Climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Lemosho Route

One of the most scenic and successful routes to the summit - offering a gradual ascent, stunning landscapes, and an exceptional chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.

The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and rewarding ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the remote western side of the mountain, this route offers a quieter start, incredible scenery, and a longer itinerary that allows for excellent acclimatisation.

Beginning in lush rainforest, the trail gradually ascends across the vast Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route along the Southern Circuit. Along the way, climbers experience Kilimanjaro’s full range of landscapes - from dense forest and moorland to alpine desert and the arctic summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

Thanks to its gradual ascent profile and additional days on the mountain, the Lemosho Route offers one of the highest summit success rates, making it ideal for both first-time climbers and experienced trekkers looking for a well-paced and scenic journey.

Download the information pack

TRIP FACTS

Activity Type:

Mountain Climb

Location:

Tanzania (see location map here)

Difficulty:

Challenging

Max Altitude:

5,895m

Food Choices:

Kosher, Veggie, Vegan, Nut Free, Lactose Free, Halal

Duration:

11 Days (9 Days on the mountain)

Accommodation:

Mountain tents + lodge

Fitness Level:

Good

Grading:

T4 (see grading guide here)

Best Time to Climb:

Jan – Mar & Jun – Oct

Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa’s Highest Peak

Mount Kilimanjaro is the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, rising dramatically from the plains of Tanzania at around 900 metres to its summit at 5,895 metres. Formed millions of years ago through volcanic activity, the mountain is made up of three cones - Shira, Mawenzi, and Kibo - with Uhuru Peak on Kibo standing as the highest point in Africa. Although located close to the equator, its summit is covered in snow and glaciers, creating one of the most striking natural contrasts on Earth.

Kilimanjaro is renowned not only for its height but for its incredible diversity. Climbers pass through five distinct ecological zones, from lush rainforest to alpine desert and the arctic summit, encountering unique landscapes, plant life, and wildlife along the way. While the climb is non-technical, conditions can be unpredictable, with varying temperatures and weather patterns throughout the ascent, making preparation and adaptability key to a successful and rewarding experience.

THE FIVE ECOZONES OF KILIMANJARO

Lowlands:
790m - 1,800m

This is the subtropical area located just above the Serengeti plains. An area with heavier rainfall, its vegetation is dominated by banana, coffee, and other plants grown as crops.

Rainforest:
1,800m - 2,800m

This is a subtropical rainforest rich with plant and animal life. The widest variety of flowering plants grow in this zone.

Moorland and Heath: 2,800m - 4,000m

This area has less vegetation and is dominated by a few plant and animal species, including groundsels, lobelias, heather, and tree moss. Trees disappear above 4,000 meters.

High Alpine Desert: Between 4,000 - 5,000 meters

This arid, semi-desert zone has no trees and few plants. Sage grass, hearty helichrysum flowers, moss, and thistles are common there.

Arctic Summit: Above 5,000m

This is an arid zone with intense sunlight, thin air, and heavy snow and ice at times. Few to no plants grow there.

Umbwe Route

Machame Route

WHY CHOOSE THE LEMOSHO ROUTE

Considered the most scenic route on Kilimanjaro
Excellent acclimatisation profile (higher success rate)
Quieter start with fewer crowds
Gradual ascent ideal for first-time climbers
Full experience of Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes

Rongai Route

ITINERARY

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi

Elevation: 1,000m to 1,200m.
Distance: 36 km
Driving Time: 45Min
Habitat: Town

Our ground crew staff will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer you to your lodge in Moshi. The PJS Team perform full Kit Check to ensure you have all the necessary equipment for the climb. In the afternoon there will be a detailed Re-Departure Briefing.

Moshi to Londorosi gate to Big Tree campsit

Elevation: 1200m to 1950m to 2850m.

Distance: 9 km.

Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

After breakfast, drive from Moshi to Londorosi Gate for park registration before continuing to the trailhead. The trek begins through lush rainforest, home to diverse wildlife and towering trees draped in moss. The trail gradually climbs to Big Tree Campsite at 2,850 meters, where you will settle in for your first night camping on the mountain.

Big tree campsite to Shira One campsite

Elevation: 2850m to 3500m

Distance: 13 km

Hiking time: 8 hours

Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail ascends into open moorland with expansive views of the Shira Plateau. The landscape becomes more dramatic as you gain elevation, with giant heather and volcanic rock formations dotting the terrain. After a steady climb, you will reach Shira One Campsite at 3,500 meters for dinner and overnight camp.

Shira One campsite to Shira Two campsite

Elevation: 3500m to 3800m

Distance: 7 km

Hiking time: 5-6 hours.

Today’s trek is shorter and designed to help with acclimatization as you cross the scenic Shira Plateau. The route offers spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding volcanic landscape. Arriving at Shira Two Campsite at 3,800 meters, you will have time to relax and acclimatize while enjoying the incredible alpine scenery.

Shira Two campsite to Barranco campsite

Elevation: 3800m to 3950m

Distance: 13 km

Hiking time: 7-8 hours.

This important acclimatization day follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle. You will ascend toward the Lava Tower area before descending to Barranco Campsite at 3,950 meters. Along the way, enjoy dramatic views of the mountain and the striking Barranco Valley filled with giant senecio plants. Overnight at Barranco Camp.

Max Altitude:

5,895m

Grading:

T4 (see grading guide here)

Total Distance:

~53 km

Barranco campsite to Karanga campsite.

Elevation: 2950m to 3900m

Distance: 6km

Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours

After breakfast, you will tackle the famous Barranco Wall, a fun and rewarding scramble that offers spectacular views once at the top. From there, the trail winds through alpine valleys before reaching Karanga Campsite at 3,900 meters. The shorter trekking day allows additional time for rest and acclimatization before the final ascent.

Barafu Camp/ Uhuru Peak/ Millennium Camp

Elevation: 4620m to 5895 to 3100mm.

Distance: 15 km

Hiking Time: 12 - 18 hours

Your summit attempt begins around midnight, trekking slowly under the stars toward Stella Point on the crater rim. From there, continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement and watching the sunrise, begin the long descent past Barafu Camp and onward to Millennium Camp at 3,100 meters for a well-earned rest.

Millennium campsite to Mweka gate

Elevation: 3100m to 1700m

Distance: 9 km

Descending Time: 4 -5 hours

After breakfast, descend through lush rainforest along the Mweka Route. The trail becomes greener and more vibrant as you lose altitude, with birds and monkeys often seen along the way. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you will sign out of the park and receive your summit certificates before returning to your lodge in Moshi.