Lemosho Route
9 Days (Arrival + 7 Days Trek + Departure) - Group Joining
Destinations: Londorosi Gate,Mti Mkubwa Camp,Shira 2 Camp,Barranco Camp,Lava Tower,Barranco Camp,Karanga Camp,Barafu Camp,Uhuru Peak and Mweka Gate
Style: Group Joining - Kilimanjaro Mountain
Approach
Western Kilimanjaro
Difficulty:
to
Success Rate:
Very High (excellent acclimatization)
Scenery:
Exceptional – rainforest, Shira Plateau, alpine desert, glaciers
Overview
The Lemosho Route is considered one of the most beautiful and diverse routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting on the remote western slopes of the mountain, it passes through unspoiled rainforest, crosses the vast Shira Plateau, and joins the southern circuit before approaching the summit via Barafu Camp.
This route is known for:
- Low crowds at the beginning
- Excellent acclimatization profile
- Stunning panoramic views
- High summit success rate
Your mountain crew includes professional WFR-certified guides, chefs, and porters ensuring safety, comfort, and delicious meals throughout the expedition.
Day by day
Detailed Lemosho Route Itinerary (9 Days)
Day 1:
Arrival in Tanzania
Accommodation: Iliboru Safari Lodge (Dinner Included)
Duration: 1 hr drive from JRO → Arusha
Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your lodge in Arusha.
In the evening you will have:
- A full climb briefing
- Equipment inspection
- Discussion about altitude safety
- Opportunity to rent any missing gear
Dinner and overnight at Iliboru Safari Lodge.
Day 2:
Arusha → Lemosho Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast, drive through the rural farmlands of west Kilimanjaro until reaching Lemosho Gate. After registration, the trail begins with a gentle ascent through a dense and quiet rainforest, known for colobus monkeys, birds, and ancient trees covered in moss.
Arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp, a beautiful campsite shaded by the forest canopy.
Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Elevation: 2,100m → 2,820m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 6 km
Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation:
Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3:
Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp
Leaving the forest behind, the route climbs into the heather and moorland zone. The landscape opens up dramatically with the first clear views of Shira Ridge and the Shira Plateau.
This day includes both steep and gradual sections before reaching the expansive Shira 1 Camp, perched on the western edge of the plateau.
Elevation: 2,820m → 3,500m
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 8 km
Habitat: Moorland
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinne
Accommodation:
Shira 1 Camp.
Day 4:
Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp
Today’s trek is an easier acclimatization walk across the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most impressive natural features.
Highlights include:
- Wide open plains
- Volcanic rock formations
- Views of Mt. Meru and Kibo
Optional acclimatization hike to Cathedral Point (3,960m) is available for those with extra energy.
Arrive at Shira 2 Camp, known for its magnificent sunset views.
- Elevation: 3,500m → 3,900m
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: 7 km
Habitat: Alpine Heath
Accommodation:
Shira 2 Camp
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5:
Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
A key acclimatization day following the “climb high, sleep low” strategy.
You will gradually ascend to the Lava Tower, a 90-meter volcanic formation standing at 4,630m. Lunch is served here at high altitude.
Afterward, descend into the spectacular Barranco Valley, filled with giant senecio plants and dramatic cliffs.
Overnight at Barranco Camp, one of the most scenic camps on Kilimanjaro.
- Elevation: 3,976m → 4,035m
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: 5 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation:
Karanga Camp
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6:
Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp
A steady climb leads you to Barafu Camp, perched on a ridge with sweeping views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
The afternoon is reserved for:
- Hydration
- Early dinner
- Summit night briefing
- Rest before the midnight ascent
- Elevation: 4,035m → 4,673m
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: 4 km
Accommodation:
Barafu Camp
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7:
Summit Day – Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
The summit attempt starts around midnight.
You will ascend slowly using headlamps through steep switchbacks, reaching Stella Point (5,756m) at dawn. A short walk along the crater rim brings you to Uhuru Peak — the Roof of Africa.
After celebrations and photos, descend to Barafu Camp for rest, then continue all the way down to Mweka Camp, where you will spend your last night on the mountain.
- Elevation: 4,673m → 5,895m → 3,100m
- Total Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Accommodation:
Mweka Camp
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8:
Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate Arusha / Safari
Descend through the lush rainforest until reaching Mweka Gate, where you receive your official climbing certificates.
From here, you will be driven back to Arusha for rest or proceed directly to:
- Airport for departure
- Safari extension to Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, or Serengeti.
- Elevation: 3,100m → 1,640m
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation:
Iliboru Safari Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9:
Departure Date
- Airport for departure or
- Safari extension to Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, or Serengeti.
Price per Person
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What to know before climbing Kilimanjaro.
Excellent rating
Based on 122 reviews
- Tripadvisor
omar75
Solo
After a lot of research and contacting multiple operators for a Kilimanjaro trek, I settled on African Zoom. I found them via the Forbes Kilimanjaro glamping article. I found other operators by internet search and others by youtube fame. Maggie was my main point of contact throughout. She was always responsive and very helpful.
omar75
Solo
The price was reasonable compared to some of the outrageous prices with some of the “luxury” operators. But I would say we had enough comfort to make the adventure as comfortable as being in the harsh environment of a mountain as can be.
Our guides Godluck and Gabriel were great, our cook papa john!
omar75
Solo
After a lot of research and contacting multiple operators for a Kilimanjaro trek, I settled on African Zoom. I found them via the Forbes Kilimanjaro glamping article. I found other operators by internet search and others by youtube fame. Maggie was my main point of contact throughout. She was always responsive and very helpful. My friend and I ended up deciding on a private adventure each with a private tent. The price was reasonable compared to some of the outrageous prices with some of the “luxury” operators. But I would say we had enough comfort to make the adventure as comfortable as being in the harsh environment of a mountain as can be.
Our guides Godluck and Gabriel were great, our cook papa john! Cooked amazing meals and I absolutely can’t say enough about the porters. If you ever decide to go to Kilimanjaro you will see that the porters are a special kind of people.
We had an airport to airport trip. We were picked up by our main guide from the airport and taken to a nice 4 star hotel in Arusha. Godluck checked us in and came next day to take us in a tour in the city. We realized we have a day that we can go for a safari in. Maggie made that happen with one day notice. We spent a day in Terngeri saying all kinds of animals. It is not the Serengeti but we had a one day so we can’t complain.
We did an 8 day Lemosho climb. On the mountain we had 3 meals and a snack. The meals were excellent, the nightly briefing for next day was accurate and what we needed. We summitted successfully on day 7 and were out of the gate back to the hotel day 8. It was the most out of ordinary thing I’ve done in my life and African Zoom made it happen. I won’t hesitate to recommend them to any of my friends.
It is difficult to find reviewes for Kilimanjaro Climb operators on trip advisor, google reviews and others, I am not sure why.
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Mount Kilimanjaro
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