8 day Kilimanjaro Climb
5 Ratings

8 day Kilimanjaro Climb

Price: Price on request

Tanzania

calender icon Duration 8.0 days
accommodation icon Accommodation Tented Camps
season icon Best Season May-Oct,
hiking icon Hiking,Sight Seeing 8.0 days
transportation icon Transportation Private Vehicles days
altitude icon Max-Altitude 5895.0 m
meal icon Meal
difficulty icon Difficulty medium
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8 day Kilimanjaro Climb Overview

Located in the heart of East Africa you'll find an inspiring sight; the magnificent Kilimanjaro. It's a symbol of nature's beauty, a thrilling adventure waiting to be conquered, and an irresistible call, to those who crave excitement and daring. Our carefully planned excursion offers a climb and an engaging tour through varied environments, ranging from lush rainforests to the desolate splendor of alpine deserts. Join us as we explore the landscapes that surround this legendary mountain, and let the Lemosho Route unroll before you, revealing Kilimanjaro's mysteries and splendors. 


As a newer route, it is more secluded and possibly more attractive, although it takes a little longer. It begins on the western side of the mountain at the Londorossi Gate, which is a long drive from town and was added as an alternative to the Shira route. 


Our adventure starts in the rainforests taking us through the Shira Plateau and guides us through various challenging landscapes all leading up, to our exhilarating climb to Uhuru Peak. Throughout this journey, you'll have the chance to experience the warmth of hospitality at carefully chosen tented camps and be amazed, by the ever-changing panoramic views. 


With guides leading the way our itinerary prioritizes your safety so that you can fully embrace the sense of achievement when you reach the summit of "Roof of Africa." You may be fortunate enough to observe buffalo, elephants, and other wildlife. Because this route allows hikers more time for acclimatization, it has a better success percentage at the summit.



Highlights of  Kilimanjaro Climb

  • Embark, on an adventure by conquering Mount Kilimanjaro, the peak in Africa standing at an impressive elevation of 5895m. 
  • Enjoy a picturesque drive to Lemosho Gate, where your journey begins. 
  • Experience the mesmerizing Lemosho Route renowned for its scenery and stunning views all along the mountain.
  • Embark on an expedition through six ecological zones each offering its unique beauty and charm ranging from lush rainforests to the enchanting Arctic zone.
  • Marvel, at the thriving biodiversity that calls Kilimanjaro home.
  • Take in the mesmerizing vistas of the magnificent Shira Plateau.
  • Feel the exhilaration of conquering the Barranco Wall.
  • Witness both sunrise and sunset from altitudes as you ascend Kilimanjaro slopes.



Route Distance: 

The Lemosho route is 70 kilometers (42 miles).



Location: 

To start your journey, on the trail, you will need to drive for some time, from either Moshi or Arusha to reach Londorossi Gate. This drive can take around three to four hours. Londorossi Gate is located on the side of the mountain.



Elevation: 

The Lemosho route reaches the summit of Kilimanjaro at the Uhuru peak, reaching a height of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). 



Trail conditions:

The trail's major segment begins by meandering through verdant jungles. It eventually reaches the Shira Plateau. Eventually, it passes across snowy meadows and lofty alpine deserts. The Lemosho route is regarded as the most scenic route, having panoramic views from the summit. Climbers who use the Shira way from the western base are likely to face less traffic until they reach the Machame way, which is one of the mountain's newer routes, making Lemosho a great choice for your trip.


Traversing Kilimanjaro's western face may provide an opportunity to view wildlife. You might be lucky enough to see Antelope and Buffalo. You might even come across a few elephants in some circumstances. The eight-day Lemosho trek is frequently accomplished in as few as six days on the mountain. However, it is best handled over 8 days because it provides a far better altitude acclimation schedule. The first two days involve a hike through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. This trek eventually turns into a very level stroll. This section of the voyage follows a west-to-east route. 


From now on, you're unlikely to meet many other hikers. Crowds will be few until the path meets the Machame trail near the Lava Tower. The route follows the Southern Circuit across Kilimanjaro's icefields before summiting from Barafu. 


To ensure a journey it is advisable to opt for the Mweka route, for descending. It would be helpful to have a hiking experience since each day will involve 6 to 8 hours of trekking with ascents ranging from 900m to 1,000m. Occasionally there may be days with ascents around 1,100m to 1,200m. Depending on the chosen route you will encounter altitudes exceeding 3,500m. It's crucial to have confidence in your ability to navigate terrains, over days. The hike may expose you to varying altitudes and weather conditions where ice axes and crampons might be required. Physical and mental endurance are vital as the days can become quite exhausting.



