8-Day Scenic Trek to Africa's Highest Peak
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with our 8-day Lemosho Route trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the "Whiskey Route" for its challenging nature, this path offers stunning scenery and excellent acclimatization opportunities. The Lemosho Route is the most popular choice for trekkers due to its high success rate and breathtaking landscapes.
The Lemosho Route offers stunning scenery and excellent acclimatization with its "climb high, sleep low" approach
Arrive at Lemosho Gate for registration, then hike through pristine montane forest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp. Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys and rich birdlife.
Hiking Time:
3–4 hours
Distance:
~6–8 km
Elevation Gain:
+680m
Habitat:
Montane Forest
Meals:
Lunch, Dinner
Continue rising above the forest edge onto the Shira Plateau with expansive views of Kibo. Reach Shira 1 for acclimatization.
Hiking Time:
6–7 hours
Distance:
~7–9 km
Elevation Gain:
+725m
Habitat:
Heath & Moorland
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A shorter acclimatization hike across the high plateau to Shira 2. Optional afternoon acclimatization walks.
Hiking Time:
3–4 hours
Distance:
~5–7 km
Elevation Gain:
+345m
Habitat:
Moorland
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascend into the alpine desert to Lava Tower for lunch and acclimatization, then descend into the lush Barranco Valley beneath the southern icefields.
Hiking Time:
7–9 hours
Distance:
~10–12 km
Elevation:
+780m / -654m
Habitat:
Alpine Desert
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Scramble up the iconic Barranco Wall (non-technical) for sweeping views, then undulate across valleys to Karanga.
Hiking Time:
4–5 hours
Distance:
~5–6 km
Elevation Gain:
+19m
Habitat:
Alpine Desert
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A steady climb to Barafu High Camp. Rest, hydrate, and prepare gear for the midnight summit push.
Hiking Time:
3–4 hours
Distance:
~4 km
Elevation Gain:
+678m
Habitat:
Alpine Desert
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin at midnight via Stella Point for sunrise, then on to Uhuru Peak — the Roof of Africa. Celebrate and descend to Mweka Camp.
Hiking Time:
12–16 hours
Distance:
~17–19 km
Elevation:
+1,222m / -2,785m
Habitat:
Arctic to Rainforest
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate for certificates, then transfer to Moshi/Arusha.
Hiking Time:
3–4 hours
Distance:
~10 km
Elevation Loss:
-1,470m
Habitat:
Rainforest
Meals:
Breakfast
The Lemosho Route offers excellent acclimatization with "climb high, sleep low" days and varied terrain, supporting strong summit outcomes with good preparation.
Experience diverse landscapes - from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and the arctic summit zone. The Lemosho Route offers the most varied scenery of all Kilimanjaro routes.
Lemosho’s western approach typically has fewer trekkers early on. Our pacing avoids peak crowds for a more peaceful experience.
Start training at least 3 months before your trek. Focus on cardiovascular endurance and leg strength. Include hiking with a weighted backpack and stair climbing in your regimen.
Recommended:
3-4 cardio sessions per week, weekend hikes with elevation gain, strength training 2x/week
Consult your doctor about altitude sickness medication. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking up to 6,000m.
Join our expert-guided trek for an unforgettable adventure to the Roof of Africa