Both the Lemosho Route and Machame Route are scenic, popular, and successful ways to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. 📌 Want to explore each route in full detail? Read our Lemosho Route Overview and Machame Route Guide for maps, day-by-day itineraries, pro tips, and photos. Here’s a detailed overview of each route’s elevation changes, camps, Google Earth view, and what you can expect in terms of food and camp experience.
🗺️ Google Earth Visuals: Your Route in 3D
Visualize your trek in 3D to better understand the altitude gain and acclimatization profile of each route. Elevation plays a major role in your Kilimanjaro experience, and both Lemosho and Machame routes are designed to increase your chances of summit success with gradual ascents and strategic rest stops.
Here are the Google Earth views of each route:
🟢 Lemosho Route with Kosovo Camp – Google Earth View
- Start: Londorossi Gate (7,380 ft)
- Highest Camp: Kosovo Camp (16,000+ ft)
- Summit: Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft)
- Descent: Mweka Gate (5,380 ft)
- 🗺️ Check out the 3D map of Lemosho Route on Google Earth
🔵 Machame Route with Kosovo Camp – Google Earth View
- Start: Machame Gate (5,380 ft)
- Highest Camp: Kosovo Camp (16,000+ ft)
- Summit: Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft)
- Descent: Mweka Gate (5,380 ft)
- 🗺️ Explore the Machame Route path on Google Earth
⛰️ Elevation Breakdown & How Climb Kili Supports You
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires careful adjustment to elevation gain. Here’s how each route handles altitude—and how Climb Kili helps you adapt:
Lemosho Route Elevation Highlights:
- Start: Londorossi Gate (7,380 ft)
- Highest Camp: Kosovo Camp (16,000+ ft)
- Summit: Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft)
- Descent: Mweka Gate (5,380 ft)
Machame Route Elevation Highlights:
- Start: Machame Gate (5,380 ft)
- Highest Camp: Kosovo Camp (16,000+ ft)
- Summit: Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft)
- Descent: Mweka Gate (5,380 ft)
How Climb Kili Supports You at Altitude:
- 🩺 Daily health checks by trained guides (oxygen saturation, heart rate, symptoms tracking)
- 🕒 Slow, strategic pacing designed to encourage acclimatization
- 🏕️ High camp choices like Kosovo Camp reduce summit night fatigue and increase success
- 🧠 Mental support and encouragement from guides trained in altitude awareness
- 🆘 Emergency oxygen and communication equipment always available
We understand that climbing at altitude is a challenge—our crew is with you every step of the way to keep you safe, supported, and strong.
🏕️ What to Expect at Each Camp
🥗 Barranco Camp Note: This scenic valley camp is also where you’ll stop for a warm lunch break on your way through the Barranco Wall. A perfect spot to refuel before the ascent!
Climb Kili uses strategic, scenic camps along both routes:
Lemosho Route Camps:
- Londorossi Gate – Entry point, health check
- Big Tree Camp – First night in the forest
- Shira Camps 1 & 2 – Enter moorland and Shira Plateau
- Moir Hut – Acclimatization stop with lava formations
- Barranco Camp – Stunning valley below the Barranco Wall
- Karanga Camp – Final base before high camp
- Kosovo Camp – Exclusive pre-summit base
- Uhuru Peak – Summit!
- Mweka Camp – Final overnight before exit
Machame Route Camps:
- Machame Gate – Entry point, start trekking
- Machame Camp – Forest zone, gradual climb
- Shira Camp 2 – Vast views, high elevation
- Lava Tower – Acclimatization stop
- Barranco Camp – Below the Wall
- Karanga Camp – Rest and regroup
- Kosovo Camp – Quiet summit base
- Uhuru Peak – Goal reached!
- Mweka Camp – Final descent overnight
🥘 Food on Kilimanjaro: What’s Cooked at Altitude
Eating well is key to success on Kilimanjaro. Our chefs provide hot, energizing meals three times a day, and we can accommodate most dietary needs if informed in advance.
🍳 Breakfast
Typical Items:
- Hot porridge (with honey or sugar)
- Bread, butter, and jam
- Boiled or scrambled eggs
- Pancakes or French toast
- Fresh fruit (bananas, apples, or oranges)
Beverages:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate
- Juice
- Water
🥪 Lunch
Typical Items:
- Sandwiches (vegetarian options available)
- Chicken or vegetable soup
- Bread, biscuits, or pancakes with jam or peanut butter
- Sandwich with meat or cheese, boiled egg
- Fresh fruits and salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, carrots)
- Snacks: peanuts, popcorn, cookies, cake
Beverages:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Juice
- Water
🍲 Dinner
Typical Items:
- Vegetable or lentil soup
- Rice, potatoes, or pasta
- Stews or curry with chicken, beef, or vegetarian options (lentils, beans)
- Roasted or steamed vegetables (carrots, peas, tomatoes, beans)
- Roasted chicken, beef, or fish
- Biscuits or cake as a treat
- Fruit for dessert (pineapple, bananas)
Beverages:
- Tea
- Coffee
Note: If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, please notify us in advance so we can tailor your meals accordingly.
🎯 Final Note: Two Scenic Routes, One Unforgettable Summit
Whether you choose the Lemosho or Machame route, Climb Kili ensures a comfortable, safe, and scenic journey to the Roof of Africa—with nourishing food, experienced guides, and well-placed camps every step of the way.
Ready to climb? Plan your route today with Climb Kili.