Route Success Rate

The Lemosho route has a track record of success making it highly likely to reach the summit if you allow time. When you spend 8 days on the mountain your chances of reaching the point are as high, as 90%. With a 7-day hike, there's still a chance of achieving the summit with a success rate of around 85%. However, if you choose the 6-day hike the success rate drops to 65%. The Lemosho route is renowned for its views. Offers panoramic vistas, from different sides of Kilimanjaro.


Lemosho is an option, for your climb as it offers a balance of low crowds, stunning scenery, and a high success rate in reaching the summit. Many climbers have chosen the Lemosho route. Provided feedback about their experience. We highly recommend this route to our clients. The journey starts at Londorossi Gate, located at an altitude of 2360 meters on the side of the mountain. From there it takes you on a path, around the Kilimanjaro region passing through breathtaking rainforests where you might spot some incredible wildlife. The route then continues upward to reach Shira Ridge, which is the mountain's summit.



Day

START

ALTITUDE 

(M/FT)

FINISH

ALTITUDE (M/FT)

TIME (HRS)

DISTANCE 

(KM/MI)

1

Londoros si Gate

2,360m/ 7,742ft

Mti Mkubwa

2,895m/ 9,498ft

3-4

6km/ 4mi

2

Mti Mkubwa

2,895m/ 9,498ft

Shira 1 Camp

3,505m/ 11,500ft

5-6

8 km/ 5 mi

3

Shira 1 Camp

3,505m/ 11,500ft

Moir Hut

4,200m/ 13,800ft

5-7

11km/ 7mi

4

Moir Hut

4,200m/ 13,800ft

Lava Tower

4,630m/ 15,190ft

4-5

7km/ 4mi


Lava Tower

4,630m/ 15,190ft

Barranco Camp

3,976m/ 13,044ft

2-3

3km/ 2mi

5

Barranco Camp

3,976m/ 13,044ft

Karanga Camp

3,995m/ 13,106ft

4-5

5km/ 3mi

6

Karanga Camp

3,995m/ 13,106ft

Barafu Camp

4,673m/ 15,331ft

4-5

4km/ 2mi

7

Barafu Camp

4,673m/ 15,331ft

Uhuru Peak

5,895m/ 19,341ft

7-8

5km/ 3mi


Uhuru Peak

5,895m/ 19,341ft

Mweka Camp

3,068m/ 10,065ft

4-6

12km/ 7mi

8

Mweka Camp

3,068m/ 10,065ft

Mweka Gate

1,640m/ 5,380ft





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Itinerary

day-1

The Lemosho route begins at the Londorossi Gate, at an elevation of 2,100 meters. You will proceed by vehicle (around 3-4 hours) to Kilimanjaro National Park's western gate, known as Londorossi Gate, in Moshi Town. This is where you'll meet your mountain trip crew. Following the fast formality of obtaining climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue organization, the group ascends to their drop-off site via off-road vehicles. We drive to the trailhead, where the hike officially begins by crossing the rainforest zone to the first camp, Mti Mkubwa Camp.


day-2

As you travel around the Shira crater's outer flanks, you may encounter some steep areas. You'll leave the forest zone a little distance from the camp and enter a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock covered with beard-like lichens. As we climb higher, weaving through the beautiful rolling hills and passing multiple streams, we reach Shira Ridge before gradually dropping to Shira 1 Camp. The camp is located on the western edge of the Shira plateau. Here we get our first glimpse of the Kibo summit, which towers over the Shira flat. 


day-3

The day is set aside to explore the ever-beautiful wide field of the Shira Plateau, a twisting grassland plain on Kilimanjaro's Eastern moorland zone and one of the highest plateaus on the planet. The first several hours of today's hike are rather straightforward, with the majority of it taking place on level ground. This trip takes us to Shira 2 Camp, then veers off to join the main road to our resting camp for the day, the rarely used Moir Hut Camp, nestled right beneath Mount Kilimanjaro's Lent Hills. You will get spectacular views of the Shira plateau and Mount Meru, which will be visible through the clouds. The Lent hills are utilized for acclimatization on the mountain by ascending and descending their slopes.


day-4

After leaving this wonderfully tranquil camp, your trail begins to wind over Kibo's southern slopes.  You'll join the routes leading from the Shira camps, where Lemosho and Machame converge to form one trail. Hike up a ridge before reaching the beautiful and scenic Lava Tower, called the "Shark's tooth," which is a constructed volcanic feature located in the SouthEast direction from Moir Hut and is 300 feet tall. If you're lucky, you'll be able to see the Western Breach. 

