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LEMOSHO ROUTE – MOUNT KILIMANJARO TREK

TREKKING

The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and rewarding ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. With fewer crowds, gradual ascent, and diverse ecosystems, it’s ideal for travelers seeking adventure, nature immersion, and authentic experiences. Hike through rainforests, Shira Plateau, alpine moorlands, and glaciers, encountering wildlife, exotic plants, and breathtaking vistas.

Route Name: LEMOSHO ROUTE – MOUNT KILIMANJARO TREK
Duration: 8 Days
Max Altitude: 5,895 m
Tour Itinerary
Trekking Overview
START POINT
Londorossi Gate – 7,000 ft (2,130 m) – 6,004 ft (1,830 m)
END POINT
Mweka Gate – 5,905 ft (1,800 m) – 10,007 ft (3,050 m)
DISTANCE
47.00 km
HIKING TIME
40 HOURS
ALTITUDE GAIN
26 m (85 ft)

Start Point Londorossi Gate – 7,000 ft (2,130 m)
End Point Forest Camp – 9,498 ft (2,895 m)
Distance 8.00 km
Time 3–4 hours hours

DAY 01 – LEMOSHO GLADES / FOREST CAMP

  • Start Point: Londorossi Gate – 7,000 ft (2,130 m)
  • End Point: Forest Camp – 9,498 ft (2,895 m)
  • Distance: ~8 km (5 miles)
  • Hiking Duration: 3–4 hours
  • Altitude Gain: ~2,498 ft (760 m)

Description:

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a scenic transfer from your lodge to Londorossi Gate, where park officials will handle registration and brief you on safety and trekking protocols. The journey from Arusha or Moshi to Londorossi is itself beautiful, passing through lush foothills and rural villages, giving you a first taste of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes.

From Londorossi Gate, step into the dense tropical rainforest of Kilimanjaro’s western slopes. The trail gently ascends through towering trees, moss-covered trunks, and colorful orchids, accompanied by the songs of exotic birds and the rustling of monkeys. Keep your eyes open for black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and small forest mammals, often seen along the way.

Forest Camp, nestled in this pristine ecosystem, offers a peaceful first night at altitude, allowing your body to start acclimatizing gently. The surrounding forest provides a serene environment to relax, listen to the mountain’s sounds, and prepare for the ascent ahead.

Highlights & Experience:

  • First encounter with Kilimanjaro’s diverse flora and fauna.
  • Gentle introduction to altitude hiking.
  • Stunning views of forest glades and distant peaks.
  • Opportunity for photography of wildlife, flowers, and forest landscapes.

Tips & Advice:

  • Carry a light daypack with water, snacks, and camera.
  • Walk at a relaxed pace to help your body adjust to the altitude.
  • Keep a journal or notes of wildlife and natural observations—it’s a great way to capture your first impressions.
  • Layer clothing: mornings may be cool, afternoons warmer in the forest.


Start Point Forest Camp – 9,498 ft (2,895 m)
End Point Shira 1 Camp – 11,500 ft (3,505 m)
Distance 0.00 km
Time 6–9 hours hours

DAY 02 – SHIRA PLATEAU / SHIRA 1 CAMP

  • Start Point: Forest Camp – 9,498 ft (2,895 m)
  • End Point: Shira 1 Camp – 11,500 ft (3,505 m)
  • Distance: ~ (6 miles)10 km
  • Hiking Duration: 6–9 hours
  • Altitude Gain: ~2,002 ft (610 m)

Description:

After a hearty breakfast at Forest Camp, you leave the dense rainforest behind and ascend into the heath and moorland zones. The trail opens up onto the vast Shira Plateau, offering wide, open vistas of Kilimanjaro’s slopes and distant plains. Today is considered an ideal acclimatization day, with gradual elevation gain that prepares your body for the higher camps ahead.

As you hike, enjoy the stunning contrast between lush forest remnants and high-altitude moorlands. Giant lobelias and groundsels tower alongside the path, creating a landscape almost alien in its beauty. Look out for small wildlife such as hares, birds, and occasional colobus monkeys along the trail. The plateau’s open terrain is perfect for panoramic photography and enjoying Kilimanjaro’s grandeur.

