Overview
The Lemosho Route is one of the newer routes on Mt. Kilimanjaro starting on the western side of the mountain just beneath the Shira Route. Although it is one of the longer routes, it is also one of the most scenic and highly recommended for good acclimatization. There is also the option to include an overnight stay in Kibo Crater – a popular choice for adventurers who have the budget and time. Climbs can take seven to eight days; however, we always advise choosing the longer route for the best chance of acclimatization and reaching the summit.
Day 1: Lemosho Trailhead (2,000m/6,600ft) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp – 2,800m/9,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 800 metres / 2,500 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hostel/hotel and driven to Londrosi Gate (which is approximately 3 hours from Moshi). After registration, you will then drive a further 12km on a forest track that leads to the Lemosho starting point. From here you will enter the beautiful and undisturbed rainforest to begin your ascent up the mountain. This is by no means a difficult trek, but it will give you plenty of time to adjust and witness some of Tanzania’s wildlife. Sightings of Black and White Colobus monkeys and
small antelopes are quite common, and you may even be lucky enough to spot buffalos and elephants too. After 3 to 4 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp because of the large conifer trees that provide shade over the campsite.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,800m/9,100ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m/11,500ft)
Elevation Gain: 700 metres / 2,400 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
On the second day, you’ll rise early for breakfast and begin climbing a slightly steeper gradient through the moorland vegetation zone. Here you will start to get fantastic views of Kibo, the summit cone of Mt. Kilimanjaro, while continuing along a rocky ridge to Shira Plateau. Shira is actually a collapsed volcanic crater and was the first of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones to expire. Once on the plateau, the trail becomes a little easier as you make your way to Shira Camp. If it’s a clear day, you’ll also get to enjoy superb panoramic views.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m/11,500ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)
Elevation Gain: 340 metres / 1,100 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, you will then continue to hike across the rocky ridge onto Shira Plateau, where you will be able to see the easterly side and the western breach with its dramatic glaciers. You are now on the west of Kibo Peak and it will take another short walk before reaching the Shira 2 Campsite. Tea/coffee and some nuts will be served to help warm up your body before the main dish of the evening and retiring to sleep. Shira 2 Camp is very exposed and will be much colder with temperatures dropping below freezing point.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,650ft) via Lava Tower (4,550m/14,900ft)
Elevation Gain: 710 metres / 2,300 feet
Elevation Loss: 700 metres / 2,250 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
The route now takes you into semi-desert and rocky landscapes surrounding Lava Tower, a 300ft high volcanic rock formation. You’ll then ascend the rocky scree path to Lava Tower for great panoramic views, before a steep descent into the Barranco Valley. You may find this trek a little tougher than the previous days as some hikers usually start to experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Although you will finish today’s climb at almost the same elevation as you started, this is very good practice for acclimatisation and will help prepare your body for summit day. Barranco Camp lies below the imposing Barranco Wall in a beautiful, sheltered valley.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,650ft) to Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,106ft)
Elevation Gain: 145 meters / 456 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
This will be a shorter day of hiking to allow for acclimatization. After breakfast, you will begin to ascend the Barranco Wall and hike glacial valleys – but don’t worry, it is easier than it looks! From the top of the wall, you will then cross a series of hills and valleys before descending into Karanga Valley. After one more steep climb, you’ll reach Karanga Camp where you will relax for the afternoon before dinner and an overnight rest.
Day 6: Karanga Camp (3,995m /13,106ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 605 metres / 1,994 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, you will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects to the famous Mweka Trail. You will then continue along the rocky ridge for 1 to 2 hours before reaching Barafu Camp, which offers stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit from various angles. Your tents will be pitched along a narrow and rocky ridge with high winds. It’s therefore worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings before it gets dark. Rest for the night at Barafu Camp and prepare for the upcoming hike to the summit.
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,300ft)
then descending to Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,295 metres / 4,200 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,785 metres / 9,100 feet
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours to Uhuru Peak; 7 to 8 hours to Mweka Camp
Habitat: Arctic conditions
This is where the going gets really tough! Just before midnight, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Head northwest through the heavy stone scree following multiple switchbacks between Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,756m). This section is probably the most challenging part of the route, and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue to move slowly, always listening to your guide.
