| Day | Stage | Arrival altitude | Walking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa | 2,895 m | 3 to 4 h |
| 2 | Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 | 3,505 m | 5 to 6 h |
| 3 | Shira 1 to Moir Hut | 4,205 m | 5 to 7 h |
| 4 | Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco | 4,630 m then 3,975 m | 6 to 8 h |
| 5 | Barranco to Karanga | 3,995 m | 4 to 5 h |
| 6 | Karanga to Barafu | 4,675 m | 4 to 5 h |
| 7 | Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp | 5,895 m then 3,070 m | 6 to 8 h up, 4 to 6 h down |
| 8 | Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate | about 1,640 m | 3 to 4 h |
What sets Lemosho apart
The trip starts with a drive of about 4 hours from Moshi to Londorossi, then crosses the Shira plateau from west to east. Day 3 to Moir Hut, then Lava Tower on day 4, follow "climb high, sleep low", which explains its better success. The 7-day versions skip the Moir Hut stage and are less gradual. To weigh it against the others, see Kilimanjaro routes compared.
Season and budget
Sources name two dry seasons: January to early March and June to October; in the wet season rain can fall every day. An extra day means extra park fees: see the cost of a Kilimanjaro climb and the operators and ask the agency for a written quote.
Before you leave
You start from Moshi or Arusha: from Zanzibar to Arusha and Kilimanjaro. See a doctor before any climb.
FAQ
Is Lemosho easier than Machame?
Not physically, but it is more gradual, so operators say it succeeds more often.
Should I choose 7 or 8 days?
Sources claim about 80% over 7 days and 90% over 8: the extra day helps you acclimatise.
Is it crowded?
Little until it joins Machame near Lava Tower, then more.
The Zanzibar Authority editorial team
