Kilimanjaro Mountain Climbing: Lemosho Route 9 days and 8 nights

The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most scenic and one of the best routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This 9-day itinerary offers excellent acclimatization, making it one of the highest success rate routes to reach Uhuru Peak.

The trek begins on the western side of the mountain, passing through lush rainforest and the spectacular Shira Plateau. As you progress, the landscape changes to moorland and alpine desert, offering breathtaking views throughout the journey. The route later joins the Machame trail, providing a well-balanced and gradual ascent.

With fewer crowds at the beginning and a longer duration for acclimatization, Lemosho is ideal for both beginners and experienced climbers looking for a premium trekking experience.

Tour Itineraries

Day 1:

Board the morning shuttle or fly till Arusha / Moshi, where you will have the first night in preparation for the following days’ trek. Dinner and overnight in a lodge / camp.

Day 2:

The day begins with a long drive to Londorossi Park Gate (2,100 m) for registration. You start hiking along a forest trail to reach Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite, (2,750m, 3 – 4 hrs).

Day 3:

An early start. Leaving the forest, the trail gets steeper as it enters the moorland zone towards Gane and Marshall One Valley. A gentle grade walk takes you across the high altitude Shira Caldera to Shira Cave (views of Arrow glacier) camp site (3,500 m, 6 – 7 hours).

Day 4:

Hiking eastwards across Shira Plateau and Shira Cathedral you cross the moorland meadow to reach Shira Hut 2 for dinner and overnight camping (3,840 m).

Day 5:

Continuing on a rocky and rugged eastward path you ascend to the Lava Tower (4,630 m, 5 – 6 hrs) for lunch. This is a short distance hike to help your acclimatization. From the Lava Tower there is a 680 m descent to the Barranco camp site (3,950 m, 2 – 3 hrs). The camp is situated in a valley below the Western Breach and Great Barranco Wall.

Day 6:

The route starts as a scramble up Barranco Wall (which is easier than it looks) to top out just below the Heim Glacier. The route then heads through the Kranga Valley to reach Barafu campsite (4,550 m, 7 – 8 hrs).

Day 7:

The final ascent is started around midnight while the scree is still frozen. There is a steep climb to Stella Point. The route then flattens along the crater rim for the final stage, to reach the ice capped summit. Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) can be reached 1 to 2 hrs. After a short rest on the top you start the descent to return to Barafu for breakfast and a short rest before heading down the trail to Mweka campsite (3,100 m).

Day 8:

After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short 4 to 5 hr scenic hike back to Mweka national park gate to pick up your certificates before your driver takes you back to your hotel.

Day 9:

Be transferred to the Airport for your afternoon or morning flight to Nairobi / Mombasa , to enjoy your beach life before returning to your country.