Get Summit Success Trekking the Lemosho Route in 8 Days

Kilimanjaro Trek - 98% Success Rate

From$2,998

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5867

8 Days

Availability : Jan - Dec

Kilimanjaro International Airport

Kilimanjaro National Park

Min Age : 6+

Max People : 8

Compare tours for the 8-day Lemosho route & realize a 98% Kilimanjaro summit guarantee when you hike this 8-day Kilimanjaro itinerary. This especially applies if you’re under 40 years old and have no experience hiking at high altitudes.

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Difficulty:
Very Low

Distance:
71km/43mi

Duration:
8 Days

Success Rate:
98%

The Lemosho route is one of Mount Kilimanjaro’s newest trails, and it avoids crowds on the first ascent. This provides visitors a few days of peaceful trekking to take in the stunning scenery before the track joins the Machame route.

If this is your first-time hiking at high elevations (above 3,000m/9,900ft), you should know that the most effective way to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is to properly acclimatize during your hike. Long and gradual routes like the 8-day Lemosho route are perfect for acclimatization systems to be utilized. See, on Kilimanjaro, there are 2 systems that prevent altitude sickness:

The first method, Pole Pole (Slow-Slow in English), requires you to be on the mountain long enough for your body to acclimate to various altitudes.
The second method, Trek-High & Sleep-Low, calls for trails to have gradual inclines in order for hikers to trek to high elevations and sleep at lower altitudes. This method conditions your body to anticipate elevation changes while helping you adjust during your sleep.

Unless you find yourself between the ages of 12 and 40, you should seriously consider trekking the 9-day Northern Circuit program. This will give you ample time to adjust to elevation changes and will make for a much better hiking experience. The 9-day variation, unlike the 8-day hike, performs extremely well with hikers that are above 40 years of age.

Mount Kilimanjaro from the village of Machame offers one of the most scenic and challenging hiking experiences on Kilimanjaro Mountain, with a cumulative elevation gain higher than the Marangu Route. The Machame route, according to many review spaces, offers steeper terrain and longer distance, which improves acclimatization, increasing the rate of succeeding at reaching the Kilimanjaro Summit. Its winding forest and alpine paths provide a stunning prelude to a safari in Tanzania, when viewed on a map, making the overall climbing experience both demanding and rewarding.

The average core pricing for Kilimanjaro tours along the Machame Route in 2023 typically ranged between $2,000 and $3,500 per person for a 7-day trip on Mount Kilimanjaro. Most hiking itineraries include acclimatization days to increase success rates for reaching the Kilimanjaro Summit, with services such as guides, meals, park fees and camping equipment included. The Machame Route provides a more scenic and challenging climb up Kilimanjaro Mountain, compared to the path via Marangu, which offers hut accommodations.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a challenging journey that covers a mile range of roughly 37 to 45, depending on the route chosen. The trek becomes most difficult near the Kilimanjaro Summit, where thin air and steep terrain test endurance and mental strength. The Kilimanjaro Summit rewards hikers with breathtaking views and a profound sense of accomplishment after days of steady hiking through diverse landscapes.

Highlights From This Long-Distance Trail

Performs exceptionally well with trekkers under 40 years old & first-time hikers to high elevations
Has spectacular scenery of various habitats, nearby towns and distant mountains
Has great acclimatization opportunities
Less crowded
Has a 92% summit success rate

8 Day Lemosho Route Itinerary Mount Kilimanjaro Hike Distance And Elevation Gains

Best Time To Hike Lemosho Route

January through Mid-March
Mid-June through October
December

Dietary Food Menus Served On Mount Kilimanjaro

All of your meals on Kilimanjaro are freshly cooked by excellent chefs and served according to your dietary preference.

Normal diet
Vegan diet
Vegetarian diet
Halal diet
Gluten-free diet

Meet Your Tanzanian Tour Guide

Oscar (Cheni)

Cheni is technical and has extensive knowledge of Mount Kilimanjaro. He is one of our best lead guides and is well trained to handle emergencies on the mountain.

