8 Days Lemosho Route
Full Itinerary
Overview
This 8-day Lemosho route variant is the best option for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro using the Lemosho route as it offers optimum time for acclimatization hence a high summit success rate. The climb from Barranco to Barafu on the 8-day Lemosho route is split into two days, providing for a rest day before the summit attempt. This is critical since summit day starts early, at midnight, and climbers are sleep deprived heading into the mountain’s most difficult day. Climbers will be more rested if they have a short day before the climb. There is 7-day Lemosho route variation but we recommend this 8-day trip because it has an extra day for acclimatization and better chances of making it to the summit.
DAY 1 : Arrival
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet our representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb. Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group. Extra charges will apply for additional individual transfers. To avoid extra costs, sync your group’s arrival and departure times.
DAY 2: High-Altitude Drop Off Destination And Trekking To Shira 2 Camp
A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel. Then you will travel by vehicle (roughly 3–4 hours) to Kilimanjaro National Park’s western entrance: Londorossi Gate. After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group continues upwards towards their drop-off point by off-road vehicles (reaching 3,610 m /11,841 f). Here you can see stunning views of the Shira Plateau for the first time. The route from your drop-off point to your first high-altitude camp, Shira 2, features a moderate gain in altitude and is not too physically challenging. Due to this, you will be able to properly begin the process of acclimatization. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will have already prepared everything necessary, put up the tents, and begun preparing dinner.
DAY 3 : Trekking From Shira 2 Camp To The Lava Tower and Descent To Barranco Camp
After breakfast, you will leave Shira 2 Camp and start your hike to the key point of the route: Lava Tower. This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 m /15,091 f). Portions of the trek may be difficult, and it is common to experience some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here, so this is where you will enjoy your lunch. Then, you will descend to Barranco Camp. Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! The next day you will be climbing it, but don’t worry: it features a very simple hiking trail and is not intimidating at all.
DAY 4 : Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
This day you will wake up early and enjoy a filling breakfast before starting to climb Barranco Wall. We recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups, which can slow you down. Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano. Then you will start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don’t worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 300 m /984 f) gain in altitude and then descend back down to the camp.
DAY 5 : Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
In the morning, after a warm and hearty breakfast, you will begin your hike to Barafu Summit Camp. This camp is the starting point for the final night summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f) – your end goal. Our team will set up camp ahead of time, so when you arrive your tents and sleeping bags will already be prepared, meaning you can just relax and rest when you reach Barafu Summit Camp. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before the night summit.
DAY 6 : Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp
You will depart from Barafu Camp at night and start the final summit to Uhuru Peak of Kilimanjaro (5,895 m /19,336 f). Technically speaking, the climb is relatively simple; however, at this high altitude, even regular physical activity can feel strenuous. Therefore, every two climbers will be paired with a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor their physical and mental well-being more closely. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier, if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp.
DAY 6 : Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp
You will depart from Barafu Camp at night and start the final summit to Uhuru Peak of Kilimanjaro (5,895 m /19,336 f). Technically speaking, the climb is relatively simple; however, at this high altitude, even regular physical activity can feel strenuous. Therefore, every two climbers will be paired with a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor their physical and mental well-being more closely. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier, if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp.
DAY 7 : Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Millennium Camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit: Mweka Gate. After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel.
DAY 8 : Departure
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
- included
- Airport Transfer: Pickup and transfer to Parkview Inn or Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
- Mountain Crew: Professional team with fair wages as per KINAPA and KIATO standards
- Permits and Fees: Kilimanjaro National Park permits and camping/hut fees
- Meals and Equipment: 3 daily meals, modern tents, warm sleeping pads, first aid kit, and group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery, cutlery)
- Optional Facilities: Portable flush toilets available upon request
- Post-Climb: Meeting at the park exit, transfer to hotel, accommodation after the climb, international ascent certificates
- Return Transfer: Transfer back to Kilimanjaro Airport
- Excluded
- Flight tickets
- Visa fees
- Personal gear rental
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry services
- Tips for the mountain crew
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