8-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Guide — Summit Uhuru Peak via Shira Plateau
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
7–8 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness with experience in multi-day hikes; be able to hike 6–8 hours on consecutive days and manage steep, rocky terrain.
Overview
Approach Kilimanjaro from the west on the Lemosho Route: a quieter, scenic path that moves through rainforest, the Shira Plateau and alpine desert before a midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak. This eight-day itinerary prioritizes acclimatization and maximizes summit success.
8-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Guide — Summit Uhuru Peak via Shira Plateau
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You start under a canopy that still drinks the morning fog — a green throat of moss and strangler figs swallowing the first footsteps. The trail through Londorossi Gate slides quietly uphill, the air cool and damp, and the mountain peeks through breaks in the canopy like a patient giant. Across eight days the forest gives way to heath and moor, then the broad, lunar-burnished Shira Plateau, a jagged lava tower, and the thin-blooded alpine desert that leads to Barafu and, at dawn, Uhuru Peak.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Acclimatize deliberately
Choose the 8-day Lemosho itinerary to improve acclimatization; spend extra time at Lava Tower and listen to your guides if they recommend rest.
Hydrate and snack often
Drink steadily — small sips every 20–30 minutes — and carry salty snacks to keep electrolytes balanced at altitude.
Footwear and gaiters
Wear broken-in, waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support and bring gaiters for scree and dusty descents.
Summit-night layering
Expect -10°C or colder on summit night; a warm down jacket, glove liners and a hat are non-negotiable.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Colobus monkeys
- Blue monkeys and various montane bird species
History
Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano with a long human history; the Chagga people historically farmed its lower slopes and pathways now serve climbers and guides.
Conservation
All climbers must pay park fees that support trail maintenance and rangers; follow Leave No Trace and use official crew services to reduce ecological impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Moshi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulated down jacket
Lightweight, high-fill down keeps you warm during summit night and high-altitude stops.
Sturdy, broken-in trekking boots
Ankle support and a grippy sole reduce blisters and stabilize descents through scree.
Trekking poles
Poles help conserve energy on long ascents and provide balance on uneven sections like the Barranco Wall.
3-season sleeping bag (-10°C comfort)
Even with supplied pads, a rated sleeping bag ensures survival and comfort at high camps.