Lemosho Route Mount Kilimanjaro Itinerary
The Lemosho Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and rewarding treks, offering a gradual ascent that maximizes acclimatization and summit success rates. Spanning 8 days, this route takes you through lush rainforests, the vast Shira Plateau, and otherworldly high-altitude deserts before your final push to Uhuru Peak. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems, the Lemosho Route is perfect for those seeking a quieter trail with stunning views and a more immersive experience. With its balance of beauty and challenge, this route is a favorite for climbers aiming to savor every step of their Kilimanjaro journey.
Highlights
- Panoramic Views from Shira Plateau
- Diverse Landscapes and Ecosystems
- Excellent Acclimatization Opportunities
- Stunning Views at Lava Tower and Barranco Valley
- Remote and Less Crowded Start
Itinerary
Arrive in Moshi, the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Use this day to settle in, check your gear, and meet your guides for a pre-climb briefing. Rest well and hydrate—your adventure begins tomorrow!
Elevation: 2,100m (6,890 ft) to 2,800m (9,190 ft)
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Your journey starts with a scenic drive to Lemosho Gate, followed by a trek through the lush montane forest. Keep an eye out for blue monkeys and colobus monkeys swinging in the trees above. The trail ascends gently, leading to Big Tree Camp, nestled amidst a towering canopy.
Tip: Wear gaiters to protect against mud and keep your pace slow to conserve energy.
Elevation: 2,800m (9,190 ft) to 3,505m (11,500 ft)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
The trail opens up to reveal rolling moorland and heather-covered hills. You’ll pass through volcanic rock formations that mark the transition from forest to high-altitude terrain. Shira 1 Camp sits on the western edge of the Shira Plateau, offering spectacular views of Kibo Peak.
Highlight: Pause to take in the striking contrast between the dense forest below and the open expanse of the plateau.
Elevation: 3,505m (11,500 ft) to 3,840m (12,600 ft)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Cross the Shira Plateau, a dramatic high-altitude desert carved by ancient volcanic eruptions. The trail gently undulates, providing stunning views of Mount Meru on clear days. By the time you reach Shira 2 Camp, you’ll feel fully immersed in the stark, otherworldly beauty of the alpine zone.
Tip: Use this day to acclimatize—hydrate frequently and monitor your body for signs of altitude sickness.
Elevation: 3,840m (12,600 ft) to 3,960m (13,000 ft)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Begin with a steady ascent to the Lava Tower (4,640m/15,190 ft), where you’ll experience high-altitude trekking firsthand. After lunch at Lava Tower, descend into the Barranco Valley, passing through the giant senecio zone. Barranco Camp, known for its towering backdrop of the Barranco Wall, is your home for the night.
Highlight: Witness the surreal landscape transition from rugged rock to lush valleys filled with giant groundsels and lobelias.
Elevation: 3,960m (13,000 ft) to 4,035m (13,240 ft)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
The day begins with a challenging climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep scramble that rewards you with breathtaking views of the glacier-covered peak above and the valley below. The trail then undulates through alpine terrain, leading to Karanga Camp.
Tip: Use your hands for balance on the Barranco Wall—no technical skills are required, but take it slow and steady.
Elevation: 4,035m (13,240 ft) to 4,640m (15,220 ft)
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
A shorter but steep trek to Barafu Camp sets the stage for your summit attempt. The trail is a mix of volcanic scree and rocky outcrops, with the air growing thinner as you ascend. Rest early tonight to prepare for the midnight push to the summit.
Highlight: Capture the view of Mawenzi Peak glowing under the setting sun.
Elevation: 4,640m (15,220 ft) to 5,895m (19,341 ft) to 3,080m (10,105 ft)
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Summit night begins with a pre-dawn climb to Stella Point (5,739m/18,830 ft), followed by the final push to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. As the sun rises, the glacier-covered summit glows in hues of gold, rewarding you with a moment of triumph. After celebratory photos, descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp.
Tip: Dress in layers and pace yourself—summit night is a test of mental and physical endurance.
Elevation: 3,080m (10,105 ft) to 1,640m (5,380 ft)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
A steady descent through the lush rainforest leads you to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your well-earned summit certificate. Celebrate your achievement with your team before returning to Moshi for a hot shower and a well-deserved rest.
Highlight: Reflect on your incredible journey as you descend through the vibrant forest, alive with birdsong and the chatter of monkeys.
Inclusions/Exclusions
Cost Includes
- Transfer from hotel to mountain
- Meals on the hike
- Salaries for professional guides and porters
- All park fees and taxes
- Wifi at most camps
Cost Excludes
- International flights, Airport taxes, Visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Lunch, dinner and beverages in the hotel
- Snacks and energy bars, Items of a personal nature
- Tips for the climbing crew
- Personal gear rentals and purchases
- Single supplement
- Portable toilet and shower
FAQs for the Lemosho Route
The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October, offering stable weather and clear views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru.
The Lemosho Route is approximately 43 miles (70 km), typically completed over 8 days. Daily hikes range from 5 to 8 hours, except for summit day, which can last 12–16 hours. We start at an elevation of 2,100m (6,890 ft) and climb to 5,895m (19,341 ft) at Uhuru Peak
The Lemosho Route is one of the quieter routes, especially during the first few days before it joins other trails near Barranco Camp. While it’s busier in peak months, it’s still less crowded than routes like Machame or Marangu.
Yes! Its gradual ascent, longer duration and “climb high, sleep low” profile provides excellent acclimatization, improving summit success rates, making it a great choice for first-time climbers.
You will experience some of the most scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro on the Lemosho Route. The Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall and panoramic views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro’s glaciers are standout features.
The Barranco Wall requires some scrambling but no technical climbing skills. It’s a thrilling section of the Lemosho Route and offers stunning views from the top.
Its diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to the scenic Shira Plateau, and quieter trails makes the Lemosho Route one of the most picturesque routes.
Campsites are well-established, with stunning views, spacious areas for tents, and plenty of room to relax after a day of hiking. We use new North Face tents on all of our trips.
It’s not ideal for those with tight schedules due to its longer duration.
In the rainforest, you may encounter colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, birds, and unique plant life such as the Impatiens Kilimanjari. Wildlife sightings decrease at higher altitudes. Alpine vegetation, like giant lobelias, appear higher up.
Lemosho Route
Overall Trip Rating:
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Verified Purchase
By Jo Simmons(United States)August 15, 2023 Truly TransformativeClimbing Mount Kilimanjaro wasn't just about reaching the summit, it was about forging friendships, challenging myself and raising money for the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. It was a truly transformative experience for me.Date of Experience: August 15, 2023
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