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: 7 Days Lemosho Route
Kilimanjaro climb
8 Days Lemosho Route
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro offers six established routes for climbers: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. Marangu, Machame and Umbwe start on the south side. Lemosho and Shira come in from the west. Rongai starts in the north, close to Kenya. Every route except Marangu and Rongai comes down through Mweka.
The 8 Days Lemosho Route: quiet trails on the west side
Lemosho is one of the newer trails. It is quieter than most, and many people think it is the prettiest, though it takes a little longer and costs a bit more. It starts on the western side at Londorossi Gate, and it makes a good alternative to the busier Shira route.
You start in thick forest, then cross open moorland and reach the Shira Plateau on day 3. At Lava Tower the trail joins the Machame Route, then drops to Barranco Valley along the Southern Circuit. If you are lucky, you may see buffalo, elephants and other wildlife on the lower slopes.
Because the route is longer, your body has more time to adjust to the altitude. That gives the Lemosho Route a higher summit success rate, and it is why so 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 about 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 other crews packing loads and getting ready. Then you start walking on winding paths through the rainforest, and your guide points out the plants, birds and animals. The trail down here can be muddy and slippery, so we strongly recommend 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 7.9km / 5miHiking 4-6hrsZone Moorland
After a good night’s sleep and a big breakfast, we walk out of the rain forest. From here the trail climbs steadily, with wide views opening up, until it reaches the rim of the Shira Plateau. It starts to get colder.
- Elevation
- 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft
- Altitude gained
- 719m
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Day 3 Shira I Camp – Shira Hut Distance 6.9km / 4.3miHiking 5-7hrsZone Moorland
Today is a full day on the Shira plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth. It is an easy walk east toward Kibo’s glacier-topped peak. The path crosses the plateau to Shira 2 camp, which sits on moorland meadows beside a stream. Then we carry on to Moir Hut, a quiet spot at the base of the Lent Hills. There are several short walks on the Lent Hills, which makes this a very good place to acclimatize.
- Elevation
- 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft
- Altitude gained
- 391m
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Day 4 Shira Hut – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp Distance 10.1km / 6.3miHiking 4-6hrsZone 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 towards the Kibo peak. Then we go south east to the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Just past the tower is a second junction, where a path leads to the Arrow Glacier. From there we walk down to Barranco Camp for the night.
- Elevation
- 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft
- Altitude gained
- 91m
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Day 5 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, and then go on to the Karanga Valley and the junction with the Mweka Trail. Watch your crew today: they move up the wall with heavy loads as if it were nothing. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
- Elevation
- 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
- Altitude gained
- 48m
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Day 6 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 many different angles. Dinner is early, and then you rest before summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
- Elevation
- 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
- Altitude gained
- 628m
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Day 7 Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp Distance 4.86km / 3mi up; 13km / 8mi downHiking 5-7hrs; 5-6hrsZone Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789mSummit day. You get up and start walking between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the hardest part of the trek, for the body and the mind.
The route goes up between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Keep warm, go slowly and think about the top. We zigzag up in a northwesterly direction through deep scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. Most people reach it around dawn and get a beautiful sunrise during the short rest. Faster walkers may see the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point it is about 1 hour more to Uhuru Peak, and you will probably have snow underfoot the whole way.
Well done. One step at a time, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in all of Africa.
After photos, hugs and maybe a few happy tears, we take a few minutes to enjoy what you have done. Then we start the steep descent to Mweka Camp, with lunch and a very short rest at Barafu. The ground is loose gravel and volcanic ash, so we strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. In the evening you can rest properly and enjoy your last night on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
- Elevation
- 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude gained
- 1233m
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Day 8 Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi Distance 9.1km / 6miHiking 3-4hrsZone Rainforest
After breakfast the crew holds a short thank-you ceremony, and it is time to say goodbye. We walk on down to the Mweka Park Gate, where you receive your summit certificates. It is much warmer now, and the trail is wet, muddy and steep, so keep your gaiters and trekking poles handy.
- 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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