A relatively new route up to the mountain and extremely beautiful. It’s our favorite routes because;-

• It offers a great balance of high summit success rate
• scenic views and
• Low traffic.

The Lemosho route starts off from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the lush rainforest to Shira Plateau.

This may be the most beautiful route to take, with breathtaking views on all sides of the mountain and if you wanted a more private experience with fewer climbers

This is one of the few routes where an armed ranger accompanies our groups, since there are still animals in the forest around the Lemosho Glades. We recommend minimum of 7 days but 8 days is preferable for better acclimatization and summit success.

Arrive In Tanzania

Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will meet with our representative, picked up there and transfer to hotel in Moshi town. Then you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

Hotel: Bed & Breakfast

Day 1: Lemosho Glades to Big Tree Camp (2385m to 2780m)

• Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
• Approx. Trekking Time: 4 hours
• Zone: Rainforest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a briefing from your guide, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moshi and driven to Lemosho Gate, located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After completing the registration process, your trek begins steadily through the lush forests of the Lemosho Glades. The path winds through dense rainforest, and you’ll gain altitude gradually until you reach Big Tree Camp at 2,780 meters, where you’ll rest for the night.

Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira 2 Camp (2780m to 3900m)

• Distance: 16.5 km / 10.3 miles
• Approx. Trekking Time: 9 – 11 hours
• Zone: Rainforest / Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On day two, you will trek across a plateau covered with grassland and heather, passing volcanic rock formations. You’ll trek through Shira 1 Camp, with occasional views of Kibo Peak floating above the clouds. As you gain altitude, the terrain steepens before reaching Shira 2 Camp at 3,900 meters. The trail offers stunning panoramic views of the Northern Ice Fields and the western side of Kibo. This day helps with acclimatization and provides great views along the way.

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (3900m to 3960m)

• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Approx. Trekking Time: 7 hours
• Zone: Low Alpine Zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trek takes you into the upland desert zone, walking along lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You’ll reach the Lava Tower (4,640 meters), a significant landmark and a great spot for lunch. Afterward, you descend steeply to Barranco Camp, located at 3,960 meters in the base of the Great Barranco Valley. This camp is sheltered by towering cliffs but offers stunning views of the plains below.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3960m to 3963m)

• Distance: 5.5 km / 3.4 miles
• Approx. Trekking Time: 5 hours
• Zone: High Alpine Zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start the day with the famous Barranco Wall climb. It is a steep, but non-technical ascent that takes about an hour to complete. After reaching the top, you can take some time to admire the views of Kibo Peak. The trek continues to Karanga Camp at 3,963 meters, which involves several ascents and descents. After reaching camp, enjoy a warm lunch and take part in an acclimatization hike, gaining 200 meters in altitude before descending back to camp.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (3963m to 4640m)

• Distance: 3 km / 1.9 miles
• Approx. Trekking Time: 3 hours
• Zone: High Alpine Zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day five is a shorter trek, but it’s an important one as you make your way to Barafu Camp at 4,640 meters. Here, you’ll rest before the summit attempt. This day involves a gradual ascent through the alpine zone, with amazing views of the mountain around you. Upon reaching Barafu Camp, you’ll have some time to rest and prepare for the summit trek later that night.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (4640m to 5895m) and down to Mweka Camp (3100m)

• Distance: 16.4 km / 9.6 miles
• Approx. Trekking Time: 13 – 15 hours
• Zone: Glacial Zone and All Preceding Zones
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day starts around midnight, with a steep climb to Stella Point (5,739 meters), where you’ll catch your first glimpse of the sunrise. From Stella Point, it’s another hour of hiking to reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), the highest point on Kilimanjaro. After reaching the summit and celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for breakfast. Then, continue your descent to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters for a well-deserved rest.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (3100m to 1630m)

• Distance: 9.1 km / 7.5 miles
• Approx. Trekking Time: 3 hours
• Zone: Rainforest
• Meals: Breakfast

On the final day, you’ll descend through the lush rainforest toward Mweka Gate, where you’ll complete the park formalities. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate to commemorate your achievement. Afterward, you’ll be met by your transport and driven back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a refreshing shower and celebrate your success with cold drinks. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 8: Depart Tanzania

• Meals: Breakfast

On your last day, a vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved celebration. If you plan to head on a safari or relax on the beaches of Zanzibar, your next adventure begins here. For those returning home, your vehicle will be ready to take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.