Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a dream for many adventurers, and the 8-day Lemosho route with Nafika Tours consistently earns high praise. While we haven’t personally scaled the mountain, reviews from countless satisfied climbers suggest this journey delivers incredible scenery, professional guidance, and a supportive atmosphere.
What we love most? The breathtaking panoramic views, the well-organized logistics, and the personalized care from knowledgeable guides. However, a consideration worth noting is the price—$2,350 per person—which reflects the quality of service but might be steep for some budget travelers.
This tour suits those looking for a scenic, less crowded route with a high success rate, especially if you value excellent guides, authentic experiences, and a focus on safety. Whether you’re a first-time trekker or an experienced climber aiming for a smooth ascent, this package is designed to maximize your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak while enjoying every step of the way.
Key Points
- Scenic Beauty: The Lemosho route offers stunning, panoramic mountain views and lush rainforests.
- Support & Safety: Guides perform regular health checks, monitor altitude sickness, and prioritize your safety.
- Experienced Guides: Multiple reviews praise guides like Alyce, Meshakii, and Musa for their professionalism and care.
- Comfort & Equipment: All camping gear, tents, sleeping bags, and pads are provided, ensuring comfort on the mountain.
- Culinary Experience: Expect well-prepared meals, with reviewers mentioning delicious food and thoughtful snacks.
- Authentic Support: The local team takes pride in their service, emphasizing kindness and attention to detail.
A Closer Look at the 8-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Trek
Looking for more options in Kilimanjaro? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Why Choose the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho route is often described as the most picturesque trail on Kilimanjaro. Unlike some of the busier routes, it tends to have fewer climbers, which means you’ll get more peaceful moments and better chances for acclimatization. Reviewers consistently mention the stunning views of Kibo, Mawenzi, and the Northern Ice Fields—especially from Shira Plateau and Lava Tower.
This route begins at Londorossi Gate, at 2,360 meters, and gradually winds around the mountain, passing through rainforests, moorlands, and desert zones. Its high success rate is partly because of the ample acclimatization opportunities, which many climbers praise—”This route is ideal for first-timers and those worried about altitude,” mentions a reviewer.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1: Arrival and Forest Trek to Big Tree Camp
Travel from your hotel to Lemosho gate, where Nafika Tours handles all formalities—expect a smooth start. The first walk through lush rainforest introduces you to Kilimanjaro’s flora and fauna—possibly home to some of the region’s unique wildlife. The trek, around four hours, is a gentle introduction, but keep in mind that it involves some uneven terrain, so good footwear is essential.
Day 2: From Rainforest to Shira 1 Camp
Hiking across grassy moorlands and volcanic rock formations, this day offers your first glimpses of Kibo on the clouds. The climb covers roughly 8.5 km in about five hours. Reviewers highlight the beautiful scenery and the sense of adventure as you gain a reasonable altitude. The views of the mountain’s snowy peaks are stunning even at this stage.
Day 3: Acclimatization and Panoramic Views
The route continues across the Shira Plateau, providing breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Many mention that this day helps with acclimatization, which is crucial for success. The trek is about 8 km, and a short acclimatization walk is recommended before returning to camp, making it a balanced day of activity and rest.
Day 4: Lava Tower and Barranco Valley
This day involves a significant ascent to Lava Tower (4,640 meters), the highest point of the trek so far, providing a fantastic opportunity to adapt to higher altitudes. After lunch at the lava tower, you descend into the Great Barranco Valley, an iconic landscape with towering cliffs—”Photos here don’t do justice to the scale and beauty,” a reviewer notes. The descent and ascent can be challenging but are well worth it for the incredible views and the acclimatization benefit.
Day 5: Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley
A notable highlight is climbing the imposing Barranco Wall—a steep but manageable scramble praised by many for its dramatic scenery. Moving through glaciers and towering peaks, the day is shorter, around five hours, giving you time to relax and rest before the summit push. The importance of this day for acclimatization is underscored by reviews emphasizing the value of short but intense days.
