Highlights
Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro
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The most popular route on kilimanjaro
Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro - 7 nights / 8 days Climb
The Lemosho Route is often considered the most beautiful of all the trekking trails up Mount Kilimanjaro.
It is one of the newer routes on the mountain and shares a portion of the same path as Machame route, although it holds a few advantages over that route that definitely makes it worth considering, particularly for travelers who have some extra time.
Starting with the western flanks of Mount Kilimanjaro at the Londorossi Gate, the Lemosho Route wanders its way up one of the more remote sections of the mountain.
The trail takes hikers through a beautiful rain forest where they might have the chance to spot wildlife along the way. Black and white colobus monkeys are routinely seen in the forests, as are blue monkeys, small lizards and a wide assortment of birds. From there, the path wanders out onto the Shira Plateau, crossing it from west to east on relatively flat and easy to walk terrain.
The early days on the Lemosho Route provides plenty of solitude, as this trail sees far less traffic than Machame route and Marangu route. This makes an already-great trekking adventure even more spectacular as at times it will feel like you have the entire mountain to yourself.
Eventually however, Lemosho route merges with Machame route, and the amount of traffic begins to increase. But if you’re looking for a little peace and quiet in the early going of the climb, this is a great option. Itinerary
Day 1 : Lemosho Glades
Day 2 - Shira Plateau
Day 3 - Moir Camp
Day 4 - Barranco Camp
Day 5 - Karanga Camp
Day 6 - Barafu Camp
Day 7 - Summit and Mweka Camp
Day 8 - Mweka Park Gate
Day 1 : Lemosho Glades
From your lodge, we will make our way to the Londorosi gate on the Western side of Mt. Kilimanjaro (a few hours drive from Arusha). We will begin our hike at the Lemosho trail head.
Please note that in rainy/muddy conditions, sometimes the vehicles can’t make it to the true trailhead so there can be some extra hiking – After a picnic lunch, we will hike for about 4 hours to the forest camp.
In the forest, exotic moss and flowers delight the eye while bird calls entertain the ear. You may see Black and White Colobus monkeys as well as signs of the elephants that travel in this area. We will overnight at Forest Camp.
Hiking: 3-4 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~9,498’
Day 2 - Shira Plateau
As we leave the Montane Forest and enter the Hagenia zone, our views open and we will catch our first views of the Kibo peak. This is a good acclimatization hike, as we go up and down several ridges along the way to our highest point of the day at 11,500’ before descending to camp. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
Hiking: 6-9 hours Overnight Altitude 11,500’
Day 3 - Moir Camp
We will traverse the Heath zone of the Shira Plateau and begin climbing the western slope of the Kibo Massif. Along the way, we will enjoy a picnic lunch at Scott Fisher memorial camp (the well-known Mt. Everest guide). We will continue on to the upper heath zone and Moir camp. Depending on the weather, acclimatization hikes can be arranged in the late afternoon.
Hiking: 5-6 hours Overnight Altitude: ~13,650′
Day 4 - Barranco Camp
We leave the heath zone and enter the alpine zone as we hike 4-6 hours past Lava Camp (up to about 14,300’) with its volcanic landscape and then down a bit into the scenic Barranco Valley to camp.
Hiking: 4-6 hoursOvernight Altitude: ~13,044′
Day 5 - Karanga Camp
Ascend the Great Barranco Wall with views of Kilimanjaro’s ice fields, then hike up and down across some small valleys on your way to Karanga Camp.
Hiking: 3-5 hours Overnight Altitude: ~13,106′Day 6 - Barafu Camp
Hike about 3-5 hours to Barafu Camp, again with some ups and downs across small valleys. After settling into camp, we’ll have a demonstration on use of safety equipment such as the Gamow (hyperbolic) bag and oxygen. Early supper and rest in camp before your wake-up call to start your summit ascent around 11:00 PM or midnight.
