a watchful eye, ensuring your journey feels safe and supported every step of the way.

A Quiet Journey Through the 8 Days Lemosho Route - Tour Highlights

Picture yourself on the 8 days Lemosho Route:

• Day 1: A gentle walk through rainforest, where soft light filters through the trees, leading to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m).
• Day 3: The Shira Plateau stretches before you, its cool air carrying whispers of the mountain’s past (3,850m).
• Day 5: The Barranco Wall rises like a quiet challenge, rewarding your effort with sweeping views at Karanga Camp (4,000m).
• Day 7: A midnight start to the summit, the stillness broken only by your steady steps, until sunrise glows at Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

Along the way, delicate Dendrosenecio plants stand as silent sentinels in the alpine desert, a reminder of Kilimanjaro’s unique charm. This is a journey to savor, step by step.

Affordable Pricing for Your 8 Days Lemosho Route Adventure

Climbing Kilimanjaro via the 8 Days Lemosho Route is an accessible dream, with costs ranging from $1,900 to $2,118 per person. This gentle price range reflects the level of comfort and support you choose, as well as the size of your group. For those seeking an affordable option, joining a group trek offers excellent value without compromising the experience. If you prefer a quieter, tailored journey, our private Kilimanjaro climbing packages provide a personal touch, crafted to suit your pace and preferences.

Departure Dates for 2025 - 2026

Plan your Kilimanjaro climb with our carefully selected departure dates for the 8 Days Lemosho Route, spanning 2025 to 2026. These dates are thoughtfully chosen to align with the mountain’s most favorable conditions, ensuring a serene and memorable journey. Whether you’re drawn to the crisp air of January or the golden light of September, each departure offers a chance to experience the 8 Days Lemosho Route at its best, guided by Rede Tours and Safaris.

Day 0: Arrival in Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your friendly driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Here, you can unwind and prepare for your climb. You’ll meet your trek guides for a pre-trek briefing where you will go over the details of the journey, review your gear, and ask any questions. Afterward, enjoy a warm dinner at the hotel and rest peacefully for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi (Dinner included)

Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Your Kilimanjaro journey begins at Lemosho Gate, nestled at 2,100 meters on the mountain’s western slopes. The air here is cool and fresh, carrying the scent of damp earth as you step into a tranquil rainforest. This gentle 6-kilometer walk, taking 3 to 4 hours, winds through a shaded canopy where sunlight filters softly through towering trees. You might hear the distant call of a bird or spot a colobus monkey swinging through the branches—a quiet welcome to the wild. As you arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m), known as “Big Tree Camp,” the forest surrounds you like a comforting embrace, offering a peaceful spot to rest and settle in for your first night under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Tents)

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Awakening at Mti Mkubwa, you’ll feel the calm of the forest before setting out on an 8-kilometer trek that takes 5 to 6 hours. The trail gradually rises, leading you out of the dense woods into the open moorland. The transition is gentle—trees thin out, replaced by rolling hills of heather and grasses swaying in the breeze. As you reach Shira 1 Camp at 3,500 meters, the landscape widens, revealing the vastness of Kilimanjaro’s western side. The air feels lighter here, and the distant silhouette of Kibo peak begins to take shape, a quiet promise of the days ahead. This is a moment to breathe deeply and let the mountain’s stillness sink in.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (Tents)

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today’s journey across the Shira Plateau is a restful 10-kilometer walk, unfolding over 4 to 6 hours. Starting at Shira 1 Camp, you’ll traverse one of Kilimanjaro’s oldest volcanic calderas, now a serene expanse of open terrain. The path is steady, with gentle slopes that invite a relaxed pace. Along the way, the plateau offers unobstructed views of the snow-capped summit, framed by a sky that feels endlessly wide. By the time you reach Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 meters, you’ll have gained a sense of the mountain’s scale, yet the day feels unhurried—a perfect balance of progress and peace, preparing you for the heights to come.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (Tents)

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

From Shira 2 Camp, the day stretches over 10 kilometers and 6 to 8 hours, guiding you through a smooth acclimatization stretch. You’ll ascend to the Lava Tower, a striking volcanic formation at 4,600 meters, where the air thins and the landscape turns rugged yet serene. This climb is designed to help your body adjust, and our guides will encourage a steady, comfortable pace. After a brief pause to take in the tower’s quiet grandeur, you’ll descend gently to Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters. Nestled beneath the towering Barranco Wall, this campsite offers a sheltered rest, surrounded by the soft glow of evening light on the mountain’s slopes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (Tents)

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

The fifth day brings a peaceful ascent over 5 kilometers, lasting 4 to 5 hours. You’ll begin by climbing the Barranco Wall—a natural staircase of rock that rises gracefully before you. There’s no rush here; each step is a quiet achievement, supported by the steady hands of our guides if needed. At the top, the view opens to reveal Kilimanjaro’s southern face, a calming reward for your effort. The trail then dips and rises through rolling valleys, leading to Karanga Camp at 4,000 meters. This shorter day feels like a gentle pause, giving you time to rest and absorb the mountain’s vast stillness as the summit draws nearer.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Karanga Camp (Tents)

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Today’s walk is a quiet preparation for the summit, covering 4 kilometers in 3 to 4 hours. From Karanga Camp, the path climbs steadily through alpine desert, where the terrain turns stark and peaceful. Scattered rocks and the occasional giant groundsel—unique to these heights—dot the landscape, adding a touch of wonder to the journey. As you reach Barafu Camp at 4,600 meters, the base for your summit attempt, the air feels crisp and the mood reflective. This is a place to rest deeply, nourished by a warm meal, as our team ensures everything is ready for the night ahead. The summit feels close now, yet the calm prevails.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (Tents)

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

This is the day of summit serenity, a long but rewarding 12-kilometer journey spanning 10 to 14 hours. You’ll rise at midnight, stepping into the cool stillness under a canopy of stars. The ascent to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters is gradual at first, then steepens as you approach Stella Point. The quiet rhythm of your breath and the crunch of scree beneath your feet guide you upward. At dawn, the summit greets you with a gentle sunrise, casting golden light across the African plains below. After this moment of triumph, you’ll descend calmly to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters, resting in the forested lower slopes with a deep sense of accomplishment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp (Tents)

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi

Your final day is a reflective descent, covering 10 kilometers in 3 to 4 hours. From Mweka Camp, the trail winds downward through lush forest, where the air grows warmer and the sounds of birds return. This gentle walk allows you to carry the summit’s peace with you, reflecting on the journey as Kilimanjaro fades into the distance. At Mweka Gate (1,650m), you’ll complete your trek, greeted by our team with quiet congratulations and your summit certificate. A transfer will then bring you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can rest, share your story, and savor the calm pride of your achievement.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi (Dinner included)