Why Choose Lemosho Route?

Scenic Beauty

Widely regarded as the most beautiful route, offering diverse landscapes from rainforest to alpine desert.

High Success Rate

85-90% summit success due to excellent acclimatization profile and gradual ascent.

Less Crowded

More tranquil experience compared to busier routes like Machame or Marangu.

Pricing Options

Choose the duration that fits your schedule and budget

8 Day Trek

Recommended

Ideal for proper acclimatization and highest success rate

Best success rate (90%)
Optimal acclimatization
Extra day on Shira Plateau

Prices:

1 person: $2,500
2-5 persons: $2,000/person
6+ persons: $1,950/person

7 Day Trek

Good option for experienced hikers with limited time

Good success rate (80%)
Faster ascent
More challenging

Prices:

1 person: $2,200
2-5 persons: $1,800/person
6+ persons: $1,700/person

Route Overview

Days

70km

Distance

85-90%

Success Rate

Moderate

Difficulty

Route History

The Lemosho Route was introduced as an alternative to the Shira Route, which began with a long drive to the Shira Plateau. Lemosho starts further west and approaches Kilimanjaro from the same direction but allows trekkers to hike through the beautiful rainforest rather than drive through it.

This route has gained popularity in recent years due to its high success rates and stunning scenery. It's considered one of the newer routes on Kilimanjaro, having been established in the 1990s as an improvement over older approaches.

Why Lemosho Stands Out

What makes Lemosho special is its combination of low traffic, beautiful scenery, and a high summit success rate. The route starts in the remote western side of Kilimanjaro and crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east, offering spectacular views and excellent acclimatization.

Pro Tip

The 8-day Lemosho itinerary includes an extra acclimatization day at Shira Camp 2 (3,810m), featuring a day hike to Cathedral Peak (approximately 4,000m), the third-highest peak on Mount Kilimanjaro. This scenic hike allows trekkers to gain altitude before returning to sleep at a lower elevation, following the proven "climb high, sleep low" strategy. This greatly enhances your body's acclimatization and significantly improves your chances of successfully reaching the summit.

Detailed Itinerary

8-day Lemosho Route schedule with elevation profile

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you'll be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Here, you'll meet your guide and have a pre-climb briefing to discuss the adventure ahead.

Kilimanjaro International Airport

Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Begin your trek from Lemosho Gate, hiking through lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp. The forest is rich with wildlife and vibrant plant life, offering a great start to the climb.

Duration

3-4 hours

Distance

7 km

Elevation Gain

+535m

Camp Altitude

2,895m

Mti Mkubwa Camp

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Leaving the rainforest, you enter the heather and moorland zone, which provides breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau. Reach Shira 1 Camp and experience the vast, open landscapes.

Duration

5-6 hours

Distance

8 km

Elevation Gain

+610m

Camp Altitude

3,505m

Shira 1 Camp

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Continue across the Shira Plateau towards Shira 2 Camp, enjoying expansive views of the landscape. The trail offers an easier day to aid acclimatization.

Duration

4-5 hours

Distance

7 km

Elevation Gain

+305m

Camp Altitude

3,810m

Shira 2 Camp

Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

Ascend to Lava Tower, a large volcanic rock formation, for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp. This route includes climbing and descending, which helps your body adjust to the altitude.

Duration

6-7 hours

Distance

10 km

Elevation

3,810m → 4,630m → 3,970m

Camp Altitude

3,970m

Barranco Camp

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Start with the challenging Barranco Wall climb, then continue to Karanga Camp. This day involves some scrambling but rewards you with incredible views and is essential for acclimatization.

Duration

4-5 hours

Distance

5 km

Elevation Gain

+65m

Camp Altitude

4,035m

Karanga Camp

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Hike to Barafu Camp, your final base camp before the summit. Prepare for an early start the next day for the summit attempt. Rest and hydrate at this altitude.

Duration

3-4 hours

Distance

4 km

Elevation Gain

+638m

Camp Altitude

4,673m

Barafu Camp

Summit Day: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Begin the final ascent around midnight, aiming to reach the summit by sunrise. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, celebrate before descending to Mweka Camp for rest.

Duration

10-12 hours

Distance

15 km

Elevation

4,673m → 5,895m → 3,068m

Camp Altitude

3,068m

Uhuru Peak - Highest Point in Africa

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Complete the final leg of your trek as you descend to Mweka Gate. Here, you'll receive your summit certificates before transferring back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest.

Duration

3-4 hours

Distance

10 km

Descent

-1,428m

Gate Altitude

1,640m

Mweka Gate - Journey's End

Trip Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Two nights accommodations in Moshi
Transfer to and from the mountain
18% VAT (Value Added Tax) on tour fees and service
Park fees
4-season mountain tent
Mess tents, lanterns, chairs, tables
Three hot meals daily on the mountain
Hot water for washing
Fair wages for the mountain crew: guides, cook, and porters
Emergency oxygen tank

Exclusions

Visa fees
Flights
Travel insurance
All items of personal nature
Lunch, dinner, and drinks at your hotel
Tips for the team: guides, cooks, and porters

Recommendation Tips:

Guide: $20-$25/day
Cook: $15-$20/day
Porters: $10/day

Additional Costs

Portable flash toilet: $100 for the entire trek
Extra hotel night in Moshi: Double room $100, Single $80
Extra porters for excess gear: $10/day

Requirements:

Good physical condition (for hiking and safaris)
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies
Visa
Appropriate clothing for hot and cold temperatures
Camera and binoculars for wildlife viewing (Optional)

Pricing Information

Our Kilimanjaro pricing is subject to availability and may change without notice. The price is only guaranteed once paid for in full or in installments. Prices quoted are subject to changes outside our control, which may increase the cost of the product or service.

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