9 Day Lemosho Route
Lemosho Route
Overview
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic, rewarding, and highly recommended trails to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet). Known for its low traffic, diverse landscapes, and high success rates, this route is perfect for both first-time trekkers and seasoned climbers looking for a quieter, more gradual ascent.
This 9-day itinerary is designed to provide excellent acclimatization, allowing your body enough time to adjust to high altitude — which significantly improves your chances of a successful and safe summit. With fewer crowds and a longer trail, Lemosho offers one of the best overall Kilimanjaro experiences.
The trek begins on the remote western side of the mountain, passing through lush rainforests home to wildlife like colobus monkeys and blue monkeys. As you ascend, the trail opens onto the Shira Plateau, a vast high-altitude landscape with sweeping views of the plains below and nearby Mount Meru.
The route then joins the Machame Route, continuing through stunning terrain including Lava Tower, the dramatic Barranco Wall, and the high alpine desert around Karanga and Barafu Camps. The final ascent to Uhuru Peak begins before dawn — a challenging but unforgettable journey leading to the highest point in Africa just as the sun rises.
The descent follows the Mweka Route, giving you a full-circle experience of the mountain, with ever-changing scenery from summit to base.
With full camping support, experienced guides, and a route that offers both beauty and safety, Lemosho is an excellent choice for those seeking a more immersive and successful Kilimanjaro climb.
Itinerary
Upon landing at the airport, you'll be whisked away to your hotel, marking the start of your Tanzanian adventure. Here, you will meet your guide who will provide a comprehensive briefing on the incredible journey ahead. Afterward, take the time to rest or explore the vibrant city of Arusha, known as the gateway to Tanzania's world-renowned national parks. The hotel staff will be more than happy to recommend exciting activities and hidden gems around the area, ensuring you have a memorable first day in this beautiful country.
Meals - Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Gran Melia
Embark on a journey through Tanzania's majestic landscapes with our guided Kilimanjaro tour, starting at Lemosho Gate. Your adventure begins amidst lush rainforests, where the air is fresh and the scenery is breathtaking. This first stage is your introduction to the rich biodiversity of Kilimanjaro's lower slopes. As you trek towards Mti Mkubwa Camp, the path invites you to immerse yourself in nature's tranquility, setting the tone for your transformative journey. Our expert guides ensure your safety, helping you acclimatise to the altitude, making this experience both thrilling and secure. This initial leg promises a blend of excitement and serene beauty, marking the start of an unforgettable Kilimanjaro hike that will surpass your expectations and enrich your life with lasting memories.
Hike - 5 km | 2-3 hours
Accommodation(overnight) - Mti Mkubwa Camp 2780m AMSL
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
As you leave Mti Mkubwa Camp, the trail gradually ascends through the heath zone, revealing vast landscapes and the richness of Kilimanjaro's flora. This stage of your Kilimanjaro trekking adventure offers a mix of physical challenge and breathtaking views and takes you to Shira 1 Camp. Today's journey is not just a climb, but an invitation to experience the magnificence of the earth's forces, with the vast skies of the Shira Plateau serving as a canvas for the vibrant colours of the sunset. Safety and expertise guide our steps so that you feel supported at every moment. When you reach Shira 1 Camp, you will stand at one of Kilimanjaro's most beautiful viewpoints, where the clouds are close enough to touch.
Hike - 8 km | 5-6 hours
Accommodation(overnight) - Shira 1 Camp 3500m AMSL
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The journey from Shira 1 Camp through Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut Camp unfolds across the expansive Shira Plateau, one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world. This stage of your Kilimanjaro trekking experience offers a relatively flat terrain, allowing for comfortable pacing and ample time to soak in the surrounding beauty. As you traverse this lunar landscape, you'll encounter rare plants and geological formations unique to Kilimanjaro's alpine desert. The trek between these camps is crucial for acclimatisation, preparing you for the higher altitudes ahead. Under the guidance of your seasoned Kilimanjaro expedition team, you'll gain deeper insights into the mountain's ecology while ensuring your safety and enjoyment.
Hike - 11km | 5-7 hours
Accommodation(overnight) - Moir Hut Camp 4200m AMSL
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The hike from Moir Hut Camp to the famous Lava Tower and the subsequent descent to Barranco Camp is the highlight of your Kilimanjaro hiking adventure. This section will test your endurance with its higher altitudes and steeper trails, but will reward you with some of the most breathtaking scenery on the mountain. The ascent to Lava Tower brings you closer to 4,600 metres, a crucial test of acclimatisation before you venture to Uhuru Peak. The descent to Barranco Camp leads over the impressive Barranco Wall, which presents another exciting challenge. This stage epitomises the balance of challenge and beauty, with alpine deserts merging into lush valleys. Under the guidance of experts, you will cross these areas safely, with each step bringing you closer to the summit.
Hike - 8 km | 6-8 hours
Highlight - Lava Tower
Accommodation(overnight) - Barranco Camp 3970m AMSL
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Start your day with the challenging ascent of the Barranco Wall from Barranco Camp, testing your climbing skills while offering breathtaking views from the top. After overcoming the Wall, continue through alpine plains to Karanga Camp for a brief rest, aiding your acclimatization. The journey proceeds with a gradual trek through alpine desert to Barafu Camp, where the landscape becomes sparser. This final leg before the summit push is crucial for rest and preparation, as you'll spend the night at Barafu, the gateway to Uhuru Peak, readying for an early morning ascent. This day is not just about reaching higher altitudes but also strengthening bonds with fellow adventurers.
