Kilimanjaro Hiking Lemosho Route 09 Days
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and least crowded paths up Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a 9-day trekking experience that allows for gradual acclimatization, making it ideal for climbers seeking a steady ascent. Starting from the western side of the mountain, this route offers stunning views of the rainforest, moorlands, and alpine desert, as well as diverse wildlife. The 9-day itinerary allows climbers to acclimatize properly, reducing the risk of altitude sickness while enjoying the natural beauty and tranquillity of the route. The summit trek culminates at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the mountain, offering a rewarding panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes. The Lemosho Route is perfect for those seeking a more scenic, peaceful climb with a higher success rate due to the longer duration for acclimatization.
Day 1 Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
•Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
•Distance: 6 km
•Hiking Time:3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart from Moshi. Head, towards Londorossi Gate, which’s approximately a 4 hour drive away. Upon reaching the gate we complete all the entry formalities. Following that we drive for another hour to reach the trailhead at Lemosho. There we take a break. Have our lunch before embarking on our trek through a beautiful untouched forest aiming to reach our initial camping site.
DAY 2 Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
•Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 12,500ft
•Distance: 18 km
•Hiking Time 8-10 hours
•Habitat: Moorland
After leaving the forest we continue our journey, across a savannah adorned with grasses, heather and volcanic rocks covered in lichen. We climb up and down hills cross streams and eventually arrive at the Shira Ridge. From there we descend to Shira 1 camp where we are treated to breathtaking views of Kibo. Continuing eastward across the plateau we approach the glacier covered summit of Kibo. Make ourselves comfortable, at Shira 2 camp near a flowing stream.
DAY 3 Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp.
•Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
•Habitat: Semi Desert
We start our journey, from the Shira Plateau and head towards the east passing by the junction near Kibo peak. Then we change direction towards the southeast making our way to the “Sharks Tooth” Lava Tower. Once we pass the tower we reach an altitude of 16,000ft at Arrow Glacier before descending to Barranco Hut at 13,000ft. This day is crucial, for acclimatization. Preparing ourselves for summit day even though we start and end at the elevation.
DAY 4 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
•Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
•Distance: 9km
•Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert
After having breakfast we will make our way up the Barranco Wall towards the Karanga Valley campsite. From there we will continue along the Mweka Trail until we reach the Barafu Hut, where we can enjoy a variety of views, from the summit. This campsite is a spot for us to rest and get ready for our ascent with both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks visible, in front of us.
DAY 5 Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
•Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
•Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
•Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
•Habitat: Arctic
We begin our trek, towards the summit between midnight and 2am passing through the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The challenging part of our journey is reaching Stella Point on the crater rim. At Stella Point we will witness a sunrise before embarking on a 1 hour climb to reach Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro. After enjoying the breathtaking views from the peak we will descend to Mweka Hut taking a lunch break, at Barafu and carefully navigating through gravel. By evening we will find rest at Mweka Camp, nestled in an forest.
DAY 6 Mweka Camp to Moshi
•Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest
After having breakfast we make our way, to Mweka Park Gate to receive our summit certificates. The path can get quite wet and muddy so it’s helpful to wear gaiters and use hiking poles. We dress lightly. Have rain gear on hand as we proceed towards Mweka Village. Eventually a vehicle takes us back to our hotel, in Moshi.
Lemosho Route Cost:
