The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and less-traveled paths on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering breathtaking views all the way to the Shira Plateau. Its relatively remote setting means you get a sense of true wilderness as you trek through lush forests and open landscapes.
On the first day, trekkers are sometimes accompanied by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are home to wildlife such as buffalo, elephants, and other animals. This adds an extra layer of safety while allowing you to experience the forest’s natural beauty.
The 6-day Lemosho trek is considered challenging, making it better suited for adventurous trekkers or those with some hiking or backpacking experience. The route rewards effort with stunning vistas, diverse ecosystems, and a quieter, more immersive climb compared to more popular paths.
If you’ve opted for optional airport transfers, a Kili Vista Expeditions representative will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and escort you to your hotel in Moshi.
You should plan to arrive at least one day before your climb. This evening, we will hold a detailed pre-trek briefing at your hotel. Your lead guide will go over the route, safety precautions, acclimatization strategies, and summit expectations. This is also the perfect opportunity to review your gear, get any last-minute equipment rentals, and ask questions. By the end of the session, you will feel confident and ready for the adventure ahead.
After a hearty breakfast, depart Moshi and enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive to Londorossi Gate for registration. From there, a 4×4 vehicle will transport you to the Lemosho Glades, the official starting point of your trek.
The hike begins on gentle forest trails, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of tropical birds. Wildlife sightings are common, and the environment gradually opens to reveal the grandeur of Kilimanjaro’s slopes. Your first night on the mountain is at Mti Mkubwa (“Big Tree”) Camp, a peaceful spot perfect for settling into mountain life.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft → 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Today the trail gradually ascends, leaving the dense rainforest behind and entering the open moorland zone. Here, towering heathers and dramatic rock formations dominate the landscape. Along the way, several streams cross your path, adding to the natural beauty.
After crossing the Shira Ridge, you descend gently to Shira 1 Camp, located beside a stream on the Shira Plateau. This plateau is one of the most scenic areas of Kilimanjaro, offering dramatic views across the plateau and towards the summit of Kibo.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft → 3500m/11,500ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A gentle morning hike across the plateau brings you to Shira 2 Camp, nestled among lush moorland meadows and a flowing stream. This area offers excellent acclimatization opportunities, with optional short hikes to explore the surrounding plateau. Hikers can enjoy views of distant glaciers, unique flora, and the quiet solitude that makes this route so special.
Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft → 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
From the Shira Plateau, the trail ascends gently eastward, passing the junction that leads toward Kibo’s summit. You then head southeast toward the Lava Tower, famously called the “Shark’s Tooth” (4650m/15,250ft). This striking volcanic formation makes a perfect photo stop.
After the tower, you will reach the junction to the Arrow Glacier before descending to Barranco Camp. Today’s trek helps your body adjust to higher elevations, making it a crucial day for acclimatization. Barranco Camp is a favorite among trekkers for its dramatic scenery and sense of tranquility.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft → 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Barranco Camp is often voted a highlight of the trek. Today, you spend the day exploring the surrounding area on optional short hikes. You might climb the nearby ridges for panoramic views of the valley, spot wildlife, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The evening brings a stunning Barranco sunset—a perfect time to reflect on your journey so far.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 0km
Hiking Time: 0 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Leaving Barranco, you ascend the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable climb that rewards you with incredible views of Kilimanjaro’s southern glaciers. From the ridge, the trail leads to Karanga Valley, where you join the junction connecting to the Mweka Trail. This shorter day allows your body to recover while gaining a little extra altitude in preparation for the summit push.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft → 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A relatively short but steady trek brings you to Barafu Camp, the final base before the summit. Here, you will rest, enjoy a hearty dinner, and prepare mentally and physically for the early morning ascent. The views from this vantage point offer a dramatic perspective of Kibo’s slopes and glaciers.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft → 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The summit push begins between midnight and 2 a.m. with headlamps guiding your path across scree and rocky terrain. The first major milestone is Stella Point, where the sun rises over the crater rim, offering a spectacular reward for your effort. From here, a short climb takes you to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, you begin the descent, retracing your path down to Barafu Camp for lunch, then continuing to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest. Trekking poles and gaiters are helpful on the loose gravel during this descent.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft → 5895m/19,340ft up / 3090m/10,150ft down
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours up / 5–6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree & ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, you descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your official summit certificate. The lower trails may be wet or muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended.
A Kili Vista Expeditions vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your Moshi hotel (around 1 hour), where you can finally relax, enjoy a hot shower, and celebrate your incredible journey.
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft → 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
