Lemosho Route Trek
Climbing The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Quick Highlight
Lemosho Route 7-Days Trek
Overview of Lemosho Route
Probably the most beautiful and remote route up Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho Route is renowned for its incredible varied ecosystems and stunning views. With beginnings from Londorossi Gate on the western side of the mountain, this route offers a mix of rich forests, moorlands, and gargantuan views up to the Shira Plateau. Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route allows adventurers to experience breathtaking landscapes while enjoying a more secluded trekking experience
Marange Adventures offers the Lemosho Route for 6, 7, or 8 days, allowing more flexibility for climbers based on experience and acclimatization needs. Since your body has more time to acclimate because of the longer routes, this improves the whole experience and greatly increases your chances of reaching the summit.
With Maranje Adventures, the Lemosho Route is guaranteed to be a planned, interesting experience. Our experienced guides will ensure that you not only witness the natural beauty of Kilimanjaro but also achieve your summit goal safely and with confidence. The Lemosho Route is satisfying for those in search of both great climbs and fantastic sceneries, whether one takes up a shorter or relaxed walk.
Lemosho Route 7- Days Itinerary
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Time taken for trekking: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Ecosystem: Rain Forest
We leave Moshi and drive to the Londorossi Gate, about 4 hours, where you will handle the park entry formalities. We then drive further to the Lemosho trailhead. When we arrive at the trailhead, we start hiking through unspoiled forest trails to the first campsite.
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Trek Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 Km, 5 Miles
Ecosystem: Heath
We leave the rain forest behind and ascend into heather and tall grasses, with volcanic rock erupting from the earth now dressed in a covering of lichen. Further on, the route continues up an easy slope of green hillside, crossing several streams, to bring us to Shira Ridge and its spectacular views across the plateau. Then, turning west, we descend easily to Shira 1 Camp, where for the first time we can see Kibo above the trees.
Elevation: 3,900 m to 3,960 m
Trek Time: 7 hours
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
Ecosystem: Heath
The day begins with a hike uphill, great panoramic views as you enter into the upland desert climate and across lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You arrive at the important summit of Lava Tower 4,640 m-the highest point of the day and a great lunch spot. In the afternoon, we make a steep descent to reach our overnight camp standing at the foot of the Great Barrico valley at 3, 960m. The camp is sheltered with massive cliffs and looks over the plains.
Elevation: 13,044 ft. to 13,106 ft.
Trek Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Ecosystem: Alpine Desert
Today we start dropping down into a gorge at the foot of the Great Barranco Wall. We then hike up the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft. cliff. Once atop the Barranco Wall we traverse several hills and valleys to drop down sharply into Karanga Valley. A steep climb from here brings us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter trekking day in preparation for tomorrow's summit day to allow for better acclimatization.
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Leaving Karanga, we go to the junction where we meet the Mweka Trail, then from there, we begin the ascent on the rocky path to Barafu Hut. This is the point where the end of the Southern Circuit offers different views of the summit from various angles. We camp here in Barafu Hut, rest, and have an early dinner in preparation for the summit attempt. The view from here includes both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
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 Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles Habitat: Rain Forest
Our summit attempt begins very early, around midnight, marking the most physically and mentally demanding part of the trek. The wind and extreme cold at this altitude and time add to the challenge. We begin our ascent in darkness, pausing frequently along the way. As we approach Stella Point at 18,900 ft., we will be rewarded with spectacular views of sunrise over Mawenzi Peak—the experience is unforgettable. Finally, we reach Uhuru Peak, the highest peak on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. From the summit, we descend straight down through a rocky trail that is very hard on the knees to Mweka Hut, stopping for lunch at Barafu. Trekking poles are very helpful as the trail is rocky. Mweka Camp is in the upper forest and is often clouded or rainy in the afternoon. It is from here that we have our final dinner on the mountain and a very well-deserved night's sleep.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we proceed to descend to Mweka Gate, where we will find our certificates of ascent. The trail can be quite wet and muddy at these lower elevations. From the gate, it's about an hour's hike to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will be waiting for us to transfer us back to our hotel in Moshi.
Lemosho Route Price Per Person
Price include and exclude
- Hotel before and after the hike
- Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro (JRO) Airport
- Transportation from the hotel to the park gate
- Park fees and taxes
- High-quality 4-season mountain tents
- Provision of a dining tent
- Sleeping mattresses
- Meals provided throughout your mountain journey
- Purified drinking water available during the trek
- Emergency oxygen cylinders for safety
- An English-speaking guide (with options for other languages upon request)
- A mountain chef and all necessary cooking and eating utensils
- Additional costs not included in the package:
- Tips for climb staff
- Single supplement fee (if applicable)
- Private toilet with privacy tent (available at an additional cost)
- Flights and tourist visa expenses
- Mandatory medical insurance (required for all participants
Kilimanjaro Climber’s Packing Guide
Porter Load Limits
- Porters’ loads are limited to 15 kg (35 pounds).
- Additional weight will require a second porter at a rate of $5 per day.
Packing Tips
Packing Tips
- Place electronics in waterproof bags (preferably double-sealed).
- Wrap clothing in plastic bags for extra protection.
- Your day pack should include essentials: water, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, rain pants, and a jacket. Add any items you’ll need throughout the day, as you might not see porters until camp.
- Maranje Adventures may buy second-hand gear for rentals, and you may also consider bringing warm clothing as gifts for guides or donations to the Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society.
