About This Tour
The 8 Days Lemosho Route is considered the ultimate and most recommended route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. By adding an extra acclimatization day, this itinerary offers the highest summit success rate, exceptional scenery, and a relaxed ascent pace. Starting from the remote western side of the mountain, Lemosho is ideal for climbers seeking the best possible Kilimanjaro experience.
Trip Highlights
- Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak
- Trek through diverse landscapes from rainforest to alpine desert
- Enjoy spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak from Horombo Hut
- -Early-morning summit attempt with a breathtaking sunrise at Uhuru Peak
- Professional mountain guides ensuring safety and support
Itinerary
The 7 Days Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most scenic and best-acclimatized route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching the mountain from the remote western side, Lemosho offers low traffic, outstanding wilderness views, and excellent altitude adaptation—resulting in one of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro.
- Distance: ~6 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Altitude: 2,100 m → 2,780 m
Begin your trek through untouched rainforest filled with birdlife and colobus monkeys. The gentle trail allows your body to ease into the climb.
Overnight: Big Tree Camp (tented)
- Distance: ~8 km
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Altitude: 2,780 m → 3,500 m
Climb steadily as the forest thins into heath and moorland. Enjoy your first expansive views of Kilimanjaro’s western slopes and Shira Plateau.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
- Distance: ~7 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Altitude: 3,500 m → 3,850 m
A relaxed trek across the Shira Plateau with stunning views of Kibo Peak. This day is excellent for gradual acclimatization.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
- Distance: ~10 km
- Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
- Altitude: 3,850 m → 4,630 m → 3,960 m
One of the most important acclimatization days. Hike up to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp, following the “climb high, sleep low” principle.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
- Distance: ~5 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Altitude: 3,960 m → 4,035 m
Climb the famous Barranco Wall, a fun but non-technical scramble offering breathtaking views. Continue across ridges to Karanga Camp.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
- Distance: ~6–8 km (optional acclimatization hike)
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Altitude Gain: up to ~4,600 m
An additional acclimatization day with short hikes above camp before returning to rest. This day greatly improves summit success and comfort.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
- Distance: ~4 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Altitude: 4,035 m → 4,673 m
A short but steep climb to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit push. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing for the midnight ascent.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
- Distance: ~17 km total
- Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
- Altitude: 4,673 m → 5,895 m → 1,640 m
Begin the summit attempt around midnight. Ascend past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate at sunrise before descending via the Mweka Route through alpine desert and rainforest to Mweka Gate for certificates and transfer.
Included/Exclude
The Cost Includes
- Park entry, camping/hut, rescue, and conservation fees for Mount Kilimanjaro
- Professional, licensed mountain guides
- Dedicated porters and cook
- Accommodation in mountain huts (Mandara, Horombo & Kibo Huts)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water on the mountain (treated and filtered)
- Kilimanjaro International Airport or Moshi/Arusha hotel transfers
- Pre-climb briefing and equipment check
- Fair wages and ethical porter treatment (KPAP compliant, where applicable)
- All government taxes and service charges
The Cost Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and high-altitude medical insurance
- Personal climbing gear (sleeping bag, trekking poles, clothing, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and cook
- Snacks, energy bars, and personal beverages
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls)
- Hotel accommodation before and after the climb (unless stated)
- Any services not specifically mentioned under Tour Includes
Tour Plan
The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is one of the most scenic and popular ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, offering excellent acclimatization and diverse landscapes.
Yes, it is suitable for fit beginners with good stamina. While more demanding than Marangu, it has a higher success rate due to better acclimatization.
The success rate is relatively high (around 70–80%), especially for climbers who are physically prepared and follow their guide’s pace.
No technical skills are required. The climb is a high-altitude trek. The Barranco Wall involves light scrambling but is non-technical.
Accommodation is in high-quality mountain tents at designated camps along the route.
Temperatures at the summit can drop to between -10°C and -15°C. Proper cold-weather clothing is essential.
All meals are included—hot breakfasts, lunches, and dinners—prepared by a professional mountain cook.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone. The Machame Route’s “climb high, sleep low” profile helps reduce risks, and guides monitor climbers closely.
The best periods are January–March and June–October, offering more stable weather and clearer views.
