Lemosho Route

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and less crowded routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It approaches the mountain from the west and offers breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and a higher success rate due to better acclimatization opportunities.

Key Features:

  1. Length: Typically completed in 7–8 days, allowing for gradual altitude adjustment.
  2. Scenery: Passes through lush rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glacier-covered peaks.
  3. Difficulty: Moderately challenging, suitable for trekkers with some hiking experience.
  4. Wildlife: High chances of encountering wildlife in the lower forest zone.
  5. Crowds: Less trafficked than routes like Marangu or Machame, offering a more peaceful climb.

Other Destinations

Tanzania safari tours

6 days Via Marangu Route

ITINERARY BRIEFING

  • TAILOR THIS PACKAGE
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp)
  • After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Londorossi Gate (approximately 2–3 hours) for registration and park formalities. A 4WD vehicle will then take you to the trailhead. Begin the trek through dense rainforest, with chances to spot black-and-white colobus monkeys and other wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route before arriving at Mti Mkubwa Camp, where your tents will be ready. Dinner is served at camp.
  • Elevation: 2100 m to 2780 m
  • Distance: 7 km
  • Time: 3–4 hours
  • Vegetation: Rainforest
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
  • After a hearty breakfast, start trekking through the rainforest until you reach the heath and moorland zone. You’ll encounter stunning views of the Shira Plateau as you approach Shira 1 Camp. A hot lunch will be served en route, with dinner awaiting at camp.
  • Elevation: 2780 m to 3500 m
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Time: 5–6 hours
  • Vegetation: Heath
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
  • After breakfast, enjoy a relatively easy trek across the beautiful Shira Plateau, with breathtaking views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru in the distance. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp in time for a warm lunch, followed by an afternoon of acclimatization hikes. Relax and enjoy dinner under the stars.
  • Elevation: 3500 m to 3900 m
  • Distance: 7 km
  • Time: 3–4 hours
  • Vegetation: Heath
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
  • After breakfast, trek towards the Lava Tower (4600 m), a key acclimatization point. Have lunch at the tower before descending to Barranco Camp, situated below the impressive Barranco Wall. This descent follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, enhancing your acclimatization. Dinner is served at camp.
  • Elevation: 3900 m to 4600 m (Lava Tower) to 3960 m (Barranco Camp)
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Time: 6–8 hours
  • Vegetation: Alpine desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
  • Start the day with a challenging but rewarding climb up the Barranco Wall. After conquering the wall, enjoy a relatively short trek through the alpine desert to Karanga Camp. Have a warm lunch upon arrival, with free time to rest or go on an acclimatization hike before dinner.
  • Elevation: 3960 m to 4035 m
  • Distance: 5 km
  • Time: 4–5 hours
  • Vegetation: Alpine desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
  • After breakfast, embark on a steady climb to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt. Lunch will be served at camp, and the afternoon is reserved for rest, final gear checks, and an early dinner. Go to bed early in preparation for the summit climb.
  • Elevation: 4035 m to 4673 m
  • Distance: 4 km
  • Time: 3–4 hours
  • Vegetation: Alpine desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp
    • Midnight Summit Attempt: Wake up at midnight for a light snack and tea. Begin the ascent to the summit under the stars, passing between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Reach Stella Point (18,600 ft) at sunrise, then continue for an hour to Uhuru Peak (5895 m), the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your accomplishment and take photos.
    • Descent: Descend back to Barafu Camp for brunch and a short rest. Continue descending to Mweka Camp, navigating loose gravel trails with the help of trekking poles and gaiters. Dinner is served at camp.
  • Elevation: 4673 m to 5895 m (Uhuru Peak) to 3100 m (Mweka Camp)
  • Distance: 13.4 km
  • Time: 12–16 hours
  • Vegetation: Arctic (summit) to forest
  • Meals: Light Snack, Brunch, Dinner
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Transfer to Hotel
  • After breakfast, begin the final descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1640 m). Receive your summit certificates and celebrate your achievement with the team. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved shower and rest.
  • Elevation: 3100 m to 1640 m
  • Distance: 9.1 km
  • Time: 3–4 hours
  • Vegetation: Rainforest
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • PACKAGE INCLUDE
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi / Arusha (before & after the climb)
  • Group transport to and from Moshi to the trail head.
  • Kilimanjaro National Park Permits, camping / hut fees, rescue fees and Value added Tax
  • Expert guide, assistant guides, chef and porters
  • Bottled oxygen, for emergency rescue only
  • Mountain tents, double occupancy
  • Sleeping pad, foam, sleeping bag & trekking poles.
  • Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
  • Fresh nutrition meals on the mountain
  • Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport
  • All ground Transfers
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  • PACKAGE EXCLUDE
  • International flights
  • Tanzanian Visa
  • Trekking gears rentals
  • Tips for guides and cooks
  • All things of personal nature
  • Extra meals and drinks
  • Extended tours