The Lemosho Route starts on the west side of Kilimanjaro, and you can get there by driving 2-3 hours from Moshi or 3-4 hours from Arusha. This path is known for its beautiful, quiet trails that begin in a lush rainforest.
The journey covers 70 km and lasts 8 days, helping climbers get used to the high altitude slowly, which makes reaching the top more likely. This route is easier because it lets climbers adjust to the altitude gradually.
Our Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages include this route, offering a way to climb high during the day and sleep low at night. Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing on the Lemosho Route is great for anyone ready for an adventure, providing scenic views and a less crowded path
The 6-day Lemosho Route is the quickest way to experience this scenic western path. Starting from the remote trailhead, you move at a steady pace through the rainforest and across the Shira Plateau. This option suits fit, experienced hikers who have trekked at altitude before and feel confident acclimatising within a shorter timeframe.
The 8-day Lemosho Route is the most comfortable and rewarding way to climb Kilimanjaro on this path. The additional days allow for thorough acclimatisation, a relaxed pace through every ecological zone, and more time to enjoy the spectacular scenery. This option gives climbers the best possible chance of a successful and enjoyable summit.
The 7-day Lemosho Route is our most popular package, offering one extra day on the mountain for better acclimatisation. You will have more time to adjust to the altitude before making your summit attempt, which significantly improves your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. This option is recommended for most climbers, whether first-timers or returning trekkers.
Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, is the first overnight stop on the popular Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Located at approximately 2,650 meters (8,694 feet) above sea level, the camp sits within the lush montane rainforest zone on the western slopes of the mountain. It is one of the quietest and most peaceful camps on Kilimanjaro, offering climbers a comfortable introduction to their trekking adventure.
The name “Mti Mkubwa” means “Big Tree” in Swahili, reflecting the dense forest environment that surrounds the camp. The area is filled with giant trees, moss-covered branches, colorful flowers, and tropical vegetation, creating a completely different atmosphere from the higher alpine areas of the mountain. Trekkers often hear birds singing and may even spot black-and-white colobus monkeys moving through the forest canopy during the hike to camp.
The journey to Mti Mkubwa Camp begins at Londorossi Gate, where climbers complete park registration before entering the rainforest. The hike to the camp is generally gentle and allows trekkers to settle into the climb while enjoying the natural beauty of Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. The cool forest air and shaded trails make the first trekking day relatively comfortable compared to the more demanding days ahead.
Accommodation at Mti Mkubwa Camp is tent-based, with trekkers sleeping in mountain tents arranged within forest clearings. The camp includes basic facilities such as toilets and ranger stations, while meals are prepared by the trekking crew. Due to its lower altitude and sheltered location, temperatures at the camp are usually milder than those experienced higher on the mountain.
Shira 1 Camp is a scenic campsite located on the expansive Shira Plateau on Mount Kilimanjaro. Situated at approximately 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) above sea level, the camp is commonly used by trekkers following the Lemosho and Shira routes. It marks the transition from the rainforest and moorland zones into the open alpine environment of the mountain.
The camp sits on one of Kilimanjaro’s oldest volcanic formations, offering wide-open landscapes and spectacular panoramic views. Unlike the forested camps lower on the mountain, Shira 1 Camp features open grasslands, volcanic rock formations, and sparse vegetation adapted to the harsher mountain climate. The area provides clear views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding plains stretching toward western Tanzania.
Trekkers reaching Shira 1 Camp often notice the effects of higher altitude for the first time, making the camp an important acclimatization stop during the climb. The route leading to the camp is less steep than many other sections of the mountain, allowing climbers to gradually gain elevation while enjoying the unique scenery of the Shira Plateau.
Accommodation at Shira 1 Camp is entirely tent-based, with camping areas spread across the plateau. Facilities are basic and include toilets and ranger stations. Nights at the camp are usually colder and windier than those at lower camps due to the open landscape and higher elevation. However, the clear skies often provide excellent opportunities for stargazing and photography.
Shira 2 Camp is a high-altitude campsite located on the expansive Shira Plateau on Mount Kilimanjaro at approximately 3,850 meters (12,631 feet) above sea level. The camp is commonly used by climbers on the Lemosho, Shira, and Northern Circuit routes and serves as an important acclimatization stop before trekking toward Lava Tower and the southern circuit of the mountain.
The landscape around Shira 2 Camp is dramatically different from the rainforest and moorland zones lower on the mountain. The area is dominated by open alpine desert terrain, volcanic rock formations, and sparse high-altitude vegetation. The camp offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kibo Peak, Mount Meru, and the vast Shira Plateau stretching across Kilimanjaro’s western slopes.
Trekkers reaching Shira 2 Camp often begin to feel the effects of altitude more noticeably due to the thinner air. For this reason, the camp plays a major role in helping climbers acclimatize gradually before moving to higher elevations. The hiking trails leading to the camp are generally gentle, allowing climbers to enjoy the scenery while steadily gaining altitude.
Accommodation at Shira 2 Camp is entirely tent-based, with designated camping areas spread across the rocky plateau. Nights are cold and temperatures can drop below freezing, especially during clear weather conditions. Despite the harsh environment, the camp remains one of the most scenic overnight stops on Kilimanjaro.
