If you want the best mix of safety, scenery, and summit success, choose Lemosho in 8 days. This schedule spreads the climb over eight relaxed stages, giving your body the extra time it needs to adjust to the thin air. Better acclimatization means far fewer altitude-related problems and a much higher chance of standing on Uhuru Peak.
The trail itself is quiet and unspoiled. On day one, an armed park ranger often walks with the group because the thick Lemosho forest is home to buffalo, elephants, and other large wildlife. Soon the trees open onto the sweeping Shira Plateau—one of Kilimanjaro’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Why pick the Lemosho 8 days itinerary?
Top success rate: Extra acclimatization days lead to more successful summits than shorter routes.
Low traffic: Fewer trekkers share the trail, letting you enjoy nature without crowds.
Wildlife experience: The first stage offers a real chance to spot big game in their natural habitat.
Varied scenery: Dense rainforest, high-altitude moorland, alpine desert, and finally the icy summit glaciers—all in one trek.
Take the long view, give your body time, and let the mountain reveal its beauty day by day. With Lemosho in 8 days, you stack the odds of success firmly in your favor.
Arrival & Pre-Trek Briefing
Touch down at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport, transfer to your Moshi hotel, and meet your guide for an evening equipment check and full rundown of the Lemosho 8 days climb.
Elevation: 900 m/2,950 ft (Moshi)
Meals: —
Day 1: Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp
A 4×4 ride brings you to Lemosho Gate and the dense rainforest of Lemosho Glades. A gentle forest trail leads to Big Tree Camp, alive with colobus monkeys and bird calls.
Elevation: 1,830 m/6,000 ft → 2,650 m/8,700 ft
Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
Hiking Time: 2–3 hrs
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Leaving the forest, you climb onto the Shira Ridge and step onto the broad Shira Plateau, where the first open view of Kibo appears. Camp beside a clear mountain stream.
Elevation: 2,650 m/8,700 ft → 3,500 m/11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hrs
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
A relaxed walk across heather-dotted grasslands brings you to Shira 2. The afternoon is perfect for short acclimatisation hikes or quiet rest amid sweeping plateau views.
Elevation: 3,500 m/11,500 ft → 3,850 m/12,600 ft
Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hrs
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
Climb toward the Lava Tower “Shark’s Tooth” at 4,650 m, then descend to Barranco Valley. The gain-and-loss of altitude is ideal for acclimatisation ahead of summit day.
Elevation: 3,850 m/12,600 ft → 4,000 m/13,000 ft
Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hrs
Habitat: Semi-Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
A short, exciting scramble up the Barranco Wall rewards you with dramatic panoramas. A gentle descent into the fertile Karanga Valley ends the day at Karanga Camp.
Elevation: 4,000 m/13,000 ft → 4,050 m/13,250 ft
Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
Climbing Time: 3–4 hrs
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
You finish the southern circuit and march steadily to Barafu. The glacier-capped summit looms on the skyline from several angles. Evening is for rest, dinner, and final prep.
Elevation: 4,050 m/13,250 ft → 4,700 m/15,350 ft
Distance: 4 km / 2 mi
Climbing Time: 3–4 hrs
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
At midnight you set off up scree to Stella Point, arriving in time for a breathtaking sunrise. One more hour along the rim reaches Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, before you descend through Barafu for lunch and onward to rainforest-ringed Mweka Camp.
Elevation: 4,700 m/15,350 ft → 5,895 m/19,340 ft → 3,090 m/10,150 ft
Distance: 5 km / 3 mi up, 13 km / 8 mi down
Hiking Time: 5–7 hrs up, 5–6 hrs down
Habitat: Stone Scree / Ice-Capped Summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi
A final three-hour stroll through emerald forest brings you to the gate to collect your certificates. Our vehicle returns you to Moshi for a hot shower and well-earned celebration.
Elevation: 3,090 m/10,150 ft → 1,680 m/5,500 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hrs
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
What’s Included
18 % Tanzanian VAT.
Four-season mountain tents (twin-share) plus sleeping mattress.
All park, camping, rescue, and conservation fees.
Professional guides, cook, and porter team with fair wages.
All transfers between Moshi and trailheads.
Hot meals every day on the mountain + clean, filtered water.
Fully equipped dining tent with tables and chairs.
Emergency oxygen cylinder.
Kilimanjaro summit certificate.
What’s Not Included
International & domestic flights, visas, travel insurance.
Personal trekking gear (available to rent).
Hotel nights and airport transfers if not booked as add-ons.
Tips, drinks, and other personal expenses.
5 % surcharge on all card payments.
Payment Terms
| Stage | How Much | How to Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit | 20 % | Bank transfer or card | Card payments add 5 % fee (non-refundable). Confirmation sent once paid. |
| Balance | 80 % | Bank (≥15 days before), card (≥1 day before), or cash on arrival | Cash must be USD printed 2009 or later. Card payments add 5 % fee. |
| Group Size | Price (USD per person) |
|---|---|
| Solo Trekker | 2,420 |
| Group of 2 | 2,191 |
| Group of 3 | 2,120 |
| Group of 4 | 2,108 |
| Group of 5 | 2,100 |
| Group of 6 | 2,070 |
| Group of 7 | 2,066 |
| Group of 8 | 2,063 |
| Group of 9 | 2,051 |
| Group of 10 and above | 2,049 |
Hotel Choices for Your Lemosho 8 Days Adventure
Below are our trusted partner hotels in Moshi, listed with their per-room, per-night rates (breakfast included). Pick the style and budget that suit you best:
Lindrin Lodge — Single USD 55 · Double USD 70 · Triple USD 105
Keys Hotel — Single USD 69 · Double USD 94 · Triple USD 122
Parkview Inn — Single USD 81 · Double USD 91 · Triple USD 170
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel — Single USD 140 · Double USD 160
If your first-choice hotel happens to be full, we’ll secure an equivalent property at the same quality level and price. Planning to book on your own? Let us know before you confirm so we can arrange smooth airport pickups and mountain transfers.