Kilimanjaro Routes

Lemosho Route

The Glades

Duration
7-8 Days
Difficulty
Moderate-challenging
Success Rate
90%
Start Elevation
2,100m
Summit Elevation
5,895m
Approach
West

About This Route

The Glades

The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most beautiful and well-designed route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the west through the remote Lemosho Glades, this route offers an unparalleled wilderness experience in the early days before joining the more popular southern circuit routes for the summit push.

Starting at the Londorossi Gate at 2,100 meters, the first two days traverse pristine rainforest with excellent chances of spotting black-and-white colobus monkeys and a variety of forest birds. The route then crosses the spectacular Shira Plateau, a high-altitude moorland with panoramic views of Kibo peak and the Western Breach.

The 7-8 day itinerary allows for gradual acclimatization, contributing to the route's impressive 90% success rate. After the Shira Plateau, the route follows the Southern Circuit, passing through the Lava Tower, Barranco Valley, and Karanga before the final summit push from Barafu Camp. The Lemosho Route is ideal for those who want the best combination of scenery, wilderness, and summit success.

Day by Day

Your Journey to the Summit

Drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, then continue to the Lemosho trailhead. Trek through pristine montane rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp. Watch for colobus monkeys and forest birds.

Elevation:2100m to 2750m
Distance:6km
Time:3-4 hours

Continue through the rainforest, emerging onto the moorland. Ascend through giant heather to the edge of the Shira Plateau. First views of Kibo peak emerge as you gain altitude.

Elevation:2750m to 3500m
Distance:8km
Time:5-7 hours

Cross the spectacular Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro's three volcanic cones. The plateau is a high-altitude moorland with stunning views. Optional acclimatization hike to Shira Cathedral.

Elevation:3500m to 3840m
Distance:7km
Time:4-5 hours

Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m) for crucial acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp. The dramatic "walk high, sleep low" profile significantly boosts your summit chances.

Elevation:3840m to 4630m to 3960m
Distance:10km
Time:6-8 hours

Scramble up the famous Barranco Wall for breathtaking views, then traverse undulating terrain to Karanga Valley. The wall is steep but non-technical and immensely rewarding.

Elevation:3960m to 3995m
Distance:5km
Time:4-5 hours

Short ascent through alpine desert to Barafu Camp, your summit base camp. Rest and prepare for the midnight summit push. Early dinner and a few hours of sleep before departure.

Elevation:3995m to 4673m
Distance:4km
Time:3-4 hours

Midnight departure for the summit. Ascend through the night via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Celebrate at the Roof of Africa, then descend to Mweka Camp.

Elevation:4673m to 5895m to 3100m
Distance:17km
Time:12-15 hours

Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Collect your summit certificates, tip your crew, and transfer to your hotel for a well-deserved celebration.

Elevation:3100m to 1640m
Distance:10km
Time:3-4 hours

Everything You Need

What's Included

✓ Included

  • Professional mountain guides
  • Porters and cook
  • Park fees and rescue fees
  • Camping equipment
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Filtered water
  • Pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen
  • Airport transfers

✗ Not Included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal gear
  • Tips/gratuities
  • Pre and post trek accommodation

Prepare for Your Climb

Training & Preparation

Physical Training

A 12-week training program is recommended. Focus on hiking with a loaded pack, regular cardio sessions, and leg strength exercises including squats, lunges, and step-ups.

Acclimatization

"Pole pole" (slowly, slowly) is the Kilimanjaro mantra. Staying hydrated (3-4 litres daily) and maintaining a steady pace are your best strategies for avoiding altitude sickness.

Gear

Quality hiking boots (broken in!) are essential. Bring a layering system for temperatures ranging from -20°C at the summit to +30°C in the rainforest.

Mental Preparation

Summit night is the toughest part. Mental resilience and a positive mindset will carry you when your body wants to stop.

