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The journey
Take on Mount Kilimanjaro via the spectacular 8-day Lemosho Route, a scenic and well-paced trek designed for strong acclimatization and unforgettable landscapes. Starting from Moshi, you'll hike from lush rainforest rich with birdlife and colobus monkeys across the sweeping Shira Plateau, through moorland and alpine desert, and onward toward Uhuru Peak. Following the proven "climb high, sleep low" approach, the route includes a key acclimatization day at Lava Tower before descending into Barranco Valley and continuing to Barafu Camp for your summit push. A midnight ascent leads to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa, before the descent to Mweka Gate for your summit certificate and transfer back to Moshi.
At a glance
Day by day
After breakfast, meet your Valour Africa mountain team for a transfer to Lemosho Gate for registration. Following a short drive to the trailhead, begin your trek through the lush rainforest, home to black-and-white colobus monkeys and diverse birdlife.
Elevation: 2,100m to 2,780m
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Leave the rainforest behind as the trail ascends through giant heather and moorland vegetation. Enjoy spectacular views across the Shira Plateau and get the view of Mount Meru.
Elevation: 2,780m to 3,500m
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today's hike is gentle, allowing your body to acclimatize while crossing the scenic Shira Plateau. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding wilderness.
Elevation: 3,500m to 3,900m
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7 km
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This important acclimatization day follows the "climb high, sleep low" principle. Ascend to Lava Tower before descending into the beautiful Barranco Valley beneath the impressive Barranco Wall.
Highest Elevation: 4,630m
Overnight Elevation: 3,960m
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 10 km
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin the day by climbing the famous Barranco Wall before continuing across rolling ridges to Karanga Camp. The shorter trekking day provides valuable acclimatization and rest.
Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Continue through alpine desert to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. Spend the afternoon resting, preparing equipment, and receiving a summit briefing from your Valour Africa guide.
Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 4 km
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Stella Point before continuing to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement before descending to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Highest Elevation: 5,895m
Overnight Elevation: 3,100m
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
Distance: 17 km
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificate. Meet your Valour Africa driver for your transfer back to Moshi to celebrate your successful Kilimanjaro adventure.
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km
Meals: Breakfast
The route
The fine print
Private Kilimanjaro climb with Valour Africa
Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Experienced porters and mountain cook
Kilimanjaro National Park fees
Camping equipment (quality tents, tables, chairs)
Sleeping mattress
Three meals daily while on the mountain
Boiled and filtered drinking water
Daily health monitoring
Emergency oxygen cylinder
Portable pulse oximeter
Transfers between Moshi and the mountain gates
Government taxes
International and domestic flights
Tanzania visa
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Sleeping bag and personal trekking gear
Tips for guides, porters, and cook
Personal expenses
Alcoholic and soft drinks
To ensure a safe and comfortable climb on the 8-Day Lemosho Route, we recommend bringing the following essential items:
Clothing
Waterproof hiking boots (well broken-in)
Moisture-wicking base layers
Insulating fleece or down jacket
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Waterproof trekking pants
Hiking trousers and shorts
Thermal underwear for summit night
Warm hat (beanie)
Sun hat or cap
Neck gaiter or buff
Warm gloves and waterproof outer gloves
Several pairs of hiking socks and thermal socks
Trekking Gear
Daypack (30-40L)
Duffel bag (carried by porters)
Four-season sleeping bag (rated to at least -10°C)
Trekking poles (recommended)
Headlamp with spare batteries
Reusable water bottles or hydration bladder (minimum 3 litres total capacity)
Rain cover for your backpack
Dry bags or waterproof stuff sacks
Personal Items
Passport (or a copy)
Travel insurance details
Personal medications
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Lip balm with SPF
Sunglasses with UV protection
Insect repellent
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Quick-dry towel
Toilet paper and toiletries
Snacks
Bring your favorite high-energy snacks such as:
Energy bars
Trail mix
Nuts
Dried fruit
Chocolate
Electrolyte tablets or hydration salts
Electronics
Mobile phone
Camera
Power bank
Charging cables
Spare batteries (cold weather drains batteries quickly)
Optional Items
Gaiters
Camp shoes or sandals
Earplugs
Small notebook
Playing cards or a book
Binoculars
Rental Equipment
If you do not have all the required mountain gear, Valour Africa can arrange quality rental equipment in Moshi before your climb, including sleeping bags, trekking poles, insulated jackets, hiking boots, gaiters, and other essential gear.
Our team will provide a complete gear check before departure to ensure you are fully prepared for a safe and successful ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and successful routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering excellent acclimatization and a high summit success rate.
No previous mountaineering experience is required, but participants should be in good physical condition and prepared for several days of hiking at high altitude.
The minimum recommended age for climbing is 10 years, although older participants generally have higher success rates.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of age or fitness. Our experienced Valour Africa guides monitor your health daily using pulse oximeters and follow established safety procedures throughout the trek.
All climbers must be accompanied by licensed mountain guides as required by Kilimanjaro National Park regulations.
Weather conditions on Kilimanjaro can change rapidly. Be prepared for warm daytime temperatures and sub-zero temperatures during the summit ascent.
Layered clothing and proper mountain gear are essential for comfort and safety.
Porters will carry your main duffel bag (within the park's weight limit), while you carry only a daypack containing personal essentials.
We recommend arriving in Moshi at least one day before your climb to rest, complete a gear check, and attend the pre-climb briefing with Valour Africa.
Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking up to 5,895 meters and emergency evacuation is mandatory.
Drinking plenty of water, maintaining a slow and steady hiking pace ("Pole Pole"), and following your guide's instructions significantly improve your chances of reaching the summit.
Tipping mountain guides, porters, and cooks is customary and greatly appreciated at the end of the climb.
Accommodation before and after the climb can be arranged by Valour Africa upon request.
Airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport can also be arranged in advance.
Logistics
Your 8 days finish where they began, in ARUSHA/KILIMANJARO AIRPORT OR HOTEL IN ARUSHA /MOSHI.
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