Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is a quiet, scenic way up Kilimanjaro from the west. What to expect on the route, and our Lemosho climbing packages.
Also on this route: 8 Days Lemosho Route
Kilimanjaro climb
7 Days Lemosho Route
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro has six main routes for climbers: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. Marangu, Machame and Umbwe start from the south. Lemosho and Shira come in from the west. Rongai starts in the north, near Kenya. Every route except Marangu and Rongai comes down via Mweka.
The 7 Days Lemosho Route: a quiet trail through remote country
Lemosho is one of the newer trails. It is remote and, many would say, prettier than most, though a little longer and a little more expensive. It starts on the western side at Londorossi Gate and is a good alternative to the busier Shira route.
The first part runs through forest and wide moorland. The trail reaches the Shira Plateau on day 3, joins the Machame Route at Lava Tower, then drops toward Barranco Valley on the Southern Circuit. If you are lucky, you may see buffalo, elephants and other wildlife on the way.
Because the climb takes longer, your body has more time to acclimatize. That gives the Lemosho Route a higher summit success rate, and it is why many climbers choose it for their Kilimanjaro climb.
Route itinerary
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Day 1 Lemosho Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp Distance 4.8km / 3miHiking 3-4 hrsZone Rainforest
From Moshi it is a 3 hours drive through friendly villages on the mountain’s lower slopes to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. While we wait for the permits, you can watch the busy scene as crews get ready for the climb. Then the walk starts, on winding paths through the rainforest, and your guide tells you about the plants and animals along the way. Low down, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so we strongly suggest gaiters and trekking poles.
- Elevation
- 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft
- Altitude gained
- 396m
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Day 2 Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira I Camp Distance 17km / 5miHiking 6-8hrsZone Moorland
After a good night’s sleep and a big breakfast, we walk out of the rain forest. With the trees behind us, the trail climbs steadily, with wide views, to the rim of the Shira Plateau. It starts to get colder.
- Elevation
- 2785m/9137ft to 3895m/12,779ft
- Altitude gained
- 1110m
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Day 3 Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp Distance 10.75km / 6miHiking 5-6hrsZone Semi-Desert
You finish today at about the same height you started, but the day matters a lot for acclimatization. From the Shira Plateau we head east up a ridge and pass the turn-off toward Kibo peak. Then we go southeast to the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Just past the tower is a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. From there we walk down to Barranco Camp for the night.
- Elevation
- 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
- Altitude gained
- 147m
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Day 4 Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp Distance 5.2km / 3miHiking 4-5hrsZone Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we climb a steep ridge to the Barranco Wall, a fun scramble, then carry on to the Karanga Valley and the junction with the Mweka Trail. Watch your crew today. They go up the wall with heavy loads and make it look easy. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
- Elevation
- 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,253ft
- Altitude gained
- 48m
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Day 5 Hike Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp Distance 3.3km / 2 miHiking 4-5hrsZone Alpine Desert
We keep climbing to Barafu Camp. When you get there, you have finished the South Circuit, which shows you the summit from lots of different angles. Dinner is early, then you rest before summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
- Elevation
- 4034m/13,253ft to 4662m/15,295ft
- Altitude gained
- 628m
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Day 6 Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp Distance 5km / 3mi up; 11.5km / 8mi downHiking 5-7hrs; 5-6hrsZone Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m
Descent to 3090m/10,150ft
Altitude lost: 2789mYou start very early, between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the hardest part of the trek, both for your body and your head.
The route to the summit goes between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Try to stay warm and keep your mind on the goal. The path zigzags northwest through deep scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. You take a short rest here and watch the sun rise over the mountain. Faster hikers may see the sunrise from the summit instead. On the last 1 hour up to Uhuru Peak, expect snow most of the way.
Well done. Step by step, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in all of Africa.
There is time for photos, a celebration and maybe a few happy tears. Then we start the steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very short rest. The ground is loose gravel and volcanic ash, so we strongly suggest gaiters and trekking poles. You have earned a good rest on your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
- Elevation
- 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude gained
- 1233m
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Day 7 Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi Distance 9.1km / 5.7miHiking 3-4hrsZone Rainforest
After breakfast, you and your crew get together for a small thank-you ceremony before saying goodbye. Then we walk down to the Mweka Park Gate, where you collect your summit certificate. It is much warmer down here, and the path is wet, muddy and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles help a lot.
- Elevation
- 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
- Altitude lost
- 1473m
Tour price includes
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Quality Imported Equipments
Tour price excludes
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room
- Flights, Visa fees, Gamow Bag, and Medication
Before you go
Route guide
About the Lemosho Route
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