KILIMANJARO CLIMBING
LEMOSHO ROUTE
The Lemosho Route is considered one of the most beautiful and less crowded routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a remote and scenic experience. Known for its varied landscapes and excellent acclimatization profile, this route is ideal for trekkers who want a longer, more gradual ascent to Uhuru Peak. The Lemosho Route typically takes 7 to 8 days, allowing climbers to adjust to the altitude and improving the chances of reaching the summit.
Starting at Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro, the trek begins in the lush rainforests, where you can spot wildlife such as Colobus monkeys. As you ascend, you’ll pass through the Shira Plateau, an ancient volcanic crater, with expansive views of Mount Meru and the plains below. Highlights include crossing the Lava Tower, climbing the dramatic Barranco Wall, and traversing the alpine desert zone.
The final push to the summit begins at Barafu Camp, leading to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The Lemosho Route offers trekkers both scenic beauty and a higher chance of successful summiting due to its longer acclimatization period.
For adventurers seeking a less crowded, picturesque, and rewarding trek, the Lemosho Route is an excellent choice.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 - Lemosho Gate - Mti Mkubwa Camp
You will depart from Moshi. A 45-minute drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. You will enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Distance covered
- 4.8km / 3mi
Approx. time taken
- 3-4 Hours
Elevation
- 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft
Altitude gained
- 396m.
Accomodation
- Budget camping
Meal & Drinks
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa Camp - Shira Camp 1
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, you will emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path. You will leave the forest behind. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.
Distance covered
- 7.9km/5mi
Approx. time taken
- 4-6 Hours
Elevation
- 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft
Altitude gained
- 719m.
Accomodation
- Budget camping
Meal & Drinks
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3 - Shira 1 Camp - Shira 2 Camp
You will explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo glaciated peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then you will continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.
Distance covered
- 6.9km/4.3mi
Approx. time taken
- 5-7hrs
Elevation
- 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft
Altitude gained
- 391m.
Accomodation
- Budget camping
Meal & Drinks
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4 - Shira 2 Camp - Lava Tower - Barranco Camp
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From the Shira Plateau, you will continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak. You will then continue southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, you will come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. You will then continue to descend overnight at Barranco Camp.
Distance covered
- 10.1km/6.3mi
Approx. time taken
- 4-6hrs
Elevation
- 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained
- 91m.
Accomodation
- Budget camping
Meal & Drinks
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5 - Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp
After breakfast, you will continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. You will stay overnight at Karanga Camp.
Distance covered
- 5.2km/3mi
Approx. time taken
- 4-5hrs
Elevation
- 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
Altitude gained
- 48m.
Accomodation
- Budget camping
Meal & Drinks
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6 - Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp
You will continue up toward Barafu Camp and once reached, you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. You will have an early dinner and rest as you prepare for the summit night. Your overnight stay will be at Barafu Camp.
Distance covered
- 3.3km /2 mi
Approx. time taken
- 3-4 Hours
Elevation
- 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained
- 628m.
Accomodation
- Budget camping
Meal & Drinks
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7 - Barafu Camp - Summit - Mweka Camp
Excitement is building as the morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2:00 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
Congratulations, one step at a time. You will have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy, you will take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. You will begin your steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Your overnight stay will be at Mweka Camp.
Distance covered
- 13km /8mi down
Approx. time taken
- 3-4 Hours
Elevation
- 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained
- 1233m.
Altitude lost
- 2789m.
Accomodation
- Budget camping
Meal & Drinks
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8 - Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate - Moshi Town
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. You will continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). You will enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations, before being transferred to your journey home, safari, or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar.
Distance covered
- 4.8km / 3mi
Approx. time taken
- 3-4 Hours
Elevation
- 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft
Altitude gained
- 396m.
Accomodation
- End of Tour
Meal & Drinks
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
PHOTOS
Inclusions
Porterage
Rescue fee
Park fees
All activities
All accommodation
A professional driver / guide
All transportation
All Taxes / VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals
Drinking water
EXCLUSIONS
Climbing gear
International flights
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips
Personal items
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Highlights
Remote and Scenic Start
The Lemosho Route begins on the western side of Kilimanjaro, offering a more remote and less crowded trail. The route passes through dense rainforests, with the possibility of encountering wildlife such as colobus monkeys and buffalo.
Shira Plateau
A vast, flat expanse of land offering panoramic views of Mount Meru and Kibo Peak, the Shira Plateau is one of the most scenic sections of the climb, with breathtaking sunsets.
Mawenzi and Kibo Views
Trekking past Horombo Hut, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s twin peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo, with rugged and scenic landscapes stretching out before you.
Barranco Wall
A challenging yet exhilarating ascent, the Barranco Wall offers both excitement and spectacular views. Although steep, it is not technical, and the reward is the panoramic vistas at the top.
Lava Tower
This 4,600-meter-high volcanic rock formation offers trekkers a great acclimatization opportunity. Standing beneath the Lava Tower is a surreal experience amidst the alpine desert landscape.
Extended Acclimatization
The Lemosho Route is known for its longer itinerary (7-8 days), allowing trekkers to acclimatize better, which improves the chances of successfully reaching the summit of Uhuru Peak.
Summiting Uhuru Peak
The ultimate highlight is reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The final push begins before dawn, allowing climbers to witness the sunrise from the roof of Africa, creating an unforgettable moment.
