Lemosho Route
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Climb Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route
A Scenic and Gradual Ascent to Kilimanjaro’s Summit
The Lemosho Route is one of the most beautiful and well-balanced ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from the remote western side of the mountain, it gives you a peaceful start with fewer crowds, stunning views, and a steady pace that helps your body adjust to the altitude.
This route is loved by experienced trekkers and first-time climbers alike for its high success rate, diverse scenery, and great acclimatization profile. Whether you choose the 7-day or 8-day version, you’ll enjoy a rewarding journey through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and ultimately to the glaciers at Uhuru Peak.
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Lemosho Route Itinerary
7-Day
Arrival & Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation, where your guide will conduct a full briefing and equipment check to prepare you for the adventure ahead.
Overnight Stay:
🏨 Classic: Ameg Lodge | Premium: Kaliwa Lodge
🥾 Trek Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
📍 Londorossi Gate (2,100m/6,890ft) → Mti Mkubwa (2,650m/8,690ft)
📈 Elevation Gain: 550m / 1,800ft
⏳ Duration: 3–4 hours
After registration, begin your trek through lush rainforest with a good chance of spotting monkeys and colorful birds. You’ll reach Mti Mkubwa, or “Big Tree Camp,” by late afternoon.
🥾 Trek Day 2: Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp
📍 Mti Mkubwa (2,650m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,610m/11,843ft)
📈 Elevation Gain: 960m / 3,150ft
⏳ Duration: 5–6 hours
Today, the trail climbs out of the forest and into the moorland zone. The views open up dramatically as you cross the Shira Plateau—an ancient lava flow.
🥾 Trek Day 3: Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp
📍 Shira 1 (3,610m) → Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,630ft)
📈 Elevation Gain: 240m / 787ft
⏳ Duration: 3–4 hours
A relaxing day with gentle ups and downs across the plateau. You’ll get your first glimpse of Kibo Peak and acclimatize slowly as you settle into camp.
🥾 Trek Day 4: Shira 2 – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
📍 Shira 2 (3,850m) → Lava Tower (4,600m) → Barranco Camp (3,976m)
📈 Elevation Gain: 750m up / 624m down
⏳ Duration: 6–7 hours
This is an acclimatization day. You hike high to Lava Tower, then descend to sleep at Barranco—this “climb high, sleep low” approach helps your body adapt to the altitude.
🥾 Trek Day 5: Barranco – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
📍 Barranco Camp (3,976m) → Karanga Camp (4,035m) → Barafu Camp (4,673m)
📈 Elevation Gain: 697m / 2,286ft
⏳ Duration: 8–9 hours
Your day starts with a climb up the iconic Barranco Wall—a steep but rewarding scramble with epic views. After a short break at Karanga Camp, you’ll continue on a steady uphill trek through alpine desert to Barafu Camp. This is your base for the summit attempt. Eat an early dinner and get some rest before the midnight push to Uhuru Peak.
🥾 Trek Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
📍 Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,330ft) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) → Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,204ft)
📈 Elevation Gain: 1,222m / 4,011ft up ⬆️, 2,785m / 9,137ft down ⬇️
⏳ Duration: 12–14 hours
Summit day begins around midnight under a sky full of stars. The trail is long and steep, but slow and steady wins the race. After reaching Stella Point (5,739m), continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement, take photos, and begin the descent to Mweka Camp. Expect sore legs and a deep, satisfying sleep.
🥾 Trek Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
- Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft) to Mweka Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)
- Elevation Gain: 1,280 meters / 4,220 feet
📍 Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,204ft) → Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft)
📈 Elevation Loss: 1,470m / 4,823ft
⏳ Duration: 3–4 hours
Your final day is a gentle downhill walk through lush rainforest, filled with birdsong and maybe even monkeys. At Mweka Gate, you’ll sign out, receive your summit certificates, and meet your driver for the return to Moshi.
Departure or Onward Travel
🚗 Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, or continue your Tanzanian adventure!
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What Are the Benefits of Choosing the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route is widely considered the most scenic and well-balanced trail on Mount Kilimanjaro — and for good reason. It offers a perfect blend of beauty, challenge, and acclimatization, making it one of the top choices for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
Unlike other routes, Lemosho begins on the remote western side of the mountain, giving you a peaceful start through untouched rainforest before merging with the busier Machame Route later on. This means fewer crowds at the beginning, more wildlife sightings, and breathtaking panoramic views from start to finish.
