Tanzania · Trekking

8-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Trek with Western Breach Scenery

8 Days Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Experience Kilimanjaro's scenic Lemosho Route across diverse climate zones
  • 02 Traverse the Shira Plateau for stunning views and acclimatization opportunities
  • 03 Challenge yourself on the iconic Barranco Wall and its majestic vistas
  • 04 Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise for awe-inspiring panoramic views
  • 05 Enjoy traditional meals and hospitality while camping throughout the trek

The 8-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic trails on the western side of Kilimanjaro and feels like a virtual climate expedition. Trek through rainforest, heather moorland, the Shira Plateau, Barranco Valley, and high alpine landscapes as you encounter the Lava Tower, the impressive Barranco Wall, and the Western Breach scenery. This route provides strong acclimatization conditions, increasing your chances of reaching the glorious summit at Uhuru Peak. Along the way, there is also a slight chance of spotting magnificent wildlife on the trail.

After 60 minutes, reach the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Moshi to Londorossi Gate and Mti Mkubwa Camp

  • Enjoy an enticing breakfast at the hotel before proceeding from Moshi to Londorossi Gate (1,800m). The three-hour drive follows an unpaved, bumpy road through the town of Boma N'gombe and Sanya Juu village, offering motorists an intimate encounter with the local people.
  • After completing the necessary park registration, you will be transported to the initial point of your trek at 2,350m. The glory of the forest is revealed in the illuminating radiance of the sun. Almond-brown trees stand serenely, brimming with a tender glow, while gems of amber encrust the bark exterior. Green canopies provide shelter for exotic blue monkeys.
  • Take a short trek through the rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m).
2
Day 02

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp 1

  • As the trail begins to move towards Shira Camp 1, the scenery transforms dramatically from lush rainforest to the barren heather moorland zone. The parched landscape is speckled with enormous lobelias, contrasting white fauna and flora, and dusty dunes.
  • Journey up the steep ridges leading to the Shira Plateau, featuring glorious views of the looming Kilimanjaro and the raging bloodshot orb of light slowly sinking beneath the horizon of Mount Meru in the west.
  • Cross several tranquil streams as you continue over the Shira Ridge (3,600m) and along a declining slope to Shira Camp 1.
3
Day 03

Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

  • Begin the day with a delicious breakfast and trek across an exposed moorland zone. This route is less frequented, making it tranquil and untouched.
  • Reaching the Shira Plateau reveals stunning views of the peak of Kilimanjaro. The exhilarating sensation of witnessing the summit is magical.
  • Hot lunch will be served at Shira Camp 2 (3,810m).
  • Your guide will lead brief excursions for acclimatization; afterwards, you are free to relax.
4
Day 04

Shira Camp 2 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

  • The Lemosho Route connects with the Machame Route before approaching the molten Lava Tower. The gentle incline leading to Barranco Camp is encompassed by beautiful scenery and encrusted with vivid desert shrubberies (6-7 hour hike).
  • Shark's Tooth is an enormous, serrated rock that a volcano discharged thousands of years ago; it also indicates that you must travel south and cross the light valleys to the immense Lava Tower (4,600m).
  • Specks of snow gradually scatter themselves across the scenery, and as you descend to Barranco Camp, the frosted landscapes of the Western Breach begin to appear. The ashen Barranco Wall is engraved with extraordinary indents, and olive foliage is strewn across the 'Breakfast Wall'.
5
Day 05

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  • The day commences with a simple trek up the astonishing Barranco Wall (200m high).
  • For a short period, you will need to use your hands and feet to scramble up the wall.
  • Upon reaching the top, you will have an opportunity to marvel at the scenic splendour of the vistas of Kibo. The trail traverses up and down, with various shallow streams leading to the flickering, glittering waters of the Karanga River.
  • An appetising lunch will be served at Karanga Camp (3,930m).
  • The short trek will assist your acclimatization.
6
Day 06

