Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route — 8 Days
Our recommended route: a quiet western start, wide views across the Shira Plateau and an unhurried, well-acclimatised summit approach.
- Duration
- 8 days on the mountain
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Start
- Londorossi Gate (Lemosho trailhead)
- From
- $2,945 pp · join a group
Route overview
The Lemosho Route starts on the remote western side of Kilimanjaro, crosses the Shira Plateau and joins the southern circuit below the Western Breach. Eight days on the mountain give your body time to adjust to the altitude.
It is a challenging trek — the summit night is long, cold and steep — but no technical climbing is required.
- Starting point
- Londorossi Gate (Lemosho trailhead) (≈2,250 m)
- Finish
- Mweka Gate (≈1,640 m)
- Accommodation on the mountain
- Mountain tents at designated campsites
- Scenery
- Remote rainforest, Shira Plateau, southern circuit views
- Acclimatisation
- Very good — gradual ascent with a 'climb high, sleep low' day via Lava Tower and eight days on the mountain.
- Best for
- First-time climbers who want the best acclimatisation · Photographers · Quieter trails at the start
Route map & elevation
Day-by-day trekking itinerary
- Day01
Rainforest to Mti Mkubwa
Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp
Registration at Londorossi Gate, a drive to the trailhead and a gentle walk through rainforest.
- Sleep altitude
- ≈2,650 m
- Distance · time
- ≈6 km · 3–4 h
- Habitat
- Montane rainforest
- Overnight
- Tented camp
- Meals
- Lunch · Dinner
- Day02
Up to the Shira Plateau
Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp
Leave the forest and climb onto the edge of the Shira Plateau.
- Sleep altitude
- ≈3,610 m
- Distance · time
- ≈8 km · 5–6 h
- Habitat
- Heath and moorland
- Overnight
- Tented camp
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Day03
Across the plateau
Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp
An easier day across the plateau with views of Kibo ahead.
- Sleep altitude
- ≈3,850 m
- Distance · time
- ≈7 km · 4–5 h
- Habitat
- Moorland
- Overnight
- Tented camp
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Day04
Lava Tower & Barranco
Shira 2 → Barranco Camp
Climb to Lava Tower for acclimatisation, then descend to sleep lower at Barranco.
- Sleep altitude
- ≈3,960 m (max ≈4,630 m)
- Distance · time
- ≈10 km · 6–7 h
- Habitat
- Alpine desert
- Overnight
- Tented camp
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Day05
Barranco Wall
Barranco → Karanga Camp
Scramble up the Barranco Wall (hands needed in places, not technical) and continue to Karanga.
- Sleep altitude
- ≈4,035 m
- Distance · time
- ≈5 km · 4–5 h
- Habitat
- Alpine desert
- Overnight
- Tented camp
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Day06
To base camp
Karanga → Barafu Camp
A short climb to Barafu. Early dinner and rest before the summit attempt.
- Sleep altitude
- ≈4,673 m
- Distance · time
- ≈4 km · 3–4 h
- Habitat
- Alpine desert
- Overnight
- Tented camp
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Day07
Summit night & descent
Barafu → Mweka Camp (via Uhuru Peak)
Start around midnight for Stella Point and Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), then descend to Mweka Camp. Your guides decide on the spot whether it is safe to continue.
- Sleep altitude
- ≈3,100 m (max ≈5,895 m)
- Distance · time
- ≈17 km · 12–15 h
- Habitat
- Arctic summit → heath
- Overnight
- Tented camp
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Day08
Back to the gate
Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Descend through the forest to Mweka Gate, collect your certificate and transfer to your hotel.
- Sleep altitude
- ≈1,640 m
- Distance · time
- ≈10 km · 3–4 h
- Habitat
- Rainforest
- Overnight
- Hotel in Moshi/Arusha (if booked)
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch
Distances, times and altitudes are approximate and vary with conditions and the exact campsite used. Before and after the climb we recommend a night in Moshi or Arusha (can be added).
Included mountain services
- Licensed mountain guides, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Kilimanjaro National Park conservation, camping and rescue fees
- Mountain tents, sleeping mats, mess tent with table and chairs
- All meals on the mountain and treated drinking water
- Daily health checks by your guides
- Emergency oxygen and first-aid kit carried by the team
- Transfers between your hotel and the park gates
- Summit certificate
Not included
- International flights and visa
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 6,000 m and evacuation (required)
- Hotel nights before and after the climb, unless booked with us
- Personal equipment (sleeping bag and gear can be rented)
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Drinks and personal expenses
Safety & acclimatisation
- • Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness. Ascend slowly, drink plenty and tell your guide about any symptoms.
- • Your guides check your health twice a day and can stop the ascent for your safety. Their decision is final.
- • Severe symptoms mean immediate descent — the most effective treatment.
- • Consult your doctor before booking, especially about heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions and altitude medication.
- • All climbs operate under current Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) regulations with licensed guides.
Very good — gradual ascent with a 'climb high, sleep low' day via Lava Tower and eight days on the mountain.
Preparation & packing
Train with regular long hikes, ideally on hills, in the months before you travel. Most equipment can be rented in Moshi.
- Warm sleeping bag (comfort rating around −10 °C)
- Layered clothing: base layers, fleece, insulated down jacket, waterproof shell
- Broken-in waterproof hiking boots and camp shoes
- Warm hat, sun hat, gloves and liner gloves, buff
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
- 2–3 litres of water capacity
- Personal first-aid kit and any medication
- Daypack (25–35 L) — porters carry the main bag within weight limits
Join a group on the Lemosho Route
Share the climb — and the crew — with other travellers on a scheduled departure.
Group departure dates are being scheduled
We publish dates only once they are approved by our operations team. Tell us when you would like to climb and we'll match you with other climbers or open a new departure.
Statuses: Open for enquiries — date proposed, not yet scheduled · Scheduled — awaiting operator confirmation · Confirmed — approved by our operations team · Fully booked. Deposits, group limits and cancellation terms are set out in your booking confirmation.
Join a group
Climb with other travellers on a scheduled date — sociable and usually the best value.
$2,945 USD per climber
Reserve or enquirePrivate climb
Your own dates and your own crew — for couples, friends, families or teams.
| 2 climbers | $3,170 pp |
| 4 climbers | $2,945 pp |
| 6 climbers | $2,910 pp |