Lemosho Route – 10 days
$3,226
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, offering sweeping panoramic views from multiple sides of the mountain. It is our preferred route thanks to its ideal blend of breathtaking scenery, a high summit success rate, and relatively low foot traffic.
This package includes seven nights on the mountain, plus one night before the trek and one final night afterward. As the longest trail after the Northern Circuit, Lemosho is slightly more expensive, but the experience is exceptionally rewarding.
Why choose the Lemosho Route?
- it is the most beautiful trail, offering expansive vistas across the mountain;
- its natural ups and downs support stronger acclimatization;
- it grants the opportunity to visit Shira Cathedral—one of Kilimanjaro’s three major peaks—with spectacular views;
- starting from the western base, trekkers enjoy lighter traffic until the trail joins the Machame Route;
- with a 10-day itinerary, summit success rates reach as high as 90%.
Here you can learn more about the best time to climb it.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive, Travel to Arusha
Upon arrival at JRO, you’ll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Before the climb, your guide will conduct a detailed pre-climb briefing to go over key information and review your gear. If anything is missing, your guide will assist you in renting the necessary equipment.
Mt. Meru Game Lodge
Mount Meru Game Lodge & Wildlife Sanctuary is ideal for both wildlife and nature enthusiasts. The on-site game sanctuary was created to care for orphaned and injured animals, helping them rehabilitate for a return to the wild. The lodge features 15 en-suite double or twin rooms, as well as spacious family suites.
Trekking from Londorossi Camp to Forest Camp
Londorossi Gate (7,800ft/2,250m) to Mti Mkumbwa (8,694ft/2,650m)
Hiking distance: 3.7mi/6km
Hiking time: 3-4h
Habitat: Montane Forest
You depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate, a drive of about 3.5 hours, where you complete the necessary entry formalities. From there, you continue for roughly another hour to the Lemosho trailhead. After enjoying lunch at the trailhead, you begin your hike through pristine forest as the trail gradually climbs toward your first campsite.
Overnight: Forest Camp (3 meals)
Trekking from Forest Camp to Shira 1
Forest Camp (8,694ft/2,650m) to Shira 1 (11,843ft/3,610m)
Hiking distance: 3.7mi/5km
Hiking time: 5-6h
Habitat: Moorland
You leave the forest behind and enter a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with beard lichens. As you ascend through rolling hills and cross several small streams, the trail leads you toward the Shira Ridge before gently descending to Shira 1 Camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is truly breathtaking.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (3 meals)
Trekking from Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp Via Cathedral point
Shira Camp 1(11,843ft/3,610m) to Shira 2 (12,795ft/3,850m) via Cathedral point (12703mi/3,872m)
Hiking distance: 4.3mi/7km
Hiking time: 3-4h
Habitat: Moorland
You spend the day exploring the Shira Plateau, taking a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciated peak across wide, open terrain. The route leads to Shira 2 Camp, set on moorland meadows beside a clear mountain stream. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth, and you cross Shira Cathedral for valuable acclimatization. If the weather is clear, you may also enjoy distant views of Mount Meru—Africa’s fifth-highest summit—from Shira 2.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp or Moir Camp (3 meals)
Trekking to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Shira 2 (12,795ft/3,850m) to Barranco Camp (12,960ft/3,900m) via Lava Tower (15,190ft/4,600m)
Hiking distance: 7.4mi/12km
Hiking time: 6-7h
Habitat: Moorland
Continuing from the Shira Plateau, you head east along a ridge, passing the junction that leads toward the summit of Kibo. From there, the trail turns southeast toward the Lava Tower—also known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” After reaching the tower, you take the second junction toward Arrow Glacier at 16,000ft (4,876m). You then descend to Barranco Hut at nearly 13,000ft (3,962m), where you can rest and prepare for the days leading toward your summit attempt.
Overnight: Barranco Camp (3 meals)
Trekking Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp
Barranco Camp (12,960ft/3,900m) to Karanga Camp (13,100ft/3,995m)
Hiking distance: 3.1mi/5km
Hiking time: 4-5h
Habitat: Alpine Desert
In the morning, you descend into a deep gorge at the base of the striking Great Barranco Wall. You then climb a steep, nearly 900-foot (274 m) cliff—challenging but not technical. After reaching the top, the trail winds across a series of hills and valleys before dropping sharply into the Karanga Valley. A final ascent brings you to Karanga Camp. This shorter day is intentionally designed to support your acclimatization.
Overnight: Karanga Camp (3 meals)
Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Karanga Camp (13,100ft/3,995m) to Barafu Camp (15,300ft/4,4667m)
Hiking distance: 3.1mi/5km
Hiking time: 4-5h
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today, you make your way toward Karanga and reach the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. From there, you continue upward to Barafu Hut. Once you arrive, you will have completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of perspectives of the summit. Here, you take time to rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for your summit attempt. From this vantage point, both Mawenzi and Kibo are clearly visible.
Overnight: Barafu Camp (3 meals)
Summit day!
Barafu Camp (14,930ft/4,667m) to Uhuru Peak (19,340ft/5,895m) down to Mweka Camp (10,170ft/3,100m)
Hiking distance: 9.6mi/15.5km
Hiking time: 8h up and 7-8h down
Habitat: Ice cap
The climb to Stella Point on the crater rim is the most challenging section of the ascent. Depending on the time of year, there may be snow along the trail to Uhuru Peak. Once you reach the summit, enjoy your accomplishment before returning to Barafu Camp. After a brief break, you will descend to Mweka Camp via rocky and gravelly paths and enter the forest.
Overnight: Mweka Camp (or Millennium Camp) (3 meals)
Descend to Mweka Gate
Mweka Camp (10,170ft/3,100m) to Mweka Gate (6,500ft/1,980m)
Hiking distance: 7.4mi/12km
Hiking time: 3h
Habitat: Montane Forest
The final day on the mountain begins with a descent to Mweka Gate, where you complete your registration and receive your summit certificates according to your achievement. From there, you continue to Mweka Village for a celebratory lunch with the Mountain Crew before returning to your hotel in Arusha. Once you arrive, a full-body massage helps ease tired muscles and brings deep relaxation after your adventurous nights on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge, originally a colonial farmhouse built in the early 20th century, is one of Arusha’s oldest family lodges. Set within lush gardens surrounded by forest and spring-fed waters on the slopes of Mount Meru, it offers a tranquil and historic retreat. The lodge features 10 Garden Rooms, 2 Main House Suites, and a three-bedroom Farm Cottage.
Departure Day
Enjoy a relaxed morning and a satisfying breakfast before our representative collects you for your airport transfer, ensuring you arrive in time for your departure. If your flight schedule allows, Arusha offers a variety of enjoyable activities to fill the remaining hours of your day. It’s always a mix of emotions as we say goodbye, but we look forward to welcoming you back soon.