Lemosho Route
The Sccenic and Remote Route
The Lemosho Route is known for its scenic beauty and relative solitude, offering a quieter experience on Kilimanjaro. It begins on the western side of the mountain and offers trekkers a variety of landscapes, including rainforests, moorlands, and the famous Shira Plateau. It is a longer route, which allows for better acclimatization and a higher success rate.
Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Starting Altitude: 2,100m
- Ending Altitude: 2,780m
- Distance: ~6 km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Vegetation: Rainforest
- Summary:
Start your trek at the Lemosho Gate, passing through a lush rainforest that is home to various species of wildlife, including colobus monkeys. The trail is relatively gentle, which allows for an easier start. You’ll ascend gradually, taking in the beautiful surroundings. Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Starting Altitude: 2,780m
- Ending Altitude: 3,500m
- Distance: ~8 km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Vegetation: Heathland
- Summary:
On Day 2, the trail gradually ascends into the heathland. As you gain altitude, the landscape begins to change, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and Mount Kilimanjaro’s western side. You’ll pass through alpine meadows and enjoy the views of the Shira Plateau. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Starting Altitude: 3,500m
- Ending Altitude: 3,900m
- Distance: ~7 km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Vegetation: Moorland
- Summary:
Today’s trek is a short hike, but you will experience some of the most beautiful views of the mountain. The route ascends slowly to Shira 2 Camp, passing through the moorland zone. You’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, and the changing landscape will keep you entertained along the way. Overnight at Shira 2 Camp.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)
- Starting Altitude: 3,900m
- Highest Point: 4,600m (Lava Tower)
- Ending Altitude: 3,960m
- Distance: ~10 km
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Vegetation: Alpine Desert
- Summary:
On Day 4, you’ll ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) for acclimatization. The “climb high, sleep low” principle helps your body adjust to the altitude. After reaching Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, which sits at 3,960m. This route maximizes acclimatization and offers unique views of the mountain. Overnight at Barranco Camp.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
- Starting Altitude: 3,960m
- Ending Altitude: 4,640m
- Distance: ~9 km
- Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
- Vegetation: Alpine Desert
- Summary:
The day begins with the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable ascent. After conquering the wall, the trail continues through a series of undulating terrain, with occasional views of the glaciers above. After a long day of hiking, you’ll reach Barafu Camp, where you’ll rest and prepare for your summit attempt. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Starting Altitude: 4,640m
- Summit Altitude: 5,895m
- Ending Altitude: 3,080m
- Distance: ~17 km (Round Trip)
- Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
- Vegetation: Arctic and Moorland
- Summary:
This is the summit day. You’ll begin the climb to Uhuru Peak at midnight, in the cold darkness. The ascent is challenging, but the views from the summit are spectacular. You’ll first reach Stella Point (5,735m) and continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After taking in the stunning sunrise and celebrating your achievement, you’ll begin the descent to Mweka Camp. It’s a long and tiring day, but reaching the summit makes it all worth it. Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Starting Altitude: 3,080m
- Ending Altitude: 1,640m
- Distance: ~10 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Vegetation: Rainforest
- Summary:
Your trek ends with a scenic descent through the lush rainforest back to Mweka Gate. As you reach the gate, you’ll collect your summit certificate and celebrate your success. It’s a relatively easy day, allowing you to reflect on the incredible achievement of reaching the roof of Africa.
Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Starting Altitude: 2,100m
- Ending Altitude: 2,780m
- Distance: ~6 km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Vegetation: Rainforest
- Summary:
Start your trek at the Lemosho Gate, which takes you through a lush rainforest with a wide variety of plant and animal life, including colobus monkeys. The trail is relatively gradual and easy to follow, perfect for starting your adventure. You’ll camp at Mti Mkubwa Camp for the night.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Starting Altitude: 2,780m
- Ending Altitude: 3,500m
- Distance: ~8 km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Vegetation: Heathland
- Summary:
On Day 2, you’ll hike into the heathland zone, and the landscape begins to change, offering expansive views of the surrounding valleys and the Shira Plateau. The trail is moderate in difficulty, and you’ll reach Shira 1 Camp, where you can rest and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Starting Altitude: 3,500m
- Ending Altitude: 3,900m
- Distance: ~7 km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Vegetation: Moorland
- Summary:
Today, you’ll hike a short but scenic distance to Shira 2 Camp, passing through the moorland zone. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s summit and the changing environment. This is an easier day, allowing you to take in the scenery and continue acclimatizing.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)
- Starting Altitude: 3,900m
- Highest Point: 4,600m (Lava Tower)
- Ending Altitude: 3,960m
- Distance: ~10 km
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Vegetation: Alpine Desert
- Summary:
The day starts with a trek to Lava Tower at 4,600m for acclimatization. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy is important for your body’s adjustment to higher altitudes. After reaching Lava Tower, you’ll descend slightly to Barranco Camp at 3,960m, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Starting Altitude: 3,960m
- Ending Altitude: 4,035m
- Distance: ~6 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Vegetation: Alpine Desert
- Summary:
Today, you’ll tackle the famous Barranco Wall—a steep but manageable ascent that provides stunning views. After conquering the wall, the trail undulates through alpine desert terrain before reaching Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day, designed to provide additional acclimatization and a chance to rest.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Starting Altitude: 4,035m
