8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Lemosho Route

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is often seen as the ultimate bucket list challenge, but choosing the right route and operator can make all the difference. This review explores the 8-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route offered by Furaha Adventures, a company highly praised for its professionalism, stunning scenery, and attentive guides. While it’s an investment, the experience promises a blend of natural beauty, cultural connection, and personal achievement.

What we love about this trek? First, the spectacular views along the route, especially on the Shira Plateau. Second, the experienced guides who are both knowledgeable and supportive—reviewers consistently mention the professionalism and friendliness of the team. Third, the extra acclimatization day built into the 8-day itinerary, which enhances the chances of reaching the summit. The only thing to consider? The trek’s length and physical demands mean it’s not for everyone—be prepared for a serious but rewarding challenge.

This tour is perfect for those wanting a well-organized, immersive Kilimanjaro experience with fewer crowds until the route joins the Machame trail. If you’re looking for a balance of adventure, scenery, and safety, this trek could be just the right fit.

Key Points

• Customizable length with an extra day for better acclimatization increases success rates.
• Expert-guided experience with professional guides, porters, and cooks.
• Stunning scenery on the Lemosho trail, crossing diverse ecological zones.
• All-inclusive price covers park fees, equipment, meals, and rescue fees, offering good value.
• Comfortable camping with waterproof, four-season tents.
• Seamless logistics, from airport pickup to hotel orientation.

A Closer Look at the Lemosho Route Trekking Experience

Starting Point: Londorossi Gate and the First Day’s Journey

Your adventure kicks off at Londorossi Gate, located on the western side of Kilimanjaro, a scenic drive from Arusha. The actual starting point offers a gentle introduction to the climb, as you trek through lush montane forests filled with moss, exotic flowers, and bird calls—an immediate treat for nature lovers. Reviewers mention that in wet conditions, vehicles sometimes can’t reach the true trailhead, adding a bit of extra hiking early on, but this is part of the adventure.

The first day involves about 3-4 hours of walking, leading to the Forest Camp at roughly 9,498 feet. Expect to see Black and White Colobus monkeys and signs of elephants, making the first day a fascinating wildlife encounter. The camp, surrounded by dense foliage, provides a peaceful start, with many reviewers noting how the combination of lush forest and bird sounds sets a magical tone.

Day 2: Transitioning into Elevated Views and Acclimatization

As you leave the dense forest behind, the landscape opens up into the Hagenia zone, with views of Kibo’s snowy peak emerging in the distance. The walk involves a 6-9 hour hike, including a significant acclimatization hike that goes up and down ridges, helping your body adjust to higher altitudes. The highlight is reaching 11,500 feet at Shira 1 Camp, which allows your body to adapt gradually.

This day stands out because many reviewers appreciate the balance between physical challenge and sightseeing. It’s a good “test run” for the high altitude ahead, and some mention optional acclimatization hikes in the evening, which help reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Day 3: Traversing the Shira Plateau

The route crosses the Shira Plateau’s heath zone, offering spectacular views of volcanic formations and distant glaciers. The trek covers about 5-6 hours, with a picnic lunch at Scott Fisher Memorial Camp, named after the well-known Everest guide. Here, trekkers can enjoy panoramic vistas of the mountain and surrounding landscape.

Reviewer comments highlight the beauty of this section, emphasizing how the landscape changes from lush forest to stark, volcanic terrain—an Instagram-worthy backdrop. The trek continues to Moir Camp, resting at about 13,650 feet, and some reviews suggest that acclimatization hikes in the late afternoon are worthwhile.

Day 4: Alpine Zone and Lava Camp

This is one of the most visually striking days. You ascend past Lava Camp (around 14,300 feet), where the volcanic landscape becomes more apparent, before descending into the Barranco Valley. The day involves hiking for 4-6 hours and offers a chance to witness the mountain’s rawer, more dramatic side.

Many trekkers appreciate the opportunity to see the volcanic terrain up close, with some noting the quiet, almost lunar landscape. The descent into Barranco Valley provides a welcome rest and a chance to reflect on the stark beauty of Kilimanjaro’s landscape.

Day 5: Conquering the Barranco Wall and Moving to Karanga

One of the most exhilarating parts of the trek is the ascent of the Great Barranco Wall. As reviewers describe, it involves some scrambling but offers incredible views of the ice fields and glaciers below. The challenge of the wall is balanced by the sense of achievement when you top out, then continue on to Karanga Camp.

This day emphasizes the physical challenge and mental grit required, but many enjoy the adrenaline rush and the sense of progression. The landscapes are rugged but awe-inspiring, and guides are always on hand to ensure safety.

