Lemosho Route
Success Rate
95%
Difficulty
Medium
Scenery
5/5 Rating
ThePremierRouteforSuccess&Scenery
"The Lemosho Route is widely considered the most scenic route on Kilimanjaro and boasts the highest success rate of all routes."
Starting on the western side of the mountain, it traverses the stunning Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route. The longer itinerary allows for excellent acclimatization, making it ideal for first-time climbers seeking the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.
Key Highlights
- Shira Plateau - vast high-altitude moorland
- Lava Tower acclimatization hike
- Barranco Wall scramble
- Southern Circuit with 360° views
- Excellent wildlife sightings in lower zones
Best Suited For
- First-time Kilimanjaro climbers
- Those seeking the highest success rate
- Photographers and scenery enthusiasts
- Climbers who prefer less crowded trails (especially early days)
Trail Stats
70km / 42 miles Total Distance
Daily Progression
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp)
Elevation
2,100m to 2,895m
Distance
6km / 4 miles (3-4 hours)
Drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate (2-3 hours) for registration. Continue by 4x4 to the trailhead. Begin your trek through pristine montane rainforest rich with wildlife. Look for colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and exotic birds. The trail is relatively gentle, allowing you to ease into the trek.
Terrain
Rainforest - muddy, rooted trails
Dining
Lunch, Dinner
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation
2,895m to 3,505m
Distance
8km / 5 miles (5-6 hours)
Leave the rainforest behind and enter the heath and moorland zone. The trail steepens as you climb onto the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth. Enjoy spectacular views of Kibo Peak ahead and Mount Meru in the distance. Camp on the western edge of the plateau.
Terrain
Heath and moorland - rocky, gradual ascent
Dining
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation
3,505m to 3,850m
Distance
7km / 4 miles (4-5 hours)
A relatively easy acclimatization day crossing the Shira Plateau from west to east. The landscape is otherworldly - vast moorland dotted with volcanic rock formations. Optional afternoon hike to Shira Cathedral (3,900m) for additional acclimatization. Excellent views of Kibo's glaciated summit.
Terrain
Moorland plateau - gentle rolling terrain
Dining
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation
3,850m to 4,600m to 3,960m
Distance
10km / 6 miles (7-8 hours)
Critical acclimatization day. Climb steadily to Lava Tower (4,600m), a volcanic rock formation, for lunch. You may feel the effects of altitude here. Then descend to Barranco Camp in the valley below. This 'climb high, sleep low' strategy is key to successful acclimatization. Camp beneath the imposing Barranco Wall.
Terrain
Alpine desert - rocky, significant elevation gain then loss
Dining
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation
3,960m to 3,995m
Distance
5km / 3 miles (4-5 hours)
Start with the famous Barranco Wall - a 257m rock scramble that looks intimidating but is actually fun and non-technical. Enjoy stunning views from the top. Continue with several ups and downs through valleys and ridges. Short day allows for rest before summit push. Karanga is the last water point before summit.
Terrain
Mixed - rock scrambling, then ridge walking
Dining
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation
3,995m to 4,673m
Distance
4km / 2.5 miles (4-5 hours)
Climb steadily to Barafu Camp (base camp). The landscape becomes increasingly barren and lunar-like. Complete the Southern Circuit, giving you views from all sides of the mountain. Arrive by early afternoon. Rest, eat an early dinner, and prepare your gear for summit night. Sleep is difficult due to altitude and anticipation. Wake around 11pm for summit attempt.
Terrain
Alpine desert - steep, rocky, exposed
Dining
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation
4,673m to 5,895m to 3,068m
Distance
17km / 11 miles (12-15 hours)
Begin summit push around midnight. Climb slowly through scree and snow to Stella Point (5,756m) on the crater rim, arriving at sunrise. The final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) takes 1-2 hours along the crater rim. Celebrate at the Roof of Africa! After photos, descend to Barafu for brunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp in the rainforest. Longest and most challenging day.
Terrain
Scree, snow, then rainforest descent
Dining
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation
3,068m to 1,640m
Distance
10km / 6 miles (3-4 hours)
Final descent through lush rainforest. Muddy and slippery - trekking poles recommended. Arrive at Mweka Gate for registration and to receive your summit certificate. Celebrate with your crew. Transfer back to Moshi for hot shower, celebration dinner, and well-deserved rest.
Terrain
Rainforest - muddy, steep descent
Dining
Breakfast, Lunch
Included
Provisioning
Safety & Crew
- Certified Head Guide & Assistant Guides
- Emergency Oxygen & Pulse Oximeters
- Professional Mountain Porter Crew
Nutrition & Living
- High-Calorie Chef-Prepared Meals
- North Face / Mountain Hardwear Tents
- Private Toilet Tents at Every Camp
Essential
Gear List
Summit Protection
Expert Preparation
"Kilimanjaro is a marathon, not a sprint. Training your cardiovascular system and mental resilience months in advance is the true secret to the summit."
Luxury Expedition
All-inclusive summit experience
Full Safety Protocols Active
Best Time to Climb
January-March and June-October for best weather. Can be climbed year-round.
Expert Lead Guides
Kili-Certified Professionals
98% Satisfaction
Premium Equipment & Food
