Do we support any porters initiative

Very definitely yes. Porters and guides are the life blood of any successful mountain climb. Through our partners in Tanzania we support various charity initiatives including the most important Kilimanjaro Porters Society. This society was registered under the name Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society on 30th September 2005 as a non governmental organization with a certificate no 13296 under the organization art of the United Republic of Tanzania. The society exists as a shield for porters who are registered under it with the goal of improving the living and working condition of these porters.

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro on Lemosho?

There are two distinct trekking seasons during which is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. They are January-March and June-October. January-March is generally colder than June-October and there is a higher probability of encountering snow on the summit.

What are the temperatures like on Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is just three degrees south of the equator, so the lower slopes are generally hot and dry reaching 25°C during the day. This quickly dips with each ecological zone however, open heathlands, alpine desert and then, at the summit, categorically Arctic. Temperatures at Uhuru Peak are between -7 to -29°C.

Are there camp grounds on Lemosho?

Every night stop has an area with drop/toilet facilities, that are designated areas to allow for camping. You will sleep in tents.

What are the toilets like?

This is a popular question. The toilets that are available on the mountain are pretty rudimentary unless you are on Marangu, and are really just a wooden or block building with a hole in the ground (or a 'long drop'). One option though it adds to the cost is to hire a portable toilet. Finally, although there may not be toilet facilities when you really need them during the days trek, we ask that you seek out a 'loo with a view' away from the path, and keep your used paper in a small bag to dispose of later at camp so as to preserve the environment.

What is altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness, also called mountain sickness, is a group of general symptoms that are brought on by climbing or walking to a higher and higher altitude (elevation) too quickly. High altitude is defined as 8,000 - 12,000 feet (2400 - 2600m) above sea level. Altitude sickness can affect anyone who goes to high altitudes without giving the body time to adjust to the changes in air pressure and oxygen level. Symptoms usually come on within 12 to 24 hours of reaching a higher elevation and then get better within a day or two as your body adjusts to the change in altitude. Because Kilimanjaro has a rapid ascent profile ie. 1000m a day, altitude sickness tends to be more common than on some other treks. It is for this reason that taking your time is vitally important and why shorter routes have a lower success rate.

LEMOSHO

LEMOSHO ROUTE

Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro: A Scenic and Remote Trek to the Summit

The Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro offers an exciting and less-trodden path to the summit. Once known for its abundant wildlife, the Lemosho area has become more remote over time, but it remains one of the most scenic and peaceful routes for climbers seeking solitude. This route, which begins at the Londorossi Gate, provides a perfect balance of natural beauty and tranquility, making it ideal for trekkers who prefer fewer crowds and a more immersive experience in nature.

Why Choose the Lemosho Route?
Remote and Scenic: The Lemosho Route is known for its pristine environment and stunning views. Starting from the western side of Kilimanjaro, the route takes you through lush rainforests, the scenic Shira Plateau, and up to the Lava Tower. The less-populated path ensures a quieter experience with fewer trekkers.
Better Acclimatization: The Lemosho Route is longer than other routes, typically taking 7 to 8 days. This extended duration provides the body with more time to acclimatize to the high altitude, improving your chances of summiting successfully. Proper acclimatization is key to avoiding altitude sickness and ensuring a safe trek.
Diverse Landscapes : As you climb Kilimanjaro via Lemosho, you'll experience a wide range of ecosystems, from the dense rainforest at the lower altitudes to the barren and rocky landscapes around Lava Tower. This makes the trek not only challenging but also extremely rewarding for nature lovers.
Quieter Trek: If you're looking for a more peaceful trek with fewer crowds, the Lemosho Route is the ideal option. Unlike the more popular Machame and Marangu routes, Lemosho sees fewer climbers, providing a more serene and personal Kilimanjaro experience.

