The Lemosho Route is often considered the most beautiful of all the trekking trails up Mount Kilimanjaro. It crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Crowds are low until the route joins the Machame route near Lava Tower. 

It is one of the newer routes on the mountain and shares a portion of the same path as Machame route, although it holds a few advantages over that route that definitely make worth considering, particularly for travelers who have some extra time.

Starting the western flanks of Mount Kilimanjaro at the Londorossi Gate, the Lemosho Route wanders its way up one of the more remote sections of the mountain.

The trail takes hikers through a beautiful rain forest where they might have the chance to spot wildlife along the way. Black and white colobus monkeys are routinely seen in the forests, as are blue monkeys, small lizard and a wide assortment of birds. From there, the path wanders out onto the Shira Plateau, crossing it from west to east on relatively flat and easy to walk terrain.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp)

Elevation: 2,100m (6,890 ft) to 2,820m (9,252 ft)

Distance: 7 km (4 miles)

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Details:

• Begin with a drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, then continue to the trailhead.
• Trek through lush rainforest, observing diverse wildlife and flora.
• Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation: 2,820m (9,252 ft) to 3,500m (11,485 ft)

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Details:

• The trail transitions from rainforest to heath and moorland.
• Enjoy stunning views of Shira Ridge and Mount Meru in the distance.
• Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 3,500m (11,485 ft) to 3,850m (12,631 ft)

Distance: 7 km (4 miles)

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Details:

• A gradual hike across the Shira Plateau, with breathtaking views of Kibo Peak.
• Arrive at Shira 2 Camp, an excellent spot for acclimatization.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 3,850m (12,631 ft) to 4,630m (15,190 ft) to 3,960m (12,992 ft)

Distance: 10 km (6 miles)

Hiking Time: 7–8 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Details:

• Climb to the Lava Tower for acclimatization and lunch at 4,630m.
• Descend to Barranco Camp, surrounded by giant Senecio trees and offering spectacular sunset views.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3,960m (12,992 ft) to 4,035m (13,238 ft)

Distance: 6 km (4 miles)

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Details:

• Start with a scramble up the Barranco Wall, a non-technical but steep climb.
• Trek across ridges and valleys to reach Karanga Camp, ideal for acclimatization.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 4,035m (13,238 ft) to 4,640m (15,223 ft)

Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Details:

• A relatively short but steep hike to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt.
• Prepare your gear, rest, and have an early dinner in anticipation of the midnight summit push.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4,640m (15,223 ft) to 5,895m (19,341 ft) to 3,080m (10,105 ft)

Distance: 17 km (11 miles)

Hiking Time: 10–14 hours (6–8 hours to the summit, 4–6 hours descent)

Habitat: Arctic to rainforest

Details:

• Begin the summit attempt around midnight. Climb to Stella Point (5,739m) for sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.
• After taking photos and celebrating, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue to Mweka Camp for the night.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 3,080m (10,105 ft) to 1,630m (5,347 ft)

Distance: 10 km (6 miles)

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Details:

• A gentle descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate.
• Transport back to Moshi or Arusha for relaxation and celebration.

• Fully-loaded medical kits
• All park fees and taxes
• Dedicated support team
• Safe room and storage room
• Oxygen tanks
• Meals on the hike
• Camping equipment
• Hotel before and after the hike

• International flights
• Tips to the climbing crew
• Visa fee
• Personal gear rentals
• Single supplement
• Travel insurance
• Portable toilet
• Lunch and dinner in the hotel