The Lemosho Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west side. It starts at Londorossi Gate and is about 2-3 hrs. drive from Moshi and 3-4 hrs. from Arusha.
The Lemosho Route, Kilimanjaro offers the most scenic trail up the mountain. The untouched, and wild start to the trail is also one of the route’s highlights. For the first couple of days on the trail, you’ll traverse the rainforest zone which boasts some beautiful surroundings. Our Quest From the West itinerary has a Lemosho Route Distance of 70 km and a duration of 8 days. This 8 Days Lemosho Route has a great acclimatization profile and therefore increases the rate of success of reaching the summit.
The Best Time to Climb Lemosho Route is during the dry seasons. These are from January to mid-March and from June to October. These periods offer clearer skies, less rainfall, and better overall climbing conditions, increasing your chances of a successful summit.
The Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route difficulty level is relatively easy due to its great acclimatization profile. This Kilimanjaro Climbing Package offers the chance to climb high and sleep low and with the right amount of preparation, anyone can climb via this route. Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing via the Lemosho Route offers a scenic and less crowded experience, with stunning views and diverse landscapes. Thus, guaranteeing an adventurous climb!
The Lemosho Route includes several camps situated at specific locations along the way:
| NAME OF THE CAMP | LOCATION (in metres) | LOCATION (in feet) |
| Shira 1 Camp | 3,505 m | 11,500 ft. |
| Barranco Camp | 3,976 m | 13,044 ft. |
| Karanga Camp | 3,995 m | 13,106 ft. |
| Barafu Camp | 4,673 m | 15,331 ft. |
Discover the thrill of conquering Kilimanjaro's Lemosho Route.
Trend to Success
The following is an estimated Lemosho Route Cost for its two itineraries:
Lemosho Route combines stunning scenery, diverse landscapes, and a greater chance of summiting Africa's highest peak. The route's longer duration allows for proper acclimatization, increasing the likelihood of a successful ascent. While challenging, the Lemosho Route offers a rewarding adventure for those seeking a journey to Uhuru Peak.
Experience a challenging yet rewarding journey featuring stunning landscapes and increased chances of summiting!
Conquer Kilimanjaro's Lemosho Route and earn your bragging rights.
Challenge Your LimitsMost Beautifull Route On Kilimanjaro
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be transferred to your accommodation where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check.
Overnight Simba Farm Lodge (Classic) or Ndarakwai Ranch (Premium)
Lemosho Trailhead (2,400m/7,880ft) to Big Tree Camp (2,800m/9,190ft)
Elevation Gain: 400m/1,310ft
This morning you will drive to the Londorossi gate where you will complete entry formalities. From here your drive continues for around 1 hour to the Lemosho trailhead. Enjoy lunch before commencing your trek through lush undisturbed forest where you may be lucky enough to see Colobus monkeys. The path undulates, steeply in places, to arrive at the first camp after 2-3 hours of trekking.
Overnight Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa)
Big Tree Camp (2,800m/9,190ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,550m/11,650ft)
Elevation Gain: 750m/2,460ft
Your trek will begin in the forest; however, you will soon leave it behind, taking a steep track into a zone of giant heather and volcanic rock. This is a full day ascending the lush rolling hills below the Shira Plateau. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. The trail begins to ease as you reach the edge of the plateau, reaching camp after 5-6 hours. The view of Kibo across the plateau is incredible.
Overnight Shira 1 Camp
Shira 1 Camp (3,550m/11,650ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,650ft)
Elevation Gain: 300m/1,000ft
Trek across the Shira Plateau with an optional climb to Shira Cathedral (3,880m). Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. The day finishes with a gradual climb to Shira 2 Camp. Trekking time without the optional excursion is approximately 3 hours. Including acclimatization to the peak of Shira Cathedral will add approximately 1 hour.
Overnight Shira 2 Camp
Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,650ft) to Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,800ft)
Elevation Gain: 750m/2,400ft
Elevation Loss: 700m/2,300ft
Your climb today will take you steadily up and over the expansive ridgelines of high desert to Lava Tower at 4,600m. The trek to the base of the tower, a 300-foot-high volcanic plug, takes around 4-5 hours. From here begin a steep descent into the Barranco Valley, passing exotic large flowering plants, Senecio Kilimanjaro. This descent will take 1-2 hours. Although you end your day at almost the same elevation as you started, today is important for acclimatization. Camp is in a beautiful, sheltered valley below the imposing Barranco Wall.
