Climb Kilimanjaro along the Lemosho Route

The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and idyllic routes for climbing Kilimanjaro. It is a longer and more challenging route than some of the others, but if offers incredicle views and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the mountain. The starting point of your journey is located on the western side of the mountain.

Accommodation is in tents throughout the trip.

DAY 1: From Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree)

Your climb along the Lemosho route begins in a lush rainforest. As you venture deeper into the forest, you will be surrounded by a variety of vegetation, including towering trees, ferns, and moss-covered rocks. The trail gradually ascents, and you will navigate through some moderate inclines and declines. The terrain is generally well-maintained with clear paths to follow. Along the way, you might even encounter various wildlife species and hear the sound of exotic birds and animals. Lunch will be served upon arrival at Mti Mkubwa Camp.

DAY 2: From Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira I Camp

Leaving Mti Mkubwa Camp, you bid farewell to the lush rainforest, and towering trees give way to heather-covered moorlands, where slopes and hills stretch as far as the eye can see. The terrain becomes gradually steeper as you gain elevation, and you will be treated to stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the vast Shira Plateau. Lunch will be served upon arrival at Shira I Camp.

DAY 3: From Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp

You will continue your ascent towards the eastern side of the Shira Plateau. The trail leads you across the vast alpine desert, characterized by rocky terrain, volcanic ash, and sparse vegetation. The landscape is simply awe-inspiring, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Lunch will be served upon arrival at Shira II Camp.

DAY 4: From Shira II Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Leaving the camp, you will continue your ascent towards Lava Tower, a prominent volcanic formation. The trail takes you through a mix of alpine desert and rocky terrain, with scattered vegetation and stunning mountain vistas. Upon reaching the Lava Tower, you can take a break to rest, enjoy your lunch, and acclimatize to the higher altitude. The place offers a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including the glaciers and the Western Breach. After the acclimatization stop, the trail descends steeply. You will navigate through a rocky path, until you reach the Barranco Valley.

DAY 5: From Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

The trek commences with the challenging Barranco Wall, a nearly vertical climb of 257 meters / 843 feet, demanding rock scrambling and negotiating steep inclines. Upon conquering this formidable barrier, you will however be greeted with breathtaking vistas of the rugged cliffs and the vast expanse of the mountain below. Following this triumph, the route leads down into the Karanga Valley, distinguished by its verdant foliage and captivating natural beauty. Subsequently, after a brief respite, the trail ascends again, gradually increasing in altitude as you progress towards the campsite. Traversing rocky landscapes and alpine deserts, you will eventually reach Karanga Camp, where a satisfying lunch awaits.

DAY 6: From Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

As you progress beyond the Karanga Valley, the trail ascends steadily. The landscape transitions into a harsher, more desolate terrain as you gain altitude. This leg of the journey takes you through an alpine desert setting marked by rocky paths, scree slopes, and limited vegetation. The panoramic vistas of the nearby mountains and glaciers are awe-inspiring. Lunch awaits at Barafu Camp upon your arrival, followed by a summit briefing by your guide to prepare you for the final ascent before bedtime.

DAY 7: From Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak - and from Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

The journey commences in the obscurity of night as you embark on the demanding ascent towards the renowned Uhuru Peak shortly after midnight. The trail winds steeply, leading you through scree slopes, potentially snowy patches, and rugged terrain. Following 6-7 hours of ascent, with the initial light of day breaking through the darkness, you will arrive at Stella Point, positioned at an elevation of 5756 meters / 18885 feet, offering a breathtaking panorama. This significant achievement signifies the rim of the crater. Continuing along the rim, you progress towards Uhuru Peak, encountering a gentler path ahead, although the high altitude and frigid temperatures remain as challenges to overcome.

Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, after covering the distance via the Lemosho route, seize the opportunity to soak in the awe-inspiring vistas and capture lasting memories of your triumph. Following your jubilation, you will commence your return journey to Barafu Camp by retracing the familiar trail taken on the way up.

Following a brief respite at Barafu Camp for rest, nourishment, and hydration, you will proceed with your descent towards either Millennium Camp or Mweka Camp. The journey guides you through diverse vegetation zones, beginning from alpine desert and progressing into the lush rainforest as you make your way down. Upon reaching the campsite, you will conclude your last night on the mountain, commemorating your triumphant climb of Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route. 

DAY 8: From Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

During the concluding day of the trek, you will embark on the ultimate descent towards Mweka Gate, traversing trough the enchanting rainforest surroundings.

Explore Mount Meru, and the other routes for climbing Kilimanjaro, Machame, Umbwe, Rongai, Marangu, and Northern Circuit, as well - or take a look at the overview of which mountain route to choose.

LEMOSHO ROUTE OVERVIEW

The Lemosho Route can be completed in 7 or 8 days. If you choose to do the climb in 7 days, you will hike directly from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira II Camp.

SUMMIT SUCCES RATE: 95

ACCLIMATIZATION: Very good

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

On the morning of day 1, you will check out of the hotel and be picked up by us. We will of course take care of storing your belongings while you are on the mountain. Together, we drive to the Lemosho Gate, which takes about 2-3 hours from Moshi. After registering at the gate, you are ready to start climbing Kilimanjaro along the Lemosho route.

DAY 1:

From Lemosho Gate at 2100 m / 6890 ft to Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2650 m / 8694 ft - 7 km. Hiking duration: 3-4 hours

DAY 2:

From Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree) to Shira I Camp at 3610 m / 11844 ft - 7 km. Hiking duration: 5-6 hours

DAY 3:

From Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp at 3850 m / 12630 ft - 10 km. Hiking duration: 3 hours

DAY 4:

From Shira II Camp via Lava Tower at 4600 m / 15100 to Barranco Camp at 3900 m / 12800 ft - 10 km. Hiking duration: 6 hours

DAY 5:

From Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp 3995 m / 13100 ft - 6 km. Hiking duration: 4 hours

DAY 6:

From Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp 4673 m / 15330 ft - 4 km. Hiking duration: 3 hours

DAY 7 - 'SUMMIT NIGHT':

From Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak at 5895 m / 19341 ft - and to Mweka Camp at 3100 m / 10171 ft - 23 km. Hiking duration: 16-17 hours

DAY 8:

From Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate at 1640 m / 5381 ft - 10 km. Hiking duration: 2-3 hours

Km in total 77

Upon arrival at the gate, you will be rewarded with your certificate, issued by Kilimanjaro National Park, stating your successful climb of Mount Kilimanjaro along the Lemosho route.

Lunch will be served in a village between Mweka Gate where the Lemosho route ends and Moshi. Back in our office, you will get back your belongings before we take you to your hotel or the airport.

The Lemosho Route is for You who

• seek a more remote and moderate climb

• prioritize a slower pace and a higher level of acclimatization

• want to immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of the mountain

What is the Best Time of Year to Trek the Lemosho Route? 

The best time to trek the Lemosho route is during the dry seasons, typically from June to October, and from December to February.

What Kind of Training or Preparation is Recommended for the Lemosho Route?

Training involving cardio, strength, and endurance exercises is recommended to prepare for the Lemosho route due to its challenging terrain and altitude.

 
More Information

Do you want to climb Kilimanjaro along the Lemosho Route? Go to our FAQ section for information about booking, prices, briefings, equipment checks, safety, acclimatization and much more.

Do you wish to explore even more? If yes, dive into the exciting history of Kilimanjaro.

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