46 years of age
Has been leading Kilimanjaro expeditions since 2010.
Has 3 years of experience as a porter on Kilimanjaro
Received Wilderness First Responders (WFR) safety training

Safety Trekking Materials & Hiking Equipment

High-Altitude Kits

Supplemental Oxygen
Pulse Oximeter

Medication & Sanitary Treatments

Hand Sanitizer
Anti-Acid Tablets
Throat Lozenges
Eye Drops
Loperamide Tablets
Insect Sting Relief Treatment
Glucose
Oral Rehydration Salts
Dexamethasone
Phenergan
Soap
Hydrogen Peroxide

Wraps, Splints & Wound Coverings

Triangular Cravat Bandages
Rolled Gauze
Homeostatic Gauze
First-Aid Cleansing Pads With Topical Anesthetic

Tools & Supplies

Paramedic Shears
Standard Thermometer
Small Mirror
Surgical Gloves
Small Notepad & Pencil
Headlamp
Stethoscope
Portable Stretcher

Evacuation Protocols On This Walking Tour

Evacuations on Kilimanjaro are initially on foot and are accompanied by an assistant guide however if you’re unable to walk, 2 assistant guides will carry you with a stretcher up to the nearest point an ambulance or helicopter can be reached.
Once in an ambulance, you’ll be transferred to the nearest gate to be picked up or KCMC hospital for treatment. If your condition is severe, you’ll be accompanied by an assistant guide to the hospital where he’ll monitor your condition and write a report. As you undergo medical attention, your family and Embassy will be notified about your health condition. They’ll continue to receive daily reports until you either recover or a close family member arrives.
Helicopter evacuations are extremely rare however, in light of an event, you’ll be picked up at Barafu (4,570m/15,000ft) or Kibo (4,724m/15,500ft) and transferred to KCMC hospital along with an assistant guide. These sites are very high and can be extremely dangerous during evacuations so, rescues out of these sites will be conducted on pilot discretion.

Transportation & Meeting Points

You will be met at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Venus Premier Hotel in Arusha City.
The next day, you’ll be picked up and taken to Mount Kilimanjaro, where your Kilimanjaro trek will begin.
Please keep in mind that the price includes both the hotel and the transfers (airport + trailheads).

Departure Time

10:00 AM

Kilimanjaro National Park Fees

	Park Fees
Conservation Fees	$70/Per Day
Camping Fees	$50/Per Night
Rescue Fees	$20/Per Hiker
Guide and Porter Entrance Fees	$2/Per Supporting Crew
Forest Entry Fees	$10/Per Hiker
Forest Vehicle Entry Fees	$20/Per Vehicle
Forest Support Crew Entry Fees	$1/Per Supporting Crew
Tourism Value Added Tax (VAT)	18%
Retail Value Added Tax (VAT)	18%
Total	$1,361.77

Compare Lemosho Route’s 8-Day Prices & Package Tours

Open Group Treks

Save Costs Hiking 8 Days Up Lemosho Route With A Kilimanjaro Tour Group. The Escorted Tour Includes:

Park Fees & Taxes
Lodging before and after the hike
Camping tents during the hike
Mattresses
Dining mess tents
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Transportation to and from the hotel and trailhead
Breakfast before and after the climb
3 meals per day during the hike
Water during the hike
Supplemental Oxygen
Support team (certified guides, porters, and cooks)
Kilimanjaro evacuation insurance

$2,998

Private Treks

Get Kilimanjaro Privacy & Flexibility Hiking Lemosho Route’s 8 Days Private Package. The Escorted Tour includes:

Park Fees & Taxes
Lodging before and after the hike
Camping tents during the hike
Mattresses
Dining mess tents
Private toilet
Flexible travel itinerary during your hike
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Transportation to and from the hotel and trailhead
Breakfast before and after the climb
3 meals per day during the hike
Water during the hike
Supplemental Oxygen
Private support team (certified guides, porters, and cooks)
Kilimanjaro evacuation insurance

$3,638

Package Tours Exclude

Flights
Visas
Insurance
Tips
Private Expenses

How To Book A Package Tour

Step 1: Go to the booking engine on this page and choose your trekking date, package tier, number of travelers joining the expedition, and click on the “Proceed Booking” button.
Step 2: Fill in your personal details accurately, including your dietary preference and/or special requirements for the trip, under the “Additional Notes” section. Once you have finished, click on the “Next” button.
Step 3: At checkout, click on the “Book Now And Pay Later” button and wait to receive a list of wire transfer details from the official business booking email.
Important Notice: Please ensure that wire transfers are made according to the transaction details suitable for your region. Details will be listed in the booking confirmation email sent after registration.