Lemosho Route Itinerary
The Lemosho Route typically takes 7-8 days to complete, with an additional day recommended for acclimatization to help improve summit success. Below is a typical itinerary for this scenic route:
Day 1: Arrive at Londorossi Gate, then trek through the lush rainforest to the first camp.
Day 2: Continue through the rainforest to Shira Camp.
Day 3: Hike across the Shira Plateau towards Lava Tower.
Day 4: Descend to Baranco Camp, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude.
Day 5: Continue up to Karanga Valley, then reach Barafu Hut.
Day 6: Summit day! Begin early in the morning from Barafu Hut to reach the summit, then descend to Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Complete your descent to Mweka Gate and return to Moshi or Arusha.

Accommodations Along the Lemosho Route
Throughout your trek on the Lemosho Route, you’ll stay in tents at the various camps. While there are no huts like the Marangu route, the campsites are well-maintained and provide a comfortable environment for climbers. Porters carry your gear, while a team of cooks prepares nutritious meals to fuel you for the journey.

Summiting Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route
Lemosho joins up with the Machame Route around Lava Tower and follows the Southern Circuit, passing through Baranco Camp and Karanga Valley before finally reaching Barafu Hut. From here, climbers make their final push to the summit at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. The descent is made via the Mweka Route, offering a different perspective on the mountain’s diverse landscapes.

Why Acclimatization is Key
The Lemosho Route’s length provides a significant advantage in terms of acclimatization. With more days to adjust to the thinning air, climbers are more likely to avoid altitude sickness and increase their chances of a successful summit. For this reason, the 7-8 day itinerary is strongly recommended, although a shorter 6-day trek is possible, albeit with a lower success rate.

Success Rate of the Lemosho Route
Due to the longer duration and the gradual ascent, the Lemosho Route boasts one of the highest summit success rates among Kilimanjaro routes. The extended period allows climbers to adapt to the altitude and minimize the risks associated with rapid ascents.

The Lemosho Route is a great choice for climbers who prefer a quieter, more scenic trek and who want a longer time to acclimatize. Although it is a more remote and less popular route, it offers an unforgettable experience with its stunning views and peaceful atmosphere. If you’re ready for an adventure off the beaten path, the Lemosho Route is the perfect way to summit Mount Kilimanjaro.

If you are looking for answers to specific questions, read here or go here to see some of our blog posts

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LEMOSHO route at a glance

Overnight in tents on the mountain

From 7 trekking days but best done in 8 days

Starts on the far west after a 4 hour drive at Lemosho Glades and joins Shira and Machame routes

Scenic but longer approach with good acclimatisation

Summit via Barafu Hut and Stella Point

LEMOSHO route ITINERARY

Day-1: Kilimanjaro International Airport arrival and transfer to hotel.

Day-2: Lemosho Glades (2200m) to Mkubwa Camp (2750m)
Elevation: 2200 metres to 2750 metres
Distance: 6 kilometres
Trekking duration: 3 hours to 4 hours
Environment: Montane forest

This morning we stop briefly in Moshi and then drive about 5 hours to Londorossi Park Gate at 2200m . After completing park formalities for Lemosho Route, we drive for another 11km to Lemosho Glades at 2000m. From here, we trek about 3 hours to Mkubwa, our camp.

Day-3: Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp 1 (3500m)
Elevation: 2750 metres up to 3500 metres
Distance: 8 kilometres
Trek time: 5 to 6 hours
Environment: Moorland

After breaking camp, we hike to Shira Camp 1 located near a stream. We hike through moorland shrub taking in views of Mt Meru and this afternoon we have the chance to film incredible sunsets.

Day-4: Shira Camp 1(3500m) to Shira Camp 2 (3840m)
Elevation: 3500 metres to 3840m metres
Distance: 6 kilometres
Trek duration: 2 to 3 hours
Environment: Moorland
The route is relatively easy trek across the plateau that leads to Shira Camp 2 on moorland meadow. A variety of walks are available on the plateau making this excellent for acclimatisation to the gains in altitude. Shira is one of the three volcanoes on the Kilimanjaro massif.

