Overview
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and rewarding trails on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering breathtaking landscapes, excellent acclimatization, and high summit success rates. Beginning on the western slopes, this route takes you through diverse ecological zones, from lush rainforests to the alpine desert, before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft).
Available in 6, 7, and 8-day itineraries, Lemosho provides a gradual ascent, increasing the chances of a successful summit. One of its highlights is Cathedral Peak (3,872m/12,703ft), a stunning viewpoint on Shira Plateau, where climbers can enjoy acclimatization hikes. Another striking feature is the presence of Dendrosenecio kilimanjari, giant alien-like plants found only on Kilimanjaro.
Lemosho is also famous for record-breaking climbs, including Angela Vorobieva’s Guinness World Record as the oldest person (86 years) to summit Kilimanjaro. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a first-time climber, the Lemosho Route offers a perfect balance of challenge, beauty, and adventure.
Highlights
- Scenic & Diverse Landscapes
- Great Acclimatization & High Success Rate
- Cathedral Peak Viewpoint
- Unique Flora & Fauna
Itinerary
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Elevation: 1,400m (4,593ft)
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi.
- Meet your guides for a pre-climb briefing, gear check, and safety instructions.
- Rest and prepare for the trek.
- Overnight: Moshi/Arusha Hotel
- Meals: Dinner
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Elevation: 2,200m (7,218ft) → 2,785m (9,121ft)
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Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
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Terrain: Rainforest
- Drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, then proceed to the Lemosho trailhead.
- Begin your trek through lush rainforests, spotting colobus monkeys and exotic birds.
- Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) for an overnight stay.
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Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Elevation: 2,785m (9,121ft) → 3,505m (11,499ft)
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Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
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Terrain: Moorland
- Leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone, with stunning views of Shira Plateau.
- Reach Shira 1 Camp, where the landscape opens up to vast volcanic terrain.
- Relax and enjoy your first high-altitude night.
- Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Elevation: 3,505m (11,499ft) → 3,850m (12,631ft)
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Hiking Time: 3-4 hours (plus optional hike)
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Highlight: Cathedral Peak (3,872m/12,703ft)
- A short trek across Shira Plateau with panoramic views of Kibo Peak.
- Optional acclimatization hike to Cathedral Peak, one of the highest points of the extinct Shira Volcano.
- Arrive at Shira 2 Camp, where you rest for the night.
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Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 3,850m (12,631ft) → 4,630m (15,190ft) → 3,960m (12,992ft)
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Highlight: Lava Tower (4,630m) – Acclimatization
- A challenging day with a high-altitude acclimatization stop at Lava Tower.
- Descend into the Barranco Valley, surrounded by giant Dendrosenecio kilimanjari plants.
- Overnight at the scenic Barranco Camp, beneath the impressive Barranco Wall.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 3,960m (12,992ft) → 4,035m (13,238ft)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Highlight: Barranco Wall
- Climb the Barranco Wall, a fun and challenging scramble with breathtaking views.
- Hike through alpine terrain to Karanga Camp for an acclimatization night.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 4,035m (13,238ft) → 4,673m (15,331ft)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Highlight: Prepare for the summit push
- A short but steep trek to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt.
- Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the final climb to Uhuru Peak.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 4,673m (15,331ft) → 5,895m (19,341ft) → 3,068m (10,065ft)
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
Highlight: Reaching Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa
- Start the summit push at midnight, trekking under the stars.
- Reach Stella Point (5,739m) at sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa!
- After celebrating at the summit, descend to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 3,068m (10,065ft) → 1,640m (5,380ft)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Highlight: Receive your Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate
- A gentle descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate.
- Transfer back to Arusha/Moshi for a hot shower and celebration dinner.
Overnight: Moshi/Arusha Hotel (optional)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cost
The Cost Includes
- All park entry fees
- Accommodation
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trek
- Professional, experienced guide and porters
- Tanzania VAT tax
- Mountain huts: Mandara, Horombo, Kibo
- Summit certificate for reaching Uhuru Peak
- Transportation from Moshi to Lemosho Gate and back
- Oxygen supply and first-aid kit
The Cost Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Visas and travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear (clothing, sleeping bag, etc.)
- Tips for the guide, porters, and cook (recommended: $10–$15 per day)
- Drinks: Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and bottled water (not included in meals)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
- Optional services: Extra porters, personal cook, etc.
FAQs
The Marangu Route is considered one of the easier routes for reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro, but prior trekking experience is beneficial. Wild Kings Africa provides professional guides to support you throughout the climb, ensuring that beginners and experienced climbers alike can enjoy a safe and successful trek.
Yes, the Marangu Route is suitable for beginners, thanks to its gradual ascent and hut accommodations, which offer more comfort than camping. However, proper physical conditioning and acclimatization are key to success.
On the Marangu Route, you’ll stay in mountain huts: Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, and Kibo Hut. These huts offer basic dormitory-style rooms, with shared bathroom facilities. While the amenities are simple, they provide comfort and warmth during your climb.
The summit attempt is challenging, but with proper acclimatization, it is achievable. The trek starts around midnight to Uhuru Peak, and climbers ascend steep terrain in cold temperatures. The effort is rewarding with breathtaking views once you reach the top.
You should pack lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, good trekking boots, a sleeping bag, a warm jacket, a headlamp, and other essential trekking gear. Wild Kings Africa will provide a detailed packing list to ensure you have everything you need for a successful trek.
