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Climb Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route

Tour Overview

The Lemosho Route is renowned for its remote beauty, dramatic landscapes, and high success rate for reaching Uhuru Peak. Starting from the lush western slopes of Kilimanjaro, it traverses rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert before reaching the glacial summit. Fewer climbers use this route compared to Machame or Marangu, providing a more serene trekking experience surrounded by the mountain’s natural splendor.

From the very first day, the Lemosho Route immerses trekkers in spectacular scenery, with vast forests, volcanic rock formations, and panoramic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Hikers enjoy a gradual ascent, allowing for excellent acclimatization and higher chances of reaching the summit comfortably. Wildlife is abundant in the lower zones, with monkeys, birds, and exotic flora enriching the journey.

Typically completed in 7 to 8 days, the Lemosho Route is ideal for trekkers seeking both adventure and tranquility. Its extended itinerary allows for an optional acclimatization day on the Shira Plateau, helping climbers adapt to high altitude. The combination of natural beauty, strategic pacing, and expert support makes Lemosho one of Kilimanjaro’s most rewarding routes for serious and first-time climbers alike.

Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi/Arusha
KIA

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. The evening is for relaxing, meeting your mountain guide, reviewing trekking gear, and receiving a detailed briefing about the Lemosho Route. Dinner and overnight are at the hotel, ensuring a comfortable start before the climb.

After breakfast, you will drive to Londorossi Gate (2,200m), where you complete park registration. The trek begins through dense rainforest, gradually ascending to Big Tree Camp (2,700m). Along the way, you may spot monkeys, tropical birds, and rare flora. Big Tree Camp is a peaceful first night on the mountain, giving climbers time to adjust to the altitude while enjoying the serenity of the forest.
The trail leaves the rainforest behind and enters the Shira Plateau, a wide moorland area with volcanic rock formations. The scenery is dramatic, with sweeping views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You will reach Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) in the late afternoon, where you spend the night resting and acclimatizing. The plateau offers spectacular sunsets and a preview of the high-altitude environment ahead.
Today, you continue across the Shira Plateau, hiking over rolling moorland and rocky landscapes toward Shira 2 Camp (3,850m). The pace is moderate, allowing your body to adapt to the thinning air. Along the way, climbers enjoy unparalleled views of Kilimanjaro’s western slopes and surrounding wilderness. Shira 2 Camp is an excellent spot for acclimatization and evening reflection, preparing you for the challenging days ahead.
The route ascends further into the alpine desert zone, gradually approaching the Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that requires careful scrambling under the guidance of your team. After navigating the wall, you will reach Barranco Camp (3,950m), where you spend the night. This day provides both a physical challenge and some of the most breathtaking scenery of the entire trek.
From Barranco, the trek continues through the alpine desert zone, descending slightly into the Karanga Valley before ascending to Barafu Camp (4,600m), the final camp before the summit. After arrival, dinner is served early, and climbers rest in preparation for the midnight climb to Uhuru Peak, the pinnacle of the adventure.
Summit day begins just after midnight. The climb is steep and challenging, taking you to Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim and onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Africa’s highest point. Sunrise from the summit is unforgettable. After celebrating and taking photos, you descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp (3,100m), where you spend the night recovering from the long and strenuous day.
The final descent leads through forested paths to Mweka Gate, where climbers receive their official summit certificates. From here, you are transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for rest, a hot shower, and a celebratory meal.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. Alternatively, you may extend your Tanzanian adventure with a safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Lake Manyara, or relax on the beaches of Zanzibar.

Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi/Arusha
KIA

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. The evening is for relaxing, meeting your mountain guide, reviewing trekking gear, and receiving a detailed briefing about the Lemosho Route. Dinner and overnight are at the hotel, ensuring a comfortable start before the climb.

After breakfast, you will drive to Londorossi Gate (2,200m), where you complete park registration. The trek begins through dense rainforest, gradually ascending to Big Tree Camp (2,700m). Along the way, you may spot monkeys, tropical birds, and rare flora. Big Tree Camp is a peaceful first night on the mountain, giving climbers time to adjust to the altitude while enjoying the serenity of the forest.
The trail leaves the rainforest behind and enters the Shira Plateau, a wide moorland area with volcanic rock formations. The scenery is dramatic, with sweeping views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You will reach Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) in the late afternoon, where you spend the night resting and acclimatizing. The plateau offers spectacular sunsets and a preview of the high-altitude environment ahead.
Today, you continue across the Shira Plateau, hiking over rolling moorland and rocky landscapes toward Shira 2 Camp (3,850m). The pace is moderate, allowing your body to adapt to the thinning air. Along the way, climbers enjoy unparalleled views of Kilimanjaro’s western slopes and surrounding wilderness. Shira 2 Camp is an excellent spot for acclimatization and evening reflection, preparing you for the challenging days ahead.
This day is dedicated to acclimatization, an essential step for a safe summit attempt. You will take a short hike from Shira 2 Camp to explore nearby lava formations, hills, or ridges while gradually adapting to the thinner air. Returning to camp in the afternoon, you rest, eat, and prepare for the more challenging days ahead.
The route ascends further into the alpine desert zone, gradually approaching the Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that requires careful scrambling under the guidance of your team. After navigating the wall, you will reach Barranco Camp (3,950m), where you spend the night. This day provides both a physical challenge and some of the most breathtaking scenery of the entire trek.
From Barranco, the trek continues through the alpine desert zone, descending slightly into the Karanga Valley before ascending to Barafu Camp (4,600m), the final camp before the summit. After arrival, dinner is served early, and climbers rest in preparation for the midnight climb to Uhuru Peak, the pinnacle of the adventure.
Summit day begins just after midnight. The climb is steep and challenging, taking you to Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim and onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Africa’s highest point. Sunrise from the summit is unforgettable. After celebrating and taking photos, you descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp (3,100m), where you spend the night recovering from the long and strenuous day.
The final descent leads through forested paths to Mweka Gate, where climbers receive their official summit certificates. From here, you are transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for rest, a hot shower, and a celebratory meal.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. Alternatively, you may extend your Tanzanian adventure with a safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Lake Manyara, or relax on the beaches of Zanzibar.

This Tour Includes

  • Licensed English-speaking mountain guides
  • Trained porters and cooks
  • Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
  • Tented accommodation along the route
  • Full board meals during the trek
  • Sleeping mats (and tents)
  • Pre- and post-trek transfers from Moshi/Arusha
  • Summit certificate
  • Pre-trek briefing and itinerary planning

This Tour does Not Includes

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Personal trekking gear (boots, sleeping bag, trekking poles, backpack)
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking
  • Optional safari or Zanzibar extensions
  • Personal snacks or drinks outside of provided meals

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WHY BOOK WITH US?

  • World Class Guides
  • 24-hour Expert Advice 24/7
  • High Quality Gear
  • Responsible Tour Operator

Accommodation Options

For this Kilimanjaro adventure, travelers can select from a range of handpicked accommodations to match their style and comfort. Choices include cozy midrange lodges offering warmth and hospitality, luxurious properties with premium amenities, or exclusive high-end retreats for those seeking the ultimate pre- and post-climb experience. Each option provides a restful atmosphere and convenient access to Mount Kilimanjaro, ensuring you are fully prepared for your trekking journey.
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Arusha Planet Lodge

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Gran Melia Arusha

Gran Meliá Arusha is a five-star luxury hotel set at the foothills of Mount Meru, offering spectacular views of the mountain and

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