- Ending Altitude: 4,640m
- Distance: ~4 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Vegetation: Alpine Desert
- Summary:
A short but steep hike brings you to Barafu Camp at 4,640m, the base camp for your summit attempt. Once at camp, you’ll have time to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the challenging ascent that begins late in the evening. You’ll be given an early dinner to rest before your summit attempt.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Starting Altitude: 4,640m
- Summit Altitude: 5,895m
- Ending Altitude: 3,080m
- Distance: ~17 km (Round Trip)
- Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
- Vegetation: Arctic and Moorland
- Summary:
Summit Day begins with a midnight departure from Barafu Camp. The first leg is a steep climb to Stella Point (5,735m), and from there, you’ll continue to the summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After a brief rest and celebration at the summit, you’ll descend back to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Starting Altitude: 3,080m
- Ending Altitude: 1,640m
- Distance: ~10 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Vegetation: Rainforest
- Summary:
A final descent through the lush rainforest leads you back to Mweka Gate. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate and celebrate the incredible achievement of reaching the roof of Africa. From here, you’ll head back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Starting Altitude: 2,100m
- Ending Altitude: 2,780m
- Distance: ~6 km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Vegetation: Rainforest
- Summary:
Your adventure begins at Lemosho Gate, where you’ll enter the rainforest, a rich and vibrant ecosystem with towering trees, mosses, and ferns. The gradual ascent leads you to Mti Mkubwa Camp, which is surrounded by dense jungle. This relatively easy start provides an excellent introduction to the trek.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Starting Altitude: 2,780m
- Ending Altitude: 3,500m
- Distance: ~8 km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Vegetation: Heathland
- Summary:
Today’s trail takes you into the heathland zone, where you’ll start to see large lobelias and heathers. The route steadily ascends through rolling hills, providing incredible views of the surrounding valleys and Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ll camp at Shira 1 Camp and enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Starting Altitude: 3,500m
- Ending Altitude: 3,900m
- Distance: ~7 km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Vegetation: Moorland
- Summary:
On Day 3, you’ll enjoy a short but scenic trek to Shira 2 Camp, passing through moorland terrain. The route offers excellent views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscapes. You’ll also have time to relax and explore the area, as this day serves as a good acclimatization opportunity.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)
- Starting Altitude: 3,900m
- Highest Point: 4,600m (Lava Tower)
- Ending Altitude: 3,960m
- Distance: ~10 km
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Vegetation: Alpine Desert
- Summary:
Today, you’ll hike up to Lava Tower for acclimatization. Lava Tower sits at 4,600m and is an excellent spot to help your body adjust to the altitude. After reaching Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp (3,960m), which offers beautiful views of the mountain and surrounding areas.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Starting Altitude: 3,960m
- Ending Altitude: 4,035m
- Distance: ~6 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Vegetation: Alpine Desert
- Summary:
On Day 5, you’ll ascend the famous Barranco Wall, a steep and rocky section that offers breathtaking views of the mountain. Once at the top, the trail leads you through alpine desert terrain to Karanga Camp. The shorter day allows you to rest and further acclimatize to the increasing altitude.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Starting Altitude: 4,035m
- Ending Altitude: 4,640m
- Distance: ~4 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Vegetation: Alpine Desert
- Summary:
Today’s hike is relatively short but steep, bringing you to Barafu Camp (4,640m). Barafu Camp is the base for your summit attempt, and you’ll rest here before your summit push. Take time to hydrate, rest, and prepare for the challenging ascent that begins later in the evening.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Starting Altitude: 4,640m
- Summit Altitude: 5,895m
- Ending Altitude: 3,080m
- Distance: ~17 km (Round Trip)
- Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
- Vegetation: Arctic and Moorland
- Summary:
The summit day begins with a midnight departure from Barafu Camp. You’ll hike in the dark with headlamps through the cold, ascending to Stella Point (5,735m) and then to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After taking photos and enjoying the view, you’ll begin your descent to Mweka Camp, where you’ll have a well-deserved rest.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Starting Altitude: 3,080m
- Ending Altitude: 1,640m
- Distance: ~10 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Vegetation: Rainforest
- Summary:
On Day 8, you’ll descend through the lush rainforest back to Mweka Gate. The descent is much easier on the body and provides a chance to reflect on the challenging but rewarding trek. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate, and your Kilimanjaro adventure will officially come to an end. You’ll return to your hotel to celebrate.
Day 9: Departure
- Summary:
This is your departure day. After completing your trek, you’ll have time to rest and relax before leaving for your next destination or flight home.
Lemosho Inclusive
- Park fees, camping fees, and hut accommodation.
- Professional guide, cook, and porters.
- Three meals per day during the climb.
- Drinking water and tea/coffee.
- Rescue fees and oxygen for emergencies.
- Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro National Park.
- Kilimanjaro certificate (for successful summiteers).
Lemosho Exclusive
- Flights and visa fees.
- Personal hiking gear (can be rented).
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guides, cooks, and porters (~$200-$300 per climber).
- Optional extended acclimatization days.
Frequently Asked Questions
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