Lemosho Route: The difference between the 7-day and 8-day climbs

Rising above the Tanzanian plains, Mount Kilimanjaro offers several routes to the summit. Still, few match the Lemosho Route based on its scenery and its beautiful landmarks you will pass on the way. Approaching from the west, this trail moves gradually through dense rainforest, open moorland, and the stark alpine desert before joining the southern circuit below the summit cone. It provides a complete view of the mountain’s ecosystems, moving through all five of Kilimanjaro’s ecological zones. From the moment you leave the forested trailhead, the route immerses you in ecosystems alive with wildlife like the colobus monkeys swinging overhead, birds calling from hidden perches, and the undergrowth hums with life.

As the trail climbs, the landscape opens onto the Shira Plateau, a wide expanse of rugged ridges and grassy plains framed by distant peaks. The Lava Tower rises sharply, a dramatic waypoint marking the transition from high moorland to the alpine desert, where temperatures drop and the terrain becomes starkly lunar. Barafu Camp, perched just below the summit, offers a final night under the stars before the final early morning push to Uhuru Peak, where the sunrise reveals Africa’s highest point in a moment of triumph that will forever be etched in your memory.

The Lemosho Route can be undertaken over seven or eight days. Both follow the same path, yet the difference in pacing is significant. The seven-day schedule compresses the ascent, demanding stamina and resilience, while the eight-day itinerary allows for a slower climb, more thorough acclimatisation, and more time to absorb the changing landscapes. That single extra day often translates into a higher chance of summiting comfortably and safely, along with more moments to savour the extraordinary scenery that makes Lemosho so different. If you still have questions feel free to schedule a call with us.

A trekker makes their way along the snowy slopes of the Lemosho Route.

Learn more: The Lemosho route on Kilimanjaro – a detailed day-by-day description

The Lemosho Route can be climbed over seven or eight days, with both itineraries following the same trail. The difference lies in pacing: that single extra day can help make the experience better, offering more time for acclimatisation, a gentler ascent, and a greater chance to fully appreciate the mountain’s diverse landscapes. From dense rainforest to the windswept alpine desert, every stage of the climb unfolds more comfortably when the schedule allows. Let’s explore how the seven-day and eight-day versions compare, and what each offers for your summit attempt.

The 7-day Lemosho itinerary begins at Londorossi Gate, where trekkers pause for a brief lunch before transferring to Lemosho Gate to start the climb. From the trailhead, the path winds through dense rainforest alive with the calls of colobus monkeys, leading to Mkubwa Camp, the first overnight stop is nestled among towering trees and thick undergrowth.

On the second day, the trail emerges from the forest into open moorland, climbing steadily onto the Shira Plateau. Shira Camp 2 offers expansive views of Kibo’s imposing cone, a glimpse of the summit that grows larger with every step.

Day 3 focuses on acclimatisation, with the climb to Lava Tower, a dramatic volcanic ridge before descending to Barranco Camp. The altitude gain here helps the body adjust to the thinner air while offering striking panoramas across the plateau.

Day 4 continues with the ascent of the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable climb, before traversing ridges to reach Karanga Camp.

From Karanga, the path leads to Barafu Camp on Day 5, the final staging point before the summit.

In the pre-dawn hours of Day 6, trekkers begin the push to Uhuru Peak. Arriving at sunrise, the panorama from Africa’s highest point rewards the early start, after which the descent begins to Mweka Camp.

Day 7 completes the journey, winding through forested trails to emerge at Mweka Gate.

This condensed itinerary is best suited to climbers who are fit, well-acclimatised, and comfortable with a demanding schedule. While the pace allows less time to adapt to altitude, it still offers the full variety of the Lemosho Route from rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and the summit itself in a compact, memorable journey.

Map of the Lemosho 7-Day Trek.

Learn more: How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro? (2025 pricing)

The 8-day Lemosho itinerary follows the same path as the 7-day version but adds a crucial acclimatisation day, a difference that significantly improves both comfort and summit success. The slower pace allows trekkers to spend additional time at moderate altitude, often with an extra night at Shira 1 or Karanga Camp, giving the body more opportunity to adjust before ascending to the higher, harsher slopes.