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

  • The rocky zone provides an uphill path that features landscapes bathed in the crystal glow of the Southern Glaciers.
  • Intersecting with the Mweka Route allows you to witness splendid vistas; a 60-minute climb up a steep, rock-strewn Lava Ridge is your ticket to Barafu Camp (4,681m).
  • Reaching the camp signifies that you have completed the Southern Circuit of the mountain, and the enchanting, sky-piercing view of the summit is submerged in an ocean of clouds. The terrain at the campsite resembles an unfinished painting. The landscape is blanketed in a thin layer of snow with sparse vegetation.
  • A warm meal will be served, and it is suggested that you get into your sleeping bag as soon as possible.
  • Embark on your journey to the summit at midnight.
7
Day 07

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp

  • Be awakened at 11:00 pm and be provided with a light snack and a steaming cup of tea before beginning your 5km trek to the summit. This is an extended hike lasting approximately 16 hours, making it the most challenging day on the 8-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route. Temperatures typically range between -5°C and -10°C. The gradually increasing incline of the valley near the eerily tranquil scree fields traverses among the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers - the view is so astounding that the freezing temperatures will be forgotten. At Stella's Point (5,672m), brilliant gold and orange hues bleed like fire over the rocks. The first sliver of the sun peeks over the skyline in a radiant white form, and the snow turns liquid gold and silver.
  • After 60 minutes, reach the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
  • Take the opportunity to capture photos and marvel at the surrounding scenery, glinting ice cliffs, and the jagged Mawenzi Peak.
  • Turn around and embark on the trail back to Barafu Camp, where you will have a brief resting period. The spectacular, vast plains of Kilimanjaro are so enchanting that the 9km route to Mweka Camp (3,100m) feels rapid. The route is moderate and lasts four to five hours.
  • As you venture down the declining rocky scree trail, the scenery will begin to change and the ice will melt away. The barren landscapes of the moorland will be the first milestone; dense vegetation and exotic wildlife will begin to radiate as you approach the forest habitat.
  • Proceed to the campsite, where you can enjoy a scrumptious, piping hot dinner while seizing the last opportunity to observe the Milky Way.
8
Day 08

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return

  • The melodies of your porters celebrating will fill the air while you enjoy an appetizing breakfast.
  • The 1,300m descent to Mweka Gate is classified as an easy trek and will last only a few hours.
  • Gold Summit Certificates will be awarded to every member of your group as a small souvenir.
  • Our drivers are just one relaxed stroll away in Mweka village and will transport you to the hotel, where an invigorating hot shower, plush mattress, and clean clothes await you.
  • Our driver will bring you to the airport, from where you will take your flight back home.
  • If you've decided to go on a safari - well, that's a different adventure, and we'll take care of that for you!
Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Uhuru Peak

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro 3 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transport from/to the park gate and airport transfers
  • Park, camping, and rescue fees
  • Professional English-speaking guide(s), porters, and cook
  • Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
  • Water, tea, and coffee with meals
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Moshi
  • Pick-up and drop-off

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Lunch and dinner in Moshi
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa and passport fees
  • Increases in park fees where applicable
  • Personal equipment
  • Sleeping bag
  • Tips for guide(s), porters, and cook
  • Soda and alcoholic beverages

What to bring

  • Personal equipment
  • Sleeping bag

Know before you go

  • The climb up Kilimanjaro should always be taken seriously because of the risk of altitude sickness in all its forms: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), with its more serious variants of High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). Because there is less oxygen in the air at altitudes over 8,000 feet, your body can't take in as much oxygen as it needs, which can result in AMS. The symptoms of mild AMS can vary between individuals and include:
    • Headache
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Dizziness
    • Tiredness
    • Loss of appetite
    • Shortness of breath
  • Symptoms are usually worse at night. Although the symptoms are easily treatable with rest and hydration, ibuprofen or paracetamol for a headache, and promethazine for nausea, the best way to prevent AMS is to acclimatize slowly. HACE is swelling of the brain caused by a lack of oxygen and can develop within a very few hours. Symptoms include:

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Moshi, Tanzania
Tour start
Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Mt Kilimanjaro.

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USD 2,300 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $2,300.00 — $2,340.00
Double Sharing $2,300.00 — $2,340.00

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