Overview
The Lemosho Route is renowned for its stunning scenery, diverse landscapes, and high success rate due to its gradual ascent. This trek offers a unique approach to Kilimanjaro’s summit, beginning with a lush rainforest and transitioning through moorland, alpine desert, and eventually the arctic conditions at the summit.
- Duration: 6 to 8 Days
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Best Time to Trek: January to February, August to October
- Distance: 7 km
- Elevation Gain: 2,360 m to 2,650 m
- Trek Time: 3-4 hours
- Terrain: Dense Rainforest
- Description: Begin with registration at Londorossi Gate before driving to the starting point. The trail winds through the lush, misty rainforest. Hikers may spot blue monkeys and colobus monkeys along the way, adding to the rich biodiversity of the region. Arrive at Big Tree Camp for an overnight stay.
Distance: 10 kmElevation Gain: 3,500 m to 3,850 mTrek Time: 5-6 hoursTerrain: MoorlandDescription: This day is a gentle ascent across the Shira Plateau, with a chance to acclimate. The trail offers sweeping views of Mount Meru and allows for a relaxed pace. Reach Shira 2 Camp and enjoy a night under the stars, with the peak of Kilimanjaro looming nearby.
Distance: 10 kmElevation Gain: 3,850 m to 4,600 m (Lava Tower), then down to 3,900 mTrek Time: 6-7 hoursTerrain: Alpine DesertDescription: This acclimatization day includes a trek to the famous Lava Tower, offering climbers an opportunity to adjust to the altitude. After reaching Lava Tower, descend to Barranco Camp, nestled at the base of the impressive Barranco Wall.
Distance: 5 kmElevation Gain: 3,900 m to 4,035 mTrek Time: 4-5 hoursTerrain: Rocky Trails and Alpine DesertDescription: Climb the iconic Barranco Wall, an exhilarating experience that reveals expansive views of the Karanga Valley. The trail continues to Karanga Camp, where climbers can rest and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.
- Distance: 5 km
- Elevation Gain: 3,900 m to 4,035 m
- Trek Time: 4-5 hours
- Terrain: Rocky Trails and Alpine Desert
- Description: Climb the iconic Barranco Wall, an exhilarating experience that reveals expansive views of the Karanga Valley. The trail continues to Karanga Camp, where climbers can rest and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.
Distance: 4 kmElevation Gain: 4,035 m to 4,673 mTrek Time: 4-5 hoursTerrain: Alpine DesertDescription: A short but steep climb leads to Barafu Camp, the base camp for summit attempts. Rest and refuel, as climbers begin their final ascent to the summit around midnight.
Distance: 17 kmElevation Gain: 4,673 m to 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,068 mTrek Time: 12-14 hoursTerrain: Arctic, then Descent through Alpine Desert and ForestDescription: Start the summit attempt in the early hours to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate the achievement before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Distance: 10 kmElevation Loss: 3,068 m to 1,640 mTrek Time: 3-4 hoursTerrain: ForestDescription: The final descent takes you back through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to the mountain.
