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Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro: Ultimate Guide to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and rewarding paths to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its beauty, variety, and high success rate, the Lemosho Route is perfect for trekkers seeking adventure, comfort, and a higher chance of summiting.
This route offers breathtaking views, diverse ecosystems, and a gradual ascent to the roof of Africa at Uhuru Peak. For those serious about reaching the summit, Lemosho is often the top choice.
What is the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route begins on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is less crowded than Machame or Marangu, making it a peaceful and scenic experience.
This route passes through multiple ecological zones:
- Rainforest
- Heather and Moorland
- Alpine desert
- Summit zone
The diverse landscapes make Lemosho a favorite for photographers and nature lovers.
Why Choose the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route has several advantages:
- High success rate: Slow, gradual ascent improves acclimatization.
- Beautiful scenery: Dense forest, open plains, and wide views.
- Less crowded: Fewer trekkers compared to Machame or Marangu.
- Longer duration options: 7–8 days itineraries for better summit success.
- Variety of landscapes: You experience the full diversity of Kilimanjaro.
Lemosho Route Itinerary Overview
Most climbers take 7–8 days for a successful summit attempt. The longer itinerary is highly recommended for better acclimatization.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp
You enter the forest from Londorossi Gate. The path is shaded, full of birds, monkeys, and stunning forest scenery. Big Tree Camp is your first night.
Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
The trail climbs gradually through lush rainforest to the Shira Plateau. You leave dense trees behind and enter wide-open plains.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
You explore the high plateau with its volcanic formations and unique vegetation. Shira 2 Camp offers excellent views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
The trail descends slightly into the lush Barranco Valley. You experience the dramatic landscape changes, including cliffs and rock formations.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
The trail climbs the famous Barranco Wall and enters the alpine desert. Karanga Camp is smaller but well-positioned for the summit push.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
You enter the final high-altitude camp, Barafu, at 4,600 meters. This is the preparation point for your summit attempt.
Day 7: Summit Day to Mweka Camp
You begin your climb at midnight to reach Uhuru Peak. After sunrise at the summit, you descend to Mweka Camp for your final night.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
The descent continues through rainforest to Mweka Gate. This marks the completion of your unforgettable adventure.
Success Rate of Lemosho Route
Lemosho has a higher summit success rate than Marangu or Rongai routes. The gradual ascent and longer itinerary allow your body to acclimatize better.
Tips to increase success:
- Choose 7–8 days itinerary
- Walk slowly (“pole pole”)
- Stay hydrated and eat well
- Listen to your guide’s advice
Best Time to Climb the Lemosho Route
The best periods are during the dry seasons:
- January to March – Clear skies and warm conditions
- June to October – Popular season, excellent summit conditions
Avoid the rainy seasons (April–May, November) to prevent slippery trails and poor visibility.
Lemosho Route Difficulty Level
The Lemosho Route is considered moderate to challenging. It is not technical, but it is physically demanding due to long days and high altitude.
Altitude sickness is the main challenge. Proper acclimatization and a slower pace are key to reaching the summit safely.
What Makes Lemosho Route Unique?
Lemosho stands out for its:
- Scenic diversity: Forest, moorland, desert, summit
- Longer itinerary options for high success
- Fewer crowds, more tranquility
- Gradual ascent to improve acclimatization
- Stunning sunrise and sunset views on the plateau
It is perfect for adventure seekers and photographers who want a less crowded, more scenic route.
Essential Gear for Lemosho Route
Proper packing ensures a successful trek. Essentials include:
- Warm layers and down jacket
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Hiking boots and gaiters
- Sleeping bag (rated for cold temperatures)
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Water bottles and hydration packs
- Trekking poles
Even though the route is moderate, temperatures can drop below freezing near the summit.
Tips for a Successful Lemosho Climb
- Start early each day to adjust pace
- Drink at least 3 liters of water per day
- Eat energy-rich meals
- Rest during acclimatization days
- Capture photos, but don’t rush the climb
Mental preparation is as important as physical fitness.
Combine Lemosho Route with Safari and Zanzibar
Many travelers combine the Lemosho Route with other Tanzania experiences:
- Serengeti National Park – Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration
- Ngorongoro Crater – Explore stunning landscapes and wildlife
- Zanzibar – Relax on tropical beaches after your climb
This combination creates a complete Tanzanian adventure.
Conclusion: Book Now Your Lemosho Route Adventure Today
The Lemosho Route offers a breathtaking, scenic, and successful climb to the roof of Africa. Its longer itinerary, gradual ascent, and natural beauty make it ideal for serious trekkers and beginners alike. Regulations and permit kilimanjaro national park
Stand on Uhuru Peak, experience unforgettable landscapes, and make memories that last a lifetime. Book your Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro adventure today.
Day 0: Arrival Day
Once you arrived at the airport, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
Itineraries
Day 1: Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Your Plan
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Lemosho Park Gate. From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Your Plan
After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Your Plan
After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.
Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
Your Plan
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Your Plan
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Your Plan
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Your Plan
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
Your Plan
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 30 minutes).
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Related Trips
The Marangu Route
The Marangu Route is also known as the “Tourist Route” and the “Coca-Cola Route.” This is because Marangu is the most popular route on the mountain, and thus is considered “touristy”, and because the route is the only one that offers sleeping huts, which serve beverages like Coca-Cola, on the way.
UMBWE ROUTE 6 DAYS
The Umbwe Route is a challenging and scenic 6-day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, renowned for its steep ascent and less crowded trails. Starting at the Umbwe Gate, the journey swiftly climbs through dense rainforest, transitioning into moorland and alpine desert as you ascend.
SHIRA ROUTE 6 DAYS
The Kilimanjaro Climbing Shira Route is one of the most scenic and less crowded paths to the summit of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. The Shira Route begins on the western side of the mountain, offering trekkers a unique and breathtaking approach. Unlike other routes, the Kilimanjaro Climb Shira Route starts at a higher altitude, making it an exciting option for adventure seekers who want to experience the beauty of the Shira Plateau while gradually acclimatizing to the elevation.