Highlights & Experience:

  • First view of Kibo Peak and the northern plains.
  • Acclimatization hike with gradual ascent—ideal for first-time trekkers.
  • Scenic wildflowers, giant lobelias, and unique moorland landscapes.
  • Quiet, less crowded trail section, offering peaceful nature immersion.

Tips & Advice:

  • Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat—the plateau is exposed to strong sun.
  • Take frequent breaks, breathe deeply, and drink plenty of water for acclimatization.
  • Capture wide-angle photos to showcase the plateau’s vast beauty.
  • Layer clothing: mornings can be chilly, afternoons warm in the sun.


Start Point Shira 1 Camp – 11,500 ft (3,505 m)
End Point Moir Camp – 13,650 ft (4,160 m)
Distance 10.00 km
Time 5 - 6 hours hours

DAY 03 – MOIR CAMP

  • Start Point: Shira 1 Camp – 11,500 ft (3,505 m)
  • End Point: Moir Camp – 13,650 ft (4,160 m)
  • Distance: ~10 km (6 miles)
  • Hiking Duration: 5–6 hours
  • Altitude Gain: ~2,150 ft (655 m)

Description:

Today you traverse the heath zone of Shira Plateau, gradually ascending towards the western slopes of Kibo Massif. Picnic lunch is served at Scott Fisher Memorial Camp, offering spectacular views of the surrounding highlands. This day is designed to increase altitude slowly, improving your chances of a successful summit.

Highlights & Experience:

  • Scenic views of the plateau and Kibo.
  • Unique alpine flora, including giant lobelias and high-altitude heathers.
  • Wildlife spotting and photography opportunities.

Tips & Advice:

  • Take acclimatization walks around camp in the afternoon.
  • Keep warm clothing handy as temperatures drop at night.


Start Point Moir Camp – 13,650 ft (4,160 m)
End Point 13,044 ft (3,975 m)
Distance 8.00 km
Time 4-6 HOURS hours

DAY 04 – BARRANCO CAMP

  • Start Point: Moir Camp – 13,650 ft (4,160 m)
  • End Point: Barranco Camp – 13,044 ft (3,975 m)
  • Distance: ~8–10 km (5–6 miles)
  • Hiking Duration: 4–6 hours
  • Altitude Loss/Gain: slight descent

Description:

Leaving Moir Camp, you enter the alpine zone. The trail passes Lava Tower (14,300 ft / 4,360 m) before descending into Barranco Valley, with dramatic volcanic landscapes. The descent after Lava Tower helps with acclimatization before the challenging Barranco Wall climb tomorrow.

Highlights & Experience:

  • Pass Lava Tower, a landmark for trekkers.
  • Stunning views of Barranco Wall and surrounding alpine terrain.
  • Opportunity for wildlife spotting in Barranco Valley.

Tips & Advice:

  • Take your time on uneven rocky terrain.
  • Enjoy photography at the volcanic formations.

: Barranco Camp Kilimanjaro, Lemosho Route alpine trek, Lava Tower hike, Tanzania trekking


DAY 05 – KARANGA CAMP

  • Start Point: Barranco Camp – 13,044 ft (3,975 m)
  • End Point: Karanga Camp – 13,106 ft (3,995 m)
  • Distance: ~4–5 km (2.5–3 miles)
  • Hiking Duration: 3–5 hours
  • Altitude Gain: ~62 ft (19 m)

Description:

Climb the Great Barranco Wall—one of the most scenic parts of Kilimanjaro. After conquering the wall, the trail descends slightly into Karanga Valley, offering views of glaciers and high ridges before reaching Karanga Camp, a strategic spot before the summit push.

Highlights & Experience:

  • Challenge and accomplishment on Great Barranco Wall.
  • Acclimatization and preparation for Barafu Camp.
  • Panoramic mountain views for photos.

Tips & Advice:

  • Maintain a slow, steady pace.
  • Use trekking poles for balance.


Start Point Barranco Camp – 13,044 ft (3,975 m)
End Point 13,106 ft (3,995 m)
Distance 4.00 km
Time 4–5 km (2.5–3 miles) hours

DAY 05 – KARANGA CAMP

  • Start Point: Barranco Camp – 13,044 ft (3,975 m)
  • End Point: Karanga Camp – 13,106 ft (3,995 m)
  • Distance: ~4–5 km (2.5–3 miles)
  • Hiking Duration: 3–5 hours
  • Altitude Gain: ~62 ft (19 m)

Description:

Climb the Great Barranco Wall—one of the most scenic parts of Kilimanjaro. After conquering the wall, the trail descends slightly into Karanga Valley, offering views of glaciers and high ridges before reaching Karanga Camp, a strategic spot before the summit push.

