Total Distance — 70 km / 43 miles
Difficulty — Moderate
Duration — 9 Days
Summit Success Rate — High
Starting Altitude — 2,360 meters (Londorossi Gate)
Approach — Western side of Mount Kilimanjaro
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the most well-designed approaches to Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers an exceptional balance of scenic beauty, gradual acclimatization, and varied terrain that prepares climbers properly for the demands of altitude.
The journey begins in lush rainforest, transitions through moorland and alpine desert, and culminates in the arctic conditions near the summit. Along the way, climbers experience expansive landscapes, dramatic sunrises and sunsets, and some of the most picturesque sections of the mountain.
What truly sets the Lemosho Route apart is its acclimatization profile. The longer, more gradual ascent allows the body time to adjust to altitude, significantly increasing the likelihood of a successful summit.
For climbers who value preparation, pacing, and a higher probability of reaching Uhuru Peak, the Lemosho Route stands out as one of the smartest choices on Kilimanjaro.
Upon your arrival in Tanzania, you will be warmly welcomed by our dedicated driver, who will provide a personalized meet-and-greet service to ensure your journey begins on a positive note. As you transition to your accommodation, rest assured that every detail has been meticulously arranged to guarantee a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Elevation: 2,360 m → 2,820 m
Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
Habitat: Rainforest
A gentle hike through dense rainforest trails. This is a short first day designed to help your body begin adjusting to the altitude.
Elevation: 2,820 m → 3,505 m
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Habitat: Moorland
The forest opens into rolling moorland with expansive views as you cross onto the Shira Plateau.
Elevation: 3,505 m → 3,850 m
Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
Habitat: Moorland
A gradual and scenic trek across the Shira Plateau, ideal for acclimatization with panoramic views of Kibo Peak.
Elevation: 3,850 m → 4,630 m (Lava Tower) → 3,960 m
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Habitat: Semi-desert
A key acclimatization day. You hike high to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp to sleep lower.
Elevation: 3,960 m → 4,035 m
Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Habitat: Alpine desert
Climb the famous Barranco Wall and continue through valleys and ridges to Karanga Camp.
Elevation: 4,035 m → 4,640 m
Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Habitat: Alpine desert
A short but steep hike to base camp. Rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
Elevation: 4,640 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles
Habitat: Arctic → Moorland
Midnight departure for the summit. After reaching Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Camp for overnight rest.
Elevation: 3,100 m → 1,640 m
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Habitat: Rainforest
Final descent through lush rainforest to the park gate where your climb concludes.
Most climbers choose to extend their Kilimanjaro adventure with a safari experience focused on exceptional wildlife viewing. These safaris can be arranged over 4, 5, 6, or 7 days and offer a comfortable journey through Tanzania’s most iconic parks, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park.
| US$ | 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax | 6 Pax | 7 Pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Days treks + 2 night hotel | $2,770 | $2,440 | $2,295 | $2,220 | $2,150 | $2,090 | $1,950 |
| 7 Days treks + 2 night hotel | $2,920 | $2,595 | $2,487 | $2,386 | $2,287 | $2,220 | $2,152 |
| 8 Days treks +2 night hotel | $3,410 | $3,320 | $3,100 | $2,920 | $2,830 | $2,770 | $2,640 |
Booking Process:
There’s no need to plan months ahead. We can secure your trekking permit within 24 hours, and our expert guides will have all gear meticulously prepared in the same timeframe. As long as you are physically and mentally ready, your extraordinary Kilimanjaro journey is ready to begin—effortless, seamless, and tailored just for you.
Reserve Your Trek:
Pick your dates, and we’ll handle every detail of your journey. A $75 deposit secures your adventure, and the remaining balance can be effortlessly settled at our office—by card or cash—whichever suits you best. Your Kilimanjaro experience begins the moment you say yes.
Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude trek, not a technical climb. You don’t need climbing skills, but you do need good fitness, mental determination, and proper acclimatization to handle the altitude.
Success largely depends on the route and number of days. Routes with 8+ days, like Lemosho, have very high success rates because they allow proper acclimatization.
The Lemosho Route is widely considered the best for scenery, acclimatization, and summit success. Machame is also popular, while Marangu is shorter but has lower success rates due to faster ascent.
The more days, the better your body adjusts to altitude. 8 days is ideal, 7 days is acceptable, and 6 days is not recommended for most climbers.
Altitude sickness happens when your body struggles to adapt to high elevation. It’s prevented by slow ascent, drinking plenty of water, eating well, and following your guide’s pace.
You’ll need proper layered clothing for extreme temperature changes, good hiking boots, a warm sleeping bag, and essential trekking gear. Many items can be rented if needed.
The best months are January–March and June–October, when the weather is drier and visibility is excellent.
You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking 6–8 hours a day for multiple days. Basic cardio training and hiking practice help greatly.
You wake up early, enjoy breakfast, hike at a slow steady pace for several hours, arrive at camp in the afternoon, rest, eat, and prepare for the next day.
Kilimanjaro regulations require all climbers to have licensed guides. Your support team carries equipment, prepares meals, monitors your health, and ensures your safety throughout the trek.