Machame
Success HighScenery Varied
The 'Whiskey Route' — a scenic, popular climb with a classic climb-high-sleep-low day past Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall.
Route details
Kilimanjaro · Lemosho Route
7 Day Lemosho Route
With breathtaking panoramic views and fewer trekkers, the Lemosho Route offers an unforgettable experience for those aiming to conquer Africa's highest mountain.
7 daysDuration
Uhuru Peak · 5,895 mHighest point
Londorosi GateStart
HighSummit success
Overview
The Route We Recommend Most
Lemosho approaches from the west, crossing the Shira Plateau before joining the southern circuit beneath the Kibo glaciers. It is scenic from the first hour and its profile — climb high, sleep low on day four — gives most people the acclimatisation they need.
- Rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and arctic summit — all five zones
- Lava Tower (4,630 m) acclimatisation day
- The Barranco Wall scramble
- Twice-daily health checks with an oximeter
- Certified English-speaking guide, cook, porters and tent crew
- Summit certificate at Mweka Gate
Day by Day
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi. In the afternoon your guide holds a pre-trek briefing and checks your equipment so nothing is missing tomorrow.
Drive to Londorosi Gate for registration, then on to the Lemosho trailhead. A gentle first walk through montane rainforest — listen for colobus monkeys — to Mti Mkubwa ("Big Tree") Camp.
Leave the forest for heather and moorland, cross the Shira Ridge and traverse the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth, with Kibo appearing ahead. Camp at Shira 2.
The key acclimatisation day. Ascend through alpine desert to Lava Tower at 4,630 m for lunch, then descend into the Barranco Valley among giant groundsels. Climb high, sleep low.
Start with the Barranco Wall — a steep but non-technical scramble that most people remember as the most fun on the mountain. Undulating trail to Karanga Camp and an afternoon of rest.
A short, steady climb to Barafu, the summit base camp. Early dinner, final briefing and to bed by early evening — you will be woken before midnight.
Set off around midnight by headtorch, reaching Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise and Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) soon after. Descend to Barafu for a rest, then continue to Mweka Camp or, on a strong day, all the way to Mweka Gate for your certificate and transfer to Moshi.
Depending on pace and conditions, day 7 may finish at Mweka Camp (3,100 m) with a short final descent to the gate the following morning. Your guide decides on the mountain.
What's Included
Included
- All park fees, permits and rescue fees
- Trained, certified, experienced English-speaking mountain guide
- Porters (15 kg each), tent crew, cook and waiter
- All meals on the mountain and boiled drinking water
- Pre-climb briefing and equipment check
- Transfers from and to Moshi
- Emergency oxygen, medical kit and twice-daily health checks with a high-grade oximeter
- Shared sleeping tents, toilet tents and dining facilities
Not included
- Tips and gratuities for the crew
- Beverages and alcohol
- International flights, insurance and visas
- Personal items and equipment
- Water on day 1
- Metal or hard-plastic water bottles
Questions Climbers Ask
The extra day on Lemosho is spent on the Shira Plateau, giving your body a full night at altitude before Lava Tower. It measurably improves summit success and how you feel doing it.
Summit night can reach −10 °C to −15 °C with wind chill. Camps above 4,000 m drop below freezing. Bring a −10 °C sleeping bag, a down jacket and proper gloves.
Your guide monitors you twice a day and knows the early signs. Mild symptoms usually settle with rest and fluids; if they do not, descent is the treatment and the guide will make that call for your safety.
Both. We run private climbs on your own dates and can add you to a small group on fixed departures. Tell us your preference when you enquire.
Other routes
Compare Your Options
Marangu
Success ModerateScenery Rainforest & moorland
The only route with hut accommodation. Gentler gradients and the same path up and down; best with an extra acclimatisation day.
Route detailsRongai
Success HighScenery Remote north
Starts near the Kenyan border on the drier northern side — quieter trails, a wilderness feel and a good choice in the rainy months.
Route detailsNorthern Circuit
Success HighestScenery 360° of the mountain
The longest route on Kilimanjaro, circling the quiet northern slopes. Excellent acclimatisation and views nobody else gets.
Route detailsUmbwe
Success LowerScenery Steep & dramatic
Short, steep and direct. For experienced, well-acclimatised trekkers who want the most demanding line to the summit.
Route details
Book Your Lemosho Climb
Send us your dates and group size. We will confirm availability and reply with a full quotation and packing list.