📅
8 DaysDuration
🏔
5,895 mSummit Height
💰
$2,600From / Person
⭐
90%Summit Success
📏
ModerateDifficulty
The Most Beautiful Route
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Lemosho Route Overview
This is the longest and most remote route to Kilimanjaro. After beautiful forests and moorlands it crosses the Shira Plateau to meet up with the Machame Route.
The western approach passes through wildlife-rich forests with armed ranger accompaniment, where elephants, buffalo and colobus monkeys have been spotted. The route follows the South Circuit with dramatic views of the Southern Icefields before the final summit push from Barafu. Descent is via the Mweka Route.
This is a steep, tough trek within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas. The 8-day itinerary provides the best acclimatisation profile of any Kilimanjaro route, resulting in the highest summit success rate on the mountain.
📅
8 DaysDuration
🏔
5,895mMax Altitude
💰
$2,600Per Person
⭐
90%Success Rate
Day by Day
Full Itinerary
Click each day to expand the full details of that stage of the climb.
A gentle introduction through the beautiful western rainforest. The trail winds through giant heather and ancient trees, with the sounds of colobus monkeys overhead. An armed ranger accompanies the group through this wildlife-rich zone. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp) with a real sense of wilderness.
Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780m)
Leaving the forest behind, the trail climbs steeply through the heath and moorland zones. Views open dramatically toward the southern edge of the Shira Plateau — one of the largest volcanic plateaus on earth. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp with sweeping views of the summit above.
Shira 1 Camp (3,505m)
A relatively short day across the open Shira Plateau. The wide plateau offers 360-degree views of the summit, Mount Meru, and the vast Tanzanian plains below. This relaxed day aids acclimatisation before the route joins the Machame trail at Shira 2 Camp.
Shira 2 Camp (3,840m)
A crucial acclimatisation day. Trek up to Lava Tower (4,630m) for lunch — a critical acclimatisation step that dramatically improves summit success. Then descend to Barranco Camp (3,960m) using the "climb high, sleep low" principle. The views from the Tower across the Southern Icefields are spectacular.
Barranco Camp (3,960m)
The day begins with the thrilling Barranco Wall scramble — a hands-on climb up solid volcanic rock with breathtaking views. No ropes or technical skill required; guides assist at every step. After the Wall, the trail winds through valleys to Karanga Camp.
Karanga Camp (4,035m)
A shorter day to maximise rest before summit night. Arrive at Barafu Base Camp — a dramatic rocky ridge with views of the summit pyramid above. Eat well, hydrate, receive your summit briefing from your guide, and sleep early. The summit push begins at midnight.
Barafu Camp (4,673m)
Summit day — the reason you came. Midnight departure up the steep volcanic scree, guided by headlamp. Pass through Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim as the first light breaks. Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the Roof of Africa — as the African sunrise unfolds around you. Descend all the way to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
Mweka Camp (3,100m)
The final descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Legs will be tired but spirits are high. Receive your official KINAPA summit certificate, say farewell to your guides and porters, and transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Know Before You Go
Difficulty & Success Rate
Difficulty: Moderate
EasyModerateVery Difficult
- ✓ Previous trekking experience recommended
- ✓ Good physical fitness required
- ✓ Acclimatisation schedule built into itinerary
- ✓ Guides and porters provided throughout
90%
Summit
Success
Success
The Lemosho Route has one of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro, thanks to its gradual acclimatisation profile.
What's Covered
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- All meals (full board) during the climb
- Experienced certified mountain guide
- Porters and cook
- All park and rescue fees
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, dining tent)
- Drinking water during the trek
- Armed ranger escort through wildlife zones
- Summit certificate on completion
Not Included
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Visa to enter Tanzania
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal trekking gear (boots, sleeping bag, clothing)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and porters
- Beverages other than drinking water
- Hotel accommodation before/after the climb
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lemosho Route offers a unique combination of remote wilderness, incredible scenic variety, optimal acclimatisation profile, and a high summit success rate of approximately 90%. Starting at Londorossi Gate in the west, climbers experience pristine forests, the vast Shira Plateau, and the full Southern Circuit — making it the most complete Kilimanjaro experience available.
The Lemosho Route starts further west at Londorossi Gate and adds two days across the remote Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route at Shira 2. This gives climbers a higher success rate, a quieter and less crowded experience, and greater scenic variety. Machame is shorter and slightly less expensive, but Lemosho is the premium choice.
Yes — the western forests of the Lemosho Route pass through a wildlife-rich zone where elephants, buffalo, and colobus monkeys have been spotted. An armed ranger accompanies groups through this section for safety. It is one of the most memorable and unique aspects of this route.
Our guided groups achieve approximately 90% summit success on the Lemosho Route — the highest of any Kilimanjaro route. The 8-day itinerary is specifically designed around the optimal acclimatisation schedule, with the Lava Tower acclimatisation day on Day 4 being a key factor in this success.
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