The Lemosho Route is widely considered the most beautiful and best-acclimatized route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the remote western side, it offers low traffic in the early days, diverse scenery, and excellent summit success rates.
This 7-day itinerary allows for gradual altitude gain and proper acclimatization, making it ideal for trekkers who want a higher chance of reaching Uhuru Peak while enjoying a quieter, more scenic climb.
- Route Type: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Scenery: Excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Success Rate: High
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Altitude: 2,100m → 2,650m
- Distance: ~6 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
After registration at Londorossi Gate, drive to the trailhead and begin trekking through lush rainforest. The area is rich in wildlife and birdlife, offering a peaceful start to the climb.
- Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (tents)
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
- Altitude: 2,650m → 3,610m
- Distance: ~8 km
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
The forest gradually gives way to moorland and heath, with expansive views across the Shira Plateau. This is a steady ascent that allows good acclimatization.
- Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (tents)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Altitude: 3,610m → 3,850m
- Distance: ~7 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
A gentle hike across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest volcanic plateaus in the world. You may enjoy distant views of Mount Meru and Kibo Peak.
- Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (tents)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Altitude: 3,850m → 4,630m → 3,960m
- Distance: ~10 km
- Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
A crucial acclimatization day. You climb to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp, following the proven climb high, sleep low strategy.
Barranco Camp is set in a dramatic valley beneath the Barranco Wall.
- Accommodation: Barranco Camp (tents)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Altitude: 3,960m → 4,035m
- Distance: ~5 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Climb the Barranco Wall in the morning — a fun scramble with stunning views — then continue across alpine terrain to Karanga Camp, an important stop for acclimatization and rest.
- Accommodation: Karanga Camp (tents)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Altitude: 4,035m → 4,673m
- Distance: ~4 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
A short but steep hike to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. Arrive early to rest, hydrate, and prepare for summit night.
- Accommodation: Barafu Camp (tents)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Altitude: 4,673m → 5,895m → 3,100m
- Distance: ~17 km
- Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Start the summit climb around midnight, ascending slowly to Stella Point, then continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
After photos and celebration, descend past Barafu Camp and continue down to Mweka Camp for overnight rest.
- Accommodation: Mweka Camp (tents)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Park fees and rescue fees
- Professional, licensed mountain guides
- Porters and cook support
- All camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, dining tent)
- All meals on the mountain
- Clean drinking water (treated and filtered)
- Pre- and post-climb briefing
- Summit certificate
- Fair wages for crew (KPAP compliant if applicable)
Excludes
- International & domestic flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal climbing gear (sleeping bag, boots, clothing)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
- Hotel accommodation before & after the climb (unless requested)
- Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, laundry)