Day-5: Shira (3840m)- Lava Tower (4630m)-Barranco (3950m)
Elevation: 3840 metres up to 4630 metres then down to 3950 metres
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6 hours - 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, you hike though the moorland scrub and enter into a moonscape of semi-alpine desert, while you hike constantly upwards toward Lava Tower. As you approach an altitude of 4200m, you may start to feel a shortness of breath as the effects of altitude take hold. After Lava Tower, you trek into a beautiful valley to Barranco camp where you spend the night at a lower altitude than Lava Tower. Today follows the golden principle of climb high and sleep low on Lemosho Route.

Day-6: Barranco (3860m) to Barafu (4550m)
Elevation: 3860 metres up to 4550 metres
Distance: 13 kilometres
Trek time: About 7 hours

Early morning at around 07h00, the Barranco Wall lies ahead which you climb, to bring you out to a great spot with incredible views over Moshi and the clouds below. The route then descends down through the Karanga Valley and eventually come out at Karanga Valley Camp. Barafu Hut is another 2 hours trek higher up towards Kibo Crater.

Day-7: Barafu (4550m)- Uhuru Peak (5895m)-Mweka (3100m)
Elevation: 4600 metres to 3100 metres
Highest point: 5895 metres (Uhuru Peak)
Distance: 30 kilometres (7 kilometres ascent, 13 kilometres descent)
Trek duration: 13 to 16 hours (6 - 8 hours ascent, 7 - 8 hours descent)
Environment: Stone scree / ice-capped summit

Rising before midnight, you start your climb into the night in a North westerly direction. The route will take you towards Stella Point (5685) on the crater rim. It can take anything from 5 - 6 hours and is physically challenging. After a short rest at Stella Point the trek to Kilimanjaro summit is another altitude gain of 200m, taking anywhere from 1-2 hours. After reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, you hike down to Barafu and then down to Mweka Camp

Day-8: Mweka camp (3100m)- Mweka Gate (1980m)
This morning is a short 3-hour scenic hike to Mweka. Climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates for your Lemosho Route on Kilimanjaro.

Day-9: Depart
Today you are transferred to Kilimanjaro airport for your flight home.

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Kilimanjaro

questions

bELOW ARE SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WE ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED ABOUT KILIMANJARO

Is Kilimanjaro a technical climb?

No. Kilimanjaro is a trekking peak in that you essentially hike or trek to summit. No technical expertise is required, nor use of rope etc. There are sections on the mountain which require a scramble up rocky areas, dependant on which trekking path you follow.

How difficult is Lemosho Route?

Kilimanjaro Lemosho route is approximately 62 km/ 37 miles from gate to gate. The Lemosho Route starts on the Western side of Mount Kilimanjaro at the Londorossi Gate and was introduced as an alternative to the Shira Route which begins at a higher, more challenging altitude. Hikers of all ages regularly reach the summit via the Lemosho Route, with a summit success rate of above 90% (on the 8-day variation). That said, it's a good idea to work on your aerobic fitness before taking on the trek.

How long is Lemosho route?"

Kilimanjaro Lemosho route is approximately 70 km/ 42 miles from gate to gate. Most trekkers complete the Lemosho Route in eight days; however some tour operators offer seven day treks and six day hikes (not recommended). The 8-day Lemosho variation is great for acclimatisation and increases the probability of success. The seven day route stops for a night at both Shira Camp 1 and Shira 2/Moir. The eight day trek on Lemosho stops again at Karanga for a second acclimatization day.

Is Lemosho Route crowded?

Generally speaking crowds are determined by the time of year. Lemosho is a more expensive option as it requires a long transfer to the trailhead and is a longer route, so that tends to reduce the numbers right away compared to the Machame and Marangu routes. However, you only need one large group on the mountain with you to make it feel busy. On top of that from Lava tower onwards you're on the Machame route and so busy it will become busier from then on.