Overnight Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,800ft) to Karanga Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
Elevation Gain: 300m/1,000ft
Elevation Loss: 250m/820ft
Begin the day climbing the Barranco Wall, an impressive scramble that will reward you with fantastic views back towards camp. From the top, at 4,200m, follow an undulating path around the mountainside. On a clear day, there are spectacular views of Kibo to your left and Mount Meru to your right. After descending into the Karanga Valley your climb takes you up a short steep path to camp. Walking time approximately 3-4 hours.
Overnight Karanga Camp
Karanga Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Kosovo Camp (4,800m/15,750ft)
Elevation Gain: 850m/2,790ft
Spend the morning climbing steadily up to Barafu Camp, which is Swahili for ice, and then continuing up a rocky slab to Kosovo. This small camp is located on the ridge below the summit cone. You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views from many different angles. The walk will take around 4-5 hours, meaning you will arrive at Kosovo in time for lunch and a full summit briefing, before spending the afternoon resting. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.
Overnight Kosovo Camp
Kosovo Camp (4,800m/15,750ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) then descending to Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,095m/3,590ft
Elevation Loss: 2,785m/9,140ft
In the early hours of the morning begin your final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro, taking approximately 5-7 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be warm by the end of the hiking day and you need clothing for both extremes. Just when you think you’ve reached your limit, the sun will rise and you’ll be rewarded with a rich red sky framing Mawenzi. At Stella Point (5,750m) join the crater rim. From here, climb less steeply to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. From the summit descend to Mweka Hut, with lunch served on the way, taking around 6 hours. Enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Overnight Mweka Hut Camp
Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft) to Mweka Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,280m/4,200ft
Descend to the gate through the lush forest (2-3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. You will be collected from Mweka Village and taken to your hotel in Moshi.
Overnight Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel (Premium)
Today you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your flight, or if you’ve decided to extend your Tanzanian adventure, begin the next part of your journey!
It typically takes around 7-8 days to complete the Lemosho Route, allowing for better acclimatization and higher chances of reaching the summit.
The Lemosho Route is considered to have a moderate to challenging difficulty level, requiring good physical fitness, stamina, and mental determination due to steep sections and high altitude.
The Lemosho Route Success Rate is relatively high, averaging around 85-90%, thanks to its longer duration and better acclimatization profile.
Yes, the Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is renowned for its scenic beauty, offering diverse landscapes such as lush rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and breathtaking views, making it one of the most visually appealing routes on Kilimanjaro.
The average daily trekking distance on the Lemosho Route ranges from 6 to 12 kilometers (3.7 to 7.5 miles), depending on the specific day and campsite.
Compared to other Kilimanjaro Routes, the Lemosho Route is generally less crowded, offering a quieter and more serene trekking experience with fewer fellow climbers encountered along the way.
While not mandatory, it is highly recommended to undergo physical training and preparation before climbing the Lemosho Route. This includes cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and hiking to improve endurance and fitness levels.
The Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route is during the dry seasons, which are from January to mid-March and from June to October, providing better weather conditions and increased chances of a successful summit.
The Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro has a total of 6 camp stays, including camps like Shira 1 Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, and sometimes Millennium Camp or Mweka Camp.
Attractions along the Lemosho Route include the lush rainforests of the lower slopes, stunning views of the Shira Plateau, the iconic Barranco Wall, the lunar-like landscape of the Southern Circuit, and the magnificent sunrise from the summit of Kilimanjaro.
What is the best route up Mount Kilimanjaro?
Machame route is one of the most popular paths among all 7 Kilimanjaro Climbing routes.
It is the longest Kilimanjaro Climbing Route. Hence, you get to Climb Kilimanjaro via the crowd-free
Rongai Route is the only Kilimanjaro Climbing Route approaching from the northern side of the mountain
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Jan - 2021
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Our experience going on Safari in Tanzania with African Scenic Safaris was an absolutely incomparable dream! Shelley did an awesome job arranging our honeymoon...more
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We love Kilimanjaro but we don’t have that young energy to climb to the summit. Twelve of us want to have day trekking to touch the magic mountain...more
