7 – 8 days
Lemosho Route
The most scenic approach, and our first recommendation for most climbers.
Duration
7 – 8 days
Difficulty
Moderate, with an excellent acclimatisation profile
Scenery
Outstanding — remote western forest, the Shira plateau and the Southern Icefields
Sleeping
Camping
Approach
West
Route Overview
Lemosho starts on the quiet western side of the mountain, crosses the Shira plateau and joins the southern circuit for the climb to Barafu. The extra days make a genuine difference to how you feel on summit night.
It is a camping route with low traffic in the first two days, which many climbers find a calmer beginning than the busier southern trailheads.
Best For
- First-time high-altitude trekkers
- Photographers
- Anyone who would rather add a day than rush the altitude
Day by Day
Day 1
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp through montane forest.
Day 2
Onto the moorland and up to Shira 1 Camp.
Day 3
Across the Shira plateau to Shira 2, with an acclimatisation walk.
Day 4
Via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp — climb high, sleep low.
Day 5
The Barranco Wall and on to Karanga Camp.
Day 6
Karanga to Barafu summit base camp; early night.
Day 7
Midnight start for Uhuru Peak, then descend to Millennium or Mweka Camp.
Day 8
Descend to Mweka Gate and transfer to your hotel.
What to Pack
- • Four-season sleeping bag
- • Insulated summit jacket
- • Waterproof shell and trousers
- • Broken-in boots
- • Trekking poles
- • Headtorch
Frequently Asked Questions
Eight days adds an acclimatisation night and is the version we recommend whenever your schedule allows.
The first two days are quiet. From Barranco onwards it shares the southern circuit with other routes.
Climb the Lemosho Route
Tell us when you'd like to climb and how much walking you've done recently. If a different route suits you better, we'll say so.