After ascending the mountain's steep crest, we descend to Barranco Camp to aid in adequate acclimatization. This calm hike leads through the lovely Senecio plant that covers this alpine desert zone. Despite spending the most of your journey at the same heights, the time spent at a higher altitude is more important in ensuring that you are adequately acclimatized.


day-5

The highlight of the day for many is the ascent in the morning. Leaping over the Barranco barrier. From a camp, it can appear daunting. Your guides will provide you with ample assistance on the uneven path, so the ascent is not too tough. The Kibo massif suddenly seems uncomfortably close as you approach the summit, perhaps rewarding you with an amazing vista. A trail that winds through the Karanga valley begins here. Reaching Karanga camp merely requires crossing a valley. You'll have fantastic views of Kibo itself and the plains should the clouds break.


day-6

We travel from Karanga Camp to a track that meets the Mweka route after our morning meal as usual. A considerable amount of hiking remains till the rocky Barafu Hut Camp. At the conclusion of the journey across Kilimanjaro's Southern Circuit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the peak of Kibo upon arriving at Barafu Camp. 

Our overnight camp will be at Barafu Camp, where we will recover, have dinner, and prepare for our midnight summit attempt. We take an acclimatization tour to the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800m) before returning to Barafu Camp for a hot meal. This is done before dinner. The two towering peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mawenzi and Kibo, are plainly visible from a distance.


day-7

We start our climb to the summit, known as Uhuru Peak, at approximately midnight. In addition to being physically taxing, the ascent to the summit requires mental toughness because you have to endure severe weather, wind, and often complete darkness during the night, unless you are doing the eight-day Lemosho route under a full moon. 

We only have our headlamps and our guides to help us navigate the dense scree and twisting routes of the Ratzel and Rebmann Glaciers during our first six-hour ascent, which ends at Stella Point. Many claim that this is the hardest part of the entire climb, but the payoff is maybe the most breathtaking and emotional dawn you have ever seen or will ever see in your life.

We will join the final stretch of the Marangu trail after taking some photos at the sign and enjoying a quick break. It will take another one to two hours to reach your ultimate destination, the top of Africa's highest mountain, Uhuru mountain, at 5,985 meters. Standing 5,895 meters above sea level, this peak is often known as the rooftop of Africa.

On the Lemosho path, you will now descend to Mweka Hut Camp from the peak, your final climbing point. En route, you will stop briefly for lunch at Barafu Camp. Keep an eye on your knees because it may be rather taxing to use your lower body to support and break your upper body. Trunks can be a big assistance in this situation. Rain or mist is likely to occur at any time of day, especially in the late afternoons, due to the erratic weather in the higher rainforest zone surrounding Mweka Camp. Our resting place, supper spot, and overnight stay is Mweka Hut Camp.


day-8

Today marks the conclusion of our 8 day trek, along the Lemosho route on Mount Kilimanjaro. As we make our way down the mountain towards Mweka Gate we will receive our deserved certificates for reaching the summit of this majestic peak. The area surrounding Mweka Gate is known for its damp conditions. On our journey we will pass through the heath and forest zones keeping an eye out for colobus monkeys along the trail. Once we have collected our certificates we will continue to Mweka Village, an one hour trek. There a vehicle provided by us awaits to transport us back to our hotel, in Moshi town.


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Included & Excluded Items in the Trip Package

included icon Included

  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your Arusha hotel

  • Airport Transfer

  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides

  • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries, and park fees

  • Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents

  • Sleeping Mattress

  • All meals while on the Mountain

  • Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs

  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

  • Clean, purified drinking water

  • Conservation fees (part of park fees)

  • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)

  • Rescue fees (part of park fees)

  • VAT (18% charged by the Government)

excluded icon Excluded

  • Tanzania Visa

  • Gratuity For guides, Porter’s

  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

  • Meals not listed above

  • Optional Safari Tours (short safari after your climb)

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Trip Information

Best Time

Late December to Early March (Late Monsoon):

From December to March after the short rains have subsided you can expect clear skies and relatively dry conditions. The moderate temperatures during this time make it comfortable for trekking. Contribute to a climbing experience. The recent rainfall adds a touch of greenery to the landscape offering climbers views and a visually stunning backdrop throughout their ascent.


During this season climbers are treated to a display of flora immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the Kilimanjaro ecosystem. With climbers on the trails, there is a sense of tranquility that adds to the climb.



June to October (Long Dry Season):

June to October is considered the time for a Kilimanjaro climb due to the dry season. During this period you can expect skies, minimal precipitation and cooler temperatures creating conditions for a successful ascent. The trails are notably drier, during this time reducing the chances of encountering paths and ensuring trail stability.


This season is known for its predictable weather conditions which contribute to a climbing experience. Climbers can look forward to vistas that offer views of the surrounding landscapes and an mesmerizing sight of Uhuru Peak.