Hiking: 3-5 hours Overnight Altitude: ~15,100’Day 7 - Summit and Mweka Camp
Summit day. We will start our ascent to the summit (19,340ft – 5,896m) around 11:00 PM or by midnight. The goal for you – and numerous other climbers – is to reach the peak right at sunrise. In reality, due to differences in hiking speed, energy, and altitude acclimatization, there is a several hour span where most climbers reach the summit.
Using headlamps (bring extra lithium batteries, which last much better in cold dark conditions!) you will ascend 6-7 hours to Stella Point and then another 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak, the summit. After a summit celebration and photos, descend to Barafu camp for lunch and then to Mweka camp to sleep overnight.
Hiking: Very variable on both the up and the down; 12-17 hours typical.
Summit: 19,341’
Overnight Altitude: 10,448’
Day 8 - Mweka Park Gate
We make the final descent to the trailhead today, about 3-5 hours hiking. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro and heading back to town. Arrive at your lodge usually between 3-5 PM.
Hiking: 3-5 hours
Lemosho Route 8 Days Itinerary Overview
Starting from Londorossi Gate to the summit and finishing at Mweka Gate. For a day-by-day itinerary for the Lemosho Route
| Day | Start | Altitude (m) | Altitude (ft) | Finish | Altitude (m) | Altitude (ft) | Time (hrs) | Distance (km) | Distance (miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Londorossi Gate | 2,360 | 7,742 | Mti Mkubwa | 2,895 | 9,498 | 3-4 | 6 | 4 |
| 2 | Mti Mkubwa | 2,895 | 9,498 | Shira 2 Camp | 3,505 | 11,500 | 8-10 | 18 | 11 |
| 3 | Shira 2 Camp | 3,505 | 11,500 | Lava Tower | 4,630 | 15,190 | 4-6 | 8 | 4 |
| Lava Tower | 4,630 | 15,190 | Barranco Camp | 3,976 | 13,044 | 2-3 | 3 | 2 | |
| 4 | Barranco Camp | 3,976 | 13,044 | Karanga Camp | 3,995 | 13,106 | 4-5 | 5 | 3 |
| 5 | Karanga Camp | 3,995 | 13,106 | Barafu Camp | 4,673 | 15,331 | 3-4 | 4 | 2 |
| 6 | Barafu Camp | 4,673 | 15,331 | Uhuru Peak | 5,895 | 19,341 | 6-8 | 5 | 3 |
| Uhuru Peak | 5,895 | 19,341 | Mweka Camp | 3,068 | 10,065 | 4-6 | 12 | 7 | |
| 7 | Mweka Camp | 3,068 | 10,065 | Mweka Gate | 1,640 | 5,380 | 3-4 | 10 | 6 |
| Total | 71 | 43 |
Lemosho Route Detailed Itinerary - 7 nights / 8 days Climb
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Arrival Day
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you are met after passing through customs. Transfer to your pre-booked preferred Lodge and have a comprehensive briefing and equipment check with your climbing manager and your guide. Overnight at the Lodge.
Accommodations: Booking based on choice of the climber
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 1
Trek
Arusha to Forest Camp
7,742 ft to 9,498 ft, 4 miles, approx. 3-4 hours
From Arusha, set out in vehicles for the long drive to the starting point of the Lemosho Trail, the Londorossi Gate. Approaching the mountain from the west, the Lemosho Route starts in the Afromontane Rainforest, which is the first of four ecological zones you encounter on Kilimanjaro. Here you meet the rest of your crew and set off at a leisurely pace while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife. Lunch is taken on the trail and camp is reached mid-afternoon. Overnight at Forest Camp.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Trek
Forest Camp to Moir Hut Camp
9,498 ft to 11,500 ft, 5 miles, approx. 5-6 hours
From the forested slopes of Lemosho you ascend through a podocarpus and juniper forest and then break out on to a zone of heather and lichen-draped volcanic rock and the Shira Plateau, which used to be Kilimanjaro’s third peak before it collapsed. Lunch is taken on the trail and you arrive in camp mid-afternoon. The view of Kibo (the peak of Kilimanjaro) is breathtaking from this vantage point. Overnight at Moir Hut.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Trek
Moir Hut Camp to Barranco Camp
13,800 ft to 15,223 ft (Lava Tower), down to 13,044 ft, 7km, 4-6 hours.
