The Lemosho Route in brief
The Lemosho Route starts in the west, with the access via Londorossi, and crosses the Shira Plateau before it joins the southern side of Kilimanjaro. It is walked in tents. Private tours are offered for 7 to 9 days, group programs for 8 to 9 days, and 8 days is the standard. The route covers about 65 to 70 km, depending on the variant and how it is measured.
Because the standard program runs for 8 days, it leaves more nights to adjust to altitude than shorter routes. That is the main reason many climbers pick it. You can only climb with a licensed operator and guide, so Lemosho is booked as a package.
Our picks: the Lemosho route
Our take: the 8-day trek gives you the most time, with fees extra; the 7-day trek includes fees and two hotel nights; the 13-day trip adds a safari after the climb.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Kilimanjaro climb and Tanzania safari in 13 days
- Lemosho climb and safari
- Full board
- 4x4 safari vehicle
Seven days on the Lemosho route, then a safari by 4x4, with full board, guides, porters and camping gear. Park fees and taxes of USD 1,140 plus camping and rescue fees of USD 475 are extra.
Check availability →
Lemosho route in 7 days
- Park and rescue fees
- Fair crew wages
- Two hotel nights in Moshi
Park and rescue fees, fair wages for guides and porters, two hotel nights in Moshi, airport transfers, tents and meals, with emergency oxygen.
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Lemosho route in 8 days
- Guide, porters and cook
- Fair crew wages
- Hotel night before the trek
Guide, porters and cook with fair wages, meals, a hotel night before the trek and the transfers to the gate. Park, camping and rescue fees of USD 1,106 are extra.
Check availability →Lemosho Route treks and Kilimanjaro tours
Lemosho treks of 7, 8 or 9 days and other multi-day climbs, with live prices and availability. Check the number of days, the group size and whether park fees are included.
Lemosho Route day by day
A typical 8-day program. Heights are rounded, and your operator may vary the stops.
Day 1: Mti Mkubwa
The walk begins on the western side, with a first camp at about 2,895 m.
Day 2: Shira 1
Out onto the Shira Plateau, sleeping at about 3,505 m.
Day 3: Moir
Across the plateau to Moir at about 4,206 m.
Day 4: Barranco
The profile includes Lava Tower at about 4,630 m, and the night is spent lower at Barranco, about 3,976 m.
Day 5: Karanga
On toward the southern approach to the summit.
Day 6: Barafu
The summit camp, from where the final climb to Uhuru Peak begins.
Day 7: Uhuru Peak and Mweka
The summit day, then the descent toward Mweka.
Day 8: Mweka Gate
The last walk out to Mweka Gate.
Lemosho Route prices in 2026
Prices come from different kinds of offers. Compare them by what is included.
| Offer | Program | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Local private trek | 8 days | $2,100 for a group of six up to $2,600 solo |
| Higher-priced group program | 8 days | $3,299 |
| Higher-priced group program | 9 days | $3,629 |
The higher group prices include park, camping, hut and rescue fees, VAT, mountain crew, meals on the mountain, tents and mats, and 2 hotel nights in Moshi. Flights, airport transfer, personal gear and tips are not included. For most climbers who want the extra acclimatisation days of Lemosho at a moderate price, the local private trek is the first offer to compare.
Lemosho Route acclimatisation and fees
Medical guidance for high altitude suggests that above 3,000 m you sleep no more than about 500 m higher each day and add an extra night for every 1,000 m gained. Lemosho gives you the nights to follow that rule more closely than a short program, but not every step stays within it. Ask your operator how the days are planned, and talk to your doctor before you book. Fitness does not protect against altitude illness, see altitude and fitness.
Park fees in US dollars per person are conservation $70 per day, camping $50 per night and rescue $20 per tour. VAT of 18% may be added, so check whether your price includes it. The cost guide covers tips and extras. Porters carry a company load of no more than 20 kg without personal luggage, and responsible operators explain the tipping method before you start.
Routes can close for a short time after a bush fire on the mountain. Ask your operator for the current status of the route before you pay. The longer Northern Circuit starts from the same side but loops around the north of Kibo, see the routes page.
Who the Lemosho Route suits
Lemosho suits climbers who prefer a longer program in tents and want the early nights on the plateau to prepare for the higher camps. It costs more days and usually more money than a 6-day Machame trek, so weigh that against the extra time to adjust. Ask your operator for the day-by-day plan, the group size and the crew size. Responsible operators also explain how porters are fed, equipped and paid.
Lemosho or Machame?
Both routes are walked in tents and meet around Barranco. The Machame Route starts from the south in 6 or 7 days. Lemosho starts further west, takes 7 to 9 days and spends its first nights on the Shira Plateau. If you prefer huts, look at the Marangu Route.
After the climb you can add a wildlife trip, see the Ngorongoro safari guide and our climb and safari page.
Lemosho Route: frequently asked questions
How many days does the Lemosho Route take?
Private tours are offered for 7 to 9 days and group programs for 8 to 9 days. The standard is 8 days on the mountain.
How much does the Lemosho Route cost?
Examples for 2026 are $2,100 to $2,600 for an 8-day private trek and $3,299 or $3,629 for 8 or 9 days in a higher-priced group program. Always check what is included.
Where do you sleep on the Lemosho Route?
In tents at Mti Mkubwa, Shira 1, Moir, Barranco, Karanga and Barafu, set up by your crew.
Is the Lemosho Route open?
Routes can be closed temporarily after bush fires. Ask your operator for the current status before you pay.
Does a longer route help with altitude?
More nights give your body more time to adjust, but they do not remove the risk. Talk to your doctor and descend if symptoms worsen.
Can I climb Lemosho without an operator?
No. Climbs are only allowed with a licensed operator and guide.