Highlights & Experience:

  • Challenge and accomplishment on Great Barranco Wall.
  • Acclimatization and preparation for Barafu Camp.
  • Panoramic mountain views for photos.

Tips & Advice:

  • Maintain a slow, steady pace.
  • Use trekking poles for balance.


Start Point Karanga Camp – 13,106 ft (3,995 m)
End Point Barafu Camp – 15,100 ft (4,600 m)
Distance 5.00 km
Time 3–5 hours hours

DAY 06 – BARAFU CAMP

  • Start Point: Karanga Camp – 13,106 ft (3,995 m)
  • End Point: Barafu Camp – 15,100 ft (4,600 m)
  • Distance: ~5 km (3 miles)
  • Hiking Duration: 3–5 hours
  • Altitude Gain: ~1,994 ft (605 m)

Description:

Ascend to Barafu Camp, the base for your summit attempt. The terrain becomes rocky and barren, with incredible views of glaciers. Summit briefing and safety instructions are provided, including oxygen use and Gamow bag training.

Highlights & Experience:

  • High alpine environment with glaciers.
  • Summit preparation with crew guidance.
  • Opportunity for stunning panoramic photography.

Tips & Advice:

  • Conserve energy for summit night.
  • Dress in layers for extreme temperatures.


Start Point Uhuru Peak – 19,341 ft (5,896 m)
End Point Uhuru Peak – 19,341 ft (5,896 m)
Distance 12.00 km
Time 12–17 hours (variable) hours

DAY 07 – SUMMIT & MWEKA CAMP

  • Start Point: Barafu Camp – 15,100 ft (4,600 m)
  • Summit: Uhuru Peak – 19,341 ft (5,896 m)
  • End Point: Mweka Camp – 10,448 ft (3,185 m)
  • Distance: ~12–17 km (7.5–10.5 miles)
  • Hiking Duration: 12–17 hours (variable)
  • Altitude Gain: 4,241 ft (1,296 m)

Description:

Night trekking begins around 11 PM–midnight. Reach Stella Point, then Uhuru Peak for sunrise. Descend to Barafu Camp for lunch, then continue to Mweka Camp for overnight rest.

Highlights & Experience:

  • Sunrise from Uhuru Peak—the “roof of Africa.”
  • Celebrate summit achievement with your guides.
  • Descend through alpine and moorland landscapes.

Tips & Advice:

  • Maintain a steady pace to avoid altitude sickness.
  • Bring snacks, water, and camera.


Start Point Mweka Camp – 10,448 ft (3,185 m)
End Point Mweka Gate – 5,905 ft (1,800 m)
Distance 0.00 km
Time 3–5 hours hours

DAY 08 – MWEKA GATE / END OF TREK

  • Start Point: Mweka Camp – 10,448 ft (3,185 m)
  • End Point: Mweka Gate – 5,905 ft (1,800 m)
  • Distance: ~8 km (5 miles)
  • Hiking Duration: 3–5 hours
  • Altitude Loss: ~4,543 ft (1,385 m)

Description:

Complete the descent to Mweka Gate, enjoy a farewell lunch, and transfer back to your lodge in Arusha or Moshi. Reflect on your diverse trekking experience, from rainforest to glaciers, and celebrate your Kilimanjaro achievement.

Highlights & Experience:

  • Completion of Kilimanjaro trek.
  • Forested trails with vibrant flora.
  • Farewell lunch and certificate presentation.

Tips & Advice:

  • Descend carefully to protect knees.
  • Hydrate well and enjoy final views.


What's Included / Not Included
Included
  • Park entry fees
  • Drinking water
  • Park permits
  • Mountain guide
  • Porters and cook
  • Camping equipment
  • Meals on the mountain
  • Rescue fees
  • Government taxes
  • Medical evacuation cover
Not Included
  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Personal climbing gear
  • Tips for crew
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Hotel before/after trek
Group Departure Price

$2,726.00

Start: 13 Jul 2026

Seats left: 49

Duration: 8 Days