Hike - 8 km | 8-11 hours
Accommodation(overnight) - Barafu Camp 3960m AMSL
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The ascent from Barafu Camp to the summit, Uhuru Peak, represents the pinnacle of your Kilimanjaro climbing adventure. Beginning in the early hours, this challenging trek takes you through the night, reaching the summit at dawn. The journey is steep and demanding, pushing you to your limits, but the reward is unparalleled: witnessing the sunrise from Africa's highest point. This moment, atop Uhuru Peak, is a testament to your determination and spirit. After savoring the summit's triumphs, the descent to Mweka Camp begins, where you can reflect on the journey's transformative impact. Guided by seasoned professionals, your safety and success are paramount, ensuring this leg is a memorable culmination of your Kilimanjaro expedition.
Hike - 17 km | 11-14 hours
Summit - Uhuru Peak
Accomomdation(overnight) - Mweka Camp 3060m AMSL
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The final descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate marks the conclusion of your Kilimanjaro trekking adventure. This leg of the journey allows you to reflect on the challenges overcome and the memories made. The path leads you through lush rainforests, offering a soothing, verdant contrast to the alpine desert and snowy summit. This stage is a gentle trek down, providing ample time to enjoy the rich biodiversity and the serene atmosphere of Kilimanjaro's lower slopes. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, the sense of accomplishment is overwhelming, as you receive your summit certificates. Guided safely down by your expert team, this last day not only signifies the end of your physical journey but also marks the beginning of a lifetime filled with enriched memories and achievements.
Hike - 9 km | 3-4 hours
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Gran Melia
Enjoy a last delicious breakfast as the rising sun bathes the surrounding landscape in golden light. Relive the great memories of the past few days. Your driver will transfer you to the airport on time. Please note that this does not have to be the end of your trip. You always
have the option to combine your Tanzania trip with another tour. We wish you a pleasant
flight and goodbye.
Meals - Breakfast
MID-RANGE INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- Airport Transfers
- National Park Fees
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks
- Oxygen & Emergency Kit
- Boiled water, Coffee & Tea
- 15 kg Porter Service,(Baggage per Person)
- Dinning tent with Tables & Chairs
- Basic Sleeping Tent
MID-RANGE EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
LUXURY INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- VIP airport pick-up and drop-off
- All national park and conservation area fees
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks
- Premium accommodation in high-end lodges or luxury tented camps
- Oxygen & Emergency Kit
- Boiled Water, Coffee & Tea
- 20Kg Porter service (Baggage per Person)
- Dinning Tents with Tables and Chairs
- personal Porter
- Large Sleeping Tent
- Camp Bed
- Toilent Tent
- Washroom Tent
LUXURY EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
- Premium wines and spirits (unless specified)
FAQs
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and well-regarded trails up Mount Kilimanjaro. It starts from the western side of the mountain, crossing varied ecosystems and joining the Machame Route near Shira Camp. It is popular for its beauty, lower traffic, and high summit success rates due to excellent acclimatization.
The route typically takes 7 to 8 days, depending on your acclimatization schedule. We recommend the 8-day itinerary to give your body more time to adjust to the altitude, increasing your chance of reaching the summit successfully.
The Lemosho Route is considered moderate to challenging, with a good balance of daily trekking hours and altitude gain. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers who have basic fitness levels and are prepared to walk 5–8 hours per day.
The Lemosho Route offers diverse scenery, including lush rainforest, Shira Plateau, lava ridges, alpine deserts, and eventually, the glacier zones near the summit. It's also one of the least crowded routes in the early days, offering a more peaceful experience.
Excellent. The route is designed to follow the "climb high, sleep low" principle, which helps your body adjust gradually to altitude changes. That’s one reason why Lemosho has one of the highest summit success rates.
With an 8-day itinerary, the summit success rate is over 90%. With 7 days, the rate is slightly lower, but still very good. Lemosho’s gradual ascent makes it one of the safest and most effective options for first-time trekkers.
Yes — especially in the early stages through the rainforest zone, where you may spot colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, duikers, and a variety of bird species. The lower part of Kilimanjaro is rich in biodiversity.
Typical overnight camps include:
Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp
Shira 1 and 2 Camps
Barranco Camp
Karanga Camp
Barafu Base Camp
Crater Camp (optional)
Mweka Camp (descent)
All accommodations are in tents, with full mountain support teams.
No — the Lemosho Route is much quieter, especially in the first two days. After merging with the Machame Route near Shira Camp, it becomes moderately busier, but it’s still less crowded than the more commercial Marangu and Machame Routes.
Not at all! You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should have basic fitness and be able to walk 5–8 hours per day with altitude changes. Cardio exercises, walking with a backpack, or stair climbing before your trek will help a lot.
You’ll pass through several climate zones, from humid rainforest to freezing summit conditions. Expect warm days, cold nights, and rapidly changing weather. Always bring layered clothing, waterproof gear, and warm accessories for summit night.
The best seasons are:
January to early March
June to October
These are the dry seasons, offering better trail conditions, clearer views, and safer summit attempts. However, Lemosho is also a good option in shoulder seasons, thanks to its higher starting point and drier trail sections.
We offer:
Professional, KPAP-compliant guides and porters
Full camping and safety equipment
Delicious meals
Custom itineraries
Personalized service and care from booking to summit
We don’t just take you to the top — we guide you through the experience of a lifetime, responsibly and with heart.
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