Basic Climbing Skills to learn

  • Discover techniques, for using trekking poles to maintain balance and stability especially when navigating uphill and downhill sections. 
  • Learn the way to fit and utilize crampons for traction. 
  • If your climb involves traversing slopes it's crucial to familiarize yourself with fundamental ice axe techniques for stability. 
  • Get acquainted with rope handling methods. 
  • Educate yourself about the impact of altitude including how to recognize symptoms of altitude sickness and effectively acclimatize. 
  • Be sure to familiarize yourself with emergency protocols, such, as responding to altitude related illnesses and other potential mountain hazards.



Packing List

Clothing:

Moisture-wicking base layers

fleece/down jacket

Waterproof and windproof jacket

Hiking pants/shorts

Sturdy hiking boots

Waterproof and insulated gloves

Warm hat and sun hat

Sunglasses with UV protection


Gear:

30-40L daypack

Sleeping bag suitable for low temperatures

Trekking poles

Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries

Camera and binoculars

Power bank


Personal Items:

Passport, visa, and travel insurance documents

Cash in local currency

Snacks and energy bars

Lip balm and sunscreen

Climbing permits



Kilimanjaro Climb Essential Advice

  • Make sure you gradually acclimate to altitudes and consider spending time at each elevation to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
  • Stay hydrated consistently. Maintain a diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
  • Invest, in good quality clothing for the weather conditions make sure your hiking boots fit well and pack smartly with layers for varying weather situations.
  • Show respect for the environment by following Leave No Trace principles and minimizing any impact on Kilimanjaro's beauty.
  • Pay attention to hygiene by using hand sanitizers and wet wipes. 
  • Keep communication with your trekking team and promptly share any concerns or symptoms you may have.
  • Rely on the expertise of your guides maintain communication, with them and trust their experience to ensure a successful climb.



Cost Details of the Kilimanjaro Climb Tour

The price, for our Kilimanjaro trek using the Lemosho Route is set at a rate of 2200 USD per person. This comprehensive package includes the assistance of guides, high-quality gear, cozy accommodations, and a carefully planned schedule to ensure proper adjustment, to the altitude. Those services that are excluded from the Trip package and cost you extra money are transparently mentioned in the Include/Exclude section of this article.

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Accommodation

Tented camps act as abodes for climbers offering a needed break from the challenging terrains. Each climber is allocated a sleeping tent with a cozy sleeping bag and comfortable mat to ensure a restful night's sleep. The communal aspect is promoted through dining tents where climbers gather together for meals fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Experienced expedition cooks prepare nutritious meals in these shared spaces.


In addition to tented camps depending on the chosen route climbers may come across huts at altitudes. These huts provide an option, for sleeping arrangements featuring simple sleeping platforms. Climbers bring their sleeping bags and mats to use within these shared hut settings.


If you choose to extend your itinerary you have the opportunity to stay at Crater Camp near the summit. This special overnight experience is strategically positioned making it easier for climbers to reach the summit the day. It adds a touch of uniqueness to the climb.


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Frequently Asked Question

The favorable times are the seasons, namely January, to March (late monsoon) and June, to October (long dry season).


Yes climbers do require permits when trekking Kilimanjaro. Usually tour operators take care of organizing these permits as part of the trek package.


The Lemosho Route is considered difficult offering an ascent and stunning scenery. It's longer than routes, which allows for acclimatization.


During the climb you'll be provided with tented camps that include sleeping tents and communal dining areas. You might also come across huts along the way. Theres a Crater Camp available for a unique experience.


No technical mountaineering skills are not required for the Lemosho Route. Basic trekking skills and being physically fit are sufficient.


Temperatures can. At elevations it can drop below freezing point. It's important to have layering and suitable gear to stay warm.


Certainly most tour operators are able to accommodate preferences or restrictions as long as they are communicated in advance.


Experienced guides have received training to identify symptoms of altitude sickness. In cases it may be necessary for the individual to descend. The itinerary includes acclimatization days to minimize any risks.


Essential equipment includes a high quality sleeping bag, waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots and gear suitable, for altitudes. It would be beneficial to consult the recommended gear list provided by your chosen tour operator.


Absolutely it is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers emergencies and trip cancellations when embarking on the Kilimanjaro climb.


There may be limited charging facilities at some camps so it's an idea to bring chargers or power banks to make sure your devices stay charged.


While Kilimanjaro isn't particularly known for its wildlife certain routes, like Lemosho pass through ecological zones providing opportunities to spot birds and smaller mammals.


Absolutely! Many climbers choose to explore Tanzania further once they've completed the climb. You can work with the tour operator to customize your itinerary based on your preferences.


Engage in cardiovascular and strength training exercises, such as hiking to build up stamina and endurance. It's always an idea to consult with a fitness professional, for advice.


Experienced guides are well trained in assessing and responding to changing weather conditions. The flexibility of the itinerary allows for adjustments when 


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