Climb Kilimanjaro
Lemosho Route Duration – 6 Days
A Superb Choice for Your Kilimanjaro Climb
The Lemosho route is one of the newer and most favoured paths up Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low traffic, stunning scenery, and a high summit success rate. Most of our clients choose this route and absolutely love it.
Starting from the west, the Lemosho route begins with a scenic drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, you’ll spend the first two days trekking through the lush rainforest to Shira Ridge. Unlike the popular Machame route, which intersects the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route crosses the entire plain from west to east with a pleasant, relatively flat hike. A bonus is the low traffic you’ll encounter until the route merges with the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same path through Lava Tower, Barranco, and Barafu, known as the southern circuit. The descent is made via the Mweka route.
We do not recommend the six-day Lemosho route variation because it is difficult to cover the distance and elevation quickly. Specifically, the journey from Forest Camp to Shira 2 on day two is quite long and involves an elevation gain of 3,000 feet. Due to the quick pace so early in the climb, climbers might experience altitude sickness.
Moreover, combining day four and day five creates a very tough schedule. Day four involves a full day of trekking from Barranco to Barafu. After dinner and a partial night’s sleep, the strenuous summit day begins around midnight. The six-day Lemosho route requires 19-24 hours of demanding walking at extremely high elevations, with only 4-6 hours of sleep.
Opting for a longer Lemosho route itinerary allows for better acclimatization and a more enjoyable climb. This route offers a perfect blend of beauty, challenge, and success, making it an exceptional choice for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
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Trip Duration:
6 days
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Route:
Lemosho Route
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Your Day to Day Itinerary
All our itineraries are suggestions; they can be adapted and customised to suit your needs and preferences or for any seasonal changes or migratory animal movements.
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Elevation:
7,800ft to 9,500ft -
Climb Time:
3-4 hours -
Distance:
6 km -
Habitat:
Rainforest
Your adventure begins with a drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, which takes about four hours. After completing the entry formalities, you’ll drive another hour to reach the Lemosho trailhead.
Upon arrival at the trailhead, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch before starting your trek through the undisturbed forest. The trail winds through the lush rainforest, leading you to your first campsite at Forest Camp. This initial hike offers a beautiful introduction to the diverse landscapes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
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Elevation:
7,800ft to 9,500ft -
Climb Time:
3-4 hours -
Distance:
6 km -
Habitat:
Rainforest
Leaving Forest Camp, you’ll continue on a trail that leads out of the dense forest into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock adorned with lichen beards. As you ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, you’ll reach the stunning Shira Ridge before gently descending to Shira Camp 1.
The view of Kibo from across the plateau is breathtaking. From Shira Camp 1, you’ll enjoy a gentle walk east towards Kibo’s glaciated peak, crossing the plateau to reach Shira Camp 2. This campsite is located in moorland meadows by a serene stream, offering a peaceful resting spot after a long day’s hike. The journey through this diverse landscape is both challenging and incredibly rewarding, with panoramic views that will leave you in awe.
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Elevation:
12,500ft to 13,000ft -
Climb Time:
6-8 hours -
Distance:
10 km -
Habitat:
Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, you’ll head east up a ridge, passing the junction that leads towards the peak of Kibo. As you continue, the direction changes to the southeast towards the impressive Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after passing the tower, you’ll reach the second junction, which brings you up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft.
After taking in the views at Arrow Glacier, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp at 13,000ft. Here, you’ll rest, enjoy dinner, and spend the night. Although you end the day at the same elevation where you started, this day is crucial for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for the summit day. This climb through the semi-desert landscape offers dramatic views and a valuable opportunity to adapt to the altitude.
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Elevation:
13,000ft to 15,000ft -
Climb Time:
8-10 hours -
Distance:
9 km -
Habitat:
Alpine Desert
After breakfast, you’ll depart from Barranco Camp, tackling the steep ridge that leads up the famous Barranco Wall. Your journey continues to the Karanga Valley campsite, where you can rest briefly. From Karanga, you’ll proceed to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.
Continuing your ascent, you’ll reach Barafu Hut, your base camp for the summit push. You will have completed the South Circuit by this point, which provides stunning summit views from multiple angles. At Barafu Camp, you’ll set up camp, rest, have dinner, and prepare for the summit day. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy incredible views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, fueling your excitement for the final ascent.
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Elevation:
15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft) -
Climb Time:
7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent -
Distance:
5 km ascent / 12 km descent -
Habitat:
Arctic
In the early morning, between midnight and 2 am, you’ll set out from Barafu Camp to make your final ascent to the summit. You will navigate between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, heading northwest and climbing through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This section of the trek is the most mentally and physically challenging.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you’ll take a short rest and, weather permitting, be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise. From here, the ascent to the summit takes about an hour and may involve trekking through snow. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, you’ll stand at the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers might even catch the sunrise from the summit.
After savouring the moment at the summit, you’ll begin your descent, heading straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite. You’ll stop at Barafu for lunch. Be prepared for the loose gravel on the way down with gaiters and trekking poles. Mweka Camp is in the upper forest, where you can expect mist or rain in the late afternoon. You’ll enjoy your last dinner on the mountain in the evening and a well-deserved rest.
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Elevation:
10,000ft to 5,400ft -
Climb Time:
3-4 hours -
Distance:
10 km -
Habitat:
Rainforest
After breakfast, you’ll continue your descent to the Mweka Park Gate, where you’ll receive your well-deserved summit certificates. The trail at lower elevations can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful. Shorts and t-shirts should be comfortable, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
From the gate, you’ll hike for another hour to reach Mweka Village. A vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. Enjoy the ride back, reflecting on the incredible journey you’ve just completed.