ROUTE OVERVIEW
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and diverse routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering hikers a chance to experience a wide range of habitats and ecosystems. It is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, including rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and high-altitude arctic zones. The route is less crowded than others, making it a quieter and more tranquil trekking experience.
Starting at the Lemosho Gate, the trail takes you through lush rainforests and up to the expansive Shira Plateau before reaching higher altitudes near Mawenzi Peak and the Kilimanjaro summit. The route’s gradual ascent aids in proper acclimatization, making it ideal for climbers seeking a balance of scenic beauty, solitude, and a higher summit success rate.
FULL ITINERARY
Day 0: Arrival Day
Activity Details:
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to Planet Lodge in Arusha. Take time to relax and prepare for the trek. In the evening, you will have an opportunity to finalize your preparations, rest, and acclimatize.
Overnight: Planet Lodge, Arusha.
Meals Included: Dinner (if arriving before evening).
Day 1: Lemosho Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)
Activity Details:
After registration at Lemosho Gate, begin your trek into the rainforest zone. As you hike towards Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m), you’ll experience the lush and vibrant forest, with the opportunity to spot monkeys and various bird species.
Distance: 6km (4 miles)
Elevation Gain: 550 meters
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Tented Camping)
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)
Activity Details:
Hike through the moorland zone as the forest begins to thin, offering sweeping views of the Shira Plateau. As you reach Shira 1 Camp (3,610m), you’ll be surrounded by expansive high-altitude terrain and stunning views of the area.
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Elevation Gain: 960 meters
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (Tented Camping)
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,610m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Activity Details:
Continue across the Shira Plateau, an expansive high-altitude desert, dotted with unique plant life and wildflowers. At Shira 2 Camp (3,850m), you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding region and an opportunity to rest.
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Elevation Gain: 240 meters
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (Tented Camping)
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) to Lava Tower (4,600m) to Moir Hut (4,200m)
Activity Details:
Ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m), a dramatic rock formation with breathtaking views of the mountain. After taking a break, descend to Moir Hut (4,200m), which aids in acclimatization as you adjust to the higher altitudes.
Distance: 13km (8 miles)
Elevation Gain: 750 meters to Lava Tower, then descend 400 meters to Moir Hut
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Moir Hut (Tented Camping)
Day 5: Moir Hut (4,200m) to Buffalo Camp (4,000m)
Activity Details:
Trek through the Moir Valley, a less-traveled route on Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes. Continue towards Buffalo Camp (4,000m), which offers incredible views of Mawenzi Peak and provides a tranquil atmosphere for rest and acclimatization.
Distance: 12km (7 miles)
Elevation Gain: 0 meters (ascending and descending terrain)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Buffalo Camp (Tented Camping)
Day 6: Buffalo Camp (4,000m) to Third Cave (3,800m)
Activity Details:
Hike along the rugged northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, passing sparse vegetation and rocky paths, before reaching Third Cave (3,800m). This is a calm and scenic camp where you’ll rest and prepare for further ascent.
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Elevation Loss: 200 meters
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
Accommodation: Third Cave (Tented Camping)
Day 7: Third Cave (3,800m) to School Hut (4,800m)
Activity Details:
Continue your ascent towards School Hut (4,800m), a camp located near the summit area. This night’s rest is crucial in preparing for the summit attempt the following day.
Distance: 5km (3 miles)
Elevation Gain: 1,000 meters
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: School Hut (Tented Camping)
Day 8: School Hut (4,800m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,090m)
Activity Details:
Begin your summit attempt early in the morning, trekking under the stars to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point on Kilimanjaro, where you’ll celebrate reaching the top of Africa. Afterward, descend to Mweka Camp (3,090m) for rest.
Distance: 19km (12 miles)
Elevation Gain: 1,095 meters to Uhuru Peak, then descend 2,805 meters to Mweka Camp
Hiking Time: 11-13 hours
Habitat: Arctic, Alpine Desert, Moorland
Accommodation: Mweka Camp (Tented Camping)
Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,090m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Activity Details:
On the final day, descend through the forest zone, where the climate and vegetation change dramatically. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate, marking the completion of your adventure. Afterward, return to Planet Lodge in Arusha for your departure or additional rest.
Distance: 10km (6 miles)
Elevation Loss: 1,450 meters
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Accommodation: None (Departure after celebration)
PACKAGE
Package Inclusions
Travel Handbook
Included in Package
Airport Pick up and drop off
Pre and Post Trek Hotel accommodation
Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and taxes
Q-4 season mountain tents
Transportation to and from the mountain gate
Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
3 meals per day whilst on the mountain
Filtered water throughout the trek
Excluded in Package
International flights
Traveler’s insurance
VISA
Drinks outside safari
Tipping (we recommend from $10 per person per day)