From Moir, you traverse the slopes of Kibo. Here relatively little flora or fauna can survive the extreme temperature ranges and conditions that typify this zone. Lunch is normally taken close to a volcanic rock formation known as the Lava Tower. If you feel very strong, there is an optional ascent of the 300-foot-tall, Lava Tower before descending down to Barranco camp in the afternoon, passing through the strange yet beautiful ‘Garden of the Senecios’ (giant groundsel) which also features many giant lobelias. The Barranco Valley is one of the prettiest areas of the entire trail. Overnight at Barranco Camp.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Trek
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
13,044 ft to 13,123 ft, 3 miles, 4-5 hours
You now have a relatively short day to reach Karanga Camp, after conquering the intimidating Barranco Wall. Be prepared to use all four limbs as you traverse the wall to the top of the Karanga Valley. From here, follow a path that sojourns through many inclines and declines to Karanga Camp, arriving in the late afternoon. Our selection of Karanga Camp is strategic – significant time at altitude is essential for safe acclimatization. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering over 3000 feet above you. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Trek
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
15,288 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,467 ft, 3 miles ascent, 7 miles descent, 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent.
Today is another half day ascending to Barafu Camp. Once again lunch is taken in this high camp, allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and, at times, strong winds rip over this camp, yet in the evenings splendid views of Mawenzi peak are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before resting for the evening. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Trek
Barafu to the Summit to Mweka Camp
12,467 ft to 5,380 ft, 6 miles, 3-4 hours
Depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach the summit, and this is the coldest, windiest section of your adventure. Most likely by dawn, as the first rays of light start to appear across the Tanzanian landscape, you arrive near the rim at Stella Point, at an altitude of 18,652ft. Here, you are rewarded with the most glorious sunrise you are ever likely to see, appearing over Mawenzi Peak. Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! Take as many pictures as you can! After a short celebration at the summit, begin the ebullient trek down. Go slowly and enjoy the wonderful rainforest scenery as you head towards Mweka Camp, arriving before dusk. With every step the air has more and more oxygen so although your legs will be jelly, your heart will be light. Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Trek
Mweka Camp to Arusha
After breakfast you descend once again through montane forest and at around midday, after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower and a celebratory dinner!
Hours trekking: 4-7
Departure
Today you have a dayroom to pack, freshen up, and get ready for your flight home or your onward adventures in East Africa.
Included in this Trek
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Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
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Professional, experienced, mountain guides
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All Park fees, Airport transfers, Rescue fees
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All meals while on the Mountain
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Guides, Porters, cook salaries
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Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
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Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
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Clean, purified drinking water
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Oximeter
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Medical Kit
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Emergency oxygen
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Crisis management and safety procedures
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Fair and ethical treatment of porters
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Accommodation in Arusha
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Portable toilet
Items not included
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Flights
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Alcoholic and soft drinks
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Visa fees
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Tips or Personal spending monies for souvenirs etc.
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Travel insurance
Frequently asked questions
The questions and answers below are specific to the Lemosho route.The Lemosho route is considered one of the easiest routes on Kilimanjaro as it’s longer itinerary allows for better acclimatization. However, hikers will still need to ascend the Barranco Wall and climb steeply on summit night. No technical climbing is required but a good level of fitness is highly recommended. You can read more on training to climb Kilimanjaro and our Kilimanjaro training program page to help you prepare accordingly.
The exact trekking distance for the Lemosho Route is 71 km or 43 miles. The shortest number of days required for Lemosho Route is 7 days, but by the time you have added on arrival and departure days, it is 10. However, as it is a much longer approach route, it is actually best done over 8 or 9 days to increase your chances of success.
