Tour Overview
The Lemosho Route begins on the remote, pristine western side of Kilimanjaro, offering superior wilderness scenery and an excellent acclimatization profile. Approaching from Londorossi Gate, trekkers traverse the full width of the Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route for the summit push. The Lemosho Route consistently achieves some of the highest summit success rates on the mountain.
Day to Day Itinerary
Arrival Day — Welcome to Kilimanjaro
Airport transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Moshi. Your lead guide holds a detailed pre-climb briefing covering the Lemosho Route's unique western approach, daily altitude profiles, camping logistics and summit strategy. Overnight at hotel in Moshi.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp (Forest Camp)
Elevation: 2,100m - 2,780m | Distance: 9km | Time: 3–5 hours
Drive approximately 2.5 hours from Moshi to the remote Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro's western slopes — a journey through agricultural land and montane forest that few trekking routes access. Register with KINAPA and enter one of the most pristine forest sections on the entire mountain. The Lemosho forest is ancient and remarkably undisturbed — wildlife encounters including elephant, buffalo and leopard are possible. Arrive at Big Tree Camp (also known as Forest Camp) and make your first home on the mountain. Overnight camping at Big Tree Camp.
Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,780m - 3,600m | Distance: 7km | Time: 4–6 hours
The forest opens dramatically as you climb out of the trees onto the edge of the Shira Plateau — the remains of Kilimanjaro's ancient western volcanic cone. The transformation from dense forest to open moorland is sudden and striking. The plateau stretches east in a vast, windswept expanse dotted with giant heather and everlasting flowers. Shira 1 Camp is a small, peaceful camp at the plateau's western edge. Overnight camping at Shira 1 Camp.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,600m - 3,890m | Distance: 7km | Time: 3–5 hours
A gentle crossing of the Shira Plateau to its eastern end, with Kibo's summit dominating the skyline to the east in ever-increasing majesty. The plateau is a remarkable geological feature — flat, vast and ancient, formed when the western summit of Kilimanjaro collapsed over 500,000 years ago. Shira 2 Camp is larger and more exposed than Shira 1, with sweeping views in all directions. Overnight camping at Shira 2 Camp.
Day 4: Shira 2 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Elevation: 3,890m - 4,600m - 3,976m | Distance: 14km | Time: 6–8 hours
The classic climb-high-sleep-low acclimatization day. Trek up to the Lava Tower (4,600m) for lunch, giving your body vital high-altitude exposure before descending to the Barranco Valley. The valley is extraordinary — towering giant groundsel plants create a prehistoric landscape at nearly 4,000m. Barranco Camp sits beneath the famous wall. Overnight camping at Barranco Camp.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,976m - 4,035m | Distance: 5km | Time: 4–5 hours
Begin with the exhilarating Barranco Wall scramble — hands and feet up 300 metres of volcanic cliff, with breathtaking southern glacier views from the top. Traverse the southern slopes to the quiet Karanga Camp for an additional acclimatization night. Overnight camping at Karanga Camp.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu — Summit Night — Descent to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,035m - 4,640m ? 5,895m ? 3,100m | Distance: 23km | Time: 15–18 hours
A brief morning trek to Barafu Camp, then rest through the afternoon before midnight. The summit ascent from Barafu follows the steep scree through darkness until dawn breaks over Stella Point and then Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Africa spread below you. Descend the Mweka Route to Mweka Camp. Overnight camping at Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate — Transfer to Moshi
Elevation: 3,100m - 1,640m | Distance: 10km | Time: 3–4 hours
Final forest descent to Mweka Gate. Collect your KINAPA certificate, meet your driver and transfer to Moshi. Overnight at hotel in Moshi.
Departure Day
Breakfast and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport. The Lemosho Route gave you Kilimanjaro at its wildest and most beautiful. Congratulations, and asante sana!
Includes
- Airport pickup and drop-off (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- 2 night hotel accommodation in Moshi
- All national park entrance and conservation fees (KINAPA)
- Professional KINAPA-certified lead guide and assistant guide
- Experienced porters (1 porter per climber, max 15 kg per bag)
- Dedicated mountain cook and all meals on the mountain (full board)
- Camping tents and sleeping mats on the mountain
- Emergency supplemental oxygen and comprehensive first aid kit
- Rescue and emergency evacuation fees
- KINAPA summit certificate upon successful climb
Excludes
- International flights and airport taxes
- Tanzania entry visa (available on arrival — check current requirements)
- Personal travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters and cook (recommended)
- Personal trekking gear (boots, layers, poles — rental available on request)
- Personal sleeping bag (rental available on request)
- Altitude sickness medication such as Diamox (consult your doctor)
- Beverages and personal snacks beyond standard meals
- Hotel meals in Moshi beyond what is specified in the package
- Any expenses of a personal nature
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