Day 6: To the Final Campsite – Barafu

After about 3-5 hours of hiking, you reach Barafu Camp, your staging point for the summit. Here, guides conduct safety demonstrations, including the use of oxygen and emergency equipment, which many reviewers find reassuring. The camp sits at over 15,000 feet—an altitude where even the most seasoned trekkers can feel the effects.

Many reviews mention the importance of rest and proper nutrition, as the long night ahead awaits. The camp atmosphere is often lively, with guides encouraging everyone to prepare mentally and physically for the final push.

Day 7: Summit Day – The Ultimate Climb

The highlight (or perhaps the most daunting) is the summit day, starting around midnight. Using headlamps, you’ll ascend for 6-7 hours to Stella Point and then a further 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak. Reviewers describe it as physically demanding, but seeing the sunrise from the roof of Africa makes every step worthwhile.

Authentic feedback points out that success relies on good acclimatization, physical fitness, and the support of your guides. Many mention the guides’ encouragement and the camaraderie among climbers, which helps push through the toughest moments.

Day 8: Descent and Celebration

The final day involves a 3-5 hour descent to the trailhead, where you’ll enjoy lunch and farewell the mountain crew. Most travelers finish in the late afternoon, often exhausted but elated, with memories that last a lifetime. Many reviews reflect on the sense of accomplishment and the stunning views that stay with them long after the trek.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

Knowledgeable Guides and Support: Multiple reviews praise the team, mentioning specific guides like Godfrey and Guiwa, who are noted for their professionalism, support, and making everyone feel part of the team. Their experience not only boosts confidence but also ensures safety and comfort.

Excellent Value for Money: At $2,300 per person, the package covers park fees, all meals, tents, rescue fees, and professional guides. Many reviewers highlight the quality of food and gear, which elevates the experience from merely functional to genuinely enjoyable.

Stunning and Varied Landscapes: From lush forests and volcanic terrain to icy glaciers and stark alpine zones, the route offers a visual feast. The extra day for acclimatization genuinely improves success chances, as noted by trekkers who completed the climb successfully and comfortably.

Seamless Logistics: The pickup from the airport, hotel orientation, and well-organized itinerary receive praise, reducing stress and making the experience more enjoyable.

Possible Considerations

While the trek is well-organized, it is physically demanding, especially for those unaccustomed to high-altitude hiking. The 8-day duration, while beneficial for acclimatization, requires good fitness and mental resilience. Plus, some hikers might find the early start (around midnight for the summit) tough, but the guides’ encouragement helps keep spirits high.

Weather can also be unpredictable—rain or mud may add extra difficulty, especially at the start. However, the equipment and support provided by the team help mitigate these challenges.

The Sum Up

Opting for the 8-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route with Furaha Adventures offers a well-rounded, scenic, and successful climb for those who love nature, adventure, and a bit of a challenge. The route’s diverse landscapes and the extra day for acclimatization increase your chances of reaching the summit comfortably. The professionalism of guides, quality of gear, and thoughtful itinerary make this a compelling choice for serious trekkers.

This tour is best suited for travelers seeking a higher success rate, stunning scenery, and expert support. If you’re willing to invest time and effort into a rewarding adventure, this Kilimanjaro trek balances value with authenticity beautifully.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The $2,300 fee covers all park fees, guides, porters, cook salaries, airport transfers, quality tents, meals on the mountain, rescue fees, and necessary equipment like the oximeter.

Are meals provided during the trek?
Yes, all meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are included while on the mountain, with many reviewers praising the quality of food and variety.

What gear should I bring?
While the tour provides tents and some equipment, you should check your packing list for personal gear such as warm clothing, headlamps, and personal snacks. The guides will assist with gear checks beforehand.

How physically demanding is this trek?
Very. Expect long days, high altitude, and variable weather. Many reviewers recommend being in good physical shape before attempting, as the trek involves substantial hiking each day with altitude gains.

Can beginners do this climb?
While some beginners have successfully completed it, overall, it’s best suited for those with good fitness levels and mental resilience. The extra acclimatization day helps improve success rates.

What makes this route special?
The Lemosho Route offers stunning scenery, fewer crowds until the route joins Machame, and an added day for acclimatization, all supported by highly experienced guides.

How do I best prepare for the summit push?
Adequate training, acclimatization, and following guide instructions are key. The guides also conduct safety demonstrations on use of oxygen and emergency equipment, which many find reassuring.

In essence, this Kilimanjaro climb with Furaha Adventures promises a memorable, scenic, and well-supported ascent—perfect for those ready to conquer Africa’s highest peak with a trusted team.