Kilimanjaro Climb Lemosho Route

Duration
10 days
Price from
$4,480 pp.
Location
Kilimanjaro Climbs, Tanzania
Elephant in front of Mt Kilimanjaro Tanzania

Trip Highlights

  • Climb the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro
  • Enjoy pleasant plateaus between difficult hikes
  • Fewer climbers at the beginning of the climb

What's Included

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • Expert hiking guides
  • All transfers and park fees

The Scenic Western Approach to Kilimanjaro

The Lemosho Route is the newest trail up Kilimanjaro and is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its stunning scenery and lower footfall.

If you're looking for a quieter, more scenic way to climb Africa’s highest peak, the Lemosho Route is hard to beat. This lesser-trodden trail approaches Kilimanjaro from the west and is widely regarded as the most picturesque route on the mountain. With its gradual ascent profile, varied landscapes, and fewer crowds, Lemosho offers one of the highest summit success rates, making it a favourite for those who want to take their time and savour the experience.

Your adventure begins with a drive from Arusha to the Londorossi Gate, where the trail winds through lush, wildlife-rich rainforest – a peaceful and atmospheric start to the trek. Over the next two days, you’ll climb steadily through the forest and onto the expansive Shira Plateau, crossing from west to east with panoramic views and open skies.

From there, the Lemosho trail merges briefly with the Machame Route near Lava Tower, continuing along the spectacular Southern Circuit – a high-altitude traverse beneath Kilimanjaro’s dramatic Southern Icefields. This section of the trail is both scenic and strategic, allowing for excellent acclimatisation and a more comfortable summit bid.

The climb culminates at Barafu Camp, from where you’ll make your final ascent to the summit - Uhuru Peak - under the stars, before descending via the Mweka Route towards Mweka Gate, where you will receive your hard earnt Killimanjaro certificate!

Ottilie, our Tanzania specialist, says:

“Lemosho is easily the most scenic Kilimanjaro route, taking you through everything from dense rainforest and rolling moorland to alpine desert and even glaciers near the summit. The first few days are really peaceful, with far fewer trekkers, which makes the whole experience feel more remote and immersive. Because it’s a longer route, the acclimatisation is better too, so you’ve got a higher chance of making it to the top. It’s perfect for photographers and nature lovers, and for anyone who wants a slower, more rewarding journey up the mountain.”


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Spend your first night in Arusha

Arriving early in the morning into Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met by a representative of of Far & Wild and taken to Rivertrees Hotel on in Usa River, outside Arusha. Spend the day relaxing and enjoying their excellent restaurant before retiring for a restful night before you embark on your Kilimanjaro climb.

Day 2 Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft

Depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then we drive on to the start of the Lemosho trail which begins in undisturbed forest which winds gradually up to the first camp site at Mti Mkubwa (which means large trees in Swahili)

Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Day 3 Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Day 4 Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

Day 5 Moir Hut to Barranco Camp

Day 6 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Day 7 Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Day 8 Push to the summit

Day 9 Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Day 10 Time to fly home after your Kilimanjaro adventure

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When to go to Tanzania

Find out the best time to visit Tanzania with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
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January

January is mixed when it comes to weather, temperatures rise whilst the chance of rain and humidity increases. It is still a good time to go, as the rates are lower yet the game viewing is still excellent.

  • During this time migratory herds are in the Serengeti for calving season, meaning the Ndutu plains are busy.
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February

The weather remains hot with a chance of rain in February.

  • Meanwhile in the Ndutu Plains the migration is still occurring.
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March

March is the calm before the storm, before heavy rains and humidity builds. Visitors can take great advantage of lower rates during the low season.

  • Migrating herds start to leave Ndutu, heading West towards Grumeti.
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April

April experiences continued periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

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May

During may there is periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

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June

June heralds the wet season, bringing lush green vegetation which can make spotting game more difficult. It is a particularly great time for birders as parks become populated by migratory birds especially in the South.

  • Migration is still in the Grumeti area, heading north.
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July

July is the start of peak season, temperatures reach up to 30 degrees and the surrounding land becomes drier and spotting game is becoming easier.

  • The migration is in the Northern Serengeti moving towards Kenya.
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August

August is peak season, with bush land drying out game spotting becomes much easier. If you want to experience Tanzania game at its best, August is the time to travel.

  • The migration still remains in the north.
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September

Peak season continues in September, the Northern circuit can be very busy, if you want to avoid crowds it's best to visit the southern parks.

  • The end of the migration is still in the north with herds on both side of the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders.
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October

Peak season continues into October with good game viewing in the Serengeti and southern parks.

  • The migration has now crossed over into Kenya.
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November

November is the start of the rainy season, the rains tend to be overnight so it is still a popular time to travel. During this month you can take advantage of low season rates.

  • Migration crossing over into the Serengeti can be seen a the Tanzania and Kenya border.
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December

Rains continue in December, whilst the temperature and humidity start to build. Venturing out on safari is generally good, with large game still easily spotted.

  • Migrating herds in the north travel south back to Ndutu.
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