Lemosho Route Overview

8 Days Lemosho Route Trek

Day 1 – Londorosi Gate to Forest Camp

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your lodge to Londorosi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Following registration procedures, continue to the Lemosho trailhead and begin your trek through the beautiful rainforest.

The trail passes through lush vegetation filled with unique plants, colorful flowers, and abundant birdlife. You may also spot black-and-white colobus monkeys and signs of elephants that occasionally roam this area.

Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Overnight: Forest Camp
Altitude: 2,895 m (9,498 ft)

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Day 2 – Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Leave the rainforest behind and enter the heath and moorland zone. As the vegetation changes, enjoy your first spectacular views of Kibo Peak.

Today’s trek provides excellent acclimatization as the trail ascends and descends across several ridges before reaching Shira 1 Camp.

Hiking Time: 6–9 Hours
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Altitude: 3,505 m (11,500 ft)

Day 3 – Shira 1 Camp to Moir Camp

Cross the scenic Shira Plateau while enjoying panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Continue gradually towards the western slopes of Kibo before arriving at Moir Camp.

Optional acclimatization walks may be arranged in the afternoon depending on weather conditions.

Hiking Time: 5–6 Hours
Overnight: Moir Camp
Altitude: 4,160 m (13,650 ft)

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Day 4 – Moir Camp to Barranco Camp

Today’s trek takes you through the alpine desert zone, passing impressive volcanic landscapes near Lava Tower before descending into the beautiful Barranco Valley.

Barranco Camp offers breathtaking views of the mountain and surrounding scenery.

Hiking Time: 4–6 Hours
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Altitude: 3,976 m (13,044 ft)

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Day 5 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Begin the day by climbing the famous Barranco Wall, one of the most exciting sections of the trek. Continue across valleys and ridges before reaching Karanga Camp.

Hiking Time: 3–5 Hours
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Altitude: 3,995 m (13,106 ft)

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Day 6 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Trek towards Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. Upon arrival, your guides will provide a briefing and final preparations for summit night.

After an early dinner, rest before beginning your ascent to Uhuru Peak later in the evening.

Hiking Time: 3–5 Hours
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Altitude: 4,600 m (15,100 ft)

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Day 7 – Summit Day & Mweka Camp

Around midnight, begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).

Reach the summit around sunrise and enjoy incredible views from the Roof of Africa before descending back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch. Continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

Hiking Time: 12–17 Hours
Summit: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m (19,341 ft)
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Altitude: 3,185 m (10,448 ft)

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Day 8 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

After breakfast, complete your final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here you will receive your summit certificate and say goodbye to your mountain crew before returning to your hotel.

Hiking Time: 3–5 Hours

Trek Highlights

• One of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic routes
• Excellent acclimatization profile
• Stunning views across the Shira Plateau
• Lower crowds during the early stages of the trek
• High summit success rate
• Diverse ecological zones
• Reach Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa

Frequently asked questions

How difficult is the lemosho Route?

The Lemosho route is considered one of the easiest routes on Kilimanjaro as it’s longer itinerary allows for better acclimatization. However, hikers will still need to ascend the Barranco Wall and climb steeply on summit night. No technical climbing is required but a good level of fitness is highly recommended. 

What is the distance of the Lemosho Route and how many days does it take?

The exact trekking distance for the Lemosho Route is 71km or 43 miles. The shortest number of days required for Lemosho Route is 7 days, but by the time you have added on arrival and departure days it is 10. However, as it is a much longer approach route it is actually best done over 8 or 9 days to increase your changes of success.

What is the Lemosho Route Summit Success Rate?

Due to its longer length profile, summit success rates on the Lemosho route are one of the highest on the mountain. Whilst there are no official statistics, the average success rate across all operators is 90% for the 8 day trek and a 85% success rate for the 7 day trek. However, We have a success rate of over 95% for the 8 day Lemosho route and a 92% success rate for the 7 day option.

The Lemosho Route is considered to be the most scenically beautiful of all the routes. The route takes trekkers from the west side of the mountain through lush rainforest before joining up with the Lemosho Route to cross the spectacular Shira Plateau. The route takes in the west and south of the mountain and the views are incredible, particularly from on the southern circuit.