Payment Process

Paying For Group Treks

Pay a small $200 deposit, when booking; then
Pay the remaining balance upon arrival; and
If you can’t make your trek date, youll get unlimited deferrals at no additional cost

Paying For Private Treks

Pay a $550 deposit, when booking; then
Pay the remaining balance upon arrival; and
If you can’t make your trek date, youll get unlimited deferrals at no additional cost

Planning To Climb Kilimanjaro?

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8-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Itinerary & Cumulative Elevation Gains

KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

All trekkers will have to arrange their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and apply for their own visas through the online immigration portal. Visa guidelines are also available on the official immigration website.

Note, if you’re arriving from a country subject to yellow fever, you will be required to show proof of vaccination.

A transfer will be arranged to drop off you and your luggage at the hotel to unwind from your travels. Briefing will take place in the evening or early morning.

Airport Pick-Up

Car Transfer

Hotel Drop-Off

LONDOROSSI GATE TO MTI MKUBWA

After breakfast, a car will transfer you to the Londorossi Park Gate for registration while the porters pack supplies and luggages before ascent. Please pack trekking belongings not exceeding 15-18kg as porters are only allowed to carry weight no more than 20kg.

Elevation Gain: 7,742ft-9,498ft

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Distance: 4 mi/6 km

Habitat: East African Montane Forests

MTI MKUBWA CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP

From camp, the trek will resume east; across the Shira Plateau with a breath taking view of the Shira Cathedral. The trail crosses moorland meadow and leads to Shira 1 Camp for an overnight stay at 3,500m. Glaciers of the western breach can be spotted from this point. Expect a temperature to drop compared to the previous night.

Elevation Gain: 9,498ft-11,500ft

Hiking Time 5-6 hours

Distance: 5 mi/8 km

Habitat: Heath & East African Montane Moorlands

SHIRA CAMP TO MOIR HUT

As we move from camp and leave the forest behind, the trails will become steeper entering moorland zone. Then a gentle walk through the high altitudes of Shira Caldera to Moir Hut will spark remarkable views of Arrow Glacier. Camp will be set at 4,200m.

Elevation Gain: 11,500ft-13,800ft

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Distance: 7 mi/11 km

Habitat: Heath & East African Montane Moorlands

MOIR HUT TO LAVA TOWER

On this day, we will hike up 4,600m to the base of Lava tower for lunch and acclimatization. As this will be the toughest day of the trek, you may start sensing the change in altitude.

Elevation Gain: 13,800ft-15,190ft

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Distance: 4 mi/7 km

Habitat: Alpine Tundra

LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP

After lunch, well descend 650m to Barranco Camp. The “trek high & sleep low” technique is commonly used to help trekkers cope with the changes in altitude.

The descent to Barranco Camp will take approximately 2 hours where the camp is situated in a valley just below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall. This grants an enormous vantage point to take photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall.

Elevation Loss: 15,190ft-13,044ft

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Distance: 2 mi/3 km

Habitat: Alpine Tundra

BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP

A trek to Karranga from Barranco will be short but fun as you cross the Great Barranco Wall to reach the Karanga Valley at 3,930m beneath Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers.

Elevation Gain: 13,044ft-13,106ft

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Distance: 3 mi/5 km

Habitat: Alpine Tundra

KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP

A departure from Karanga to Barafu camp will be met with a junction leading towards the Mweka gate. Crossing this junction and arriving at Barafu camp signifies the completion of the Southern Circuit. Here, you’ll be able to spot the summit from an array of angles.

