Kilimanjaro Climb Lemosho Route

Tour Overview

The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most scenic and rewarding way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, offering breathtaking panoramic views from multiple sides of the mountain. This route stands out for its perfect balance between natural beauty, lower traffic, and a high summit success rate, making it a favorite choice among experienced climbers and first-time adventurers alike.

The journey begins at Londorossi Gate (2,360 meters) on the remote western side of Kilimanjaro, allowing for a gradual ascent that greatly improves acclimatization. Trekkers pass through lush rainforest landscapes, where unique wildlife and rich vegetation can often be seen, before ascending toward the wide-open moorlands and the impressive Shira Ridge, one of the mountain’s highest plateaus.

Following a southern circuit of the mountain, the Lemosho Route offers constantly changing scenery and an immersive mountain experience, making it an ideal option for those seeking both adventure and success on Africa’s highest peak.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Lemosho Gate ➝ Big Tree Camp

🚐 Morning Pick-up

Hotel pick-up around 08:00 AM
Scenic drive to Lemosho Gate (western side of Kilimanjaro)

📝 Park Registration

Entry formalities and climb briefing
Meet the mountain crew and guides

🌿 Rainforest Trek

Gradual ascent through lush montane rainforest
Rich vegetation and possible wildlife sightings
Peaceful and less-crowded trail

🏕️ Arrival at Big Tree Camp

Reach camp in the forest zone
Time to relax, dinner, and overnight stay

📏 Trek Details

Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
Hiking Time: ~4 hours
Meals Included: 🍳 Breakfast · 🥪 Lunch · 🍽️ Dinner

Day 2 – Big Tree Camp ➝ Shira 2 Camp

🌄 Morning Ascent

Depart from Big Tree Camp (2,780 m)
Gradual climb with increasing altitude

🌾 Shira Plateau Trek

Walk across wide moorland and heather landscapes
Volcanic rock formations along the trail
Open views and changing scenery

🏔️ Passing Shira 1 Camp

Scenic stop with possible views of Kibo Peak floating above the clouds
Steeper sections as altitude increases

❄️ Northern Ice Fields Views

Unique western-side views of Kilimanjaro’s ice fields
Unusual and impressive perspectives of Kibo

🏕️ Arrival at Shira 2 Camp

Steady pace supports natural acclimatization
Panoramic views across the plateau
Dinner and overnight at camp

📏 Trek Details

Distance: 16.5 km / 10.3 miles
Hiking Time: 9–11 hours
Meals Included: 🍳 Breakfast · 🥪 Lunch · 🍽️ Dinner

Day 3 – Shira 2 Camp ➝ Barranco Camp

🏔️ High-Altitude Ascent

Depart from Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m)
Gradual ascent with wide panoramic views
Enter the upland desert climate zone

🌋 Lava Ridges & Glaciers

Trek along lava ridges beneath the Western Breach glaciers
Dramatic landscapes and changing terrain

🗻 Lava Tower (4,640 m)

Reach the highest point of the day
Ideal spot to rest and enjoy lunch
Important day for acclimatization

⬇️ Descent to Barranco Valley

Afternoon steep descent
Enter the spectacular Great Barranco Valley

🏕️ Arrival at Barranco Camp

Camp set at the base of towering cliffs
Sheltered location with expansive views of the plains below
Dinner and overnight at camp

📏 Trek Details

Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking Time: Approx. 7 hours
Meals Included: 🍳 Breakfast · 🥪 Lunch · 🍽️ Dinner

Day 4 – Barranco Camp ➝ Karanga Camp

⬇️ Descent into Great Barranco

Start the day descending into the Great Barranco ravine
Impressive views of the surrounding cliffs

🧗 Climb the Barranco Wall

Steep ascent up the famous Great Barranco Wall
Non-technical rock climb, challenging but rewarding
Separates Barranco from the southeastern slopes of Kibo

🧊 Glacier Views

Pass beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers
Stunning alpine scenery along the route

🏞️ Karanga Valley Crossing

Head toward Karanga Valley
Short but steep climb out of the valley to camp

🏕️ Karanga Camp (3,963 m)

Arrive at camp for rest, dinner, and overnight
Optional acclimatization hike up to approx. 4,200 m
Return to camp for the night

📏 Trek Details

Distance: 5.5 km / 3.4 miles
Hiking Time: Approx. 5 hours
Meals Included: 🍳 Breakfast · 🥪 Lunch · 🍽️ Dinner

Day 5 – Karanga Camp ➝ Barafu Camp

🥾 Morning Trek to Barafu

After breakfast, begin the ascent toward Barafu Camp
Gradual but steep climb as altitude increases

🏜️ High-Altitude Landscape

Trek across desolate scree slopes
No vegetation, classic alpine desert environment
The altitude makes this section physically demanding

🏕️ Arrival at Barafu Camp (4,640 m)

Reach camp and enjoy lunch
Rest and recovery throughout the afternoon
Focus on staying hydrated and warm

🌙 Summit Preparation

Early dinner at camp
Try to sleep before the summit attempt
Wake-up call between 11:00 PM – 12:00 AM for the final ascent to the summit

📏 Trek Details

Distance: 3 km / 1.9 miles
Hiking Time: Approx. 3 hours
Meals Included: 🍳 Breakfast · 🥪 Lunch · 🍽️ Dinner

Day 6 – Barafu Camp ➝ Uhuru Peak ➝ Millennium Camp

🌙 Midnight Summit Attempt

Wake-up around midnight and begin the ascent
Steep climb over loose scree slopes
Physically demanding but deeply rewarding

❄️ Climb to Stella Point (5,739 m)

Reach the crater rim as sunrise breaks over Kilimanjaro
Surrounded by glacier ice cliffs
Stunning views toward Mawenzi Peak and the vast plains below

🏔️ Summit Achievement – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)

Final push of about 1 hour to the summit
Stand on the Roof of Africa
Time for photos, celebration, and unforgettable memories

⬇️ Descent to Millennium Camp

Descend back to Stella Point
Continue down to Barafu Camp for breakfast
Long descent to Millennium Camp for a well-earned rest

📏 Trek Details

Distance: 13.4 km / 8.3 miles
Hiking Time: Approx. 12 – 15 hours
Meals Included: 🍳 Breakfast · 🥪 Lunch · 🍽️ Dinner

Day 7 – Millennium Camp ➝ Mweka Gate

🌿 Rainforest Descent
Gentle trek down through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate
Enjoy the peaceful trail and possible wildlife sightings

📝 Park Formalities & Certificates
Complete park exit procedures
Receive your certificate of achievement to hang with pride

🚐 Return to Hotel
Meet your vehicles at Mweka Gate
Scenic drive back to Moshi hotel
Enjoy a hot welcome shower after the trek

📏 Trek Details
Distance: 12.1 km / 7.5 mi
Hiking Time: ~6 hours
Meals Included: 🍳 Breakfast · 🥪 Lunch · 🍽️ Dinner

Includes

• Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport
• 2 nights accommodation in Moshi
• Transfers to & from Kilimanjaro Gate
• Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees
• Government taxes & 18% VAT
• 3 meals daily while on the mountain
• Treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
• Professional mountain guides, cook and porters
• Fair wages for mountain crew (KINAPA & KIATO approved)
• Portable oxygen tanks
• Oxygen meter (Ox meter)
• Emergency first-aid kit
• Stethoscope
• Private portable flush toilet with tent
• Mountain climbing certificates

Excludes
• International flights
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Meals at hotels in Moshi (before and after the climb)
• Laundry services (available at the hotel)
• Personal items and toiletries
• Tips for guides, porters and cook