Explore the trail to Uhuru Peak

Interactive Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Map

Follow the trail from Londorossi Gate across the Shira Plateau to Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Barafu Camp and Uhuru Peak. Use the interactive map to explore camps, altitudes, landmarks and the route’s western approach.

Approx. 70 kmTotal trail distance
8 DaysRecommended itinerary
5,895 mUhuru Peak
Western SideRoute approach
CampingMountain tents
Mweka GateDescent finish
Route map and trail guide

See Where the Lemosho Route Goes

The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route map follows the trail from the quieter western side of the mountain to the summit. It shows the main camps, important altitude points, acclimatisation landmarks and the descent route to Mweka Gate.

The Lemosho trail first crosses rainforest and the Shira Plateau. It then joins the Southern Circuit near Lava Tower before continuing through Barranco, Karanga and Barafu. The final climb reaches Stella Point and follows the crater rim to Uhuru Peak.

This page focuses on the route’s geography. For daily hiking times, distances and camp-by-camp details, use our complete 8-day Lemosho Route itinerary.

Explore the Lemosho Route Interactive Map

Select a campsite, gate or landmark to explore the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route map. View altitudes, trail stages, photographs and practical information from the western approach to Uhuru Peak.

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Shaded relief map of Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho route trail Lemosho route campsite markers Lemosho Route campsite names Lemosho route landmark markers Lemosho route landmark names Lemosho route start and finish markers Compass showing north, east, south and west
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Route and campsite positions are provided for trip planning and general orientation. This map is not intended for independent mountain navigation.

The route across Kilimanjaro

How the Lemosho Trail Reaches the Summit

The route moves through four very different parts of the mountain before reaching Uhuru Peak and descending on the Mweka trail.

01
Western approach

Rainforest

The trek begins near Londorossi Gate and enters montane forest before reaching Big Tree Camp. This is one of the quieter parts of the route.

02
Ancient volcanic plateau

Shira Plateau

The trail climbs onto the broad Shira Plateau. The recommended eight-day itinerary normally includes nights at Shira 1 and Shira 2.

03
Southern Circuit

Lava Tower to Karanga

Near Lava Tower, the trail joins the Machame Route and continues through Barranco and Karanga, supporting climb-high, sleep-low acclimatisation.

04
Summit and descent

Barafu to Uhuru Peak

The summit climb passes Stella Point and follows the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. The descent continues through Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.

Camps and altitude points

Major Stops Shown on the Map

The interactive map includes the main camps and landmarks used on the Lemosho trail. Altitudes are approximate and can vary slightly according to map source, camp placement and GPS reading.

The route’s most important acclimatisation feature is the climb to Lava Tower at approximately 4,600 metres, followed by a descent to sleep lower at Barranco Camp.

For the complete day-by-day programme, read the 8-day itinerary. For prices and departures, visit the main Lemosho Route page.

Big Tree CampApprox. 2,800 m
Shira 1 CampWestern Shira Plateau
Shira 2 CampApprox. 3,860 m
Lava TowerApprox. 4,600 m
Barranco CampApprox. 3,900 m
Karanga CampSouthern Circuit
Barafu CampApprox. 4,673 m
Uhuru Peak5,895 m
Montane ForestLower western slopes

Dense forest, damp trails and possible wildlife sightings during the opening stage.

Heather & MoorlandShira Plateau

Open terrain, giant heathers and broad views as the route crosses the ancient Shira cone.

Alpine DesertLava Tower to Barafu

Rocky, exposed terrain with large temperature changes and little vegetation.

Arctic SummitStella Point and Uhuru Peak

Cold high-altitude conditions, scree, volcanic rock and views across the crater rim.

Distance and itinerary choice

Lemosho Route Distance and Daily Stages

The Lemosho Route covers approximately 70 kilometres or 43 miles from the western approach to Uhuru Peak and down to Mweka Gate. Exact measurements vary slightly according to the itinerary, campsite position and GPS source.

The eight-day itinerary divides the opening climb across the Shira Plateau into more manageable stages. This creates a steadier early ascent and gives hikers additional time to adjust to altitude.

±70 kmApproximate total distance
±43 miApproximate total distance
Trail distances are approximate. Weather, camp placement, detours and GPS measurements can produce small differences.
Route feature
7-Day Lemosho
8-Day Lemosho
Early route profile
Longer opening stages
More gradual
Shira Plateau
Usually no Shira 1 overnight
Includes Shira 1
Acclimatisation
Good
Excellent
Our recommendation
Suitable
Best overall option
Frequently asked questions

Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Map FAQ

Answers about the route’s start, finish, distance, camps, map use and recommended duration.

±70 kmRoute distance
8 DaysRecommended duration
5,895 mSummit altitude
MwekaDescent route
The approach begins at Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro’s western side. The trek reaches Uhuru Peak and descends by the Mweka trail to Mweka Gate.
The total route is approximately 70 kilometres or 43 miles. The exact distance can vary slightly according to itinerary and measurement source.
The route is commonly completed in seven or eight trekking days. We recommend eight days because the early ascent is more gradual and the acclimatisation profile is stronger.
The trails merge around the Lava Tower and Southern Circuit area before continuing through Barranco, Karanga and Barafu.
Yes. After sleeping at Barranco Camp, climbers ascend Barranco Wall before continuing towards Karanga Camp.
No. The interactive map is designed for route planning and orientation only. Kilimanjaro climbs must be completed with a licensed trekking operator and mountain crew.
The itinerary normally uses Big Tree, Shira 1, Shira 2, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu and Mweka camps.
Both can be successful, but we strongly recommend eight days. It provides a more manageable start and additional time for altitude adaptation.
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