Due to its longer length profile, summit success rates on the Lemosho route are one of the highest on the mountain. Whilst there are no official statistics, the average success rate across all operators is 90% for the 8 day trek and a 85% success rate for the 7 day trek. However, We have a success rate of over 95% for the 8 day Lemosho route and a 92% success rate for the 7 day option.
The Lemosho Route is considered to be the most scenically beautiful of all the routes. The route takes trekkers from the west side of the mountain through lush rainforest before joining up with the Lemosho Route to cross the spectacular Shira Plateau. The route takes in the west and south of the mountain and the views are incredible, particularly from the southern circuit.
Having a visa is a requirement for US citizens visiting Tanzania. You will have to apply for a visa before you plan on visiting Tanzania, or apply for a tourist visa upon arrival.
You can receive a Tanzania visa upon arrival from the entry port at the Tanzanian airport. While that is still a possibility, it is highly recommended to apply for a visa online ahead of time, either online or at a Tanzanian embassy.
It takes ten days for a Tanzania visa application to be processed. It will also take some extra time to receive approval for their visa upon making payments before you can start traveling to Tanzania.
It is possible to get an E visa for Tanzania if you are required to have a visa. In order to receive an E visa, you will be required to fill out an online form, make the proper payment(s), and submit your application online. You will have to wait at least ten days for your application to be processed and approved.
Strongly Advised Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A: This can be spread via contaminated food and water.
- Tetanus: Tetanus is often present in the soil, and can contaminate open wounds easily. Tetanus vaccine should be used every ten years if travelling.
- Typhoid: Typhoid can also be spread via contaminated food and water, and poor hygiene.
- Diphtheria: This potentially fatal disease is spread mainly via spit, but occasionally through contact with cuts on the skin.
- Yellow Fever: This can be contracted by being bitten by a contaminated mosquito. This vaccination is not essential if you are arriving directly in Tanzania. You do need it though if you plan to arrive through any country that is subject to yellow fever. Simply stopping over at an airport in an affected country should not require vaccination, but leaving the airport even briefly would make it necessary.
Sometimes Advised Vaccinations
- Hepatitis B: This illness is spread via contact with blood or bodily fluids. It is many, many times more virulent than HIV/AIDS. Some 8% of the population of Tanzania are believed to carry the virus.
- Rabies: Rabies is spread via contact between the saliva of any infected animal and an open wound (including bites, but also licking existing wounds). Rabies is fatal unless treated, and treatment of an unvaccinated rabies patient can be very difficult in many parts of Tanzania.
- Tuberculosis: TB is generally contracted through inhaling airborne sputum.
- Cholera: Cholera is spread via contaminated food and water, and poor hygiene.
- Measles: This disease is spread through inhaling sputum.
Those arriving in Tanzania from countries with a high risk of yellow fever are required to get a vaccination before arrival to Tanzania. This is to prevent an outbreak and a national emergency.
Officially, Tanzania has reported no cases of Ebola or suspected Ebola but the WHO has been investigating various claims that the country has concealed potential Ebola cases.
The Zika virus has been found in Tanzania. Of 533 people tested, 15.6% were positive with the virus.
Other Mount Kilimanjaro routes
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Machame Route Kilimanjaro
6 nights / 7 days Climb
- Trek Grading: 5 (Moderate)
- Ages: 10+
- Activity Type : Trek
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Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro
6 nights / 7 days Climb
- Trek Grading: 5 (Moderate)
- Ages: 10+
- Activity Type : Trek
-
Marangu Route Kilimanjaro
6 nights / 7 days Climb
- Trek Grading: 5 (Moderate)
- Ages: 10+
- Activity Type : Trek
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Rongai Route Kilimanjaro
6 nights / 7 days Climb
- Trek Grading: 5 (Moderate)
- Ages: 10+
- Activity Type : Trek
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Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro
7 nights / 8 Days
- Trek Grading: 5 (Moderate)
- Ages: 10+
- Activity Type : Trek