After a short rest at Stella Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal – Uhuru Peak! Congratulations! You have now made it to the “Roof of Africa”. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend there, but it is important to start your descent within good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Barafu Camp. After your rest, you’ll gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m) where you’ll enjoy dinner and a well earned sleep!
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,980m)
Elevation Loss: 1,280 metres / 4,220 feet
Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After eating breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via a scenic path through the forest to Mweka Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate. Then it’s time to drive back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner and celebrations with a Kilimanjaro beer!
This price will include the following:
- All park fees (entry, camping, forest department and rescue fees)
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) while on the mountain
- High quality four seasons mountain tents and camping facilities
- Ethical salaries for the team (guide, assistant guides, cook and porters)
- Transport to and from the gate
- Drinking water
- Oxygen cylinder and ox meter
- Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro Airport
The price does not include:
- Tips for the team (guide, assistant guide, cook and porters)
- All personal mountain climbing gear and equipment (can be hired upon request)
- Sleeping bag (can be hired upon request)
- Alcohol, soft drinks and energy snacks
- Flights, travel insurance and visa
- Pre/post accommodation (can be booked upon request)
Ethical Climbs
Here at Nyange Adventures, we strongly believe in responsible tourism and looking after our crew. That’s why we are proud members of Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Program (KPAP) and International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) Partner for Responsible Travel Program. Through extensive audit process, these organisations ensure that every climb has been certified to provide fair salaries, conditions, food, clothing and sleeping conditions for crew members. While others may offer at a lower rate, please be wary. These operators cannot ensure fair and ethical treatment to their porters, which are sadly very exploited in this industry. For more information, please visit our website. By supporting and looking after our employees, we are able to deliver our promise of a quality service and creating memorable, enjoyable and safe experiences for our clients. We believe it’s possible to offer a fair and competitive rate without sacrificing working conditions.
Why should you book with us?
By supporting us as a local business, you are helping support job security here in the community. We believe in strong corporate social responsibility and support many community development projects that you can learn about on our website. Our experienced and dedicated staff will always go the extra mile to ensure that you enjoy an once-in-a-lifetime adventure. But don’t just take our word for it – check out what our other clients have to say about us on Tripadvisor and see why we say, “come as a client and leave as a friend”
- This tour is offered by the tour operator – and not by eastafricantraveldeals.com
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What should I pack for my climb?
We identify a variety of mountaineering clothing and gear you'll need for your climb in our detailed Kilimanjaro packing list.
Warm, waterproof hiking boots and an insulated, synthetic or down jacket for the cold summit day are the two most important pieces of gear to purchase. The majority of other items are already in many people's winter or skiing wardrobes (like long underwear and a fleece jacket). We provide free items such as sleeping bags and trekking poles.
When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, you will pass through several climate zones, from equatorial rainforests surrounded by banana and coffee plantations, to near arctic conditions. This makes packing the right layers vital.
Your equipment will be checked by the guides before departure. If needed, you can also hire some of your equipment from the Nyange Adventures store.
What safety measures do you have?
Our guides are highly experienced to manage altitude sickness, which is the biggest obstacle on the mountain. They have an intimate knowledge of the network of shortcuts to escort climbers to safety, and they are trained to act quickly and calmly under any circumstances. We cover each of the things to consider about Kilimanjaro safety in-depth in How we keep you safe on Kilimanjaro.
Please remember that the purpose of this article is not to scare you, but to keep you well informed. At Follow Alice our top priority is your safety. We want you to know how to climb Kilimanjaro and how to do it in the safest way possible. It is safe to climb Kilimanjaro, but only when you are educated on the risks. It's a challenge, but that's what it's all about, right!?
Can I join a group as a single climber?
Yes, we even encourage you to sign up! We make sure to match you in a bigger group of like-minded fellow travellers that will soon be your new friends. There is nothing greater than being 'stuck' with each other for a week on a mountain in Africa!