Elevation Gain: 13,106ft-15,331ft

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Distance: 2 mi/4 km

Habitat: Alpine Tundra

BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK (SUMMIT)

This is summit day and may also be the most physically and mentally challenging phase of your trek. The hike will resume between the Redman and Ratzel Glacier heading towards the crater rim at Stella Point (5,732m). Uhuru (5,895m) Peak, the highest point of the mountain, is only an hour away from Stella Point.

Elevation Gain: 15,331ft-19,341ft

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Distance: 3 mi/5 km

Habitat: Arctic

UHURU PEAK (SUMMIT) TO MWEKA CAMP

From the summit, you will descend down 3,100m to Mweka Camp for lunch. This point will also be the last point for dinner and an overnight stay.

Elevation Loss: 19,341ft-10,065ft

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Distance: 7 mi/12 km

Habitat: East African Montane Forests

MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE

After breakfast, we will further descend 1,300m to Mweka Gate where you’ll collect your Kilimanjaro certificates by the park headquarters. A transfer from the gate to the hotel will be arranged after receiving your certificates.

Elevation Loss: 10,065ft-5,380ft

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Distance: 6 mi/10 km

Habitat: East African Montane Forests

KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT/NEXT TOUR

If you have booked a Wildlife Safari or Zanzibar Beach Holiday package with us, you’ll be transferred to the next chapter of your journey. If you have not booked an additional trip with XPATS International, you’ll be transferred to the airport.

Hotel Pick-Up

Car Transfer

Next Expedition

Lodging

Overnight Stays At The Hotel Before & After Your Hike

Camping Tents At Lemosho’s Campsites

Trekking Map Of The Lemosho Route On Kilimanjaro

The Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is considered a moderate trail compared to other routes in Tanzania, making it popular for first-time hikers. This Kilimanjaro hike typically covers about 35 miles round trip with a cumulative elevation gain of roughly 13,000 feet from the gate to the summit of the mountain, passing through several scenic camp areas. The average cost for this hiking trip ranges from $1,800 to $2,800, where pricing varies depending on group size and hiking services included on Kilimanjaro Tanzania.

$3,000 to $6,000 per person is the price for Kilimanjaro tours that combine a climbing option with a safari since 2023, depending on duration and comfort level. This pricing reflects slight increases due to park fees and higher demand for quality guides and accommodations compared to 2022. Most trip reviews rate these combined adventures very highly, praising the balance between the challenging climb and the relaxing safari experience afterward.

Climbers who succeed on Kilimanjaro Mountain, via the Marangu Gate in Tanzania, often describe their trip as both challenging and rewarding due to the rapid gain in altitude and the comfort of hut accommodations on the mountain. Many rate this route highly in many reviews on TripAdvisor, among the classic Kilimanjaro routes, for its scenic rainforest and gradual ascent toward the summit. Most trekkers in Tanzania find the experience well worth the value for the chance to stand atop the highest mountain in Africa, even though pricing and cost vary by operator.

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Related topics to understand:

Lemosho is ideally trekked between 7-8 days in order to capitalize on the route’s acclimatization landscapes. However, it’s possible to trek the route within 6 days if you’re an experienced mountaineer.

The Lemosho route is 71km/43mi in length and ideally takes about 7-8 days to trek.

Got questions about hiking this Lemosho program?

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10 Reviews

Sort By:RatingDate

Evgeniy Fabrizius

Solo Traveller

I have completed Lemosho 8 days route in a team of 4. Everything went well, the guides (Oscar and Lagos) were very experienced and gave me confidence at every point of the route. Every single question was answered, every doubt was addressed and explained.
Our health condition was under their attention, at any point of time we’ve got an advice how to handle any discomfort or little sickness… Food was sufficient, camp equipment was in order, tents were always ready upon our arrival to the camp. Porters were just doing their hard job, ready to help with any small issue, well, that concerns the whole team though, including John, the organiser. John was available at any moment before the trip, during and after, for any question and ready to find a solution when required. He kept my family informed as of hike progressed while I had no connection on the mountain.
Big thanks to the crew of Xpats international for this unique experience and good luck !

