8 days Lemosho Route
The classic extended wilderness route with maximum acclimatisation.
+255 765 470 565 | info@viewafricaadventures.com
Open daily 7:00am – 7:00pm (EAT)
Ascend Mount Kilimanjaro from the pristine western forests across the Shira Plateau, featuring breathtaking panoramas, Lava Tower acclimatisation, and expert local Moshi guides. Prices from $1,750 per person.
Book this tripSee day by day
Widely regarded as the most scenic and breathtaking path up Mount Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho Route approaches the mountain from the west. It starts with a tranquil trek through undisturbed rainforests before crossing the vast, dramatic expanse of the Shira Plateau.
While the Lemosho Route is traditionally completed over 8 days, the 7-day itinerary offers an efficient, rewarding challenge for fit trekkers who want pristine wilderness trails and lower foot traffic before merging with the Machame Route. You will experience remarkable ecological diversity—from lush green forest glades and moorlands to high alpine deserts and glacial ice caps.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. You will meet your lead guide for a comprehensive pre-trek briefing and gear inspection. Any missing equipment can be rented on this day.
After breakfast and registration at Londorossi Gate, you drive up to the Lemosho trailhead. Enjoy lunch in the wilderness before trekking through undisturbed rainforest filled with giant camphorwood trees and playful colobus monkeys. Dinner and overnight stay at Forest Camp.
Leave the forest behind and ascend into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock. Cross several streams and climb the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp for a hot lunch, with magnificent views of Kibo Peak across the plateau.
Trek east up a ridge toward the striking volcanic rock formation of Lava Tower (4,600m / 15,091ft) for lunch. Afterwards, descend down to Barranco Camp beneath the towering Great Barranco Wall. This classic high-low profile is fantastic for acclimatisation.
Begin your day with an exciting scramble up the steep, non-technical Great Barranco Wall. Traverse ridges and valleys before descending into the lush Karanga Valley for hot lunch, dinner, and overnight rest.
Leave Karanga and connect with the Mweka trail, climbing steadily up to Barafu Camp on the exposed alpine ridge. Enjoy an early dinner and rest as you prepare for your midnight summit attempt while taking in views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Wake up at 11:30 PM for hot tea and biscuits. Begin your challenging 6-hour ascent northwest through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim. Continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) for sunrise! After celebrating, descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down through the moorland to Mweka Camp for your final night.
Enjoy a celebratory breakfast with your mountain crew before a short scenic hike back down to Mweka Gate. Receive your gold or green summit certificates, enjoy a hot lunch with the crew in Mweka village, and transfer back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-earned hot shower.
The driest and clearest climbing seasons are January to March and June to October. Ensure you pack sturdy, broken-in hiking boots, thermal layers, a down jacket rated for sub-zero summit conditions, waterproof outerwear, a headlamp, and a warm sleeping bag. Train with regular day hikes and maintain a steady “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) pace on the mountain. Read more on our Kilimanjaro Trekking Guide.
The 7 day Lemosho Route provides an incredible balance of scenic wilderness, remote trails, and great acclimatisation, starting from the western side of the mountain and offering high summit success rates.
Prices range from $2,200 for a solo trekker down to $1,750 per person for groups of 10 or more. See the pricing table for details.
Tents. You sleep in high-quality 4-season mountain tents set up by your porters at Forest Camp, Shira, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu, and Mweka camps.
The stunning panoramic views across the Shira Plateau, crossing untouched rainforests, and tackling the iconic Lava Tower and Great Barranco Wall.
Airport and park gate transfers, 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi, park entry and rescue fees, professional guides, cook, and porters, 3 daily hot meals, filtered drinking water, 18% VAT, tents, and safety equipment like portable oxygen and oximeters.
The driest and clearest months are January to March and June to October.
The classic extended wilderness route with maximum acclimatisation.
High-altitude start across the stunning Shira Plateau.
Send your dates and group size and we’ll confirm availability and your itinerary.
Book this tripCall +255 765 470 565