7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking via Lemosho Route
Included in This Tour
Have Additional Questions?
Pianissimos of dulcimers qui always holds in these matters
Follow Us
Route Overview
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and rewarding routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching the mountain from the western side, it offers breathtaking landscapes, excellent acclimatization opportunities, and a high summit success rate.
The route begins in lush montane rainforest before crossing the expansive Shira Plateau, climbing through alpine desert, and joining the Southern Circuit beneath Kilimanjaro’s dramatic glaciers.
Trekkers experience a remarkable variety of ecosystems, from dense rainforest and heathland to alpine desert and the arctic summit zone. The route follows the acclimatization principle of “climb high, sleep low,” significantly improving the chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) successfully.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Moshi
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional mountain guide and transferred to your hotel in Moshi, the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro.
Depending on your arrival time, relax at the hotel or enjoy an optional visit to Moshi town, local coffee plantations, or nearby cultural attractions. In the evening, meet your mountain guide for a detailed trek briefing and equipment check to ensure you are fully prepared for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Moshi Highlights
- Gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro
- Scenic coffee plantations
- Vibrant local culture
- Comfortable mountain lodge accommodation
- Comprehensive trek briefing and gear inspection
Your guide will explain the Lemosho Route, discuss safety procedures, altitude awareness, and answer any questions before your climb begins.
Arrival Experience
Begin your Kilimanjaro adventure with a relaxing evening in Moshi while preparing for Africa’s highest mountain.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
After breakfast, drive to the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro via Londorossi Gate, where registration with Kilimanjaro National Park takes place. Continue by vehicle to the trailhead before beginning your trek through lush montane rainforest.
The forest is rich in wildlife, including black-and-white colobus monkeys and a variety of bird species. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp for your first night on the mountain.
Route Highlight
- Scenic drive to Londorossi Gate
- Kilimanjaro National Park registration
- Rainforest hiking
- Wildlife and bird watching
- First overnight mountain camp
Elevation: 2,100m to 2,820m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: Approximately 6 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m) – Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Leave the rainforest behind as you ascend into the heath and moorland zone. Enjoy spectacular views across the Shira Plateau, one of the world’s highest volcanic plateaus, with Kibo Peak becoming increasingly prominent.
Reach Shira 2 Camp in the afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy magnificent sunset views.
Route Highlights
- Trek across the scenic Shira Plateau
- Panoramic views of Kibo Peak
- Transition from rainforest to moorland
- Excellent acclimatization
- Elevation: 2,820m to 3,850m
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Distance: Approximately 16 km - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Today’s trek follows the important acclimatization principle of “climb high, sleep low.” Hike steadily to the impressive Lava Tower, where you will enjoy lunch before descending to Barranco Camp.
The descent helps your body adjust to the altitude while offering spectacular views of the famous Barranco Wall.
Route Highlights
- Visit the Lava Tower
- Acclimatization day
- Dramatic alpine desert scenery
- Views of the Barranco Wall
Elevation: 3,850m → 4,630m → 3,960m
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Begin the day by climbing the iconic Barranco Wall, one of the most exciting sections of the Lemosho Route. Although steep in places, the climb is non-technical and rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views.
Continue through rolling alpine terrain to Karanga Camp, where you will have the afternoon to rest and further acclimatize.
Route Highlights
- Climb the famous Barranco Wall
- Spectacular mountain scenery
- Short acclimatization trek
- Afternoon relaxation at camp
Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
After breakfast, ascend gradually to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. Enjoy an early lunch, rest, and prepare for the climb.
Around midnight, begin your ascent toward Stella Point (5,756m) before continuing to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Witness an unforgettable sunrise from the Roof of Africa before descending via Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp for your overnight stay.
Route Highlights
- Reach Barafu Camp
- Midnight summit attempt
- Sunrise at Uhuru Peak
- Africa’s highest point
- Descend to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,035m → 4,640m → 5,895m → 3,100m
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Distance: Approximately 17 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) – Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Moshi
After breakfast, enjoy your final descent through the beautiful rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate.
Meet your driver for the transfer back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a hot shower and celebrate your successful climb.
Route Highlights
- Scenic rainforest descent
- Receive summit certificate
- Transfer back to Moshi
- End of Kilimanjaro adventure
Congratulations on successfully climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Lemosho Route. This unforgettable journey has taken you through lush rainforest, expansive moorlands, alpine deserts, and finally to the highest point in Africa a truly life changing achievement.
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Package Includes
- Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport – Moshi)
- Professional, English speaking, licensed mountain guide(s)
- Dedicated mountain cook
- Porters to carry camping equipment and luggage
- Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping, rescue, and conservation fees
- All meals on the mountain (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Daily health monitoring, including pulse oximeter checks
- Summit certificate upon successful completion of the climb
Package Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania tourist visa fees
- Travel and mountain evacuation insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, snacks, beverages, etc.)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Additional hotel nights before or after the trek unless specified
