Kilimanjaro Ascent: The Lemosho Route

The most scenic and wild route for optimal acclimatization towards the summit

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Description of the Lemosho Route

Considered by many to be the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro, Lemosho offers an incomparable trekking experience. Its starting point on the west of the mountain ensures quiet first days, away from the crowds, through a lush rainforest. This longer itinerary is the best choice for optimal acclimatization, significantly maximizing your chances of reaching the summit.

You will cross the spectacular Shira Plateau before joining the Machame route, thus enjoying the most varied and magnificent landscapes of the mountain. It is the ideal itinerary for photographers and lovers of wild nature.

✔︎ Included

  • Guides, porters & cook
  • Meals & purified water on the mountain
  • Quality camping equipment
  • All transportation and park fees
  • Hyperbaric chamber & oxygen

Excluded

  • International flights and visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal equipment (rental possible)
  • Hotels before/after the trek
  • Tips for the team
Starting from
$2049
per person (8-day trek)

This price is an estimate. All our treks are 100% tailor-made.

Personalize this trek
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1

Start of the Trek in the Virgin Forest

After a scenic drive to Londorossi Gate, on the west of Kilimanjaro, you will start your trek. This first stage plunges you into a magnificent, dense, and humid rainforest. The trail is not crowded, offering an immediate sense of isolation and adventure. You will spend the night at Mti Mkubwa Camp ("Big Tree").

📏 Distance: 6 km
⏱️ Time: 3-4 hours
🏔️ Altitude: From 2100m to 2650m

Accommodation:

  • Night in a tent 🏕 Mti Mkubwa Camp️
Kilimanjaro rainforest
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2

Trek to the Shira Plateau

The climb continues and you leave the forest to enter the zone of moors and giant heathers. The landscape opens up, revealing spectacular views of the plains below. You will reach the edge of the Shira Plateau, a huge collapsed volcanic caldera, to camp at Shira 1 Camp.

📏 Distance: 8 km
⏱️ Time: 5-6 hours
🏔️ Altitude: From 2650m to 3610m

Accommodation:

  • Night in a tent 🏕 Shira Camp 1️
Moorland landscape on Kilimanjaro
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3

Crossing the Shira Plateau

A relatively easy day to promote acclimatization. You will cross the magnificent Shira Plateau, enjoying constant views of Kibo Peak. It's an opportunity to explore this unique landscape, the remains of an ancient volcano, and prepare yourself for the higher altitudes to come. You'll spend the night at Shira Camp 2, known for its spectacular sunsets.

📏 Distance: 7 km
⏱️ Time: 3-4 hours
🏔️ Altitude: From 3610m to 3850m

Accommodation:

  • Night in a tent 🏕 Shira Camp 2️
Shira Plateau on Kilimanjaro
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4

Acclimatization via Lava Tower

An essential day for acclimatization. You will progressively climb up to Lava Tower (4600m) where you will have lunch, before descending to the magnificent Barranco Camp (3900m), nestled at the foot of the impressive Barranco Wall. This stage, though difficult, is crucial for the success of your ascent.

📏 Distance: 10 km
⏱️ Time: 6-8 hours
🏔️ Altitude: Climb to 4600m, then descend to 3900m

Accommodation:

  • Night in a tent 🏕 Barranco Camp️
The Barranco Wall on Kilimanjaro
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5

The Barranco Wall and Arrival at Base Camp

The day begins with the exciting but easy climb of the Barranco Wall. Once at the top, the trail winds through alpine valleys before a final ascent to Barafu ("ice") Base Camp. The early arrival allows for maximum rest before the nighttime ascent to the summit.

📏 Distance: 9 km
⏱️ Time: 6-8 hours
🏔️ Altitude: From 3950m to 4550m

Accommodation:

  • Night in a tent 🏕 Barafu Camp️
Barafu Base Camp on Kilimanjaro
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6

Arrival at Base Camp

A short day of trekking leads you to Barafu ("ice" in Swahili) base camp. The early arrival allows you to rest, rehydrate, and mentally and physically prepare for the final ascent that will begin in the middle of the night.

