Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro · The Scenic Route

Lemosho Route · 8 Days

Widely considered the most beautiful route, with a remote wilderness feel and excellent acclimatization over 8 days.

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All Kilimanjaro routes
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Difficulty
Moderate–Challenging
Sleeping
Camping
Summit
Uhuru Peak 5,895m

Overview

About the route

Lemosho is widely considered the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro. It starts on the western side of the mountain and offers a remote, wilderness feel for the first few days before joining the main trail.

The 8-day duration is perfect for acclimatization, giving excellent summit success rates — the ideal balance of scenery, solitude and success.

Best for: Climbers who want the best scenery and acclimatization

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1
    Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp

    Day 1

    Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp

    2,100m → 2,650m 3–4 hours

    Drive to Londorossi Gate on the western slopes, then trek through pristine, rarely-visited rainforest to Mti Mkubwa — 'Big Tree' camp.

  2. 2
    Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

    Day 2

    Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

    2,650m → 3,500m 5–6 hours

    Leave the forest for heath and moorland, cresting the Shira Ridge before dropping onto the vast, ancient Shira caldera.

  3. 3
    Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp

    Day 3

    Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp

    3,500m → 3,850m 4–5 hours

    An easy crossing of the high Shira Plateau, with Kibo's glaciers growing ever closer. Great acclimatization and big-sky views.

  4. 4
    Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

    Day 4

    Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

    3,850m → 4,630m → 3,960m 6–8 hours

    The classic climb-high, sleep-low day: up to the volcanic plug of Lava Tower, then down into the Barranco Valley among giant senecios.

  5. 5
    Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

    Day 5

    Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

    3,960m → 3,995m 4–5 hours

    Conquer the Barranco Wall, a fun hands-on scramble with huge views, then traverse to Karanga Camp in the afternoon.

  6. 6
    Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

    Day 6

    Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

    3,995m → 4,673m 3–4 hours

    A short climb through alpine desert to Barafu base camp. Final briefing, gear check, early dinner and rest before the summit night.

  7. 7
    Barafu to Uhuru Peak, then Mweka Camp

    Day 7

    Barafu to Uhuru Peak, then Mweka Camp

    4,673m → 5,895m → 3,100m 12–14 hours

    Start around midnight for Stella Point and Uhuru Peak at sunrise — the highest point in Africa. Celebrate, then descend to Mweka Camp.

  8. 8
    Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

    Day 8

    Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

    3,100m → 1,640m 3–4 hours

    Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate for your summit certificate and a transfer back to Moshi.

Route map

Lemosho Route map

Lemosho Route map

Included

  • 2 transfers between Moshi and Londorossi Gate
  • 3 meals per day while trekking (veg / non-veg)
  • 8 days Kilimanjaro trek on the Lemosho Route
  • Camping accommodation while trekking
  • Pre/post nights B&B at Zebra Hotel or equivalent
  • All park entrance fees and government levies
  • Professional, licensed mountain guides, cook and porters
  • Summit certificate

Not included

  • Personal mountain gear
  • Meals outside the regular itinerary
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Airfares and airport taxes
  • Double room supplement for hotel
  • International visas & medical/travel insurance

Health & preparation

Most able-bodied people aged 10+ can hike Kilimanjaro, but preparation and care are essential. We recommend at least one month of physical training and waterproof equipment for the rainy season. Your guides check your health twice daily on the mountain.

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Ready to climb the Lemosho Route?

Private departures any day of the year. Add a safari or Zanzibar beach break after your summit and we'll plan it all.