8-Day Lemosho Climb
Tour Overview
The Lemosho route begins in the lush rainforest of the west and crosses the entirety of the Shira Plateau before joining the Southern Circuit.
The 8-day version provides a gentle ascent profile, making it the top choice for first-time climbers and those wanting a more relaxed pace before the final summit push.
We highly regard this 8-day Lemosho climb as the best path to the summit. ‘
It combines the remote beauty of the mountain’s western flank with a longer itinerary that allows your body to adapt naturally to the altitude.
If you are looking for high success rates, quiet trails, and the most diverse scenery Kilimanjaro has to offer, this is the trek for you.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Total Distance | Approximately 70 km / 43 miles |
| Max Elevation | 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) |
| Accommodation | High-quality mountain tents |
| Difficulty | Moderate / High |
| Success Rate | Very High (95%+) |
Comparing Lemosho 7 Days vs 8 Days Climb
Choosing between the 7-day and 8-day Lemosho route is often the biggest decision for our climbers. While the path remains the same, the pacing makes a significant difference in your physical experience.
Here is a breakdown of how they compare:
| Feature | 7-Day Lemosho | 8-Day Lemosho |
| Pace | Brisk and steady | Gentle and relaxed |
| Acclimatization | Good | Superior |
| Shira Plateau | Crosses in one day | Explores over two days |
| Success Rate | High (~90%) | Highest (~95%+) |
| Best For | Fit hikers with limited time | First-timers & photography lovers |
Why Lemosho 8 Day Climb with Uisso Adventures?
Superior Success Rate
The 8-day itinerary is the most successful itinerary for reaching the summit.
Scenic Isolation
Start away from the crowds on the western side of the mountain.
Expert Support
Our certified guides and dedicated porters ensure your safety and comfort.
Ethical Travel
We prioritize fair wages and community support on every expedition
Detailed Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival – Moshi Town
Arrive in Tanzania and meet your Uisso Adventures team. Transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Moshi for rest, briefing, and final gear check.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Dinner (depending on arrival time)
Day 1: Lemosho Starting Point to Mti Mkubwa
After a 4-hour drive to the gate for formalities, we head to the trailhead to begin our trek. We hike through an undisturbed, dense forest that winds gently toward our first camp under the giant trees.
Elevation: 2100m to 2650m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
We emerge from the rainforest into a beautiful savannah of tall grasses and volcanic rock draped in lichen. After crossing several mountain streams and ascending rolling hills, we reach the Shira Ridge with our first views of Kibo.
Elevation: 2650m to 3610m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
We spend the day exploring the vast Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth. We offer an optional acclimatization hike to Shira Cathedral and the Lent Hills to help your body prepare for higher altitudes.
Elevation: 3610m to 3850m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
The trail heads southeast toward the towering 300ft volcanic formation known as Lava Tower. After lunch at high altitude, we descend into the Barranco Valley, a strategy that is essential for proper acclimatization.
Elevation: 3850m to 4600m (Lava Tower) then to 3900m
Distance: 10 km total
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
We start the morning by climbing the steep but non-technical Barranco Wall for incredible views of the glaciers. The path then leads us through a series of valleys before a final short climb into Karanga Camp.
Elevation: 3900m to 3995m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
The trail connects with the Mweka route as we ascend through a rocky alpine desert toward the “Ice” camp. We arrive early in the afternoon to rest, eat, and prepare for the midnight summit bid.
Elevation: 3995m to 4673m
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
We begin our ascent in the dark, reaching the crater rim at Stella Point to witness a spectacular sunrise, then continue the ascent to Uhuru Peak. After reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, we descend to Mweka Camp for our final night.
Elevation: 4673m to 5895m then down to 3100m
Distance: 17 km total
Hiking Time: 11-14 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
A final descent through the lower forest brings us to Mweka Gate, where we receive our hard-earned certificates. We continue to Mweka Village for a celebratory transfer back to your hotel in Moshi.
Elevation: 3100m to 1640m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Celebration Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
What's Included
Professional, certified mountain guides
Park fees & rescue fees
Hut accommodation on the mountain
Hotel accommodation before & after the trek
All meals on the mountain
Airport transfers
Porters and crew support
Drinking water on the mountain
Summit certificate
What's Not Included
International flights
Tanzania visa
Travel insurance
Personal trekking gear
Tips for guides and porters
Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, etc.)
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