The route begins in the rainforest, winding through thick vegetation to Mkubwa Camp. From there, the trail climbs onto the Shira Plateau, offering great views that stretch toward the Rift Valley. Each stage of the climb balances steady effort with recovery, allowing trekkers to move deliberately through the mountain’s changing landscapes. The extra day facilitates the “climb high, sleep low” approach, reinforcing acclimatisation and helping the body cope with thinner air.

By spending more time around 4,000 metres, climbers reach Barafu Camp better prepared for the pre-dawn summit push. This measured pacing contributes to the 8-day Lemosho’s reputation for one of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro, second only to the Northern Circuit. For most trekkers, that single extra day transforms a demanding climb into a manageable, deeply rewarding journey, giving time to savour the forest, plateau, and alpine desert along the way.

Map of the 8-Day Lemosho Route on Kilimanjaro.

Learn more: Lemosho vs Northern Circuit – a comparison of two great Kilimanjaro routes

The main difference between the 7-day and 8-day Lemosho Routes is how time is allocated for the climb. The 7-day schedule pushes through the mountain at a faster pace, requiring climbers to adjust quickly to altitude and manage longer days on the trail. In contrast, the 8-day route adds an extra night at strategic points, giving the body a better chance to adapt and recover. This slower progression not only improves comfort but also increases the likelihood of summiting successfully.

Spending an extra day at moderate altitude allows trekkers to follow a more effective “climb high, sleep low” approach, easing the strain on the body as it adjusts to thinner air. It also gives more breathing room to appreciate the mountain’s changing landscapes from rainforest and moorland to alpine desert without feeling rushed. Over years of guiding climbers, we’ve found that this extra day often transforms the climb from challenging to achievable, turning the Lemosho experience into a journey that’s both rewarding and memorable.

To help plan your climb, Follow Alice has prepared a table highlighting the differences between the two routes:

Learn more: The ultimate Kilimanjaro packing list (+ free PDF)

At high altitude, the body needs time to adjust to lower oxygen levels. Acclimatisation days allow red blood cell counts to rise, breathing to stabilise, and energy levels to recover. On the 8-day Lemosho Route, this gradual ascent gives climbers more time to rest and adapt, ensuring they are stronger and better prepared for the summit push.

Acclimatisation isn’t just about comfort; it’s important for safety and summit success. Most cases of altitude sickness occur when climbers move too quickly. By slowing the rate of ascent, the 8-day itinerary lowers this risk significantly, increasing the chance of reaching Uhuru Peak without serious issues.

The extra day also provides moments to savour the mountain. Watch the sun dip behind Shira Ridge, pause to rest after the Barranco Wall, or simply absorb the stillness of the alpine desert before summit night. These quiet, unhurried experiences are part of what makes the Lemosho Route a truly memorable journey.

Always stay well hydrated while acclimatising to high altitude.

Have a look at this video highlighting this scenic route:

The Lemosho Route is one of our favourite ways to climb Kilimanjaro, offering a rare combination of varied scenery, quiet trails, and a high summit success rate. Beginning on the western slopes, the trail moves through lush rainforest and open moorland, ascends the Shira Plateau, passes the dramatic Lava Tower, and approaches the summit from the south and east before descending the southeastern slope. Along the way, climbers experience the full range of Kilimanjaro’s ecosystems, from dense forest to windswept alpine desert.

Lemosho is both scenic and strategic. Its gradual ascent provides an excellent acclimatisation profile, making it a safer and more comfortable climb. While both the 7-day and 8-day routes deliver the complete experience, we recommend the 8-day option for most trekkers. The slower pace allows the body to adjust more effectively, reduces fatigue, and offers the highest chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.

Another standout feature of Lemosho is its solitude. The western trailhead sees fewer climbers than the popular Machame or Marangu routes, so the first days are quiet and immersive, with less crowded campsites. Even after the trail merges with the southern circuit near Barafu, the overall experience remains peaceful, allowing climbers to truly take in the mountain’s beauty. For those seeking both challenge and calm, Lemosho provides an unforgettable, private journey to Africa’s “roof.”

If you’re unsure which itinerary suits your schedule or fitness, our Follow Alice team can guide you. We’ll help you choose the route that best fits your climb and prepare for a safe, rewarding ascent.