7 Days Lemosho Route

OVERVIEW

Featuring breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, excellent acclimatization opportunities, and low traffic of climbers, the Lemosho Route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro. It is also our personal favorite for reaching the Roof of Africa.

After a 3-hour drive from Moshi to Lemosho Gate, you will begin your trek on the western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, heading toward the world-famous Shira Plateau. From there, your adventure spans all climate zones—from alpine meadows to glacial ice. The ascent is smooth and gradual, and the Lemosho Route boasts the highest success rate of all Kilimanjaro routes.

Six-, seven-, and eight-day programs are available, with longer itineraries recommended for better acclimatization and a more enjoyable experience.

Arrive in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Later, our experienced guide will provide a trek briefing and conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 1 - Lemosho Gate (2100 m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650 m)

Distance covered: 7 km
Approximate time taken: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Your day begins with an early breakfast at the hotel, followed by a 2-hour drive (910 m) to Londorossi Park Gate (2100 m). Here, guides and porters prepare your equipment and supplies for the trek. You will start hiking through the lush rainforest, ending the day at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650 m), where your tent will be set up with your personal belongings. Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650 m) to Shira II Camp (3900 m)

Distance covered: 17 km
Approximate time taken: 8–10 hours
Habitat: Heath and Moorland
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Today is a long trekking day as we skip Shira I Camp and proceed directly to Shira II Camp. Starting around 7:00 am, you will hike through heath and moorland zones along the Shira Ridge, eventually entering the high-altitude desert plateau. Here, you will get your first clear view of Mount Kilimanjaro. Overnight at Shira II Camp (3900 m).

Day 3 - Shira II Camp (3900 m) to Barranco Camp (3900 m)

Distance covered: 10 km
Approximate time taken: 6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

The trek now moves fully into the alpine desert, ascending to Lava Tower (4600 m) before descending to Barranco Camp (3900 m). The 3-hour descent provides excellent photo opportunities of the Western Breach and Barranco Wall. The camp lies in a valley below the Barranco Wall, offering a stunning sunset before dinner. Overnight at Barranco Camp.

Day 4 - Barranco Camp (3900 m) to Karanga Camp (4000 m)

Distance covered: 6 km
Approximate time taken: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

After breakfast, you will hike up the Barranco Wall (4200 m), ending near the base of the Hein Glacier. From here, descend into the lush Karanga Valley, where Karanga Camp is located. Enjoy views of Mawenzi’s jagged peaks, followed by a hot lunch and afternoon rest. This short day is key for acclimatization ahead of the summit push.

Day 5 - Karanga Camp (4000 m) to Barafu Camp (4640 m)

Distance covered: 4 km
Approximate time taken: 3 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

After breakfast, hike toward Barafu Camp (4640 m) with excellent views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks along the way. Upon arrival, have lunch and a long rest to prepare for the summit night. Dinner is served early, followed by some sleep before waking around midnight for the final ascent.

Day 6 - Barafu Camp (4640 m) to Uhuru Peak (5895 m) then down to Mweka Camp (3100 m)

Distance covered: 20 km
Approximate time taken: 14 hours
Habitat: Glacier / Moorland / Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Wake around midnight (00:00) for light tea with biscuits before beginning the summit climb. The ascent follows steep scree for 4–5 hours, gaining significant altitude quickly. You should reach Stella Point (5756 m) at sunrise, then continue for about one hour to Uhuru Peak (5895 m), Africa’s highest point. After photos and celebration, descend to Barafu Camp for lunch and a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp (3100 m) for dinner and overnight.

Day 7 - Mweka Camp (3100 m) to Mweka Gate (1630 m)

Distance covered: 10 km
Approximate time taken: 3 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

After breakfast, complete the final descent through the Mweka rainforest to Mweka Gate. Complete park formalities and collect your summit certificates. A vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi for a warm shower and a well-earned celebration.

Depart Tanzania / Other Destination in Tanzania

Later in the evening or the following day, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. Alternatively, we can arrange a cultural tour or safari to Tanzania’s top destinations, including Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park & Zanzibar.

Trek Pricing

Number of Travelers	Price per Person
1 Person	2400 USD
2 - 4 people	2330 USD
5 - 9 people	2260 USD
10+ people	2200 USD

Tipping Guidelines

Tips for porters / cooks ($10 – $15 per porter per day).
Tips for the guides ($20 – $25 per person per day or a group amount)

Climbing Cost Includes

2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before & after climb)
Group transport to and from Moshi to the trail head
Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, rescue fees and Value Added Tax (VAT)
Expert guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
Bottled oxygen, for emergency rescue only
Four season, 3 person mountain tents, double occupancy
Sleeping pad, foam, 1.5 inches thick
Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
Fresh, nutritious meals on the mountain
Breakfast at hotel