Lemosho Route
LEMOSHO ROUTE - 8 DAYS
- 11 Days / 10 nights (8 days on the mountain)
- Kilimanjaro
Lemosho is a beautiful route with gentle ascents approaching the mountain from the west. We check-in at the Lemosho Gate and ascend for the first two days from the Lemosho Glades through a gorgeous rain forest. We come out onto the Shira Plateau, providing stunning views of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s main peak. Crossing the plateau and proceeding in a counter-clockwise direction below the southern face of the mountain, the route takes you to Lava Tower for magnificent 360 degree vistas; the Great Barranco Wall, a challenging and exhilarating rock scramble; and approaches Uhuru Peak from Barafu and the ridge that abuts the Southeast Valley. The climb from Barafu offers incredible views of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s remnant volcanic cone.
Route climbable year-round. January through March and mid-June through October are driest months.
Perfect combination of extra acclimatization, less trampled trail on the lower sections, and views of Kibo peak from three sides.
- Beautiful route with gentle ascents approaching from the west.
- Stunning views of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s main peak.
- Overnight in the remote Lava Tower camp with views of the Western Breach.
- A challenging and exhilarating rock scramble up the Great Barranco Wall.
GALLERY / PHOTOS
Start from $2160
ROUTE MAP
DISCOVER THE LEMOSHO ROUTE
Explore the stunning landscapes of Kilimanjaro with our detailed Lemosho Route map. Known for its breathtaking scenery and less crowded trails, this route offers an unforgettable climb to the summit. Plan your adventure with confidence and experience the beauty of Tanzania like never before!
Kilimanjaro – Lemosho Route
Daily Distance, Time & Elevation
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| Day | Activity / Location | Hiking Distance | Hiking Time | Elevation Start | Elevation Finish | Elevation Gain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival | – | – | 6,000’ / 1830m | – | – |
| 2 | Lemosho to Big Tree Camp | 3.0 mi / 4.9 km | 3 hrs | 7,840’ / 2390m | 9,140’ / 2790m | 1,300’ / 400m |
| 3 | Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp | 4.7 mi / 7.6 km | 6 hrs | 9,140’ / 2790m | 11,420’ / 3480m | 2,280’ / 690m |
| 4 | Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp | 5.3 mi / 8.5 km | 4 hrs | 11,420’ / 3480m | 12,750’ / 3885m | 1,330’ / 405m |
| 5 | Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Camp | 5.9 mi / 9.5 km | 5 hrs | 12,750’ / 3885m | 15,230’ / 4640m | 2,480’ / 755m |
| 6 | Lava Tower to Karanga Camp | 5.9 mi / 9.5 km | 6 hrs | 15,230’ / 4640m | 13,250’ / 4040m | -1,980’ / -600m |
| 7 | Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp | 2.4 mi / 3.9 km | 4 hrs | 13,250’ / 4040m | 15,360’ / 4680m | 2,110’ / 640m |
| 8 | Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Millennium | 3 mi up / 5.3 mi down | 10–11 hrs | 15,360’ / 4680m | 19,340’ → 12,530’ | +3980’ / -6810’ |
| 9 | Millennium to Mweka Gate | 8.5 mi / 13.7 km | 4 hrs | 12,530’ / 3820m | 5,380’ / 1640m | -7,150’ / -2180m |
| 10 | Moshi Town Tour / Departure | – | – | – | – | – |
🗓️ Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Kilimanjaro 🌍
Welcome to Tanzania! Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to Marangu at the mountain’s foothills (approx. 2 hours). Settle in and prepare for the climb.
Overnight: Marangu Hotel | Meals: D
Day 2 – Lemosho Gate → Big Tree Camp 🌿
Drive to Londorossi Gate and start your hike through lush rainforest alive with colobus monkeys and tropical birds.
Overnight: Big Tree Camp | Meals: B,L,D
Day 3 – Big Tree → Shira 1 Camp 🌄
Ascend onto the Shira Plateau for the first panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. Vegetation shifts from forest to heather moorland.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp | Meals: B,L,D
Day 4 – Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp 🏕️
An easy-paced acclimatization trek across open plateau with dramatic mountain views and strange giant groundsels.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp | Meals: B,L,D
Day 5 – Shira 2 → Lava Tower 🧗
Climb into the alpine desert zone toward Lava Tower at 15,000 ft. Excellent day for altitude adjustment.
Overnight: Lava Tower Camp | Meals: B,L,D
Day 6 – Lava Tower → Karanga Camp 🥾
Descend into the Barranco Valley, climb the Barranco Wall, and reach Karanga—one of the route’s most scenic camps.
Overnight: Karanga Camp | Meals: B,L,D
Day 7 – Karanga → Barafu Camp ⛰️
Gradual ascent to Barafu, the base camp for your summit attempt. Early dinner and rest before the big day.
Overnight: Barafu Camp | Meals: B,L,D
Day 8 – Summit Day: Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Millennium 🎉
Start at midnight to reach Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft) at sunrise. Celebrate your achievement before descending to Millennium Camp.
Overnight: Millennium Camp | Meals: B,L,D
Day 9 – Millennium → Mweka Gate 🌳
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Enjoy a celebration lunch and receive your summit certificate before heading to Moshi.
Overnight: Ameg Lodge | Meals: B,L,D
Day 10 – Moshi Town & Departure ✈️
Explore local markets or relax before your transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport. Optional safari or Zanzibar extensions available.
Meals: B
Trip Inclusions
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi / Arusha (before & after climb)
- Group transport to and from the trailhead
- Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, rescue fees, and VAT
- Expert guide, assistant guides, cook, and porters
- Bottled oxygen (for emergency use)
- Private toilet tent
- Four-season mountain tents (double occupancy)
- Sleeping pad (foam, 1.5 inch thick)
- Mess tents, tables, chairs, and lanterns
- Fresh, nutritious meals on the mountain
Exclusions
Tips, drinks, extra meals or accommodation, travel insurance, flights, visas, and personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.).
Disclaimer
Trip prices are based on Rocky Africa Experience costs and supplier rates at booking time. Prices may change if park fees, fuel, or exchange rates fluctuate.