Another reason to choose Lemosho? Success rate. Thanks to its longer itinerary (7 or 8 days), you gain altitude more gradually — giving your body time to adjust. That greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit safely and feeling strong on summit night.
If you’re looking for a route that offers incredible scenery, solid acclimatization time, and a rewarding adventure without the early crowds, Lemosho is hard to beat.
How Long Will It Take to Complete the Machame Route?
The Lemosho Route is typically completed in 7 or 8 days, depending on your chosen itinerary. The 8-day option includes an extra acclimatization day at Karanga Camp, increasing your chances of reaching the summit comfortably. The extended duration makes it one of the best routes for altitude adjustment and a more relaxed trekking pace.
What Is the Cost Associated with The Lemosho Route?
Prices for the Lemosho Route vary depending on group size and service level, but here’s a general breakdown:
7-Day Trek: Starting from $2,200 – $2,700 per person
8-Day Trek: Starting from $2,400 – $2,900 per person
These costs typically include park fees, guide and porter support, meals, tents, and transportation. Private climbs and luxury packages are also available at higher rates.
What Are the Campsites Along the Lemosho Route?
Unlike the Marangu Route, Lemosho is a camping-only trek. You’ll sleep in high-quality mountain tents provided by your tour operator. Campsites like Shira, Barranco, and Barafu offer incredible views—think sunrises above the clouds and star-filled nights. All meals are prepared fresh by your mountain chef, and you’ll have a dining tent for comfort.
How Crowded Is the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route starts on the remote western side of Kilimanjaro, which means fewer trekkers on the first few days. It merges with the Machame Route on Day 4, so it gets busier near the summit. Still, Lemosho is less crowded than Marangu or Machame in the early stages, offering a more peaceful and scenic start.
What Are Our Impressions of The Lemosho Route?
Lemosho is often considered the most beautiful and well-balanced route up Kilimanjaro. It combines excellent scenery, great acclimatization, and a high summit success rate. Most experienced guides recommend it for first-time climbers looking for the best chance of success without rushing. The western approach also offers a more remote wilderness experience early in the trek.
Lemosho Route
Lemosho begins where others don’t — and that makes all the difference.
📖 Check Our Kilimanjaro Guide
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🎯 Expert Advice for Your Climb
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Related Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Guide
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10 Questions About Lemosho Route
1. How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route?
Most climbers complete the Lemosho Route in 7 or 8 days. The 8-day option includes an extra acclimatization day, improving your chances of reaching the summit.
3. What’s the summit success rate on the Lemosho Route?
Lemosho has one of the highest success rates of all Kilimanjaro routes — up to 90% for the 8-day itinerary, due to its gradual altitude gain and excellent acclimatization profile.
5. How crowded is the Lemosho Route?
Lemosho starts on the quiet western side of the mountain, so the first few days are peaceful and uncrowded. It merges with the busier Machame Route near Lava Tower, but overall it’s less crowded than routes like Marangu.
7. Is the Lemosho Route suitable for beginners?
Yes, especially if you choose the 8-day version. The longer itinerary gives beginners more time to acclimatize and rest, increasing their summit success and comfort.
9. Do I need to train for the Lemosho Route?
Training is highly recommended. Aim for cardio, strength, and endurance workouts. Long hikes with a backpack are the best way to prepare for the altitude and daily trekking hours.
2. Is the Lemosho Route difficult?
Lemosho is considered moderate to challenging. It’s not technical, but summit day is long and tough. The longer duration helps with acclimatization, making it manageable for most fit trekkers.
4. Is the Lemosho Route scenic?
Yes — Lemosho is often called the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro. It offers diverse landscapes, from rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and glacier views.
6. What kind of accommodation is available on the Lemosho Route?
Lemosho is a camping route only. You’ll sleep in high-quality tents at designated campsites. Porters carry and set up all camping gear for you.
8. What’s the best time to climb the Lemosho Route?
The best months are January–March and June–October, when the weather is drier and visibility is better. These periods offer safer trekking and clearer summit views.
10. Why choose the Lemosho Route over other routes?
Lemosho offers the best mix of scenery, success rate, and crowd control. It’s ideal for trekkers who want a more remote experience with a higher chance of summiting.
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