Package Overview
Experience the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure on the 8 Days Lemosho Route Trek, the mountain’s most scenic and highly recommended route for trekkers seeking outstanding acclimatization and exceptional summit success. Beginning on Kilimanjaro’s remote western slopes, the Lemosho Route offers breathtaking wilderness, fewer crowds, and an incredible variety of landscapes as you make your way to the Roof of Africa.
Over nine unforgettable days, you’ll journey through ancient rainforests, expansive heathlands, the spectacular Shira Plateau, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and the iconic Barranco Wall before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) at sunrise. With its gradual ascent, extra acclimatization time, and world-class mountain scenery, the Lemosho Route is considered one of the finest trekking experiences on Mount Kilimanjaro. Guided by experienced mountain professionals, every step of your journey is designed to maximize comfort, safety, and the chance of standing on Africa’s highest summit.
Our team of travel specialists are waiting to help you book your dream adventure.
On your arrival at Kilimanjaro international airport (JRO), you will meet our representative who will drive you to Arusha, Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa, for trekking briefing and overnight.
Your first day by this route is only a few hours of easy hiking from Lemosho Gate to Forest Camp, and gives a good opportunity to stretch your legs in anticipation of the long trek ahead.
After an early breakfast, you will start a 5 hours walk through the forest and up into the Hagenia zone. The vegetation begins to thin out as you approach the Shira Plateau, one of the three craters of the Kilimanjaro volcanic massif. From Shira Camp there are exquisite views of the Shira Needles and far-off Mount Meru.
Enjoy the fabulous view of Uhuru Peak as it greets you this morning. Today’s trek takes you up a steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rock and bearded heather. You will encounter giant groundsels as you hike through an ethereal landscape of volcanic lava, caves and foaming streams. A trek of approximately six hours will take you to your next campsite; you should arrive between 2 and 3 p.m. Most climbers tend to pace themselves, walking slowly, sipping at their water bottles and resting about every half-hour.
On your 6 a.m. wake-up call today, you will find the entire Shira Plateau at your feet, with sweeping views across to Mount Meru and the Shira Needles. A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (15,000 ft), where you will stop to have lunch. After crossing the Bastains stream, you begin the descent towards Barranco Camp. Grand Barranco is an immense canyon. Numerous waterfalls, which are fed by streams coming from the mountain, converge here to form the Umbwe River. Your camp is set at almost the same altitude as on the previous night. Today’s trek lasts for about six hours and arrival at camp is between 4.30 and 5.30 p.m.
Another early start to birdsong, as you begin your hike to Karanga Camp (which is on the same altitude as Barranco Camp, so now you should be well acclimatized to this elevation). You will encounter a bit of a scramble at Barranco Cliff before climbing up and down the slopes of the mountain for most of the way to camp. This section of the trail takes approximately four hours. In the afternoon you have an opportunity to hike in the Karanga Valley , where giant senecios and lobelia grow. Rest as much as you possibly can to prepare yourself for the climb ahead.
The lovely scenic climb to Barafu is mostly on alpine desert terrain; a mainly mineral environment with few lichens and mosses. Mawenzi Peak towers majestically to the right and Kibo Peak seems just a stone’s throw away. Arrival at Barafu Camp should be shortly before 3 p.m. Climbers who wish to attempt the summit should retire early tonight, as the next day is the longest of the whole climb.
It is at this stage that the climb becomes much more difficult and hikers should carry as little as possible for this stage which starts at midnight. Temperatures range from -4 degrees to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Climbing steadily, flanked by the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers, for about six hours will bring you to the edge of the crater between Stella and Hans Meyer points. Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit. Concentrate on your feet and follow your guide very closely for this section of the journey – the track around the edge of the crater is rocky and icy. Uhuru towers at 19,340 ft and is the highest point on the continent of Africa – and this is where you now stand! Relax and partake of refreshment at Kibo Hut before continuing on to Mweka Camp for the night. Arriving into camp at around 5 p.m. you will look back and realize that, today, you have trekked a total of thirteen hours!
Take time to appreciate once more the tropical rainforest on your descent to Mweka Gate. This final descent can take anything from two to five hours, depending on trail conditions (rain can occur at any time of year at this elevation and a muddy trail calls for a very slow pace). After collecting your Certificate of Achievement, you will be met by your vehicle for the drive back to Arusha for dinner and overnight at Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa or similar lodge.
Depending on your schedule, you will be transferred to airport.
Ready to conquer Africa’s iconic peaks? Our experienced mountain specialists are here to craft a personalized trekking adventure tailored to your goals, fitness level, and travel style. Get in touch today and begin your unforgettable journey.
