Overview
Lemosho is one of Kilimanjaro's lesser-known routes. It starts on the western side of the mountain and offers some of the most varied scenery of any path to the summit. Days one and two lead through dense rainforest, then the landscape opens into heath and moorland dotted with ferns and giant heather, on a trail that climbs through some properly steep sections.
From day three, Lemosho merges with the Machame route for the rest of the climb. That gives you Lemosho's quieter, more scenic early days, then the same proven summit approach that makes Machame so popular. Know that this route demands more physically than Marangu or Rongai, though the gradual western approach helps your acclimatization along the way.
Camping in tents is the arrangement throughout this 7-day itinerary. Compared with shorter routes, the added time on the mountain means noticeably better acclimatization, which is one reason we often recommend Lemosho to climbers who put summit success ahead of the shortest possible trip.
Compare all the options in our full route comparison guide, or contact us to book your Lemosho climb.
A real elevation profile for the Lemosho Route — 5,895m at the summit, from a 2,250m start.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (9 days)
When you land at Kilimanjaro Airport, our transfer driver will meet you and take you to Meru View Lodge. You are free for the rest of the day, so you can unwind at the hotel or look around the town of Arusha (a taxi is needed). That evening, a briefing will get you ready for the trek to come. Overnight and dinner at Meru View Lodge. Dinner
Your lodge pickup takes place in the morning, followed by the drive to Londorossi Gate (2,250 m), where the national park authorities register you. From there you drive about 15 km along a bumpy track into dense rainforest, up to the drop-off point where the trek starts. A moderately steep trail winds through beautiful, untouched natural forest to Big Tree Camp, where you stay tonight. Because wild animals live in this area, an armed ranger walks with you for the first 2 days of the trek.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today is a long trek that begins on a narrow trail through the rainforest. As you gain height, the trees slowly thin out and the scenery turns to heath and moorland, with plants such as erica and lobelia taking over. After crossing the Shira Ridge and trekking for 4 to 5 hours, you arrive at Shira Camp 1, where you pause for lunch, rest a while, and take in wonderful views of Mt Meru and the Rift Valley. The final stretch, about 3 hours, takes you up another 250 m. The scenery shifts once more, and you walk past giant senecios that may reach nearly 9 m tall. You camp the night at Shira Camp 2 and, with a bit of luck, watch the Kibo summit glow at sunset.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
You will gain roughly 700 m today, yet sleep only slightly higher than you did the night before. That pattern helps your body acclimatize, because you will pass above 4,600 m before heading down again, and you can observe how you react to that altitude. The trek opens with a long climb over the Shira Plateau toward the Lava Tower. Plant life thins out as the terrain becomes alpine desert. The route then crosses the broad Barranco Valley, home to lobelia and giant senecio plants. After 6 to 7 hours of walking you reach Barranco Camp, possibly the loveliest camp on Kilimanjaro.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
This trekking stage has numerous ups and downs, and soon after setting out you face the steepest part of the whole route, the Barranco Wall. There are no marked climbing "paths," so at times you may have to use your hands for support. Safety comes first, and your guides help you whenever it is needed. Once at the top of the Barranco Wall, you follow the ridge of the mountain, with excellent views of Kibo's southern glacier and the Kibo summit. You arrive at Karanga Camp around lunchtime.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Following breakfast, the trail crosses an alpine desert landscape on the way to today's destination, Barafu Camp. The afternoon is free for resting and loosening your legs ahead of summit night. Dinner is served early so that you can sleep a few hours before being woken at about midnight.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hot tea and a light snack come first, and then the climb starts at about midnight. You set off by torchlight over lava ash that is still frozen. Five to 7 hours later you reach Stella Point (5,730 m) on the crater rim of Mt Kilimanjaro, and a further 1 to 2 hours along the crater ridge takes you to the top of Uhuru Peak. From "Africa's Roof" you can watch the sunrise light up the landscape below, a truly liberating moment. After a short rest and some photos, you walk back to Barafu Camp shortly before midday, where the rest of the crew is waiting. A warm lunch and a rest of about 1 to 2 hours follow, and then you continue down to Mweka Camp, around 3 hours away.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast, the mountain crew sends you off with a traditional farewell ceremony, opening the last stretch of your remarkable adventure. A gentle descent of 2 to 3 hours through the rainforest follows, ending at Mweka Gate, where your driver is waiting. He will return you to Meru View Lodge, and once you have had a warm shower, the remainder of the day is yours to rest or to celebrate what you have achieved.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Following breakfast, you are driven to Kilimanjaro Airport. You could also prolong your time in Tanzania with a safari or some relaxation on the Indian Ocean.
Meals: breakfast
Rates Per Person
See "Accommodation & Meals" on the Overview tab for the general comfort levels available — send us your dates and group size for an exact quote.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Mount Kilimanjaro.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport and Mwanza Airport are the most common arrival points, depending on your route.
Transfer Information
Airport pickup and all transfers between destinations are included and arranged by our team.
Accommodation Before/After
Need a night in Mwanza or Arusha before or after this trip? We can arrange that on request.