8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro: Crater Camp Summit via Shira and Barranco
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8 days
Fitness Level
Strong cardiovascular fitness with experience on multi-day hikes and endurance for sustained uphill days; prior altitude experience helpful.
Overview
Take eight days on the Lemosho Route to climb Kilimanjaro via Shira and Barranco, finishing with a night at Crater Camp and a dawn summit to Uhuru Peak. This route trades crowds for time—more acclimatization and higher odds of success.
8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro: Crater Camp Summit via Shira and Barranco
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At dawn the forest exhales a cool, damp breath; the trail underfoot is soft with centuries of leaf litter and the occasional soft clack of a porter’s pack. On the Lemosho Route, climbers leave Londorossi Gate and push through rain forest into moorland, cross a volcanic plateau and finally climb a granite wall that opens onto the austere, wind-bent world of Kibo. Over eight days, the mountain changes from green and crowded with bird song to a skeletal, glaciated skyline that dares you higher.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Pace, then pace again
Keep a steady rhythm—walk slow on ascents and take 5–10 minute breaks every hour to aid acclimatization.
Hydrate often
Carry a 2–3L hydration system and drink 3–4 liters daily; altitude suppresses thirst but not dehydration.
Layer for extremes
Temperatures swing from hot daytime sun to sub-zero summit winds—use a breathable base, insulating mid-layer and waterproof shell.
Protect your feet
Stiff, ankle-supporting boots with good tread reduce blisters and protect knees on long descents.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Blue monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis) in the forest
- Birds such as the alpine swift and lammergeier near higher ridges
History
Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano whose modern routes trace trade and migration paths used by Chagga communities for centuries.
Conservation
Park authorities limit group sizes and require porters and guides to be registered; stick to trails and use provided waste systems to protect fragile alpine ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in Moshi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Stiff-soled, ankle-support boots
Support and traction for steep scree, rock and long descents.
Down parka (800+ fill)
Warmth for summit night and high camp — temperatures drop well below freezing.
3L hydration bladder + water bottles
Enables drinking frequently without stopping; keep liquids from freezing with insulated sleeves.
Trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on long descents and help maintain rhythm on steep sections.