Lemosho Route 8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek: Shira Plateau to Uhuru Peak
Difficulty
difficult
Duration
8 days
Fitness Level
Requires good aerobic fitness and experience with multi-day hikes; train with long hikes and altitude where possible.
Overview
Follow the quieter western flank of Kilimanjaro on the Lemosho Route: an 8-day, high-success itinerary that moves from rainforest to the Shira Plateau and ultimately the night ascent to Uhuru Peak. Built-in acclimatization days and expert guides make this route a top choice for summit seekers.
Lemosho Route 8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek: Shira Plateau to Uhuru Peak
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Dawn in the rainforest can feel like a secret: damp leaves drip onto a single track, birds score sharp calls through tall moss-draped trunks, and the trail slopes away toward a dome of cloud that is, slowly, Kilimanjaro. The Lemosho Route begins on the western flank, at Londorossi Gate (2,250 m), with a gradual climb that teases the mountain’s moods—from humid montane forest to wind-swept alpine plains—before the final, thin-air push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Pace for altitude
Start slow and stick to the group’s pace—fast walking raises your risk of AMS despite feeling strong at lower elevations.
Hydrate deliberately
Carry at least 3 liters/day capacity and sip steadily; water stations are available but treat water or use provided filtration.
Protect against weather swings
Bring a lightweight waterproof shell for rainforest stages and an insulated jacket for alpine nights—temperatures can drop dramatically above 4,000 m.
Respect porter limits
Pack light and tip reasonably—porters carry most communal kit and small, efficient packs make for faster, safer climbs.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Colobus monkeys in the rainforest
- Black-and-white colobus and various montane bird species
History
Kilimanjaro’s slopes have been inhabited for centuries by the Chagga people; trade routes and irrigation terraces shaped the lower mountain economy long before modern trekking began.
Conservation
Kilimanjaro faces glacial retreat and fragile alpine ecology; stick to trails, avoid open fires and use operator services that support porter welfare and local conservation fees.
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Adventure Hotspots in Moshi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Support and traction for muddy rainforest trails and rocky high-altitude sections.
Insulated down jacket (packable)
Critical for summit night and cold camps above 4,000 m.
winter specific
Three-season sleeping bag (rated to -10°C)
Keeps you warm during alpine nights in tented camps.
Trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on descents and help steady you on steep, loose terrain.