Kilimanjaro route
Lemosho Route
The 8 and 9-day itineraries from Londorossi Gate to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m. Every day's distance, walking time and habitat, gate to summit.
- Duration
- 7–9 days
- Price from
- $2,450
- Difficulty
- Moderate to challenging
- Starting point
- Londorossi Gate
About the Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is widely considered one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering exceptional scenery, a quieter western approach, and one of the strongest acclimatization profiles. It gradually joins the Southern Circuit, making it ideal for trekkers seeking both beauty and a high summit success rate.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Best for: Scenic diversity, excellent acclimatization, fewer crowds early on
Prices
Prices are per person and vary slightly based on group size and season. Contact us for an exact quote.
| Duration | Itinerary | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | On request | $2,450 |
| 8 days | Day by day below | $2,600 |
| 9 days | Day by day below | $2,600 |
8-day Lemosho Route itinerary
The 8 day Lemosho Route provides an excellent balance of acclimatization and trekking duration, making it one of the most popular choices for climbers seeking high success rates.
Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
- 2,360 m / 7,742 ft → 2,895 m / 9,498 ft
- 6 km / 4 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Rainforest
Drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate and continue to the trailhead. Begin trekking through dense rainforest with rich vegetation and occasional wildlife sightings. Overnight at Forest Camp.
Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- 2,895 m / 9,498 ft → 3,505 m / 11,500 ft
- 8 km / 5 miles
- 5–6 hours
- Rainforest to Moorland
Ascend out of the forest into heather and moorland terrain. The landscape opens onto the Shira Plateau with expansive views of Kibo. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
- 3,505 m / 11,500 ft → 4,205 m / 13,800 ft
- 11 km / 7 miles
- 5–7 hours
- Moorland
Cross the plateau and continue toward Moir Hut. Optional acclimatization hikes in the afternoon can further support altitude adjustment.
Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- 4,205 m / 13,800 ft → 4,630 m / 15,223 ft → 3,975 m / 13,044 ft
- 10 km / 6 miles
- 4–6 hours
- Semi-Desert
Climb to Lava Tower before descending into the Barranco Valley. This is an important acclimatization day following the climb high, sleep low principle.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- 3,975 m / 13,044 ft → 3,995 m / 13,123 ft
- 5 km / 3 miles
- 4–5 hours
- Alpine Desert
Climb the Barranco Wall and continue through ridges and valleys into Karanga Camp.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- 3,995 m / 13,123 ft → 4,670 m / 15,320 ft
- 4 km / 2 miles
- 4–5 hours
- Alpine Desert
Ascend to Barafu Camp and prepare for the summit attempt.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- 4,670 m / 15,320 ft → 5,895 m / 19,341 ft → 3,070 m / 10,065 ft
- 5 km / 3 miles up; 12 km / 7 miles down
- 6–8 hours up; 4–6 hours down
- Arctic to Rainforest
Summit attempt followed by descent to Mweka Camp.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
- 3,070 m / 10,065 ft → 1,640 m / 5,380 ft
- 10 km / 6 miles
- 4–7 hours
- Rainforest
Final descent through forest to Mweka Gate and transfer to Arusha.
9-day Lemosho Route itinerary
The 9 day Lemosho Route includes an additional acclimatization day, providing the best possible conditions for summit success. This extended itinerary allows for a slower pace and improved recovery at higher elevations.
Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
- 2,360 m / 7,742 ft → 2,895 m / 9,498 ft
- 6 km / 4 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Rainforest
Begin trekking through rainforest to Forest Camp.
Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- 2,895 m / 9,498 ft → 3,505 m / 11,500 ft
- 8 km / 5 miles
- 5–6 hours
- Rainforest to Moorland
Ascend to the Shira Plateau.
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- 3,505 m / 11,500 ft → 3,810 m / 12,500 ft
- 7 km / 4 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Moorland
A shorter day to support acclimatization while crossing the plateau.
Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut — acclimatization day
- 3,810 m / 12,500 ft → about 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
- 6–8 km / 4–5 miles
- 4–6 hours
- Moorland to Alpine Desert
A slower day with optional acclimatization hikes toward the Lent Hills. This extra time at altitude improves summit readiness.
Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- about 4,200 m / 13,780 ft → 4,630 m / 15,223 ft → 3,975 m / 13,044 ft
- 10 km / 6 miles
- 4–6 hours
- Semi-Desert
Climb to Lava Tower and descend to Barranco Camp.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- 3,975 m / 13,044 ft → 3,995 m / 13,123 ft
- 5 km / 3 miles
- 4–5 hours
- Alpine Desert
Climb the Barranco Wall and continue to Karanga Camp.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- 3,995 m / 13,123 ft → 4,670 m / 15,320 ft
- 4 km / 2 miles
- 4–5 hours
- Alpine Desert
Ascend to Barafu Camp and prepare for summit.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- 4,670 m / 15,320 ft → 5,895 m / 19,341 ft → 3,070 m / 10,065 ft
- 5 km / 3 miles up; 12 km / 7 miles down
- 6–8 hours up; 4–6 hours down
- Arctic to Rainforest
Summit attempt followed by descent to Mweka Camp.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
- 3,070 m / 10,065 ft → 1,640 m / 5,380 ft
- 10 km / 6 miles
- 4–7 hours
- Rainforest
Final descent and return to Arusha.
Climb the Lemosho Route with Baraka
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Other Kilimanjaro routes
- Machame Route · 6 and 7 days
- Marangu Route · 5 and 6 days
- Rongai Route · 6 and 7 days
- Umbwe Route · 6 and 7 days
- Shira Route · 6 and 7 days
- Northern Circuit · 10 days
