Trekking Overview

The Lemosho Route is widely considered to be the best route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Not too long ago, there were only two main routes used to climb Kilimanjaro – the Marangu (Coca Cola) route and the Machame (Whiskey) route. But as Tanzania’s tourism industry flourished, the Kilimanjaro park authority created more trails to African’s highest peak. Lemosho, a relatively new route, is preferred by reputable operators due to its beauty, remoteness and success rate. In short, it maximizes the chances that a climber will reach the summit, and enjoy the experience overall.
The Lemosho route can be done in as little as six days (five nights) on the mountain. However, it is ideally tackled over eight days (seven nights) for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Londorossi Gate, located in the western base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rainforest. The route heads across the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail.

Trekking Itinerary

  • Day 1: Lemosho Glades (2385m) to Big Tree Camp (2780m)

    You will be picked up at your hotel at around 08:00am and transferred to the Lemosho gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After the registration process you will still start our climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp where you will be spending the night.
    Distance covered: 7km / 4.3mi
    Approx. time taken: 4 hours
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

  • Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3500m)

    Today you will trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. Our destination for today is the Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds. We gain a reasonable amount of altitude today and parts of the route are fairly steep.
    Distance covered: 8.5km / 5.3mi
    Approx. time taken: 7 hrs
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

  • Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)

    Today you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon you will take an acclimatization walk then head back to camp for dinner and overnight.
    Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
    Approx. time taken: 5 hours
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

  • Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)

    Your trek starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking in to the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.
    Distance covered: 10km / 6.2mi
    Approx. time taken: 7 hrs
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

  • Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)

    Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
    Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi
    Approx. time taken: 5 hours
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

  • Day 6: Karanga Camp (3963) to Barafu Camp (4640m)

    Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
    Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi
    Approx. time taken: 5 hours
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

  • Day 7: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)

    We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
    Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi
    Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

  • Day 8: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)

    A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a hot welcome shower.
    Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi
    Approx. time taken: 6 hours
    Meals: Breakfast & lunch included

Total Cost Covers:

Pre & Post Trek accommodation

Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters

Transportation to & from the mountain gate

Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees

18% VAT on tour fees & services

Double layered Sleeping Mats

3 meals daily while on the mountain

Filtered water throughout the trek

Portable toilets and toilets tents

Hot Water For Washing Purpose

Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro international airport.

Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)

Total Cost does not Cover:

International flights

Tip to the driver guide and hoteliers

Insurance fees

Cost of Visas.

Bank transfer charges & card payments processing fee.

Expenses belong to person nature e.g Drinks not included on the meal plans, personal purchases, Laundry etc.

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