Read Full Preparation Guide →
Preparing for Kilimanjaro climb

Common Questions

Kilimanjaro FAQs

You do not need to be an elite athlete to climb Kilimanjaro, but a reasonable level of fitness is essential. The climb is not technically difficult, but it is physically demanding due to the duration (5-9 days of trekking) and the altitude. We recommend starting a training program at least 8-12 weeks before your climb, focusing on cardiovascular fitness (hiking, running, cycling), leg strength, and endurance. Regular long walks with a loaded daypack on hilly terrain are the best preparation. Many successful climbers are regular recreational hikers and gym-goers rather than experienced mountaineers.
Essential gear includes: quality waterproof hiking boots (broken in before the trip), a warm down jacket rated to -15C, thermal base layers, waterproof outer shell jacket and trousers, warm hat and gloves, gaiters, trekking poles, a headlamp with spare batteries, a sleeping bag rated to -15C (or rent one from us), a daypack (25-30 liters), water bottles or hydration bladder, and high-SPF sunscreen. We provide a comprehensive gear list upon booking and can arrange rental of sleeping bags and trekking poles if needed. Do not buy brand new boots for the climb; break them in thoroughly first.
Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS) is the biggest challenge on Kilimanjaro. Key prevention strategies include: choosing a longer route with better acclimatization (7+ days), walking slowly ("pole pole" in Swahili), drinking 3-4 liters of water daily, eating well even when appetite decreases, and communicating any symptoms to your guide immediately. Some climbers use Acetazolamide (Diamox) as a prophylactic, which should be discussed with your doctor before the trip. Our guides carry pulse oximeters to monitor your blood oxygen levels and are trained to recognize AMS symptoms early.
No prior climbing or mountaineering experience is necessary to climb Kilimanjaro. The mountain is classified as a trek rather than a technical climb, meaning no ropes, harnesses, or specialized climbing skills are required. The Barranco Wall on the Machame and Lemosho routes involves some basic scrambling using hands and feet, but it is non-technical and guided. The most important factors for success are physical fitness, mental determination, proper acclimatization, and listening to your guide. Many of our successful summit climbers had never attempted anything like it before.
Our mountain cooks prepare fresh, nutritious meals designed to fuel your climb. Breakfast typically includes porridge, eggs, toast, fruit, tea, and coffee. Lunch is usually a packed lunch with sandwiches, boiled eggs, fruit, snacks, and juice, eaten at a scenic rest stop. Dinner is a three-course meal including soup, a main course (pasta, rice, meat, or fish with vegetables), and dessert. We also provide plenty of snacks, hot drinks, and filtered water throughout the day. We can accommodate dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal diets with advance notice.
On most routes, we provide a private portable toilet for our climbing groups, ensuring hygienic and comfortable facilities throughout the trek. The portable toilet is carried by our porters and set up at each campsite in a private tent. Public toilet facilities (long-drop latrines) are available at campsites but vary in quality. The Marangu Route has flush toilets at its huts. We recommend bringing your own toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and biodegradable wet wipes for personal hygiene. Our commitment to Leave No Trace principles means all waste is carried down the mountain.
There is no electricity on Kilimanjaro (except at the Marangu huts which have limited charging points). We recommend bringing a portable power bank (10,000-20,000 mAh) to charge your phone and camera. Solar chargers can work but are unreliable due to cloud cover and limited sun exposure in the forest. Bring spare batteries for your camera, especially as batteries drain faster in cold conditions. To conserve phone battery, keep your phone in airplane mode and use it primarily for photos and emergency communication. Our guides carry satellite phones for emergencies.
Your safety is always our top priority. If you develop severe altitude sickness symptoms or are unable to continue for any reason, our guides will arrange a safe descent with a dedicated guide and porter escort. This decision is never taken lightly and is always made in consultation with you, but our guides have the final authority on safety decisions. Descending to lower altitude is the most effective treatment for altitude sickness, and most people recover rapidly. Even if you do not reach Uhuru Peak, reaching Stella Point (5,756m) or Gilman's Point (5,681m) is still an incredible achievement and you will receive a certificate.

More Options

Explore Other Routes

Machame Route

6-7 Days
Success Rate: 85%
Challenging

Marangu Route

5-6 Days
Success Rate: 65%
Moderate

Rongai Route

6-7 Days
Success Rate: 80%
Moderate

Northern Circuit Route

8-9 Days
Success Rate: 95%
Moderate

Umbwe Route

5-6 Days
Success Rate: 70%
Difficult

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