8 Days Lemosho Route

Lemosho is a demanding trek, but it is not a technical climb. Most days involve 4 to 8 hours of walking, the Barranco Wall needs a little scrambling, and summit night is long and cold. Because the ascent is spread over eight days, many climbers find it more comfortable than shorter routes. Good general fitness, plus regular long hikes with some elevation gain in the months before you travel, is the best preparation.

The main challenge on Kilimanjaro is the altitude. The CDC and the Wilderness Medical Society recommend raising your sleeping altitude slowly and building in extra acclimatization time, and research on Kilimanjaro climbers has found that fast ascents lead to high rates of altitude sickness. Over eight days, Lemosho lets you sleep at gradually increasing heights, with four nights between 3,500 m and 4,000 m before you move up to Barafu Camp. That gives your body more time to adapt than a 6 or 7-day climb.

The Lemosho Route is roughly 70 km from the trailhead near Londorossi Gate to Mweka Gate, including the descent. From the gate at 2,360 m (7,742 ft) to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m (19,341 ft), you gain about 3,500 m. Most days cover only 4 to 10 km, and the long one is summit day, at about 17 km.

They share the same trail from Shira 2 Camp onwards, so the summit approach, Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall are the same on both. Lemosho adds a quieter start through the western rainforest and a full crossing of the Shira Plateau, plus an extra day for acclimatization. The 7 days Machame Route suits you if you have one day less. If you have the time, Lemosho is the more gradual of the two.

The first three days are among the quietest on the mountain, because Londorossi Gate is far from the main southern entrances and fewer climbers start there. From Shira 2 Camp you share the trail and campsites with Machame climbers, so the upper camps are busier, especially from June to October and around Christmas and New Year.

The dry seasons give the best chances of clear views and firm trails: late December to early March, and June to October. January and February tend to be warmer, while July to September is cooler and the most popular period. During the long rains from late March to May, the forest sections on both the first and last days can be very muddy. We run private climbs all year, so we can advise on the best dates for you.

The route starts on the western side of Kilimanjaro. From your hotel in Moshi it is a drive of about four hours to Londorossi Gate, where you register with Kilimanjaro National Park, then a short drive on to the trailhead. The transfer is included, and the first day's walk is short, so the long drive does not make for a tiring day.

Mild headaches, tiredness or a poor appetite are common, and they usually ease with rest, fluids and a slow pace. Your guides keep a close eye on how everyone feels and check your oxygen saturation and pulse with a pulse oximeter every day. If symptoms get worse, you never go higher: the guides take you down, which is the most effective treatment. We carry emergency oxygen and a first aid kit, and rescue fees are part of your park fees. Make sure your travel insurance covers trekking up to 6,000 m.

Tipping is optional but encouraged, and it is an important part of your crew's income. We suggest these amounts per day, for the whole group rather than per climber: head guide 20-25 USD, assistant guide 15-20 USD, cook 12-15 USD and 8-10 USD for each porter. Tips are given at a short ceremony on your last morning on the mountain, in US dollars or Tanzanian shillings. Read more in our Kilimanjaro tipping guide.

Yes. After your night in Moshi you can set off directly on safari, as the northern parks are within easy reach, or fly to Zanzibar to rest by the sea. Many climbers combine all three. Browse our safari and Zanzibar holidays or send us your dates and we will plan the whole trip.