Climb Kilimanjaro
Lemosho Route Duration – 8 Days
Lemosho Route, a Newer, Exciting Climb
The Lemosho route is one of the newer and most exciting ways to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s our top choice for climbers because it offers the perfect mix of low traffic, stunning scenery, and a high summit success rate. Our clients rave about their experiences on this trail. The adventure begins in the west 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 only touches the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route takes you across the entire plain from west to east with a pleasant, relatively flat hike. One of the great perks of this route is the low traffic you’ll encounter until it merges with the Machame route. After that, the Lemosho route follows the same path through the spectacular landscapes of Lava Tower, Barranco, and Barafu, known collectively as the Southern Circuit. The descent is a scenic journey via the Mweka route, wrapping up an unforgettable adventure on Africa’s highest peak.
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Trip Duration:
8 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:
7,742 ft to 9,498 ft -
Climb Time:
3-4 hours -
Distance:
6 km -
Habitat:
Rainforest
Your adventure kicks off with a scenic drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, where you’ll complete the necessary entry formalities. After a short drive to the Lemosho trailhead, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch to fuel up for the hike ahead.
The trek begins through the dense and vibrant rainforest, where towering trees and diverse wildlife surround you. The path winds up to Mti Mkubwa Camp, your first campsite, offering a peaceful setting to rest and acclimate. This initial hike sets the stage for the incredible journey up Mount Kilimanjaro.
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Elevation:
7,742 ft to 9,498 ft -
Climb Time:
3-4 hours -
Distance:
6 km -
Habitat:
Rainforest
Leaving Mti Mkubwa Camp, the trail takes you out of the rainforest and into a stunning savannah. Here, you’ll hike through tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. The ascent continues through lush rolling hills and across several streams, adding variety to the terrain.
As you climb higher, you’ll reach the Shira Ridge, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The path then gently descends to Shira Camp 1. You’ll have an incredible view of Kibo across the plateau from this camp, making for a memorable end to your day’s hike. This segment of the trek not only challenges your endurance but also rewards you with the beauty of Kilimanjaro’s diverse environments.
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Elevation:
11,500 ft to 13,800 ft -
Climb Time:
5-7 hours -
Distance:
11 km -
Habitat:
Heath
Today, you’ll spend a whole day exploring the stunning Shira Plateau. The journey begins with a gentle walk eastward toward Kibo’s glaciated peak, crossing the expansive plateau. You’ll approach Shira 2 camp in picturesque moorland meadows by a tranquil stream.
From there, the trek continues to Moir Hut, a less-frequented site at the base of Lent Hills. This area offers a variety of walking routes on Lent Hills, providing excellent opportunities for acclimatization. The Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth, presents a unique landscape and breathtaking views, making today’s hike both a physical challenge and a visual delight.
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Elevation:
13,800 ft to 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft -
Climb Time:
6-8 hours -
Distance:
10 km -
Habitat:
Alpine Desert
Starting from Moir Hut, you’ll head east up a ridge from the Shira Plateau, passing the junction that leads towards the peak of Kibo. The path then changes direction to the southeast, guiding you toward the impressive Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” You’ll approach a second junction near Arrow Glacier at 16,000 ft shortly after reaching Lava Tower.
From this high point, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, situated at 13,044 ft. Although you finish the day at a similar elevation to where you began, this trek is crucial for acclimatization and will help prepare your body for the summit attempt. The varied terrain and significant altitude changes make this day both challenging and rewarding, offering stunning views and an essential adjustment period for your body.
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Elevation:
13,044 ft to 13,106 ft -
Climb Time:
4-5 hours -
Distance:
5 km -
Habitat:
Alpine Desert
Today’s adventure begins with the thrilling challenge of climbing and scrambling over the 1,200 ft Barranco Wall, a volcanic rock formation that tests your skills and endurance. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a well-earned lunch break and stunning views of Barafu and Mount Meru.
After soaking in the scenery, the trek continues across ridges and valleys, leading you to the Karanga Valley campsite. This shorter hike is designed for acclimatization, giving your body time to adjust to the altitude. Enjoy the relatively easy day and the breathtaking landscapes as you prepare for the final stages of your Kilimanjaro journey.
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Elevation:
13,106 ft to 15,331 ft -
Climb Time:
4-5 hours -
Distance:
4 km -
Habitat:
Alpine Desert
After breakfast at Karanga Camp, you’ll set out towards the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. From there, you’ll continue your ascent to Barafu Hut. This section marks the completion of the Southern Circuit, offering spectacular views of the summit from various angles.
Upon reaching Barafu Camp, you’ll set up camp and enjoy an early dinner. This is your final stop before the summit attempt, so it’s crucial to rest and prepare for the big day ahead. The camp offers stunning views of the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo, adding to the anticipation and excitement of the upcoming challenge.
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Elevation:
15,331 ft to 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft -
Climb Time:
11-14 hours -
Distance:
17 km -
Habitat:
Arctic
In the early morning hours, around midnight, you’ll bundle up in many layers of clothing and begin your final ascent to the summit. Heading northwest, you’ll ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This segment is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek.
Upon reaching Stella Point at 18,600 ft, you’ll take a short rest and witness one of the most magnificent sunrises you’ll ever see. From here, it’s just one more hour of trekking to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers may catch the sunrise from the summit itself, a truly unforgettable experience.
You’ll begin the long descent after celebrating your incredible achievement at Uhuru Peak. You’ll head straight down to Mweka Hut, stopping at Barafu for a well-deserved lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, providing a different scenic environment as you descend. Later in the evening, you’ll enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, reflecting on the remarkable journey you’ve completed.
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Elevation:
10,065 ft to 5,380 ft -
Climb Time:
3-4 hours -
Distance:
10 km -
Habitat:
Rainforest
After a hearty breakfast at Mweka Camp, you’ll embark on the final leg of your descent. The trail winds down through the lush rainforest, where the lower elevations can be wet and muddy, adding an adventurous twist to your journey.
Upon reaching the Mweka Park Gate, you’ll receive your well-deserved summit certificates, a proud reminder of your incredible achievement. From the gate, it’s another hour’s walk to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. There, you can finally relax, enjoy a hot shower, and celebrate your successful climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.