Luggage
- Day pack: For items used daily
Large duffel bag or back pack: Carried by porters - Plastic bags: For additional waterproofing
Clothing Layers
Clothing Layers
- Base layer: Moisture-wicking, non-cotton materialÂ
- Middle layer: Insulating layer for warmth
- Outer layer: Waterproof, breathable shell
- Pack separate outfits for hiking, lounging in the evening, and sleeping. Layers are a must, since temperatures fluctuate greatly.
Suggested Clothing
- Shorts: Hot days (first and last day)
- Pants: Hiking and evening wear
- T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts: For night and day
- Long undergarments,
- fleece jacket, wool sweater
- Down jacket or ski parka: Extreme cold.
Rain gear: jacket and trousers for both rain and snow
Cold Weather Accessories
- Mittens/gloves: Waterproof, with layering options
- Wool or pile hat
- Balaclava or neck gaiter
- Hand and foot warmers
Footwear
- Trekking shoes: Sturdy, waterproof, with ankle support
- Evening footwear: Tennis shoes or sandals
- Gaiters
- Socks: Hiking socks for warmth, wool for cold, and moisture-wicking liners
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag: Rated -25°C/-10°F or colder
- Sleeping pad: Zara provides foam pads, though Thermarest pads are recommended.
Hydration
- Water bottles and Camelback: 2-3 total, aiming for 3 liters
- Guides will provide boiled water or steripens along the trail.
- To prevent water from freezing, keep bottles in your jacket and blow air back into Camelbacks after each sip.
Additional Essentials
- Sun protection: Hat and sunglasses
- Money: $400+ in cash and/or traveler’s checks, including small denominations of USD, Euros, or Tanzanian Shillings
- Trekking poles, headlamp, extra batteries
- Camera, binoculars
- Notebook, pencil, and pen
- Energy snacks: Bars, hard candy, etc.
- Small games or items: Cards, books, frisbee, for evening entertainment
Lemosho Route Frequently asked questions
The Lemosho route is considered one of the easier paths up Kilimanjaro because of its longer itinerary, which allows for better acclimatization. However, trekkers will still have to overcome the ascent of the Barranco Wall and steep climbs during the final push to the summit. No technical climbing skills are required, but a good fitness level is strongly recommended. For more information about training for a Kilimanjaro climb, please visit our Kilimanjaro training program page.
The Lemosho Route is 71km or 43 miles of walking distance. Though the minimum duration required to trek the Lemosho Route is 7 days, adding arrival and departure makes it 10 days. However, for better success rates, more days will be required; 8 or 9 days will be considered for the Lemosho Route since it is one of the longer approach routes.
Success rates at the summit are consequently one of the highest on this route since it's longer. Although no official statistics are available, 90% is often cited as an average for all operators on an 8-day trek and 85% on a 7-day trek. It is indeed true that our success rate in reaching the summit exceeds 95% on an 8-day Lemosho route and over 92% for our 7-day option.
Lemosho Route is known for its fantastic scenic beauty, accredited as the most beautiful route compared to all other routes on Kilimanjaro. It takes trekkers up from the western side of the mountain, through well-rich rainforests, which afterwards then joins the Lemosho Route and starts venturing westward across the remarkable Shira Plateau. The route covers the western and southern areas of the mountain; it has the best views that are remarkably spectacular on the southern circuit.
Cancelation Policy
Cancellation of a booking or failure to join a tour will result in a retention of funds by Maranje Adventures as follows:
30+ Days Before Departure: Should written cancellation be received from any person named in this booking 30 days or more before departure, Maranje Adventures will retain 10% of the package price and refund the balance.
15-29 Days Before Departure: A cancellation received not less than 15 days and more than 29 days prior to the date of departure will result in a 30% retention of the package price, with a refund of the remaining amount.
Less than 15 Days Prior to Departure: The Company shall retain 70% of the package price for cancellations less than 15 days prior to departure.
Replacement Option: If a canceling party is able to find a replacement for themselves no less than 7 days prior to departure, and the replacement completes the booking form individually, no retention of funds will take place. If no replacement is provided, the above cancellation terms will apply.
Outstanding Balances: If cancellation is within 15 days of departure, outstanding balances are due immediately to cover costs for the tour. Right to Terminate Participation: Maranje Adventures and its agents shall be entitled, at their discretion and with immediate effect, to terminate the participation of any person on the tour who endangers the safety, well-being, or enjoyment of other participants or staff. Should such an event occur, Maranje Adventures will give a pro-rated refund of the unused portion of the tour, excluding non-refundable expenses.
Customer Testimonial
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Our experience with Maranje Adventures Tours was phenomenal! - Our experience with Maranje Adventures Tours was phenomenal! Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly and we were able to see all the big 5 and more during our trip. Would... read more 
Sunaina P
May 28, 2024Maranje adventure tours served me well. It is a very wonderful company to choose during your travel to Tanzania. - I have been to Mount Kilimanjaro, the staff and guides are professional. They assisted and cared about me from the beginning up to the end of the tour. 
Pacifique N
July 10, 2023Highly recommended - Maranje Adventures Tours they have an exceptional 2-day Tanzania Safari experience in Ruaha National Park! They're undoubtedly the best tour operator for African safaris. We encountered majestic elephants, powerful lions,... read more 
Rajveer S
May 31, 2024
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