The 8-day Lemosho Route is widely considered the most scenic and best-acclimatized way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching the mountain from the remote western side, this route offers quiet trails, diverse landscapes, and a gradual ascent that significantly increases summit success rates. With extra acclimatization time built into the itinerary, the 8-day Lemosho Route is ideal for climbers seeking both comfort and a higher chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.
Often considered the most beautiful and well-balanced route, Lemosho starts on the western side of Kilimanjaro and joins the Machame route later. It offers excellent acclimatization and a quieter, more wilderness-like experience.
Best for:
• Climbers wanting the highest summit success rate
• People with time for an 8–9 day trek
• Photographers and nature lovers
You will be met on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. After settling in, you will receive a full climb briefing from your Wildicon Safaris mountain guide, including route details, safety procedures, and a final gear check. The evening is spent resting and preparing for the climb ahead.
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the Lemosho Gate for registration and final preparations. The trek begins through lush rainforest filled with towering trees, thick moss, and birdlife. The air is fresh and humid, and you may encounter colobus monkeys or blue monkeys along the trail. The walk is gentle and designed to introduce your body to trekking at altitude.
You arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp in the afternoon, where your crew prepares camp and dinner.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail gradually climbs into the heath and moorland zone. The vegetation becomes more open, with expansive views of the Shira Plateau and the distant summit of Kilimanjaro. The terrain is steady and allows your body to continue adjusting to altitude without rushing.
By afternoon, you arrive at Shira 1 Camp, located on the Shira Plateau—one of the oldest volcanic areas on the mountain. Clear weather offers stunning sunset views.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
This day is relatively short but important for acclimatization. The trail crosses the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert landscape with unique plants such as giant lobelias and senecios. You will walk at a relaxed pace while enjoying panoramic views of Mount Meru and the western slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Arriving early at Shira 2 Camp gives you time to rest, explore the surrounding area, and acclimatize properly.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
This is a key acclimatization day following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. You will ascend gradually toward the Lava Tower, reaching an altitude of over 4,600 meters. This section may feel challenging due to altitude, but it plays a crucial role in helping your body adapt.
After lunch near Lava Tower, you descend into the Barranco Valley, where the landscape dramatically changes. Barranco Camp sits beneath the imposing Barranco Wall and is one of the most scenic camps on the mountain.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Barranco Camp
After breakfast, you tackle the famous Barranco Wall. Though it looks intimidating, it is a fun scramble rather than a technical climb and offers incredible views from the top. Once above the wall, the trail undulates across alpine terrain with sweeping views of glaciers and valleys.
You arrive at Karanga Camp by mid-afternoon, allowing plenty of time to rest and continue acclimatization before the summit push.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Karanga Camp
This is a short but important trekking day. The landscape becomes stark and rocky as you enter the alpine desert zone. The air is thinner, and temperatures drop noticeably. Upon reaching Barafu Camp, your guides will brief you thoroughly about the summit attempt.
You will rest, eat an early dinner, and try to sleep before beginning the midnight ascent to the summit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Around midnight, you begin the most challenging and rewarding part of the climb. The ascent is slow and steady, moving through the cold night toward Stella Point and onward to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. As the sun rises, you are rewarded with breathtaking views above the clouds.
After celebrating your achievement at the summit, you descend carefully back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp, re-entering the lower alpine zones.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mweka Camp
The final day is a gentle descent through lush rainforest. The trail can be slippery, but the air is rich with oxygen, making the walk comfortable. At Mweka Gate, you receive your summit certificates before transferring back to your hotel for a well-earned rest and celebration.
Meals: Breakfast
