The Lemosho Route
- Home
- Itineraries
- The Lemosho Route
Introduction
The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Most of the clients climb Kilimanjaro using lemosho route and their feedback on this route is excellent. We highly recommend the Lemosho route to our clients. The climb begins at Londorossi Gate at an altitude of 2360 metres, with an approach far to the west of the mountain.
It then circles around Kilimanjaro to the south, passing through the majestic rainforest where some of the region’s most unique wildlife can often be seen. The route continues up to the mountain’s third summit at Shira Ridge.
Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
Day 1: Arrival and Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Elevation: 2,100 m (6,890 ft) to 2,750 m (9,022 ft)
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Duration: 3-4 hours
Arrive at Londorossi Gate, where you complete registration. From here, hike through the lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you’ll spend the night. The gentle ascent helps with acclimatization.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation: 2,750 m (9,022 ft) to 3,600 m (11,811 ft)
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Duration: 5-6 hours
Hike through the rainforest and into the moorland zone as you head toward Shira 1 Camp. The day will offer wonderful views of the mountain, and the terrain changes as you move higher.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation: 3,600 m (11,811 ft) to 3,850 m (12,631 ft)
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
Today, you’ll cross the Shira Plateau, enjoying expansive views of the surrounding area. The trek to Shira 2 Camp is gradual, allowing you to adjust to the altitude while trekking through varied terrain.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower, then Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 3,850 m (12,631 ft) to 4,630 m (15,190 ft) to 3,950 m (12,960 ft)
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Duration: 6-8 hours
Today’s route takes you to Lava Tower, a notable acclimatization stop. You will then descend to Barranco Camp, which sits in the shadow of the Barranco Wall. This climb helps acclimatize your body to higher altitudes, making it easier to reach the summit.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 3,950 m (12,960 ft) to 4,035 m (13,267 ft)
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
Today’s hike includes the famous Barranco Wall, a steep, rocky section of the trail. After conquering the wall, the terrain flattens out, and you’ll make your way to Karanga Camp, where you’ll rest for the night.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Elevation: 4,035 m (13,267 ft) to 4,640 m (15,223 ft)
- Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
From Karanga, you will ascend to Barafu Camp, located just below the summit. The climb is steep, but the camp offers stunning views of the peak. You will rest here and prepare for the final summit push, which starts very early the following morning.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and down to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 4,640 m (15,223 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) to 3,080 m (10,105 ft)
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles) to summit and 13 km (8.1 miles) down to Mweka Camp
- Duration: 12-14 hours (Summit Day)
Summit day begins with an early morning departure (around midnight). You will ascend through the night, reaching Stella Point and then Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro. After celebrating at the summit, you’ll descend to Barafu Camp for a brief rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Elevation: 3,080 m (10,105 ft) to 1,640 m (5,381 ft)
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Duration: 3-4 hours
On your final day, you’ll descend through the rainforest back to Mweka Gate. This is the end of your trek, and you’ll receive your summit certificate. You will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest.
Why 6 Days?
A 6-day Lemosho itinerary is a relatively fast approach to Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a good balance of acclimatization and summit challenge. It’s suitable for climbers who are physically fit and are looking to complete the climb in a shorter period while still benefitting from the gradual ascent of the Lemosho route.
Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
Day 1: Arrival and Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Elevation: 2,100 m (6,890 ft) to 2,750 m (9,022 ft)
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Duration: 3-4 hours
Arrive at Londorossi Gate, where you’ll complete registration and meet your guides and porters. Begin your trek through lush rainforest, gradually ascending to Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you’ll overnight in tents.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation: 2,750 m (9,022 ft) to 3,600 m (11,811 ft)
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Duration: 5-6 hours
Begin your trek through the rainforest and moorland zone. As you gain altitude, the terrain changes, providing views of the mountain and surrounding areas. The night will be spent at Shira 1 Camp, a beautiful campsite with views of the peak.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation: 3,600 m (11,811 ft) to 3,850 m (12,631 ft)
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
Today, you will trek across the Shira Plateau, offering excellent views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll be ascending slowly to ensure proper acclimatization. Spend the night at Shira 2 Camp.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower, then Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 3,850 m (12,631 ft) to 4,630 m (15,190 ft) to 3,950 m (12,960 ft)
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Duration: 6-8 hours
This day involves a climb to Lava Tower (4,630 m) for acclimatization. The terrain becomes more rocky and alpine. After a brief rest at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp (3,950 m) for the night, helping your body adjust to higher altitudes.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 3,950 m (12,960 ft) to 4,035 m (13,267 ft)
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
Today’s trek includes the famous Barranco Wall, which is a steep but manageable ascent. After this challenging climb, the trail continues through the Karanga Valley, and you will arrive at Karanga Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Elevation: 4,035 m (13,267 ft) to 4,640 m (15,223 ft)
- Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
Today’s hike is relatively short but steep, as you ascend from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp. You’ll have views of the summit and the surrounding glaciers. Barafu Camp is where you’ll rest and prepare for the summit attempt.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and down to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 4,640 m (15,223 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) to 3,080 m (10,105 ft)
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles) to summit and 13 km (8.1 miles) down to Mweka Camp
- Duration: 12-14 hours (Summit Day)
Wake up around midnight for the final summit push. The trek to Uhuru Peak involves a strenuous ascent in the dark, with a break at Stella Point (5,735 m). Once at Uhuru Peak, enjoy the incredible views and celebrate reaching the highest point in Africa. Afterward, descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Elevation: 3,080 m (10,105 ft) to 1,640 m (5,381 ft)
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Duration: 3-4 hours
On your final day, you’ll descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. This is a gentle descent, and you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest. You’ll receive your summit certificate at Mweka Gate.
This 7-day Lemosho Route itinerary allows for better acclimatization, making it a great option for those seeking a scenic climb while maximizing their chances of reaching the summit safely.
Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Elevation: 2,100 m (6,890 ft) to 2,750 m (9,022 ft)
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Duration: 3-4 hours
Arrive at Londorossi Gate, where you’ll complete registration and meet your guides and porters. The trek begins through lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you’ll overnight.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation: 2,750 m (9,022 ft) to 3,600 m (11,811 ft)
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Duration: 5-6 hours
You’ll trek through the rainforest zone, gradually entering the moorland zone. The views of the surrounding areas become more expansive. You’ll overnight at Shira 1 Camp, with excellent views of the mountain.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation: 3,600 m (11,811 ft) to 3,850 m (12,631 ft)
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
Today, you’ll hike across the Shira Plateau, enjoying sweeping views of the area. The terrain is varied, offering plenty of opportunities for acclimatization. You’ll reach Shira 2 Camp for overnight rest.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower, then Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 3,850 m (12,631 ft) to 4,630 m (15,190 ft) to 3,950 m (12,960 ft)
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Duration: 6-8 hours
This day includes a hike to Lava Tower (4,630 m) for acclimatization. After a break, you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,950 m). The descent after Lava Tower helps your body adjust to higher altitudes, aiding acclimatization.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 3,950 m (12,960 ft) to 4,035 m (13,267 ft)
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
This day involves tackling the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable climb, followed by a relatively short trek to Karanga Camp. The camp is situated in a beautiful valley with views of the summit and surrounding areas.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Elevation: 4,035 m (13,267 ft) to 4,640 m (15,223 ft)
- Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
Today’s hike is a relatively short but steep ascent to Barafu Camp. The trail offers great views of the mountain, glaciers, and surrounding terrain. At Barafu Camp, you’ll rest and prepare for the summit attempt, ensuring that you are well-rested for the next day’s challenging climb.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and down to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 4,640 m (15,223 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) to 3,080 m (10,105 ft)
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles) to summit and 13 km (8.1 miles) down to Mweka Camp
- Duration: 12-14 hours (Summit Day)
Start your summit attempt early in the morning (around midnight). The trek to Uhuru Peak is long and strenuous but incredibly rewarding. After reaching the summit and taking in the stunning views, you’ll descend to Barafu Camp briefly for a rest, before continuing down to Mweka Camp.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Elevation: 3,080 m (10,105 ft) to 1,640 m (5,381 ft)
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Duration: 3-4 hours
On your final day, you’ll descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where the trek officially ends. Afterward, you’ll receive your summit certificate and be transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha to rest and celebrate your achievement.
Why 8 Days?
The extra day for acclimatization on the Lemosho Route helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness and enhances your chances of reaching the summit safely. The longer itinerary also allows you to enjoy the beautiful landscapes at a more relaxed pace, making it a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
Included
Related Tours
The Umbwe Route
- 6 to 7 Days
- Starting From USD 1890
The Machame Route
- 6 to 7 Days
- Starting From USD 1720
The Northern Circuit Route
- 8 to 9 Days
- Starting From USD 2450
