Recommended
8-Day Lemosho
The full route, with a night at Shira 1 and a night at Karanga Camp.
- The best acclimatisation on Kilimanjaro
- Strongest chance of reaching the summit
- Gentle daily stages
- Ideal for first-time climbers
03°01′S 37°13′E Shira Plateau · 07:00
The Quiet Western Route
Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb, Day by Day.
On the mountain 8 days Best for acclimatisation
Plan My Lemosho Climb5-Star Rated · 20+ Years on Kilimanjaro · Experienced Mountain Crews
What is the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route climbs Kilimanjaro from the quiet west side. It starts in remote rainforest near Londorossi Gate, crosses the wide Shira Plateau, joins the southern circuit at Lava Tower and Barranco, and reaches Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) from Barafu Camp before descending by the Mweka Route. It takes 7 or 8 days, covers about 70 km and is fully camped. With more days and a gradual climb, it is widely seen as the route with the best summit chances and some of the finest scenery on the mountain.
Why Lemosho
More Time, More Quiet, More Chance of the Summit.
The first days are yours alone. While other routes start busy, Lemosho begins in untouched western rainforest, with few other climbers and the sound of colobus monkeys above.
Then the mountain opens up. You walk across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth, with Kibo growing bigger every day. The pace is slow and steady, so your body has time to adjust.
That is the real benefit: more days at altitude, more comfort and a stronger chance of standing on Uhuru Peak. If you can give the mountain eight days, this is the route we recommend.
Lemosho Route
A quiet forest start. A plateau under the sky. The best way to give yourself the summit.
At a glance
Lemosho Route Facts
| Duration | 7 or 8 days on the mountain (8 recommended) |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 70 km |
| Start | Lemosho trailhead, about 2,100 m, after registering at Londorossi Gate |
| Summit | Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m |
| Descent | Mweka Route to Mweka Gate, about 1,640 m |
| Accommodation | Tents (no huts) |
| Difficulty | Challenging but not technical; one easy scramble at the Barranco Wall |
| Crowds | Quiet for the first days, then joins the Machame trail |
| Best time | January to mid-March and June to October |
Choose your days
Lemosho 7 Days or 8 Days?
One day shorter
7-Day Lemosho
Skips Karanga and goes from Barranco straight to Barafu.
- Same quiet start and scenery
- One long day before the summit
- Good for fit hikers
- Still better acclimatised than most 6-day routes
Both include a hotel night in Moshi or Arusha before and after the climb.
Day by day
8-Day Lemosho Route Itinerary
Day 0
Arrive in Moshi or Arusha
- Hotel
- Briefing and gear check
Airport pickup, rest, and a briefing with your lead guide. We check your gear and answer every question.
Day 1
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp
- 2,100 → 2,650 m
- 6 km
- 3–4 h
- Rainforest
Drive to the western side, register at Londorossi Gate, then walk through quiet, ancient rainforest to your first camp.
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
- 2,650 → 3,500 m
- 8 km
- 5–6 h
- Heath and moorland
Leave the forest, climb onto the Shira Ridge and see Kibo across the plateau for the first time.
Day 3
Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
- 3,500 → 3,850 m
- 7 km
- 4–5 h
- Shira Plateau
An easy, wide walk across the Shira Plateau, with an optional detour to the Shira Cathedral viewpoint.
Day 4
Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- 3,850 → 4,630 → 3,960 m
- 10 km
- 6–7 h
- Alpine desert
The key acclimatisation day. Climb high to Lava Tower, then descend to sleep lower in the Barranco Valley among giant groundsels.
Day 5
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- 3,960 → 3,995 m
- 5 km
- 4–5 h
- Barranco Wall
Scramble up the Barranco Wall, using your hands in places, then an easy walk to Karanga for another night to adjust.
Day 6
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- 3,995 → 4,673 m
- 4 km
- 4–5 h
- High camp
A short climb to high camp. Early dinner, rest and a final briefing before the summit night.
Day 7
Summit Night: Barafu to Uhuru Peak, then Mweka Camp
- 4,673 → 5,895 → 3,100 m
- About 17 km
- 11–14 h
- Arctic summit
Start around midnight. Reach Stella Point at the crater rim for sunrise, then Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Descend to Mweka Camp to rest.
Day 8
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- 3,100 → 1,640 m
- 10 km
- 3–4 h
- Rainforest
A gentle walk down through the forest. Collect your summit certificate, say goodbye to your crew and return to your hotel.
7-day version: Day 5 goes from Barranco Camp over the Barranco Wall and straight to Barafu Camp (about 9 km, 7–8 h); the summit is on Day 6. Distances and times are approximate and depend on pace and weather.
Your climb with Yera
What Your Lemosho Climb Includes
Crew
- Licensed lead guide and assistant guides
- Porters and a mountain cook
- Fair crew treatment and pay
Safety
- Twice-daily health checks
- Emergency oxygen and first aid
- Clear plan for descent if needed
Camp and food
- Sleeping and mess tents
- Fresh, hot meals and safe water
- Private toilet tent on request
Logistics
- Park and camping fees
- Airport and gate transfers
- Hotel nights before and after
Your exact inclusions are confirmed in writing in your proposal.
Compare routes
Lemosho vs Machame vs Marangu
| Lemosho | Machame | Marangu | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days | 7–8 | 6–7 | 5–6 |
| Start | Quiet west side | Busy south side | South-east, busy |
| Scenery | Excellent, includes the Shira Plateau | Excellent and varied | Good, same path up and down |
| Acclimatisation | Best | Good | Weaker |
| Sleeping | Tents | Tents | Huts |
| Best for | Best summit chances, quiet start | Most first-time climbers on fewer days | Hut comfort, shorter trips |
When to climb
Best Time to Climb the Lemosho Route
June to October
Dry and clear, cold at night. The most popular season.
January to mid-March
Warmer, often clear, with fewer climbers than August.
April, May and November
Rainy seasons. The western forest gets very muddy. We advise against April and May.
Our promise
Climb With Confidence
Honest route advice
We match the route and days to your fitness, not just your budget.
Safety first
Daily health checks and a crew trained to turn back when it matters.
Clear price in writing
Your proposal is free, and every inclusion is stated before you pay.
Questions climbers ask
Lemosho Route FAQs
How long is the Lemosho Route?
About 70 km over 7 or 8 days on the mountain. The 8-day version is recommended for the best acclimatisation.
Is Lemosho the best route to climb Kilimanjaro?
For most climbers, yes. Its quiet start, gradual climb and extra days give some of the best summit chances and scenery on the mountain.
How hard is the Lemosho Route?
Challenging but not technical. The hardest parts are the Barranco Wall scramble and the long summit night. The gentle early days make it easier than shorter routes.
Lemosho or Machame?
Lemosho starts on the quieter west side, crosses the Shira Plateau and takes a day longer, so acclimatisation is better. Machame is shorter and busier from the start. They share the same trail from Lava Tower to the summit.
Is Lemosho good for beginners?
Yes. With 8 days and good preparation, it is one of the best choices for first-time climbers. No climbing experience is needed.
What is the best time to climb Lemosho?
January to mid-March and June to October, the driest months. Avoid April and May, when the western forest is very wet.
Where does the Lemosho Route start?
On the west side of Kilimanjaro. You register at Londorossi Gate, then drive to the Lemosho trailhead, about 2,100 m, to begin walking.
Begin your climb
Let's Plan Your Lemosho Route Climb
Tell us your dates and fitness. A private climb proposal reaches you within 24 hours.