Lemosho Route

The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the best and most scenic routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, excellent acclimatization profile, and high summit success rate, the Lemosho Route is a favourite choice among experienced trekking operators and adventure travellers from around the world.

Unlike the older and busier routes, such as the Marangu Route and the Machame Route, the Lemosho Route offers a more remote, peaceful, and rewarding trekking experience. The trail begins on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro at Londorossi Gate, passing through lush rainforest, giant heather moorlands, alpine deserts, and stunning glacier zones before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

One of the highlights of the Lemosho Route is the spectacular crossing of the Shira Plateau and the scenic southern circuit, which provides climbers with panoramic views of Kilimanjaro from multiple angles. The route approaches the summit from the east before descending via the beautiful Mweka Trail.

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Start Planing Your Trekking

Arrival on

Arusha

Departure from

Arusha

Transportation

All ground transfers

Maximum Altitude

5895 Meaters

Meals

All listed meals

Accomodation

Camping

Guiding Language

English, French & Spanish

Best Season

June to October & December to March

Group Size

Minimum 2 people

Tour type

Private Camping & Midrange

Maximum Age

Minimum Age

Day 1 – Pick up from the airport

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where a Safari Horizons representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. The drive offers your first glimpse of Tanzania’s beautiful landscapes and, weather permitting, stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the plains.

After check-in, you can relax and recover from your flight while preparing mentally and physically for the climb ahead. Later in the evening, your experienced mountain guide will conduct a detailed trek briefing covering the route, safety procedures, altitude acclimatization, equipment checks, and what to expect during the expedition. This is also the perfect time to ask questions and ensure all your gear is ready for the trek..

Accommodation

✓ Name: Tulia Lodge / Kika
✓ Type: Hotel
✓ Level: Midrange

Day 2 – Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast, depart from Moshi or Arusha and drive to the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro for registration at the Londorossi Gate (2,100m). Following the park formalities, continue by vehicle to the trailhead where your trek officially begins.

Today’s trek covers approximately 6–7 km and takes around 3–4 hours through the lush rainforest zone. The trail is relatively gentle with an elevation gain of about 550 meters, making it a comfortable introduction to the climb. As you hike beneath towering trees and dense tropical vegetation, you may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys and colorful bird species native to Kilimanjaro’s rainforest ecosystem.

By late afternoon, arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m), also known as Big Tree Camp, where your mountain crew will prepare dinner and your overnight camp.

Distance: 6–7 km
Trekking Time: 3–4 Hours

Day 3 – Trekking from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, continue your ascent as the rainforest gradually gives way to the heather and moorland zone. Today’s trek covers approximately 8 km and takes around 5–6 hours with an elevation gain of roughly 850 meters.

As you climb higher, the landscape opens dramatically, revealing spectacular views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak. The terrain becomes steeper in certain sections, but the breathtaking scenery and cool mountain air make the trek incredibly rewarding.

Arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) in the afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy stunning sunset views over the mountain.

Distance: 8 km
Trekking Time: 5–6 Hours

Day 4 – Trekking From Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today is a shorter acclimatization day designed to help your body adjust to the increasing altitude. The trek covers approximately 7 km across the scenic Shira Plateau and takes around 3–4 hours with a gradual elevation gain of about 350 meters.

The relatively gentle pace allows you to fully enjoy the panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and surrounding valleys. This extra acclimatization day plays a crucial role in improving summit success and reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

By early afternoon, arrive at Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) where you can rest, hydrate, and take in the incredible mountain scenery.

Distance: 7 km
Trekking Time: 3–4 Hours

Day 5 – Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Moir Hut Camp

Today is one of the most important acclimatization days on the Lemosho Route. The trail covers approximately 9 km and takes around 5–7 hours to complete. You will ascend steadily to the famous Lava Tower (4,630m) before descending slightly to sleep at Moir Hut Camp (4,200m).

This strategy of “climb high, sleep low” helps your body adapt to higher altitudes more effectively. The day involves an elevation gain of about 780 meters to Lava Tower before descending around 430 meters to Moir Hut Camp.

As you move through the alpine desert zone, the landscape becomes more dramatic with volcanic rock formations, sparse vegetation, and spectacular mountain views. Arriving at the remote Moir Hut Camp offers a peaceful and less crowded overnight experience.

Distance: 9 km
Trekking Time: 5–7 Hours

Day 6 – Trekking from Moir Hut Camp to Barranco Camp

Today’s trek follows the scenic southern circuit of Mount Kilimanjaro and covers approximately 7 km over 5–6 hours. The route involves a gradual descent of about 250 meters toward the beautiful Barranco Valley.