Will we have access to fresh running water at camps?

There are several streams on the trail and porters will collect water from them. The cook then boils this water for you to fill you water bottles for your days hike. You can also use purifier tablets in stream water or add it to your boiled water however it can also have an effect on the diamox and make you feel nauseous. The higher you climb the less water there. On the Machame trail, for example, the last water point is at the Karanga Valley, the lunch-stop before Barafu; on Marangu, it’s just before the Saddle. For this reason it is essential that you carry enough bottles for at least two litres.

When is the best time or months to climb Kilimanjaro?

The warmest months with the clearest trekking days, are from mid to late December, January, February, September and October. The rains often come in April and the start of May with the possibility of some snow. June through to August are superb trekking months, though evening temperatures tend to be colder. The wettest months are November and early December, where snowfalls are likely. Note however, that as this is a mountain it is not impossible to get sporadic snow or rainfall at odd times throughout the year, although the snow normally only falls above 4800m.

Which is the best route to follow to climb Kilimanjaro?

There are 7 summit routes; namely, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame. Of all the routes, Machame is by far the most scenic albeit steeper route up the mountain. The Rongai is the easiest camping route and the Marangu is also easier but accommodation is in huts. As a result, this route tends to be very busy and ascent and descent routes are the same. Both of the latter have lower prospects to acclimitise by the climb high sleep low principle unless one adds on extra days. The Northern Circuit, approaches Kibo from the west, crossing the caldera of Shira Volcano before turning north to follow the trail through Moir Valley and around the northern side of Kilimanjaro.

The Shira, Lemosho and Machame all meet up before Lava Tower (day three), and then with Umbwe at Baranco Camp (end of day three). Marangu, Rongai and Northern Circuit all meet up at Kibo Huts.

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How bad is the Barranco Wall?

The Barranco wall is along the Machame Route, Shira Route, Lemosho Route and Umbwe Route. Is it a “wall” – well no it is not, in the sense that a wall is pretty much vertical which Barranco is not. It consists of a rocky path that zig zags up the rock section of the mountain. Yes it is steep, let us not deny that fact, but do-able? Definitely!

The wall itself is only 843 ft tall (257 meters) so in terms of distance, it could certainly not be classified as endless. It is a climb? Once again, no it is not.

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How hard is it to hike to Everest Base Camp compared to Kilimanjaro?

Most people think Everest Base Camp is higher than Kilimanjaro but surprise surprise, it is not. Base camp of Everest (or rather Kala Pathar – the little hill you climb up above base camp) is actually 5545m, whereas Kilimanjaro summit is 5895m.

People also think it is a tougher hike than Kilimanjaro, but Kilimanjaro is actually regarded as tougher by those who have done both.

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How will the altitude affect me on Kilimanjaro?

This is a really difficult one to answer directly - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an ' unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this, is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly, pole pole. Choosing a path like Machame where you get to follow the principle of "climb high, sleep low" is also advisable.

How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?

The Kilimanjaro National Park fees are something that nobody can escape and are a large portion of your climb cost. For a six day/five night camping trek you pay about $800 in fees alone! So on average a climb will cost you between $1450 and $2800 depending on the number of days, number of people and the route that you take. There are some operators who will quote you $1000 for a trek - ask yourself, what are they skimping on and who is going to suffer as a result. You? Your safety? The porters?

Where can I get climbing Insurance for Kilimanjaro?

If you are going hiking or climbing or trekking then you need extra cover for your activities. Hiking and Climbing have become popular for many adventure seekers looking to add a climb up Kilimanjaro or a trek to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna or even Island Peak to their list of amazing adventures. But any climb to high altitude carries with it a number of risks and having the correct and good trekking insurance is an absolute must. We recommend two different groups depending on whcih contry you reside in. For further details, click on the icon

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