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8 Day Lemosho Program
Hiked Kilimanjaro on January 5, 2023
Russian

Contact Evgeniy

Evgeniy At The Summit Of Mount Kilimanjaro

February 3, 2023

Julian Prigl

Group Traveller

The trip with XPATS was from the very first point of contact with John to the time I’ve got back home very well planned and organized! I got the contact information through a common friend and John was willing to help out at every step during the vacation as well as beforehand for planning – he even supported me during the visa process.

I’ve done the Kilimanjaro Lemosho hike as well as a safari (Ngorongoro crater and Tarangire – really recommend doing it!!) and everything worked out well.

Before booking John gave me a detailed intro and overview regarding the main points to consider for the hike (e.g. which route, medicine, equipment, food and physical preparation etc.). Once I booked he guided me through all the necessary steps to be well prepared for the trip – which I was in the end. This helped a lot to reach summit!

My guide on the mountain was Oscar and he did a very good job – like all the other porters and the chef Dennis! Food was really good and a lot. It was hard to finish everything 😉 A secret tip if you tend to freeze easily is taking a hat water bottle with you and I’d include a private toilet for sure – we didn’t had one 😉 The views on the mountain are just stunning…waking up and seeing Uhuru peak outside of you tend is amazing!

Overall I really enjoyed working with John and would do it 100% again with XPATS!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8 Day Lemosho Program
Hiked Kilimanjaro on January 5, 2023
German

Contact Julian

January 23, 2023

Kaspar Jakob Binz

Group Traveller

John does a great job with xpats international! When we got there, he picked us up from the airport and took us to the hotel. I wasn’t feeling good, and he organized a Covid test. Unfortunately, the test was positive, which is why I decided not to climb Kilimanjaro yet. However, as soon as I told John, he reorganized with the porters and managed to come up with great alternative activities. He showed me the authentic Tanzanian way of living, and the countryside and brought me to many wondrous sights in and around Arusha (hot springs, waterfalls, Arusha national park, the tanzanite museum, Natural art gallery, a coffee farm where we made our own coffee, and an orphanage). So even though I did not climb Kilimanjaro, I had a great experience in Tanzania thanks to John and found a great friend!
So even if things go south in Tanzania, you can be sure to have someone around that keeps you great company and makes the best out of your trip! Hanging out with him, I also recognized how much he cared about the hikers and how happy he was when they succeeded.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8 Day Machame Program
Couldn’t Hike Kilimanjaro on January 5, 2023 Due To COVID-19
German

Contact Kaspar

Kaspar At Kilimanjaro International Airport

January 10, 2023

Rhiannon O'Flaherty

Group Traveller

I had a truly unforgettable experience doing the 8 day Lemosho route with Xpats. We were looked after from the minute we landed at the airport, and made to feel very welcome by John and the guides. Our whole itinerary was very well organised and laid out so we always knew what we were doing and John went above and beyond making sure all our needs were met…

…Overall a brilliant trip, made even more memorable and stress-free by knowing we had John looking out for us at each step. I would definitely recommend Xpats to anyone wanting to climb Kili!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8 Day Lemosho Program
Hiked Kilimanjaro on June 22, 2022
English

Contact Rhiannon

Rhiannon O'Flaherty Climbing The Barranco Wall

July 31, 2022

Amit Kapoor

Solo Traveller

Above expectations, everything Xpats promised was fulfilled and Xpats Team was amazing. Food/ airport pick up & drop/ 8 days expedition and accomodation was as promised.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8 Day Lemosho Program
Hiked Kilimanjaro on June 22, 2022
Australian

Contact Amit

Alice, Rhiannon, Diane and Louise carrying Amit on Kilimanjaro

Alice, Diane, Amit, Rhiannon and Louise cooking on Kilimanjaro

Alice, Diane, Amit, Rhiannon and Louise at Kilimanjaro's Karanga Camp

Alice, Diane, Amit, Rhiannon and Louise at Kilimanjaro's Shira 1 Camp

July 8, 2022

Lemosho Route 8 Days

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