Lemosho Route at Mount Kilimanjaro – 8 Days Safari Itinerary

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), draws trekkers from all over the world seeking to conquer its summit, Uhuru Peak. With several routes to choose from, the Lemosho Route stands out as one of the most scenic and less crowded paths to the top. Offering trekkers an immersive experience of Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes, the Lemosho Route is increasingly becoming a popular choice for those looking to balance both beauty and challenge.

Lemosho Route

The Lemosho Route is known for its beautiful, remote landscapes and gradual ascent, making it one of the best routes for acclimatization. It approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the western side, which allows climbers to enjoy less crowded trails while still experiencing some of the most stunning views on the mountain.

Distance: Approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) round-trip
Duration: 7 to 8 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (due to its length and altitude gain)
Accommodation: Camping (except for the summit)
Route Description: The Lemosho Route is one of the longer routes on Kilimanjaro, which gives trekkers more time to acclimatize. Starting in the rainforest zone, the route moves through lush forests, heath, and moorland before transitioning into the alpine desert and finally, the summit.

Why Choose the Lemosho Route?

The Lemosho Route offers a unique set of advantages that make it one of the top choices for trekkers looking to summit Mount Kilimanjaro:

Scenic Diversity: The Lemosho Route takes you through a range of ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, heath, moorland, and alpine desert. Each zone offers a unique landscape, making the trek incredibly scenic.
Less Crowded: The Lemosho Route is less trafficked than routes like the Marangu or Machame, providing trekkers with a more peaceful and private experience. Since it is accessed from the western side of the mountain, climbers can avoid the more popular entrance points.
Better Acclimatization: With the longer duration (7-8 days), the Lemosho Route allows for better acclimatization. This increases your chances of successfully reaching the summit by giving your body more time to adjust to the altitude.
High Success Rate: The longer duration of the trek and its gradual ascent increases the likelihood of summit success. The Lemosho Route has one of the highest success rates among all Kilimanjaro routes.
Wildlife and Wilderness: The route is known for its relatively untouched, wild beauty, providing trekkers with opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitats, such as monkeys, birds, and other species that inhabit the lower zones of the mountain.

The Lemosho Route Trek: Day-by-Day

The Lemosho Route is typically completed in 7 or 8 days, which allows for sufficient time to acclimatize. The longer trek also means more time to enjoy the stunning landscapes that Kilimanjaro has to offer. Below is a detailed day-by-day itinerary:

Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain: 950 meters (3,117 feet)

The trek begins at the Lemosho Gate, located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After completing the necessary registration, trekkers begin their ascent through the rainforest zone. This section of the trek is relatively easy, with a steady and gentle climb. The lush rainforest provides a cool, shaded environment, and you may encounter wildlife such as monkeys and various bird species.

Trail Conditions: The path is well-maintained and the gradient is manageable, making for a pleasant first day of hiking.
Accommodation: The first night is spent at Mti Mkubwa Camp, a comfortable campsite located at 2,750 meters. The camp is surrounded by dense vegetation, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 850 meters (2,788 feet)

On the second day, the trek enters the heath zone, characterized by rolling hills, heather, and low shrubs. The gradient becomes steeper, but the pace remains manageable. As the trail continues to climb, you’ll begin to get glimpses of Mount Kilimanjaro’s vast southern glaciers.

Trail Conditions: The terrain is rocky, with more exposure to the elements. The path is a bit steeper as you move higher into the heath zone.
Accommodation: The night will be spent at Shira 1 Camp, located at 3,600 meters. The camp offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, and trekkers can enjoy a night under the stars.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 250 meters (820 feet)

Today’s trek is relatively short but crucial for acclimatization. The route continues through the moorland zone, with expansive views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and the surrounding valleys. The climb is gradual, giving your body time to adjust to the altitude.

Trail Conditions: The path is well-maintained, but you’ll begin to notice the thinning air as you gain altitude. The landscape transitions into more barren, rocky terrain.
Accommodation: The night will be spent at Shira 2 Camp, located at 3,850 meters. The camp offers stunning panoramic views of the mountain and is a great place to relax and acclimatize.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 780 meters (2,559 feet) to Lava Tower, followed by descent to Barranco Camp

On Day 4, you will hike to Lava Tower, a stunning geological feature located at 4,630 meters. This day is critical for acclimatization, as you will ascend to Lava Tower before descending slightly to Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to the altitude.

Trail Conditions: The path becomes more challenging, with rockier terrain and a steep ascent to Lava Tower. Afterward, the descent to Barranco Camp offers a welcome reprieve.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp is located at 3,950 meters and offers incredible views of the surrounding cliffs, especially the Barranco Wall, which you’ll be climbing the following day.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 850 meters (2,788 feet)

Today is the day you will tackle the Barranco Wall, one of the most exciting parts of the Lemosho Route. Although steep, the Barranco Wall is not technically difficult and requires some light scrambling. After climbing the wall, the trail levels out, and you continue your ascent toward Karanga Camp.

Trail Conditions: Expect some scrambling, especially on the Barranco Wall, but the rest of the day is a relatively gentle climb.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp sits at 4,035 meters, and its location offers fantastic views of the mountain.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 640 meters (2,100 feet)

On this day, you will climb through the alpine desert zone. The terrain becomes more barren and rocky, and the air thins significantly. This is the final stretch before your summit push.

Trail Conditions: Expect steep terrain and rocky paths. The higher you go, the more exposed you will become to the elements, with colder temperatures and harsher winds.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp is the final stop before summiting. It’s a basic, exposed camp, and climbers often experience chilly conditions here.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak) and Descent to Mweka Camp

Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles)
Duration: 12-16 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,222 meters (4,043 feet) to Uhuru Peak, then descent

Summit day is the most challenging of the trek. Climbers start in the middle of the night to reach Uhuru Peak by sunrise. The ascent involves a long, steep climb through the cold and dark, with the final section being a rocky, high-altitude push. After reaching the summit and taking in the incredible views, climbers begin the descent to Mweka Camp.

Trail Conditions: The climb is steep, and the air is thin, making it a physically demanding challenge. After summiting, the descent to Mweka Camp is long but easier, with a descent through the rainforest zone.
Accommodation: Mweka Camp is at 3,080 meters, providing a comfortable spot for climbers to rest after the long day.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters (5,249 feet)

On the final day, climbers descend from Mweka Camp to the Mweka Gate where they are officially congratulated on reaching the summit.

Lemosho