Day 6 & 7: Ascent to Barafu and the Summit
Climbers typically start their midnight ascent from Barafu Camp, aiming for Stella Point and Uhuru Peak. The early start, around midnight, is common for safety and to beat afternoon weather. Expect a 4- to 5-hour climb in cold conditions, but the sunrise views from Stella Point are unforgettable. Reaching Uhuru Peak is the moment everyone hopes for, and multiple reviews mention the joy and pride of standing on the highest point in Africa.
Day 8: Descent and Celebration
The final day involves a walk from Millennium Camp down to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Many reviews talk about the sense of achievement and the joy of sharing this experience with fellow trekkers. The descent through montane forests often surprises visitors with its lushness, contrasting the arid conditions at higher elevations.
What Sets Nafika Tours Apart?
Many reviewers emphasize the expertise and kindness of Nafika’s guides. Guides like Alyce, Meshakii, Inocent, and Musa earn praise for their constant health checks, encouragement, and sharing insights about Kilimanjaro’s environment. These proactive safety measures, especially regular altitude monitoring, help increase your chances of summiting safely.
The support staff, including porters and cooks, also receive high marks. They work tirelessly to ensure your meals are delicious, often with small surprises that make the experience more enjoyable. One reviewer mentioned that the food was “always with a little surprise,” a testament to the team’s dedication.
What About the Support & Equipment?
The tour’s inclusion of all camping gear—tents, sleeping bags, pads—relieves many worries about packing or renting equipment. The tents are described as comfortable and well-maintained, making camping high on the mountain more bearable. Treated water, good sleeping arrangements, and hot meals are standard, with many reviewers noting the effort put into making the trek as comfortable as possible.
The Food Experience
Multiple reviews highlight the quality of food delivered during the trek. From breakfast and lunch to dinner, the guides and cooks ensure you’re well-fed—crucial for maintaining energy at high altitudes. Small snacks and hot drinks keep climbers motivated, especially during the steepest sections.
The Value of This Experience
At $2,350 per person, this trek offers a comprehensive package with all essentials covered—guides, porters, gear, accommodation, meals, and airport transfers. Considering the quality of guides, support, and scenery, many agree the value is high. What’s more, the high success rate and focus on safety make it a worthwhile investment for those wanting to reach the summit confidently.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This trip is perfect if you prioritize professional guides, authentic local support, and breathtaking scenery. It’s well-suited for those who want a less crowded route with a good chance of success.
It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate well-organized logistics and a focus on safety. If you’re a first-timer or an experienced trekker, the balanced pace and acclimatization days make it accessible while still offering the adventure of a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route with Nafika Tours combines outstanding scenery, expert support, and a proven success record. The numerous positive reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides, the delicious food, and the genuine care taken by the team to ensure a safe and memorable experience.
While the price tag is on the higher side, the extensive inclusions—quality gear, all meals, personalized guidance—justify the investment for many. This trek is best suited for travelers who want to enjoy the mountain’s beauty without rushing and who care about their safety and comfort.
If you’re dreaming of standing on Africa’s rooftop and want a reliable, scenic, and well-supported adventure, this tour could be the perfect choice.
FAQs
What is included in the tour price?
The $2,350 covers all camping equipment, tents, sleeping bags, pads, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), airport transfers, private transportation, guides, porters, emergency oxygen, and hotel nights in Moshi before and after the trek.
Are meals provided during the trek?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included for all 8 days, with reviewers frequently praising the quality and variety of food. Snacks and hot drinks are also available.
What about safety and altitude sickness?
Guides perform regular health checks, and altitude sickness is closely monitored. The route’s design, with acclimatization days, greatly boosts your chances of reaching the summit safely.
Do I need to bring my own gear?
All camping gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and pads, are provided. You may want to bring personal gear like trekking clothes, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen—check the detailed packing list.
How physically fit should I be?
A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. The trek involves some steep sections and long days, but the route’s gradual ascent helps with acclimatization.
Can I customize the itinerary?
The provided itinerary is set, but Nafika Tours is known for their professionalism and support, so discuss any special requests or needs with them ahead of time.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable, so plan accordingly.
In brief, this Kilimanjaro trek offers a scenic, well-supported, and highly praised route for those seeking a genuine adventure with a high chance of success. The focus on safety, expert guides, and authentic support makes it a top pick for serious adventurers and first-timers alike.