We have received a lot of enquiries recently about Kilimanjaro’s Lemosho Route, and while I have yet to climb this particular route myself, I am beginning to understand why Tanzanian locals refer to it as “the most beautiful and scenic route” on Mount Kilimanjaro.

A longer trek that takes 8 or 9 days, Kilimanjaro’s Lemosho Route is said to offer “the complete Kilimanjaro experience”, with more time for acclimatisation, more interactions with local people and their culture, and the most spectacular scenery that this beautiful mountain has to offer.

Crossing through forests, the Shira Plateau, glacial valleys and alpine deserts, the photo opportunities must be endless on the Lemosho Route, and if you are thinking of conquering Kili anytime soon, this is what you can expect on a 9-Day Lemosho Route Tour:

Day 1:

• Lemosho Glades 6890ft (2100 m) to Big Tree Camp 9,200ft (2804m)
• Altitude: 6,890ft (2100m) – 9,200ft (2804m)
• Distance: 3 miles (5 km)
• Trekking Time: 3-4 Hours
• Overnight at Big Tree Camp

Day 2:

• Cross Shira Ridge before descending to Shira I Camp on the Shira Plateau 11,450ft (3500m)
• Altitude: 9,200ft (2804m) – 11,450ft (3500m)
• Distance: 6 miles (10km)
• Trekking Time: 6-8 Hours
• Overnight at Shira I Camp

Day 3:

• Moir Camp, 13,500 ft (4114 m)
• Altitude: 11,450ft (3500m) – 13,500ft (4114m)
• Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km)
• Trekking Time: 3-4 Hours
• Overnight at Moir Camp

Day 4:

• Ascend through moorland and alpine desert to Lava Tower camp at 15,090ft (4600m)
• Altitude 13,500ft (4114 m) – 15,090ft (4600m)
• Distance: 3 miles (5 km)
• Trekking Time: 2-3 Hours
• Overnight at Lava Tower Camp

Day 5:

• Ascend to Karanga Valley Camp, 13,900ft (4235 m)
• Altitude: 15,090ft (4600m) – 13,900ft (4235m)
• Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
• Trekking Time: 7-9 Hours
• Overnight at Karanga Valley Camp

Day 6:

• Upper Barafu Camp
• Altitude: 13,900ft (4235m) – 16,000ft (4876m)
• Distance: 2.2 miles (3.5km)
• Trekking Time: 3-4 Hours
• Overnight at Upper Barafu special use camp

Day 7:

• Trek to the Crater at 18,700ft (5700m)
• Altitude: 16,000ft (4876m) – 18,700ft (5700m)
• Distance: 10 miles (16km)
• Trekking Time: 8-10 Hours
• Overnight at Crater Camp

Day 8:

• Summit – Less than two hours from camp to Uhuru Peak at 19,339 ft (5894m) before ascending down Mount Kilimanjaro to Mweka camp at 10,000ft (3407m)
• Altitude: 10,000ft (3407m)
• Distance: 11 miles (18km)
• Trekking Time: 8-10 Hours
• Overnight at Mweka Camp

Day 9:

After a relaxed breakfast, make your final ascent to the park gate for a celebration with your mountain crew!

It’s a long way to the Roof of Africa, and the Lemosho Route might just be the most beautiful way to get there!