Lemosho Route
A slower, more scenic journey to the Roof of Africa.
The Lemosho route crosses Kilimanjaro from west to south: rainforest, the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, the Barranco Wall and the alpine desert before the final climb to Uhuru Peak. Its long western approach gives your body time to adjust before it joins the busier southern circuit.
What is the adventure?
A west-to-south traverse of the whole mountain. You start in quiet rainforest on the western slopes, climb onto the wide Shira Plateau, cross beneath Lava Tower and scramble the Barranco Wall, then work east through alpine desert to the summit approach.
Few routes show you as much of Kilimanjaro.
How is the Lemosho route different?
The western approach lets the expedition unfold slowly, away from the crowds, before it joins the southern routes. Longer itineraries on Lemosho give a stronger acclimatisation rhythm than shorter routes.
How high does the Lemosho Route go?
| Day | Place | Elevation (m) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Londorossi Gate | 2377 |
| 2 | Forest Camp | 2896 |
| 3 | Shira Camp 1 | 3505 |
| 4 | Shira Camp 2 | 4206 |
| 5 | Barranco Camp | 3962 |
| 6 | Karanga Camp | 3993 |
| 7 | Barafu Camp | 4663 |
| 8 | Summit | 5895 |
| 8 | Mweka Hut | 3048 |
Where you sleep on the Lemosho Route
Camp by camp on our 8-Day Lemosho Route Climb.
- StartLondorossi Gate
Is this route right for you?
Best suited to
- First-time altitude trekkers
- Couples and private groups
- Photographers
- Travellers who would rather not rush
Not quite right?
Consider another route
Highlights
On the Lemosho
Rainforest on the quiet western slopes
The Shira Plateau
Lava Tower
The Barranco Wall
Sunrise on Uhuru Peak
Choose your expedition
Lemosho expeditions
Private climbs on your own dates, with scheduled group departures where they run.
Upcoming group departures
- 11 Jan 2027 - 19 Jan 20278-Day Lemosho Route ClimbUSD 2,250 ppView dates
- 8 Feb 2027 - 16 Feb 20278-Day Lemosho Route ClimbUSD 2,250 ppView dates
- 14 Jun 2027 - 22 Jun 20278-Day Lemosho Route ClimbUSD 2,250 ppView dates
- 12 Jul 2027 - 20 Jul 20278-Day Lemosho Route ClimbUSD 2,250 ppView dates
- 9 Aug 2027 - 17 Aug 20278-Day Lemosho Route ClimbUSD 2,250 ppView dates
- 13 Sept 2027 - 21 Sept 20278-Day Lemosho Route ClimbUSD 2,250 ppView dates
- 11 Oct 2027 - 19 Oct 20278-Day Lemosho Route ClimbUSD 2,250 ppView dates
Questions
Lemosho Route FAQs
Gosheni runs Lemosho as an 8-day climb: eight days on the mountain, from Londorossi Gate in the west to the Mweka descent, with hotel nights either side.
It is one of the best choices for first-time altitude trekkers. No technical climbing is needed, and its long, gradual western approach gives your body more time to adjust than shorter routes. You still need good fitness for long walking days and summit night.
Summit night: the climb from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) starts around midnight and is followed by the descent the same day. The Barranco Wall earlier in the climb is a hands-on scramble but needs no equipment.
Other ways up Kilimanjaro
Compare the routes
Ready?
Plan your
Lemosho Route
A slower, more scenic journey to the Roof of Africa.
Want different lodges, more days, or another route?
Opens the trip planner with this itinerary loaded, day by day.