Kilimanjaro: Lemosho Route 8-Day Trek with Moshi Hotel & Pickup

Summary

Lemosho route trek kilimanjaro sunrise summit camp life

You’ll walk through misty rainforest, cross wild moorlands, scramble up Barranco Wall with your guide cheering you on, and reach Uhuru Peak right as the sun cracks over Africa. Expect laughter at camp, real Tanzanian food, and moments of quiet awe on this 8-day Kilimanjaro trek—plus hotel nights in Moshi and private pickup.

What’s the experience like?

“Pole pole,” our guide Joseph kept saying, grinning as we shuffled along the muddy trail just past Londorossi Gate. I thought I knew what slow meant, but apparently not Tanzanian slow. The air in the rainforest was thick — kind of sweet and earthy, actually — and every so often you’d hear monkeys crashing around above us. By the time we reached Mti Mkubwa Camp, my boots were caked in red clay and I could smell dinner already simmering somewhere nearby (I never figured out what spices they used, but it’s stuck with me).

The days sort of blurred together after that, honestly. There was this morning at Shira Camp where the wind whipped so hard it rattled my tent poles all night — but then you crawl out and the whole plateau is glowing orange. Joseph pointed out Kibo peak in the distance, half lost in cloud. We’d stop for tea breaks (always too short) and he’d tell stories about climbers who tried to rush things. “Mountain has its own time,” he said once, shrugging like it was obvious. I remember my hands stinging from cold metal water bottles at Barafu Camp, trying to sleep before summit night but mostly just staring at my headlamp beam on nylon.

I won’t lie: that final push up scree to Stella Point felt endless. You could hear people breathing heavy all around you in the dark, boots scraping gravel. When we finally hit Uhuru Peak just after sunrise — well, I didn’t cry exactly but I did have to sit down for a minute and let my legs shake it out. The view is so wide it almost feels fake; glaciers shining blue on one side, clouds rolling below like a sea. Joseph handed me a ginger cookie (he always had snacks tucked away) and just nodded like “see?”

The way down is a blur of tired legs and jokes with porters who somehow still had energy to sing as we reached Mweka Gate. Back in Moshi that first hot shower felt almost sacred. If you’re thinking about climbing Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route — just listen when they say pole pole. And bring extra socks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and trek briefing in Moshi

• Pickup at Kilimanjaro Airport
• Transfer to hotel in Moshi
• Guide briefing and equipment check
• Overnight and dinner at hotel

Day 2 — Drive to Londorossi and trek to Mti Mkubwa

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Londorossi Park Gate
• Prepare and register at park gate
• Trek through rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp
• Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 3 — Trek from Mti Mkubwa to Shira I Camp

• Breakfast at camp
• Trek 7 km across moorland plateau
• View Kibo and Shira plateau
• Overnight at Shira I Camp

Day 4 — Trek to Shira II Camp and acclimatize

• Breakfast at camp
• Trek 8 km to Shira II Camp
• Lunch and tea at camp
• Acclimatization walk
• Dinner and overnight at camp

Day 5 — Trek to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

• Breakfast at camp
• Trek to Lava Tower (4600 m)
• Descend to Barranco Camp
• Enjoy sunset at camp
• Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp

Day 6 — Climb Baranco Wall to Karanga Camp

• Breakfast at camp
• Climb Baranco Wall to 4200 m
• Trek to Karanga Camp
• Overnight at Karanga Camp

Day 7 — Trek to Barafu Camp and rest

• Breakfast at camp
• Trek 4 km to Barafu Camp
• Lunch and long rest
• Early dinner and prepare for summit
• Overnight at Barafu Camp

Day 8 — Summit Uhuru Peak and descend to Mweka

• Wake up at midnight
• Light tea and cookies
• Climb to Stella Point
• Reach Uhuru Peak and take photos
• Descend to Barafu Camp for lunch
• Descend to Mweka Camp
• Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp

Day 9 — Descend to Mweka Gate and return

• Breakfast at camp
• Trek down to Mweka Gate
• Complete park formalities and receive certificate
• Drive back to hotel in Moshi
• Warm shower and celebrate
• Overnight at hotel

Top questions

How long does the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route trek take?

The Lemosho Route trek takes 8 days from start to finish.

Is hotel accommodation included before or after the climb?

Yes, two nights at a hotel in Moshi are included—before and after your trek.

Are airport transfers provided for this Kilimanjaro trek?

Pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport is included in your booking.

What is the highest point reached on this tour?

The highest point is Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters above sea level.

Do I need to carry my own gear during the hike?

No, porters carry your main gear; you only need a daypack while trekking.

Is food provided during the trek?

Yes, meals are prepared fresh daily by the crew throughout the mountain journey.

Are there medical supplies available on this tour?

A first aid kit, pulse oximeter, and emergency oxygen are carried by guides.

Can children or infants join this Kilimanjaro trek?

Infants can be transported in prams or strollers during non-trekking portions; trekking requires moderate fitness.

What’s included

Your journey includes private transportation with airport pickup in Moshi, two nights’ hotel stay before and after your climb, all park fees and taxes covered up front, plus daily meals on the mountain prepared by local cooks—alongside safety support like a first aid kit and emergency oxygen if needed.