- From $2,000 /person
- 6 or 7 days
- Price Includes
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and successful routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, approaching the mountain from the western side.
It typically takes 6 to 8 days, uses camping accommodation, and offers excellent acclimatization due to its gradual ascent profile. The route starts at Londorossi Gate and ends at Mweka Gate, reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Lemosho is ideal for first-time climbers, budget-conscious travelers seeking high success rates, and those wanting fewer crowds and diverse landscapes.
About This Route
Duration: 6 or 7 days (5 days possible but not recommended)
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging (long days, high altitude)
Accommodation: Camping (quality mountain tents)
Success Rate:
6 Days: ~80–85%
7 Days: ~90–95%
Distance: ~67 km
Best For:
Budget-friendly international travelers, first-time climbers, nature lovers, photographers, small groups
Starting Point: Londorossi Gate (Western Kilimanjaro)
Ending Point: Mweka Gate
Highest Point: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
Nickname: The Scenic Route
Why Choose the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route is often called the most beautiful way up Kilimanjaro, and for good reason.
Here’s why travelers love it:
Exceptional scenery – Rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers
Better acclimatization – Gradual altitude gain improves summit success
Less crowded – Far quieter than Marangu or Machame in early days
True wilderness feel – Remote start with real expedition vibes
High success rates – Especially on 7-day itineraries
For budget travelers, Lemosho offers excellent value because you’re paying for results, safety, and experience—not shortcuts.
Overview
Unlike routes that approach Kilimanjaro from the south or east, Lemosho begins far to the west, where the mountain feels untouched and expansive.
The first days wind through lush rainforest, where you may spot colobus monkeys and exotic birds. As you climb higher, the terrain opens into wide Shira Plateau, offering panoramic views that few other routes can match.
From here, the trail merges with Machame Route, allowing climbers to “climb high and sleep low”, a proven acclimatization strategy that significantly increases summit success.
This combination of remoteness + smart altitude profile is what makes Lemosho stand out.
Gallery
What to Expect
Day 1: Hotel Pickup → Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp
Altitude: 2,100 m → 2,650 m
Distance: ~6 km
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Your day begins with an early hotel pickup in Moshi or Arusha, followed by a scenic drive to Londorossi Gate. After registration and a final gear check by your head guide, the trek begins.
The trail winds through dense montane rainforest, where the air is humid and the path gently undulates. This is an intentionally easy first day—your guides set a slow, conversational pace to conserve energy and start acclimatization naturally.
Wildlife sightings such as colobus monkeys and colorful birdlife are common here. You arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp in the afternoon, where your crew has already prepared your tent and hot drinks.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp → Shira 1 Camp
Altitude: 2,650 m → 3,500 m
Distance: ~8 km
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
As you leave the forest behind, the landscape changes noticeably. The trees thin out, temperatures drop slightly, and wide views begin to open.
This day introduces longer walking hours, but the gradient remains manageable. Your guides closely monitor breathing pace, hydration, and early altitude symptoms. Lunch is taken along the trail, followed by a relaxed afternoon at Shira 1 Camp, set on the edge of the vast Shira Plateau.
Most climbers begin to feel the altitude here—mild headaches or shortness of breath are normal and expected.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp
Altitude: 3,500 m → 3,850 m
Distance: ~7 km
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
This is a deliberately shorter day to support acclimatization. The terrain is open and windswept, offering dramatic views of Kibo Peak and distant glaciers.
Walking across the Shira Plateau feels expansive and quiet, with fewer climbers than southern routes. Guides may lead optional acclimatization walks in the afternoon, encouraging light movement rather than full rest.
This day is crucial for building strength without fatigue.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
Altitude: 3,850 m → 4,600 m → 3,960 m
Distance: ~10 km
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
This is one of the most important days for altitude adaptation.
You climb steadily toward Lava Tower, entering alpine desert terrain where vegetation becomes sparse and the air noticeably thinner. Many climbers feel the altitude here—but this is intentional.
After lunch near Lava Tower, the trail descends into the Barranco Valley, allowing your body to recover while still benefiting from the high-altitude exposure.
This “climb high, sleep low” strategy is one of the main reasons the Lemosho Route has such high success rates.
Day 5: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
Altitude: 3,960 m → 4,035 m
Distance: ~5 km
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
The day starts with the famous Barranco Wall—a steep but non-technical scramble that requires hands and feet. Despite its intimidating look, it is safe and guided carefully.
Once above the wall, the route becomes a series of rolling ridges and valleys. The walking pace slows naturally as altitude increases. Karanga Camp is reached by early afternoon, leaving time for rest, hydration, and mental preparation.
Day 6: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp (Summit Base Camp)
Altitude: 4,035 m → 4,673 m
Distance: ~4 km
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
This is a short but critical day. The goal is rest, hydration, and energy conservation.
After arriving at Barafu Camp, your guides conduct a detailed summit briefing, explaining pacing, safety signals, and what to expect during the night climb. You eat an early dinner and try to sleep before the midnight summit push.
Temperatures drop significantly here, often below freezing.
Day 7: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Altitude: 4,673 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
Trekking Time: 12–14 hours
Summit day begins around 11:30 pm–12:30 am.
The climb is slow, steady, and mentally demanding. Your guide controls the pace step-by-step, stopping frequently for breathing and hydration. Reaching Stella Point at sunrise is an emotional milestone, followed by the final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
After photos and celebration, the descent begins immediately.
Price
Price Includes
- All Transfers
- Accomodations
- Camping Equipment
- Meals on Climbing
- Proffesional Guides and Porters
- Oxgen Tanks
- GPS Trackers
- Fully-loaded medical kits
- All park fees and taxes
- Dedicated support team
FAQ About Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro
Is the Lemosho Route good for first-time Kilimanjaro climbers?
Yes. The Lemosho Route is one of the best choices for first-time climbers, even if you have no previous high-altitude trekking experience.
What makes it beginner-friendly is not the length, but the gradual altitude profile, well-spaced acclimatization days, and the “climb high, sleep low” approach. These factors significantly reduce the risk of altitude sickness when compared to shorter or steeper routes.
Is the Lemosho Route more difficult than Marangu or Machame?
Physically, Lemosho is moderate to challenging, but it is often easier on the body than steeper routes because of its gradual ascent.
Compared to Marangu: Lemosho is longer but safer for altitude
Compared to Machame: Lemosho is less crowded and better paced
Difficulty on Kilimanjaro is mainly about altitude, not technical climbing.
How fit do I need to be to climb via the Lemosho Route?
You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be in good general health.
You should be comfortable:
Walking 5–7 hours per day
Hiking on uneven terrain
Managing cold temperatures and long days
We recommend cardio training and hill walking for at least 6–8 weeks before arrival.
What are the risks of altitude sickness on the Lemosho Route?
Altitude sickness is a risk on all Kilimanjaro routes, but Lemosho has one of the lowest risk profiles due to its acclimatization design.
Our guides:
Conduct daily health checks
Monitor oxygen saturation and heart rate
Enforce hydration and pacing
Make descent decisions when necessary
Safety always comes before summiting.
When is the best time to climb the Lemosho Route?
The best months are:
January–March (quieter, colder)
June–October (dry, popular)
Lemosho performs well even in shoulder seasons due to its terrain and route design.
