7 Days Lemosho Route

Route Overview

Featuring captivating scenic vistas, pristine wildlife, excellent acclimatization opportunities, and low climber traffic, the Lemosho Route is one of the best ways to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also our personal favorite route to reach the Roof of Africa.

After a 3-hour drive from Moshi to Lemosho Gate, you will find yourself on the western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. From here, the trail leads you across the world-famous Shira Plateau, beginning your journey through all of Kilimanjaro’s climate zones—from lush rainforest to alpine meadows and, ultimately, eternal ice. The climb is smooth and gradual, and the Lemosho Route has the highest success rate of all Kilimanjaro routes.

We offer 7 and 8 days programs, allowing flexibility based on your schedule. Longer itineraries are always recommended for better acclimatization.

7 Days Lemosho Route Itinerary

Arrival in Tanzania

You will be welcomed at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Later in the evening, your mountain guide will conduct a detailed trek briefing and equipment check to ensure you are fully prepared for the climb.
Overnight in Moshi (Hotel).

Day 1 – Lemosho Gate (2100m) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650m)

Distance: 7 km
Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you depart Moshi for the 2-hour drive to Londorossi Gate. Once registration and permits are completed, you proceed to the Lemosho trailhead where the adventure begins. The trail passes through pristine rainforest filled with lush vegetation, unique plants, and wildlife such as colobus monkeys.
Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650m).

Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa (2650m) → Shira I Camp (3600m)

Distance: 7 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest / Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Leaving the forest behind, you ascend into the heather and moorland zone. The trail crosses volcanic ridges with excellent views of Kibo and the Shira Plateau. By afternoon, you arrive at Shira I Camp overlooking broad, open landscapes.
Overnight at Shira I Camp (3600m).

Day 3 – Shira I Camp (3600m) → Shira II Camp (3900m)

Distance: 10 km
Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is an acclimatization-focused day. The trek across Shira Plateau is gentle and scenic, offering panoramic views of the massif and the distant volcanic formations. At Shira II Camp, enjoy a hot lunch and take an optional acclimatization hike to gain additional altitude before returning to camp.
Overnight at Shira II Camp (3900m).

Day 4 – Shira II (3900m) → Lava Tower (4600m) → Barranco Camp (3900m)

Distance: 10 km
Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This is one of the most important acclimatization days of the route. Trek upward through the alpine desert until you reach Lava Tower (4600m), where you stop for lunch. Later, descend into Barranco Valley, one of the most beautiful parts of Kilimanjaro with magnificent views of the Western Breach and the dramatic Barranco Wall.
Overnight at Barranco Camp (3900m).

Day 5 – Barranco Camp (3900m) → Karanga Camp (4000m) → Barafu Camp (4640m)

Distance: 12 km
Time: 7–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The day begins with the exciting climb up the Barranco Wall (4200m), a non-technical but thrilling scramble with rewarding views from the top. Continue through alpine terrain to Karanga Camp, where you stop for lunch.
In the afternoon, proceed uphill to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. Rest early, as the summit push begins around midnight.
Overnight at Barafu Camp (4640m).

Day 6 – Barafu (4640m) → Uhuru Peak (5895m) → Mweka Camp (3100m)

Distance: 20 km
Time: 12–14 hours
Habitat: Arctic → Alpine Desert → Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Summit night begins at midnight. With headlamps lighting the path, you ascend slowly through steep scree toward Stella Point (5756m). Reaching the crater rim at sunrise is a breathtaking and emotional moment. A short final walk leads you to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.

After photos and celebrations, descend to Barafu Camp for refreshments, then continue down to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Overnight at Mweka Camp (3100m).

Day 7 – Mweka Camp (3100m) → Mweka Gate (1630m) → Moshi

Distance: 10 km
Time: 3 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Your final descent takes you through the vibrant montane forest with a chance to spot birds and playful monkeys. At Mweka Gate, you will receive your well-earned summit certificates. From here, you are transferred back to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration at the hotel.

Departure

After breakfast, we will take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.
If you wish to continue exploring Tanzania, we can arrange affordable safari extensions to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, or Serengeti National Park.

Included in the price

✅ 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (Bed & Breakfast)
✅ Private transport to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
✅ Qualified, professional mountain guides and full support crew
✅ All Kilimanjaro National Park fees (conservation, camping & crew fees)
✅ 18% VAT on all tour services
✅ All camping accommodations on the mountain
✅ High-quality, four-season mountain tents
✅ All ground transport to and from the trailhead
✅ Rescue fees as required by the park authority
✅ All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
✅ Guide and porter accommodations plus their mountain entry fees
✅ Daily health checks using a pulse oximeter
✅ First aid kit carried by the lead guide
✅ Emergency oxygen cylinder for altitude-related issues
✅ Sleeping mats and sleeping bags
✅ Treated, safe drinking water throughout the trek
✅ Fair wages for guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority

Not included in the price

❌ International flights
❌ Tanzania visa fees
❌ Tips for guides, porters, and mountain crew
❌ Private portable toilet (available for $120 per group)
❌ Laundry services