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Lemosho Route
The 6-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route offers an adventurous and scenic climb to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain. Known for its beautiful landscapes and lower traffic, the Lemosho Route provides climbers with an excellent opportunity to acclimatize while enjoying stunning views of the mountain and surrounding wilderness.
Starting from the lush rainforests of the western base, you’ll pass through varied environments, including heath and moorland, alpine deserts, and, ultimately, the icy glaciers of Uhuru Peak.
Led by experienced guides, the trek offers a slightly longer approach than some routes, but it’s ideal for climbers who prefer a quieter, more gradual ascent. Along the way, you'll have plenty of time to take in the diverse flora and fauna, dramatic landscapes, and breathtaking vistas, making this one of the most rewarding routes to conquer Kilimanjaro.
- Lemosho Route
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Parks
Itinerary
Cost
Additional Info
Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary: Lemosho – 6 Days
Day 0: Arrival
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by our ground handling team. After introductions and a warm welcome, you will be transferred to your comfortable accommodation in Arusha or Moshi for the evening. Enjoy a restful night’s sleep in preparation for your adventure.
Day 1: Transfer to Lemosho Gate + Trek from Londorossi Gate to Shira 2 Camp
Rise early for breakfast and a briefing before boarding a transfer vehicle for the three-hour journey to the start of your hike. After completing the necessary registration at the Londorossi National Park Gate, we will drive up a steep track within the national park to reach Shira Barrier (3,300 m), where our hike begins. Enjoy stunning views as we continue on foot across the Shira Plateau, passing Shira One (3,550 m) before arriving at our first campsite, Shira 2 (3,840 m). Total walking time: 3-4 hours.
Day 2: Shira 2 to Barranco Camp
This morning, we’ll embark on a gentle ascent, leaving the moorland plateau behind as we traverse lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. We’ll stop for lunch at the Lava Tower (4,600 m) before descending to the Great Barranco Valley (3,900 m), where we’ll be sheltered by towering cliffs and can take in extensive views of the plains below. Total walking time: 5-7 hours.
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Our day begins with a steep climb up the Barranco Wall, followed by an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo, providing superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain transitions to scree, with pockets of vegetation in sheltered areas. We’ll reach our campsite at Karanga (4,000 m), the last water point before the summit. Total walking time: 4-5 hours.
Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We’ll follow a straightforward path on compacted scree, steadily gaining altitude and enjoying wide views as we make our way to Barafu Camp (4,600 m) for lunch. Afterward, we’ll take a short acclimatization walk to the plateau at the bottom of the Southeast Valley (4,800 m). The rest of the day is dedicated to resting in preparation for the final ascent, with an early night ahead. Total walking time: 3-5 hours.
Day 5: Uhuru Peak Summit + Descend to Millennium/Mweka Camp
Our ascent begins by torchlight around 1 a.m., aiming to reach the Crater Rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree includes well-graded zig-zags. A slow and steady pace will bring us to Stella Point (5,735 m) in approximately five to six hours, where we’ll take a brief rest to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those feeling strong can make the two-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing close to spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs. The descent to Barafu is quick, and after a refreshment break, we will continue our descent to Millennium Camp (3,800 m). Total walking time: 11-15 hours.
Day 6: Descend from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate + Transfer Back to Hotel
We will embark on a sustained descent along a well-constructed path through a beautiful tropical forest, filled with birdsong and lush undergrowth. Our route winds down to the Mweka National Park Gate (1,650 m), where we will sign out from the national park. After a 15-minute walk through coffee and banana farms, we will reach Mweka village, where our vehicle awaits to transfer you back to your hotel. A refreshing shower, a cold beer, and a relaxing swim are just moments away! Total walking time: 4-6 hours.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further information!
Tour Information
The Lemosho route is one of the least-traveled initial ascents on Kilimanjaro, primarily due to its remoteness and the challenging roads leading to the trailhead. Access to the trailhead is only possible by four-wheel-drive vehicles, which can become impassable during inclement weather. Given the high elevation of the trailhead, we begin this trek at a slow and gentle pace.
On the first day, walking through the forest offers the possibility of spotting wildlife such as buffalo and elephants, although the trail is often overgrown due to infrequent use.
As one of the longest routes up Kilimanjaro, physical fitness is essential for both enjoyment and success. The Lemosho (Shira) route involves 7 days and 6 nights on the mountain. The distance covered and the effort required in the final days make this trek suitable for experienced hikers only. The varied landscapes and stunning views across the Shira Plateau make this journey truly unique. There are no established shelters along this route, so you will need to sleep in mountain tents.
Cost
Price Per Person in US Dollars
$2,800 per person for solo trekkers
$2,400 per person for two trekkers
$2,300 per person for three trekkers
$2,350 per person for four trekkers
$2,300 per person for five trekkers
$2,250 per person for groups of six or more
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Additional Info
What’s Included
Transport to and from the park gate, along with airport transfers
Pre- and post-climb accommodation (B&B) in Moshi
Park, camping, and rescue fees
Mountain tent and mattress
Professional English-speaking guides, porters, and chef
Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
Water, tea, and coffee with meals
What’s Not Included
Flights
Lunch and dinner in Moshi
Travel insurance
Visa and passport fees
Possible increases in park fees
Personal equipment
Sleeping bag
Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
Soda and alcoholic beverages