📏 Distance: 4 km
⏱️ Time: 3-4 hours
🏔️ Altitude: From 3995m to 4673m

Accommodation:

  • Night in a tent 🏕 Barafu Camp️
Barafu Base Camp on Kilimanjaro
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7

The Summit and the Long Descent

This is the moment you have been waiting for. The night departure leads you slowly to the summit. The sunrise from the crater rim is a magical reward. You continue to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to celebrate your achievement. The day is far from over, as a long descent awaits you to Mweka Camp, much lower in altitude.

📏 Distance: 17 km
⏱️ Time: 10-14 hours
🏔️ Altitude: From 4673m to 5895m, then descend to 3100m

Accommodation:

  • Night in a tent 🏕 Mweka Camp️
Sunrise at Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro summit
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8

Final Descent and Celebration

Your last hike is a pleasant descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. This is where you will receive your official ascent certificate and say goodbye to your amazing team. Your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel for a well-deserved hot shower and rest.

📏 Distance: 10 km
⏱️ Time: 3-4 hours
🏔️ Altitude: From 3100m to 1640m

Accommodation:

  • Night at a hotel in Moshi/Arusha
End of the trek at Mweka Gate

Preparation: Key to Your Success

When to Go? (The Seasons Chart)

The best period for the ascent is during the dry seasons. Here is a complete overview:

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What Essential Gear to Bring?

Good gear is crucial. We will provide you with a detailed list, but here are the essentials:

Technical Clothing

  • 3-layer system: thermal base layer, fleece, waterproof and windproof jacket (Gore-Tex type).
  • Trekking pants and waterproof overpants.
  • Warm down jacket for the summit.
  • Beanie, warm gloves, neck gaiter.

Trekking Equipment

  • High-top, waterproof hiking boots that are already broken in.
  • Daypack (30-40L).
  • Telescopic trekking poles.
  • Headlamp with spare batteries.
  • Glacier sunglasses and 50+ SPF sunscreen.
What Physical Preparation is Needed?

No need to be a top athlete, but good physical condition is necessary. The ascent is a marathon, not a sprint. We recommend starting training at least 2 to 3 months before departure, focusing on:

  • Cardio: Running, cycling, swimming (2-3 times a week).
  • Hiking: Go on multi-hour hikes with elevation changes to get your body used to prolonged effort and to test your gear.
Entry Formalities (Passport & Visa)

Passport

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned return date. It must also have at least two consecutive blank pages.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa) - The Recommended Way

A visa is mandatory. The simplest and safest method is to apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) online before your departure. The cost is **50 US dollars**. Use only the official government website: visa.immigration.go.tz

Health & Recommended Vaccinations

Your health is our priority. You must consult your doctor or an international vaccination center 4 to 6 weeks before your departure.

Yellow Fever: The yellow fever vaccine is not mandatory for travelers coming from Europe, unless you have transited for more than 12 hours in a country where the disease is endemic (e.g., Kenya, Ethiopia...).

Recommended Vaccinations

  • Updates on universal vaccines (Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio).
  • Hepatitis A and Typhoid Fever (related to food and water).

Malaria

Malaria is present in Tanzania. An antimalarial treatment (prophylaxis) is strongly recommended. Also protect yourself from mosquito bites with appropriate repellents for tropical areas, long clothing in the evening, and a mosquito net (provided in all good accommodations).

What to Pack for a Safari?

We advise light clothing in neutral colors for the safari, and warm clothes for mornings and evenings. Don't forget a hat, high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, and a pair of binoculars! A small personal first-aid kit is also recommended.

Our #1 Commitment: Your Safety

Adventure is exhilarating, but your safety remains our absolute priority at every stage of the ascent. We make no compromises on the measures implemented to ensure your well-being.

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Certified First Aid Guides

💨

Emergency Oxygen on Every Trek

📡

Satellite Communication & Tracking

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High-Energy Meals & Purified Water

Ready to Take on the Lemosho Route Challenge?

Our team of experts is ready to answer all your questions and start creating your tailor-made ascent.

Receive a personalized quote

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