Barranco Camp is one of the most scenic and memorable camps on Mount Kilimanjaro, located at an altitude of approximately 3,960 meters (13,000 feet). Positioned on the southern slopes of the mountain, the camp is commonly used by climbers trekking through the Machame, Lemosho, Shira, and Umbwe routes. Surrounded by towering volcanic landscapes and unique alpine vegetation, Barranco Camp offers trekkers a beautiful resting point before continuing toward the summit.
The camp lies within the dramatic Barranco Valley, beneath the famous Barranco Wall and with excellent views of Kibo Peak. The surrounding environment is characterized by giant groundsels, everlasting flowers, and rugged mountain terrain that creates one of the most photographed locations on Kilimanjaro. Due to its position between the moorland and alpine desert zones, the scenery changes dramatically compared to lower camps, giving climbers a true sense of the mountain’s diverse ecosystems.
Barranco Camp is also an important acclimatization stop during the climb. Many itineraries reach the camp after ascending to higher elevations such as Lava Tower before descending again to sleep at Barranco. This “climb high, sleep low” approach helps the body gradually adapt to altitude and increases the chances of a successful summit attempt. Trekkers often spend the afternoon resting, enjoying mountain views, and preparing for the next day’s hike.
Accommodation at Barranco Camp is entirely tent-based, with climbers sleeping in mountain tents provided by their trekking operators. The camp includes basic facilities such as ranger stations and simple toilets, while meals are usually prepared by the mountain crew. Even with its remote setting, Barranco Camp remains one of the liveliest and most social camps on Kilimanjaro because several routes meet there before continuing toward the summit.
Karanga Camp is a scenic campsite on Mount Kilimanjaro located at approximately 3,995 meters (13,106 feet) above sea level. The camp is commonly used by climbers on the Machame, Lemosho, and Umbwe routes as they continue toward Barafu Camp and the summit.
The camp sits in a valley surrounded by rocky ridges, alpine vegetation, and dramatic mountain scenery. Trekkers reaching Karanga Camp often descend from Barranco Camp after climbing the famous Barranco Wall. The camp provides an important acclimatization stop before ascending to higher elevations.
Accommodation at Karanga Camp consists of mountain tents arranged across rocky camping grounds. The area offers clear views of glaciers, valleys, and surrounding peaks, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Barafu Camp is one of the main summit camps on Mount Kilimanjaro, located at approximately 4,673 meters (15,331 feet) above sea level. The camp is used by climbers on the Machame, Lemosho, Umbwe, and Southern Circuit routes before their final ascent to Uhuru Peak.
The camp is situated in a harsh alpine desert environment with rocky terrain, steep slopes, and strong winds. The name “Barafu” means “ice” in Swahili, reflecting the cold conditions experienced at this altitude. Climbers usually arrive in the afternoon, rest briefly, and begin their summit attempt around midnight.
Accommodation at Barafu Camp consists of mountain tents placed on rocky ground. Despite the challenging environment, the camp provides spectacular views of glaciers, surrounding peaks, and dramatic mountain landscapes.
Mweka Camp is a forest campsite located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro at approximately 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) above sea level. It is commonly used as the final overnight stop for climbers descending the mountain after successful summit attempts.
The camp is situated within the rainforest zone, surrounded by dense vegetation, giant trees, and rich mountain forest scenery. After the cold alpine conditions higher on the mountain, many climbers enjoy the warmer temperatures and oxygen-rich environment found at Mweka Camp.
Accommodation at Mweka Camp is tent-based, with designated camping areas and basic mountain facilities. The camp provides a comfortable resting point before the final descent to Mweka Gate.
Choose the best season for your Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing adventure
The Lemosho Route takes between 6 and 9 days to complete. We offer 6-day, 7-day, and 8-day packages. Longer itineraries allow more time for acclimatisation, which improves your chances of reaching the summit safely.
Yes, the Lemosho Route is suitable for beginners with a good level of fitness. Its gradual ascent profile makes altitude adjustment easier, and its 98% success rate reflects how well the route is designed for a wide range of climbers.
The best times to climb are January to March and June to October. These months fall outside Tanzania’s rainy seasons and offer drier trails, clearer skies, and better visibility on summit day.
The Lemosho Route is rated medium difficulty. The terrain is manageable for most healthy adults, though the Barranco Wall section involves a rocky scramble that requires use of both hands and feet. No technical climbing experience is needed.
The Lemosho Route has a 98% summit success rate, making it one of the highest of all Kilimanjaro routes. This is largely due to its long approach, which gives the body more time to acclimatise before the final summit push.
The Lemosho Route is one of the quieter routes on Kilimanjaro. Its remote western trailhead and limited daily permits mean fewer climbers on the trail, giving you a more peaceful and immersive mountain experience.
You will need warm, layered clothing, a quality sleeping bag rated to at least -15°C, sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, a headlamp, sunscreen, and a daypack. Your guide will provide a full packing list when you book.
You will need warm, layered clothing, a quality sleeping bag rated to at least -15°C, sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, a headlamp, sunscreen, and a daypack. Your guide will provide a full packing list when you book.
Yes, travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is required for all climbers on our packages. Please ensure your policy covers altitudes of up to 5,895 metres before your departure.
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