The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most beautiful and rewarding route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers a perfect blend of stunning scenery, excellent acclimatization profile, and high summit success rates. Starting from the remote west side of the mountain, the trail takes you through untouched rainforest, expansive moorlands, the iconic Shira Plateau, and the dramatic Barranco Wall before joining the Machame route near Lava Tower.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. After settling in, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing about the trek. We will conduct a gear check to ensure you are fully prepared. Overnight at your hotel with dinner provided.
Meals: Dinner | Overnight: Moshi/Arusha
Your adventure begins after breakfast with a drive to Londorossi Gate for registration and permits. From there, we proceed to the starting point of the trail. The trek begins in the lush rainforest, a magical world filled with towering trees, vines, moss, and exotic wildlife. Keep an eye out for blue monkeys and colobus monkeys along the way. The trail gradually ascends to Mti Mkubwa Camp, meaning “Big Tree Camp,” where you will spend your first night on the mountain.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 6 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 8 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 5–6 hours | Distance: 11 km
After breakfast, the trail leaves the rainforest and enters the heath and moorland zone. The hike is scenic, offering sweeping views of the Shira Ridge and Mount Meru in the distance. The landscape becomes more open, with unique plant species like giant lobelias and groundsels. By mid-afternoon, you’ll reach Shira 1 Camp, located on the western edge of the Shira Plateau.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 6–7 hours | Distance: 8 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 6–7 hours | Distance: 12 km
Today is a shorter trek, allowing time for acclimatization. You’ll cross the expansive Shira Plateau, one of the most beautiful areas on the mountain. The plateau was formed by volcanic activity and offers wide-open views of Kibo Peak. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp in time for a hot lunch and an afternoon acclimatization hike, which is optional but highly recommended.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 7 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Horombo Hut
After an early breakfast, begin the ascent towards Lava Tower, a massive volcanic rock formation at 4,630 meters. This section helps your body adapt to the high altitude, following the principle of “climb high, sleep low.” After lunch at Lava Tower, you will descend into the beautiful Barranco Valley, where you will camp for the night at Barranco Camp. The views of the Great Barranco Wall are breathtaking, and this is often considered the most scenic campsite on the mountain.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 7–8 hours | Distance: 10 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 6–7 hours | Distance: 10 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 4–5 hours
Today begins with a thrilling scramble up the Barranco Wall, a non-technical climb that rewards you with stunning views. The rest of the day is a series of short ascents and descents across ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp. This camp is important for acclimatization and serves as a base for the next day’s short trek to Barafu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 12–14 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 3–4 hours
After breakfast, make the steady climb to Barafu Camp, the final base camp before your summit push. The terrain is rugged and rocky, with sparse vegetation. Upon arrival, you will have lunch, rest, and prepare for the final ascent. After an early dinner, try to sleep as the summit attempt begins around midnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 12–14 hours
Your summit day begins before midnight with a slow and steady climb up the steep slopes of Kibo. After several hours, you’ll reach Stella Point (5,756m) on the crater rim, where the sunrise paints the horizon in breathtaking colors. From Stella Point, it’s a short push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, begin your descent to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp, where you will spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Trek Time: 12–14 hours
After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will collect your summit certificate. From there, our team will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Trek Time: 3–4 hours
$000
The Rongai Route is unique because it approaches the mountain from the north, making it the quietest of all the routes. It is also a great option for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a less steep climb.
$000
The Northern Circuit is the longest and most scenic route, offering trekkers a comprehensive view of Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes. It’s a perfect choice for those who want the most time to acclimatize and enjoy breathtaking panoramas.
$000
The Shira Route starts at an already high altitude, offering an immediate immersion into Kilimanjaro’s alpine environment. It’s less frequently used than the other routes, offering trekkers a more peaceful experience. However, its higher starting point makes it slightly more challenging.
There are several routes, each with different characteristics. The Machame Route is the most popular and scenic, while the Marangu Route is the easiest and only one with hut accommodation. For a quieter climb, consider the Rongai Route. For experienced trekkers, Umbwe Route offers a more challenging ascent
There are several routes, each with different characteristics. The Machame Route is the most popular and scenic, while the Marangu Route is the easiest and only one with hut accommodation. For a quieter climb, consider the Rongai Route. For experienced trekkers, Umbwe Route offers a more challenging ascent
The typical duration is 5 to 9 days, depending on the route. The longer the climb, the better the chances of acclimatization and a successful summit.
Climbing Kilimanjaro requires physical stamina and mental preparation. While it’s not a technical climb, it can be challenging due to the high altitude. We recommend a moderate level of fitness and commitment. The difficulty varies depending on the route and how well you acclimatize.
No, you do not need technical climbing skills. However, the trek requires good physical fitness and the ability to handle altitude. If you’re a beginner, routes like Marangu or Rongai may be more suitable.
Depending on the route, you will either camp in tents or stay in mountain huts. The Marangu Route offers huts, while other routes like Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai require camping with tents.
Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, making it the highest mountain in Africa and one of the highest free-standing mountains in the world.
Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, making it the highest mountain in Africa and one of the highest free-standing mountains in the world.
Essential items include:
Warm clothes (even in the tropics, temperatures can drop below freezing)
Waterproof gear (jackets, pants)
Climbing boots
Sleeping bags
Sunscreen
Headlamp/flashlight
Daypack
Personal items like toiletries and medication
We will provide a detailed gear list to help you pack efficiently.
The summit success rate ranges from 60% to 90%, depending on the route, acclimatization, and physical preparedness. Routes like Lemosho and Machame tend to have higher success rates due to better acclimatization schedules.
We provide transfers from Moshi or Arusha to the starting gate of the trek. Our team will ensure smooth transport from your hotel to the departure point.
Lujoma Expeditions is a locally owned Tanzanian tour company specializing in custom safaris, cultural experiences, mountain treks, and beach holidays across East Africa.
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