Why is the Lemosho Route so popular?

The Lemosho Route has a 90% success rate due to its excellent 8-day acclimatization profile. It offers stunning scenery and fewer crowds than other routes.

How does Lemosho compare to Machame?

Lemosho is longer (8 days vs 7), has a higher success rate (90% vs 85%), and is less crowded. It costs slightly more but offers better acclimatization.

Is Lemosho suitable for beginners?

Yes! The Lemosho Route is rated moderate and is excellent for first-time Kilimanjaro climbers due to its gradual ascent and extra acclimatization day.

When is the best time to climb Lemosho?

The best months are January-February and June-October. These dry seasons offer the clearest weather and best views.

Home Kilimanjaro RoutesLemosho Route

Mount Kilimanjaro - 5,895m

Lemosho Route

Duration

8 Days

Distance

70 km

View Itinerary

Difficulty

Moderate

Steady climbs that call for good fitness and determination

Success Rate

90%

Excellent success rate

Route Logistics

Londorossi Gate

Finish: Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Group size: Up to 10 climbers
Minimum age: 10+ years
Max altitude: 5895m

Route Highlights

Most scenic route on the mountain

Excellent acclimatization (8 days)

Less crowded than Machame

Highest success rate for moderate routes

Elevation Profile

1640m

4673m

Sleeping altitude

Peak altitude (if higher)

Hover chart for details

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What's Included

What You Get

Professional mountain guide & support crew
All Kilimanjaro park fees and permits
Three chef-prepared meals daily on the mountain
Quality expedition tents and sleeping mats
Daily treated drinking water and hot beverages

Prepare for Your Climb

Essential guides to help you plan and prepare

Tanzania Safari Packing List

Essential items to pack for your Tanzania safari adventure.

Complete Guide to Planning Your Tanzania Safari in 2025

Expert guide to planning the perfect Tanzania safari. From choosing the right parks and accommodations to budgeting and booking - everything you need for an unforgettable African adventure.

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Lemosho Route - 8 Days - 90% Success Rate

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Londorossi Gate to Lemosho Glades

3-4 hours

6km

2650m

Your Kilimanjaro journey begins at Londorossi Gate (2,250m) with park registration and final preparations. Drive to the trailhead and start your trek through pristine montane rainforest. This remote western approach means fewer climbers and more wildlife sightings. The gentle first day (3-4 hours) helps you adjust to trekking at altitude. Arrive at Lemosho Glades (2,650m) where your crew sets up your first mountain camp. Enjoy the peaceful forest setting and get to know your team.

RainforestLemosho Glades

Day 2 - Lemosho Glades to Shira 1 Camp

5-6 hours

8km

3505m

Continue through the rainforest, gradually ascending as the vegetation changes. Emerge from the forest into the heather zone with its giant groundsels and lobelias. The trail offers increasingly spectacular views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. Reach Shira 1 Camp (3,505m) after 5-6 hours of steady climbing. The higher altitude means cooler temperatures - layer up for the evening. This camp provides excellent views of the mountain's western slopes.

MoorlandShira 1 Camp

Day 3 - Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

4-5 hours

8km

3850m

A relatively easy day crossing the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro's three volcanic cones. The plateau is a high-altitude desert with unique flora adapted to the harsh conditions. The gentle terrain allows for excellent acclimatization while enjoying panoramic views. Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) sits in a stunning location with 360-degree mountain vistas. Use this day to hydrate well, practice your breathing, and let your body continue adapting to the altitude.

Alpine DesertShira 2 Camp

Day 4 - Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

6-7 hours

10km

3950m

Today's route follows the essential "climb high, sleep low" acclimatization strategy. Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m) for lunch - this altitude exposure is crucial for summit success. The descent to Barranco Camp (3,950m) may feel counterintuitive but significantly improves your body's adaptation. The Barranco Valley offers some of the route's most dramatic scenery, with the Great Barranco Wall looming ahead. Rest well - tomorrow you'll conquer that impressive feature.

Alpine DesertBarranco Camp

Day 5 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

3-4 hours

5km

3995m

The famous Barranco Wall awaits! This scramble looks daunting but is actually quite manageable with your guide's assistance. It's a fun, hands-on section that most climbers remember fondly. After the wall, traverse through the Karanga Valley with its unique high-altitude ecosystem. The shorter day (3-4 hours) allows for additional rest and acclimatization. Karanga Camp (3,995m) provides beautiful views and a perfect location for final summit preparation.

Alpine DesertKaranga Camp

Day 6 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

3-4 hours

4km

4673m

A steady climb brings you to Barafu Camp (4,673m), your launch point for summit night. The landscape becomes increasingly stark and lunar-like. Arrive early afternoon to maximize rest before your midnight departure. Your guides will provide a comprehensive summit briefing covering clothing, pacing, and what to expect. Early dinner and rest are essential - you'll need all your energy for the challenging night ahead. Sleep if you can, as the summit attempt begins around 11 PM.

Alpine DesertBarafu Camp

Day 7 - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

12-15 hours

17km

3100m

Summit night! Begin around midnight with headlamps lighting your way. The slow, steady ascent follows the "pole pole" (slowly, slowly) philosophy. Zigzag up steep scree slopes, taking regular breaks. Reach Stella Point (5,739m) at sunrise for one of the world's most spectacular dawns. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - Africa's highest point! Celebrate your achievement, then descend to Barafu for rest before continuing to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for the night.

Arctic/AlpineMweka Camp

Day 8 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

3-4 hours

10km

1640m

Your final descent through the rainforest feels triumphant. The thick, oxygen-rich air is a welcome relief after days at altitude. Enjoy the lush vegetation and reflect on your incredible journey. Reach Mweka Gate (1,640m) where you'll receive your official summit certificate. Celebrate with your team, share stories, and take photos. Transfer to your hotel for hot showers, celebration dinner, and well-deserved rest. You've conquered Kilimanjaro!

RainforestMweka Gate

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Route Highlights

Elevation Profile

Peak Season Filling Fast

What's Included

What You Get

Prepare for Your Climb

Tanzania Safari Packing List

Complete Guide to Planning Your Tanzania Safari in 2025

Book Your Climb

Your Details

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Londorossi Gate to Lemosho Glades

Day 2 - Lemosho Glades to Shira 1 Camp

Day 3 - Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Day 4 - Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Day 5 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Day 6 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Day 7 - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Day 8 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Quick Facts

Packing Essentials

Training Tips

Altitude Safety

What You'll Need

Kilimanjaro Route FAQs

Why is the Lemosho Route so popular?

How does Lemosho compare to Machame?

Is Lemosho suitable for beginners?

When is the best time to climb Lemosho?

Best Time to Climb

Essential Gear

Safety First

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