Along the way, enjoy incredible views of glaciers, towering cliffs, valleys, and unique alpine vegetation including giant groundsels. The constantly changing scenery makes this one of the most visually stunning sections of the trek.

Arrive at Barranco Camp (3,950m), widely considered one of the most scenic camps on Kilimanjaro due to its dramatic setting beneath the famous Barranco Wall.

Distance: 7 km
Trekking time: 5–6 Hours

Day 7 – Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, begin the exciting climb up the famous Barranco Wall, one of Kilimanjaro’s most iconic and rewarding sections. Although steep in appearance, the climb is manageable and non-technical with the assistance of your experienced guides.

Today’s trek covers approximately 5 km and takes around 4–5 hours with an overall elevation gain of about 85 meters. After reaching the top of the wall, continue trekking across ridges and valleys while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of glaciers and surrounding peaks.

Arrive at Karanga Camp (4,035m) in the afternoon for rest and acclimatization before the final ascent toward Barafu Camp.

Distance: 5 km
Trekking Time: 4–5 Hours

Day 8 – Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Today’s trek covers approximately 4 km and takes around 4–5 hours with an elevation gain of about 638 meters. The trail gradually ascends through rocky alpine desert terrain toward Barafu Camp (4,673m), the final base camp before summit night.

As you climb higher, the environment becomes colder and more barren, offering dramatic views of Mawenzi Peak and nearby glaciers. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, your crew will prepare an early dinner while you rest and prepare mentally and physically for the summit attempt.

Because the summit climb begins shortly after midnight, it is important to hydrate, eat well, and get as much rest as possible before departure.

Distance: 4 km
Trekking Time: 4–5 Hours

Day 9 – Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Summit day is the most challenging and rewarding part of the entire expedition. Around midnight, begin your ascent toward Uhuru Peak (5,895m) under the stars. The total trekking distance today is approximately 16–18 km and can take anywhere between 10–14 hours including both ascent and descent.

The climb to the summit involves an elevation gain of about 1,222 meters from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak. After reaching Stella Point (5,756m) on the crater rim, continue to the summit where you will witness a breathtaking sunrise above the clouds at the Roof of Africa.

After celebrating your achievement and taking photographs at the summit, descend carefully back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,100m). The descent involves approximately 2,795 meters of elevation loss, making this a long but unforgettable day on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Distance: 16–18 km
Trekking Time: 10–14 Hours

Day 10 – Departure

Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, climbers who successfully reached the summit will receive their official Kilimanjaro summit certificates. Your Safari Horizons driver will then transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved hot shower, relaxation, and overnight stay.

Depending on your flight schedule, airport transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) can be arranged either on the same day or the following day.

PLEASE NOTE: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.

Park entry, camping & rescue fees

18% VAT (tax) on tour fees & services

Three‑season mountain tents

Transportation to/from the mountain gate

Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters

Three meals daily on the mountainc

Filtered (drinking) water throughout the trek

Pre‑ and post‑trek hotel accommodation

Two‑way private airport transfers

Hotel accommodation before/after climb

Fully‑licensed English‑speaking guide(s)

Porter service (personal luggage allowance ~15 kg)

Specialist tent crew to set up campsites

First‑aid kit & pulse oximeters

High‑quality dining & sleeping tents with foam mattresses

Trip completion certificate & farewell dinner

International & domestic flights to/from Tanzania

Visa fees (Tanzanian tourist visa)

Travel insurance (high‑altitude trekking cover)

Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, cooks (≈ $150–300 pp)

Personal trekking gear (e.g. hiking boots, poles)

Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, alcohol, camera batteries)

Vaccinations & malaria prophylaxis

Start Planing Your Trekking

How many days does the trek take?

Standard itineraries span 7–9 days on the mountain, with the preferred 8‑day schedule offering optimal acclimatization

How hard is it, and do I need to be extremely fit?

It’s rated moderately difficult: you’ll cover ~12 km/day at high altitude and tackle steep scree on summit night. Prior multi‑day hiking and gym prep are strongly advised

What’s the summit success rate?

The eight‑day Lemosho Route boasts ~85–90% success, thanks to its gradual ascent profile

When is the best time to climb?

January–March and June–October are the driest, most stable months; peak season (July–September) sees larger crowds but very reliable weather

What equipment and clothing do I need?

Key items: three–season sleeping bag, waterproof trekking boots, layered clothing (base‑mid‑insulation‑shell), warm hat/gloves, trekking poles, headlamp and sun protection

What crew supports me on the mountain?

Each group is backed by English‑speaking guides, cooks and porters (1 guide:4 clients; 1 porter per 15 kg of your luggage) who set up camps, prepare meals and carry gear