Lemosho Route

9 Days, 8 Nights Trek

Summit Mount Kilimanjaro VIA the Lemosho Route (Option III)

ROUTE OVERVIEW

The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Almighty Kilimanjaro specializes in guiding on the Lemosho route. Most of our clients climb Kilimanjaro using this route and they consistently report that they loved it. Thus, Lemosho is highly recommended.

The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rain forest to Shira Ridge. The Lemosho route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Crowds are low until the route joins the Machame route near Lava Tower. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.

Price Per Person


Solo Trekker	Group of 2	Group of 3	Group of 4	Group of 5+
$3,100	$2,800	$2,650	$2,540	$2,380

Trekking Highlights

Summary Route Description

Summit success rates

Lemosho 9 – Crater Rim: 90.2%, Uhuru Peak: 92%

Route Map

Best Time to Use the Lemosho Route

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route is during the dry seasons: late June to October (warmest/driest) and January to March (clear skies/colder). These months offer the best weather, highest summit success rates, and optimal visibility. Mid-June to October is generally considered the top choice for dry, stable, and warmer trekking conditions.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. After check-in, you will meet with your guide for a briefing about the trek, gear check, and discussion of the next day’s plans. The rest of the day is free to relax, explore Moshi, and prepare for the climb.

Altitude: 915m/3,000ft

Accommodation Options (Before and After the Hike):

After breakfast, you’ll be driven from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration. The drive takes approximately 3 hours. After completing the registration process, you’ll begin your trek through the dense rainforest, where you may encounter Colobus monkeys and a variety of bird species. The trail ascends gradually, offering an introduction to Kilimanjaro’s rich biodiversity. Upon arrival at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), you’ll settle in for dinner and an overnight stay.

Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation:

Meal Plan:

Today’s trek starts with a steep climb out of the rainforest into the heather and moorland zone. The trail offers expansive views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. As you trek across the Shira Plateau, you’ll pass through an ancient caldera and continue to Shira 1 Camp. Dinner and overnight stay at Shira 1 Camp.

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation:

Meal Plan:

We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on the moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Health

Accommodation:

Meal Plan:

We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Moir Hut to Lava Tower

Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 3 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation:

Meal Plan:

The day starts with the climb of the Barranco Wall, a steep and challenging rock wall that requires some scrambling. Although the wall may seem daunting, it is manageable and offers breathtaking views as you climb. After conquering the Barranco Wall, the trail takes you through a series of ridges and valleys, with occasional ascents and descents. The landscape becomes increasingly barren, with scattered boulders and views of the southern glaciers. You’ll reach Karanga Camp in the early afternoon, giving you time to rest and acclimatize—dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp.

Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation:

Meal Plan:

The trail to Barafu Camp is a steady ascent over rocky and barren terrain, with little vegetation. As you approach Barafu Camp, the terrain becomes steeper and more rugged. The camp is located on a rocky ridge, with breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak and the summit of Kibo. You’ll arrive at Barafu Camp in the early afternoon. This is your base camp for the summit attempt, so after an early dinner, you’ll rest and prepare for the final ascent.

Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation:

Meal Plan:

During normal morning hours, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We ascend for several hours at a slow but steady pace while taking frequent, but short, breaks. The trail turns into heavy scree as we make the steep climb to the crater rim. At Stella Point (18,900 ft), we see the summit sign in the distance. We continue the around the crater rim until finally we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

We then descend a short distance to Crater Camp, where the rest of the staff will join us to set up camp. There is an option to hike to Reutsch Crater and the ash pit, or simply explore the areas around Furtwangler Glacier. Sleeping at this high altitude can be dangerous. Serious AMS can develop if adequate altitude acclimatization has not been achieved, so the guides will monitor you very closely.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 18,865 ft
Hiking Time: 0.5-1 hours
Distance: 1 km | 0.6 miles
Habitat: Arctic

Accommodation:

Meal Plan:

On the final day, you’ll continue descending through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail is gentle and surrounded by the sounds and sights of the forest, a stark contrast to the barren summit. At Mweka Gate, you’ll complete park formalities and receive your summit certificates. After celebrating with your guides and porters, you’ll be driven back to Moshi, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation:

Meal Plan:

On the final day, you’ll continue descending through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail is gentle and surrounded by the sounds and sights of the forest, a stark contrast to the barren summit. At Mweka Gate, you’ll complete park formalities and receive your summit certificates. After celebrating with your guides and porters, you’ll be driven back to Moshi, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation:

Meal Plan:

COST BREAKDOWN

Trekking Cost Covers

All entrance fees and Government Taxes
Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
Clean, purified drinking water
Fair wages for the mountain crew.
All meals while on the Mountain 
Rescue Fees and all taxes.
Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides 
Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
Private cook speaking fluent English
Private guide speaking fluent English
Transfers from the Hotel to the Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from the Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel.

Does not Cover

Travel insurance
International flights (can be booked for you on request)
Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
Accommodation on day of arrival and departure
Visas & vaccinations
Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
Private Toilet and hot shower tent.

INQUIRIES & FAQ's

Inquiry Space

Your Trekking & Hiking Questions Answered

When is the best time to climb the 9 Days Lemosho Route?

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route is during the dry seasons: late June to October (warmest/driest) and January to March (clear skies/colder). These months offer the best weather, highest summit success rates, and optimal visibility. Mid-June to October is generally considered the top choice for dry, stable, and warmer trekking conditions.

How should I prepare for the 9 Days Lemosho Route?

Prepare with physical training, mental readiness, and gear planning. Cardio, strength exercises, and long hikes with a weighted backpack are recommended. Layered clothing, waterproof gear, trekking poles, and sturdy boots are essential. Stay hydrated, eat well, and learn to recognize high-altitude symptoms.

Are there other Kilimanjaro routes besides Lemosho?

Yes, other routes include Machame (scenic southern approach), Rongai (northern, drier), Umbwe (steep), and the Northern Circuit (longest and most scenic). Marangu stands out for hut accommodations, gradual ascent, and a well-structured six-day climb.

What is the summit success rate for the 9 Days Lemosho Route?

The 9-Day Lemosho Route offers a good summit success rate of about 92%. The route’s gradual climb and helpful acclimatization points improve your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. Success rates are strong when trekkers pace themselves well and stay hydrated.

Is it possible to arrange a safari after Trekking?

Yes, we can arrange a safari for you after you complete the Marangu Route of the Kilimanjaro Trek. Tanzania offers incredible safari destinations, such as the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park, which you can easily add to your adventure. Our team will help you customize an itinerary to suit your preferences, allowing you to experience the best of Tanzanian wildlife after your trek. Simply let us know your interests, and we will arrange an unforgettable safari to complete your Kilimanjaro experience.

Can I join Kilimanjaro group treks on the Lemosho Route?

Yes, group treks are available. Groups share porters, enjoy guided support, and create a social trekking experience. Group sizes vary; early booking is recommended.