How long is Lemosho Route?
When should I summit Lemosho on a moon light
The Lemosho Route is one of the longest routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, only second to Northern Circuit Route and figuring out how long it takes involves a few key details. Here’s a simple breakdown with everything you need to know about its length, days, trekking hours, elevation, driving time, descent, camp arrivals, and summit push. Lemosho Route starts at an elevation of about 7,742 ft or 2360 meters.
How Many Days It Takes
Climbing Lemosho usually takes 7 to 8 days, though some stretch it to 9 if they will be sleeping at the Crater Camp. Why so long? It’s all about giving your body time to get used to the high altitude—called acclimatization. Shorter routes (like 5 or 6 days) exist on Kilimanjaro, but they’re tougher on your body and less than half of climbers make it to the top that way. With Lemosho:
7 days: 64% success rate
8 days: 90%-95 success rate
9 days: 90%-95 success rate
The extra days help you adjust to the thin air, boosting your chances of standing on the summit. Lemosho’s gradual path is perfect for this, which is why it’s a favorite for safety and success.
Lemosho Route Length in Miles & Km
The Lemosho Route stretches about 70 kilometers (43 miles) from start to finish. You begin at the Lemosho Gate past Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro and hike through forests, moorlands, and rocky zones all the way to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). After summiting, you come down via the Mweka Route on the southern side, adding a bit more distance. It’s a long, winding trail, but it’s packed with amazing views, making every step worth it.
Typical Hours of Trekking Per Day on Average
On Lemosho, you’ll hike 5 to 7 hours a day on average, depending on the day. Early days might be shorter (4-5 hours) as you start low in the forest. Mid-trip days, like crossing the Shira Plateau, can stretch to 6-7 hours. Summit day is the longest—up to 12-15 hours—because you climb to the top and start descending all in one go. You’ll walk at a slow, steady pace (called “pole pole” in Swahili) to save energy and breathe easier. Rest breaks and lunch stops keep it manageable.
Elevation Gain Per Day
Lemosho starts at about 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) at Londorossi Gate and climbs to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) at Uhuru Peak. That’s a total gain of 3,795 meters (12,451 feet), spread over the days:
Day 1: Gain ~400 meters (1,312 feet) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,500m/8,202ft).
Day 2: Up ~1,000 meters (3,281 feet) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m/11,483ft).
Day 3: Around 400 meters (1,312 feet) to Shira 2 Camp (3,900m/12,795ft).
Day 4: Gain ~300 meters (984 feet) to Barranco Camp (4,200m/13,780ft), with a dip down after a high point.
Day 5: Up ~500 meters (1,640 feet) to Karanga Camp (4,700m/15,420ft).
Day 6: Gain ~400 meters (1,312 feet) to Barafu Camp (5,100m/16,732ft).
Day 7: Summit day—climb 795 meters (2,608 feet) to Uhuru Peak, then drop a lot on descent.
Day 8: Finish descending.
The slow rise helps your body adjust, cutting the risk of altitude sickness compared to faster routes.
How Long It Takes to Drive from Moshi and Arusha to Lemosho Gate and Trailhead
Your trek starts at Londorossi Gate, where you register. Getting there depends on where you’re staying:
From Moshi: It’s about 31.7 kilometers (20 miles), taking roughly 50-60 minutes by car. The road’s a mix of paved and dirt, winding toward the mountain’s west side.
From Arusha: It’s farther—86.2 kilometers (54 miles)—and takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. You’ll pass through more countryside to reach the gate.
We’ll pick you up from your hotel after breakfast, so you’re at the trailhead by mid-morning, ready to hike.
How Long It Takes to Descend Lemosho
Coming down is faster than going up. After summiting, you descend via the Mweka Route, which is shorter and steeper. It takes about 2 days:
Summit Day (Day 7): After reaching Uhuru Peak (6-8 hours up), you drop to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,171ft) in 4-6 hours—about 2,795 meters (9,170 feet) down.
Day 8: From Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,600m/5,249ft), it’s 3-4 hours, another 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) drop. Then a short drive back to Moshi.
Total descent time is 7-10 hours of hiking, spread over those two days. Your knees might feel it, but it’s quicker than the climb!
When Do Hikers Reach Camps on Lemosho?
You’ll usually get to camp in the late afternoon—between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Here’s how it breaks down:
Day 1: Start late morning, reach Mti Mkubwa by 3-4 PM.
Day 2-6: Begin after breakfast (around 8 AM), hike 5-7 hours, and arrive by 4-5 PM.
Day 7 (Summit Day): Reach Barafu Camp by early afternoon (1-2 PM), rest, then summit at midnight. Back to Mweka Camp by mid-afternoon (2-4 PM).
Day 8: Hit Mweka Gate by late morning or noon.
You’ll have time to rest, eat, and soak in the views before dark.
How Long It Takes to Summit
Summit day is the big one! From Barafu Camp (5,100m/16,732ft), you start at midnight and climb 795 meters (2,608 feet) to Uhuru Peak. It takes 6-8 hours to reach the top, aiming for sunrise (around 6-7 AM). The steep, rocky trail and thin air make it slow going. After photos and a quick break (30-60 minutes), you head down—4-6 hours back to a lower camp. Total summit effort? About 10-14 hours of hiking in one long, tough day.
Why Lemosho’s Length Matters
Lemosho’s 7-8 days and 70 kilometers give you a steady pace and plenty of time to adjust to the height. Shorter routes rush you, dropping success rates to 27% (5 days) or 44% (6 days). Lemosho’s design—starting low and climbing slow—makes it safer and more fun. Sure, pros can speed-climb in hours (like 6 hours 42 minutes by Karl Egloff in 2014), but for most, the longer trek is the way to go. You’ll see more, feel better, and have a solid shot at the top!