MOUNT KILIMANJARO · LEMOSHO ROUTE
LEMOSHO ROUTE
Approach Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, walk across the spectacular Shira Plateau and continue through high-altitude landscapes towards Uhuru Peak. The Lemosho Route combines varied scenery, a quieter opening section and longer itinerary options for climbers who want time to adapt to the mountain.
- Duration: 7-8 days
- Accommodation: Tented mountain camps
- Difficulty: Challenging
ROUTE GLANCE
Lemosho Route at a Glance
The Lemosho Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the western side of the mountain before crossing the Shira Plateau and joining the southern circuit towards the summit.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Starting point: Londorossi Gate, followed by a transfer to the Lemosho trailhead
- Trekking duration: Commonly 7 or 8 trekking days & longer variations are also offered
- Accommodation: Tented mountain camps on standard Lemosho trekking packages
- Difficulty: Challenging, primarily because of the altitude, duration, terrain and summit night
- Route distance: Approximately 70 km is a useful indicative figure for some standard itineraries. The actual distance depends on the itinerary and route variation.
DECISION TIME
Is the Lemosho Route Right for Your Kilimanjaro Climb?
The Lemosho Route is a strong option for climbers who want varied scenery, a western approach and an itinerary that can include additional time for acclimatisation.
You may enjoy Lemosho if you
- Want to experience Kilimanjaro's rainforest, moorland, high plateau and alpine desert environments.
- Prefer a route that begins on the western side of the mountain.
- Want to cross the Shira Plateau before joining the southern circuit.
- Can set aside enough days for a longer mountain expedition.
Consider these challenges before choosing
- Altitude: Reaching high elevation can cause altitude illness, even in fit and experienced hikers.
- Physical demands: Expect consecutive days of walking, uneven ground, cold conditions and a demanding summit attempt.
- Camping: Standard packages use tented camps rather than mountain hotels.
- The Barranco Wall: This section involves a steep ascent with some scrambling.
From Rainforest Trails to Kilimanjaro's High-Altitude World
One of the defining features of the Lemosho Route is the change in scenery as you cross the mountain from west to east.
Begin in the montane rainforest
The trek starts after registration at Londorossi Gate and a transfer to the trailhead. The early trail passes through forest, where the atmosphere is greener, more sheltered and more humid than the exposed ground higher on the mountain.
Cross the Shira Plateau
As the route gains elevation, the forest gives way to heath and moorland. The Shira Plateau opens into a broad volcanic landscape, with views towards Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s main summit cone. Depending on the itinerary, climbers may spend more than one day exploring this high plateau.
Experience the Lava Tower acclimatisation day
The trail continues east towards Lava Tower, a prominent volcanic rock formation at approximately 4,600 metres. Standard itineraries commonly climb to this higher elevation before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep lower” pattern is one of the route’s key acclimatisation features.
Cross the Barranco Wall
The ascent over the Barranco Wall is one of the route’s most memorable sections. It is steep in places and involves scrambling, but the standard trail is not a technical rock-climbing route.
Approach the summit
From the high camp at Barafu, climbers begin the summit attempt during the night or very early morning. The final ascent is slow and demanding because of the altitude, cold and accumulated fatigue. Reaching Uhuru Peak is followed by a long descent.
THE ROUTE
Lemosho Route map
The Lemosho Route begins on Kilimanjaro’s western side, crosses the Shira Plateau and joins the southern circuit before the summit attempt.
Main route sequence
Londorossi Gate → Lemosho trailhead → Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp → Shira 1 → Shira 2 or another designated western camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp → Stella Point → Uhuru Peak.
The descent commonly returns through Barafu towards Mweka Camp and Mweka Gate.
The exact overnight stops and route sequence vary between 7-day, 8-day and longer itineraries. Use the map to show the route variation offered in the selected package.
BEFORE YOU GO
How Difficult Is the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route is challenging. Although the longer versions provide more time for acclimatisation, climbers still face substantial elevation, long walking days, cold temperatures and a demanding summit night.
Altitude and acclimatisation
Uhuru Peak stands at 5,895 metres. At this elevation, the reduced availability of oxygen makes the summit attempt physically demanding. Altitude illness can affect climbers regardless of their fitness level.
A longer itinerary can provide more time for acclimatisation, but it does not eliminate altitude risk or guarantee a successful summit.
Physical preparation
Prepare with regular walking and progressively longer hikes, including uphill and downhill terrain. Cardiovascular exercise, leg strength and practice walking for several consecutive days can help you prepare for the physical demands.
The Lemosho Route involves multiple days of trekking, uneven terrain and changes in elevation. Build your endurance gradually and practise with the footwear, clothing and daypack you intend to use on the mountain.
Summit night
The summit attempt commonly starts around midnight or in the early hours of the morning. Expect cold conditions, a prolonged ascent and a lengthy descent. Rest, suitable clothing, hydration and following your guides’ instructions are important.
From the high camp at Barafu, climbers ascend towards Stella Point before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. The altitude and accumulated fatigue make this one of the most demanding stages of the climb.
Guide support and safety
Climb with a properly organized guiding team that monitors climbers and knows how to recognize altitude illness. If symptoms develop or worsen, tell your guide immediately. A safe descent may be necessary even if it means stopping short of the summit.
What's Included in Your Lemosho Climb?
A well-planned Kilimanjaro climb involves more than the trail itself. Before booking, understand which services your package covers and which expenses you need to arrange separately.
Your package may include
- Professional mountain guides and support crew
- Required park and camping fees
- Mountain meals and drinking-water arrangements
- Tents and shared camping equipment
- Transfers to and from the trail, where included
- Accommodation before or after the climb, where included
- Personal equipment, tips, travel insurance and other exclusions
- Pre-climb briefing and route preparation
Plan your Lemosho climb
Tell us when you would like to climb, how many people are travelling and which itinerary you are considering. We can then discuss availability, package details and the arrangements for your trip.
Lemosho Route FAQs
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