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The Lemosho Route is celebrated as one of the most scenic and diverse paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering climbers a gradual ascent through a variety of ecosystems. Known for its beauty and well-balanced itinerary, the Lemosho Route provides an excellent opportunity for acclimatization and a higher chance of summiting successfully.

Starting from the remote and picturesque Lemosho Glades, this route takes climbers through a verdant rainforest teeming with unique flora and fauna. As the trek progresses, the trail transitions into the moorland zone, where hikers are greeted by expansive views and distinctive vegetation such as the giant groundsels and lobelias.

The Lemosho Route typically spans over seven to eight days, allowing for a slower and more gradual ascent. This extended itinerary is designed to enhance acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. As climbers advance, they traverse the dramatic Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert landscape that offers stunning vistas of Kilimanjaro’s ice fields and volcanic terrain.

One of the highlights of the Lemosho Route is its panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding landscape, which are particularly striking at sunrise and sunset. The route’s diverse environments and gradual ascent make it an ideal choice for those seeking a balance between adventure and scenic beauty, culminating in a rewarding summit experience from the rooftop of Africa.

Days8 or 9FitnessModerateExperienceCampingShare
Top of Mount Kilimanjaro Covered by snow
3 Tourist and happy and smiling at the Lemosle route
KILIDOVE TOURS

Lemosho Route on Kilimanjaro

We offer a seven day and an eight day climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro using the Lemosho route. Both offer good acclimatisation and wonderful views enroute. This route has a beautiful approach through the forest on the first day through the Lemosho Glades from the west before joining the Machame trail at the Shira Plateau and contouring around the dramatic southern flank of the mountain via Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp and then on to Barafu camp for the summit push. The descent is via Millennium Camp and through Mweka Gate.

From $2,340.00

Itinerary

Exploring all that Tanzania has to offer is a dream for many. From epic Tanzania safari adventures spotting Africa’s Big Five, to climbing Kilimanjaro or relaxing on the paradise beaches of Zanzibar: Tanzania has it all. Good news: Kilidove Tours can build a custom made itinerary that suits all your wishes.

Our most popular itineraries can help you find some inspiration. Most of our clients love to end their exciting safari with a few days of relaxation on one of Zanzibar’s most stunning beaches. Would you like that as well?

Whether you choose one of our popular Tanzania itineraries or prefer to customize your journey, we are here to assist you. Come aboard and get ready to explore Tanzania at your own pace, exactly the way you like it!

Arrival

Arrive in to Kilimanjaro or if travelling overland arrive into Moshi. This is the start date for the Kilimanjaro climb advertised above.
Relax and overnight stay in hotel.

3 hours walking

Arusha 1400m – Londross Gate 2385m – Big Tree Camp 2700m
We leave the Hotel and drive to the Londorossi Gate (2385m), which can take 3 hrs and if there has been a lot of rain the last section is on foot due to poor roads. Meet the team of porters, guides etc and upward to Big Tree Camp (2700m), 3 hours through forest.

4 hours walking

We make our way further through the forest then out on to open heath land reaching camp at Shira Plateau 1.

3 hours walking

Relatively short day from Shira Plateau 1 to Shira Plateau 2 but a good day in terms of rest if you have any fitness concerns, or are new to mountaineering.

7 hours walking – 15km

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp traversing the mountain over two valleys and skirting the base of the summit massif. High desert environment with amazing rock formations, quite exposed to the weather, dropping into the Barranco Valley right beneath the Western Breach. This day ascends a maximum of 700 metres but the net gain is only about 100 metres.

5 hours walking – 6km

Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley, starting with a scramble over the Barranco Wall and over a further two valleys to get to this open campsite with great views of the Heim Glacier. Another up and down day but no net gain in height, which is all good for acclimatisation.

5 hours walking – 6km

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp traversing the mountain over two valleys and skirting the base of the summit massif. High desert environment with amazing rock formations, quite exposed to the weather, dropping into the Barranco Valley right beneath the Western Breach. This day ascends a maximum of 700 metres but the net gain is only about 100 metres.

4 hours walking – 7km

Karanga Valley Camp – Barafu Camp 4550m

Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp, now heading more directly upwards towards the open rock and colder temperatures. This is the average freezing level on the mountain and Barafu means ‘ice’.
Camping in amongst the rocks and an early night.

7 hours up – 4 hours down – 18km

SUMMIT DAY

Night-time ascent on rock and scree, occasional snow, to the crater rim and the summit. Cold temperatures with windchill. Final slope to the crater rim is steeper and has loose scree. Descend in sunlight to Barafu for early lunch, and then walk to Millennium Camp, normally arriving mid-afternoon.

4-6 hours walking – 13km

Descending through the lush forest to Mweka Gate where you sign out and pick up the summit certificate.
Meet Castro at the gate for transport back to the hotel, arriving normally at about 2pm. The gate is where tips are handed out and you say goodbye to the mountain staff.
A hot shower and an afternoon relaxing before an overnight in the hotel.

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