Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Hike One Of Mt. Kilimanjaro More Remote Routes Over 9-Days Of Pure Trekking Bliss

The 9-day Lemosho Route is a popular, scenic route up Kilimanjaro. The route begins at the Londorossi Gate and winds through the rainforest to the Shira Plateau and finally summits at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) before one starts to descend.

The Lemosho Route offers beautiful views of the mountain and its surroundings. An armed ranger accompanies groups on this route in order to protect them from dangerous animals in the forest. The route is less crowded than other routes and is a great choice for those looking for a more remote experience.

Hikes and trekking options to one of the most popular hiking destinations in Africa. Kilimanjaro offers unique and unparalleled views that are sure to take your breath away. Our selection of Mt. Kilimanjaro Safaris has something for everyone!

Day 1: Machame region, Kilimanjaro

• After a flight to Arusha via Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your accommodation for the night, the Aishi Machame Hotel.
• The Aishi Machame provides all the essentials that one would require from a hotel for one night, clean rooms, cosy rooms, hot showers, polite staff, a swimming pool, bar and restaurant as well as WiFi access.
• Tonight we meet our guides and climbing support staff for a talk about what to expect on your trek as well as a run-through of what equipment is needed.
• Meals: Bed and breakfast
• Accommodation: Aishi Machame Hotel

Day 2: Lemosho Glades to Shira 1 Camp

• Early morning, our guides and climbing support crew arrive at the hotel for one last briefing and equipment check.
• We travel 3–4 hours by safari vehicle to the western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, Londorossi Gate (2,200 meters).
• After the quick paperwork of obtaining climbing permits and joining with the search and rescue agency, we ascend (by vehicle) to the drop-off point.
• Here you can see stunning views of the Shira Plateau.
• The hiking route from our drop off point to our first high-altitude camp Shira 1 features a small gain in altitude and is not too physically challenging, giving us the chance to properly begin the process of acclimatization.
• By the time we reach camp, our support crew will have prepared our tents and cooked dinner.
• Change in Elevation: Lemosho Glades (3,500 m) -> Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m)
• Hiking distance: 5 km
• Hiking time: 1-2 hours
• Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

• Starting at Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) and making a short walk to the second high altitude camp: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m).
• Today's trek is not difficult, we will be able to view some of Africa's most beautiful vistas, as well as the unique flora and fauna of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Shira 2 Camp is the ideal location on the journey to view Mount Meru (the fifth peak of Africa) when the weather permits.
• After lunch, we go off on a quick acclimatization trek to Lava Tower Camp, which gains 200 meters in altitude, and after a two-hour rest, everyone will finish the day back at Shira 2 Camp.
• NOTE: The acclimatization climb is a short hike with a modest rise in elevation that is done to speed up the acclimatization process. One should take the acclimatization hikes seriously as they aid in raising of our chances of reaching the top of Kilimanjaro and avoiding the risks of altitude sickness.
• Change in Elevation: Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) -> Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m)
• Hiking distance: 7 km
• Hiking time: 3-4 hours
• Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

• Today we depart Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) and continue onto Lava Tower (4,630 m) and finally, Barranco Camp.
• This section of the journey has several climbs and descents before reaching a camp at 4,600 meters.
• Another acclimatization climb where we spend at least 1–2 hours before descending to Barranco Camp (3,960 m) for lunch and an afternoon of rest.
• The Barranco Wall, which is famous for its enormous height and steepness, can be seen here (Tomorrow we will be climbing it, but don't worry, we take the easy hiking route).
• Change in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) -> Lava Tower (4,630 m) -> Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
• Hiking distance: 12 km
• Hiking time: 6-8 hours
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• We start the Barranco Wall climb early in the morning to avoid other groups.
• The trek up the gorge wall is not difficult and takes around an hour.
• After the climb, take some photographs of the Kibo Volcano before resting and just taking in those views that surround it.
• After our rest period is over, we head towards Karanga Camp, with numerous ascents and descents along the route, the guides are good at determining the best speed for the group.
• After arriving at the camp, we get settled before enjoying a well deserved hot meal.
• After an hour or two of well-deserved rest, we set out for a short acclimatization hike to Barafu Camp with a 200-meter gain in elevation before returning down to the camp.
• Change in Elevation: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) -> Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
• Hiking distance: 5 km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• You start your trek to Barafu Summit Camp (4,640 m) in the morning after breakfast.
• The support crew will have everything you need set up ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can rest.
• After regaining our strength due to the lack of oxygen, we complete another acclimatization trek this time toward the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m) before returning to Barafu Camp.
• Before ascending at night, it's preferable to pass the day resting and sleeping.
• Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) -> Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
• Hiking distance: 6 km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

• We leave Barafu Camp at night and begin climbing Kilimanjaro's highest peak, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
• The ascent is straightforward in terms of technique; however, the high-altitude portion is the most difficult.
• Each pair of climbers will be accompanied by a personal guide the whole way up to observe your physical and mental wellbeing.
• We return to Barafu Camp for a two-hour rest before continuing our trek down towards Millennium Camp (3,820 meters).
• Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) -> Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) -> Millennium Camp (3,820 m)
• Hiking distance: 15 km
• Hiking time: 8-12 hours
• Accommodation: Millennium Camp

Day 8: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

• After a hearty breakfast, you'll depart Mt. Kilimanjaro via the Mweka Gate (1,650 m).
• At Mweka Gate, we have our first opportunity to relax and congratulate ourselves, as well as offer our thoughts on the climb in the guestbook.
• Commemorative certificates are awarded followed by a transfer back to Aishi Machame Hotel.
• A night of laughter and stories awaits at both the bar and restaurant.
• Change in Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,820 m) -> Mweka Gate (1,650 m)
• Hiking distance: 12 km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Accommodation: Aishi Machame Hotel

Day 9: The Safari Ends

• this morning after breakfast, a transfer to the airport awaits.
• Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM.
• Should you wish to partake in a day tour, one can leave your luggage and kit at the hotel.

The trek usually takes 9-days, but can be shortened to seven days if necessary. Overall, the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is a great choice for those looking for a challenging but beautiful route up Kilimanjaro.