Overview
The Lemosho route is one of Kilimanjaro's lesser-known paths, beginning on the mountain's western side and offering some of the most genuinely varied scenery of any route to the summit. The first two days take you through thick rainforest before the landscape opens into heath and moorland, dotted with ferns and giant heather along a trail that winds through some properly steep passages.
On day three, the Lemosho trail joins the Machame route for the remainder of the climb — meaning you get Lemosho's quieter, more scenic opening days, followed by the same well-proven summit approach that makes Machame so popular. It's worth knowing this route is somewhat more physically demanding than Marangu or Rongai, though the gradual western approach genuinely helps with acclimatization along the way.
Accommodation is tented throughout this 7-day itinerary, and the extra time on the mountain compared to shorter routes translates into meaningfully better acclimatization — one of the reasons we often recommend Lemosho to climbers prioritizing summit success over the shortest possible trip.
See our full route comparison guide, or contact us to book your Lemosho route climb.
A real elevation profile for the Lemosho Route — 5,895m at the summit, from a 2,250m start.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (9 days)
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be greeted by our transfer driver and taken to the Meru View Lodge. The rest of the day will be at leisure and you may choose to relax at the hotel or perhaps explore the town of Arusha (taxi required). In the evening, you will attend a briefing in preparation for your upcoming trek. Dinner and overnight at Meru View Lodge. Dinner
In the morning, you will be picked up at the lodge and taken to the Londorossi Gate (2,250 m). Here you will be registered by the national park authorities. Then you will drive approximately 15 km on a bumpy track that will take you into the dense rainforest to the drop-off point where your trek begins. You will follow a moderately steep track, which leads you through an amazing and unspoiled natural forest to the Big Tree Camp, your destination for today. As this region is also home to wild games, you will be accompanied by an armed ranger during the first 2 days of your trek.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Today’s long trek starts on a small trail that passes through the rainforest. As one climbs, the forest gradually thins out and the landscape changes into heath and moorland where plants like erica and lobelia start to dominate the landscape. You will cross the Shira Ridge and after 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you will reach Shira Camp 1. Here you will stop for lunch, relax a bit and enjoy the fantastic views of Mt Meru and the Rift Valley. For the last part of the climb (approximately 3 hours), you will climb another 250 m in altitude. The landscape will change again and you will pass giant senecios that can grow to almost 9 m in height. At Shira Camp 2, you will camp for the night and with a little luck, enjoy the wonderful view of the Kibo summit at sunset.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Today you will climb approximately 700 m, but you will spend the night at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to acclimatize, as a height of over 4,600 m will be reached before descending again. In doing so, you will be able to see how your body reacts to such an altitude. The trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower. The vegetation becomes sparser as the landscape changes to alpine desert. The climb passes through the wide Barranco Valley with its lobelia and giant senecio plants. After 6 to 7 hours’ walking, you will arrive at the Barranco Camp – perhaps the most beautiful camp in Kilimanjaro.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Today’s trekking leg has many ascents and descents and shortly after the start, you will tackle the steepest part of the entire route – the Barranco Wall. Every now and then, you may need your hands to hold on as there are no climbing “paths”. Safety is paramount and your guides will assist you whenever necessary. After reaching the top of Barranco Wall, you will walk along the mountain ridge. From here you will have fantastic views of the southern glacier of Kibo as well as of the Kibo summit. You will get to Karanga Camp around lunchtime.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
After breakfast, you will walk along a trail that passes through an alpine desert area until you reach the destination of today – the Barafu Camp. In the afternoon you can relax and stretch your legs in preparation for the upcoming summit night. You will have dinner early in order to catch a few hours’ sleep before you will be woken up at around midnight.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
After some hot tea and a light snack, the climb begins at around midnight. By torchlight you will start walking on the lava ash that is still frozen. After 5 to 7 hours you will arrive at Stella Point (5,730 m), the crater rim of Mt Kilimanjaro. Another 1 to 2 hours climb along the crater ridge will lead you to the summit of Uhuru Peak. From “Africa’s Roof”, you will be able to see the surrounding landscape being lit up by the rising sun – a truly liberating experience. After a short break and taking photos, you will return to Barafu Camp just before midday where the rest of the crew will be waiting for you. You will have a warm lunch and rest for about 1 to 2 hours before you make your way down to the Mweka Camp about 3 hours away.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
The final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours’ descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting for you. He will take you back to the Meru View Lodge and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to rest or to celebrate your achievement.
Breakfast; Dinner
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport. Alternatively you can extend your trip in Tanzania and go on safari or relax at the Indian Ocean.
Breakfast
Rates Per Person
See "Accommodation & Meals" on the Overview tab for the general comfort levels available — send us your dates and group size for an exact quote.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Mount Kilimanjaro.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport and Mwanza Airport are the most common arrival points, depending on your route.
Transfer Information
Airport pickup and all transfers between destinations are included and arranged by our team.
Accommodation Before/After
Need a night in Mwanza or Arusha before or after this trip? We can arrange that on request.
