7 Day Lemosho Route

PRICE FROM $1,900

7-Day Lemosho Route – Overview

7 Days Lemosho Route is widely considered one of the best and most scenic routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from the remote Lemosho Gate on the western side of the mountain, this route offers a quiet and beautiful approach with incredible landscapes and excellent acclimatization, giving climbers a higher chance of reaching the summit.

The journey begins in the lush rainforest on the western slopes of Kilimanjaro, where trekkers walk through a peaceful forest filled with giant trees, moss, and unique wildlife. As the trek continues, the trail gradually opens up onto the vast Shira Plateau, one of the most impressive high-altitude plateaus in the world, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the towering Kibo Peak.

As you progress along the route, the scenery changes dramatically from rainforest to moorland and alpine desert. Trekkers pass through beautiful locations such as Barranco Valley, known for its giant senecio plants and breathtaking mountain views, and climb the famous Barranco Wall, one of the most exciting sections of the Kilimanjaro climb.

The Lemosho Route is highly recommended because it allows gradual altitude gain and follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, which helps the body acclimatize properly. This improves the success rate for reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.

The summit attempt usually begins from Barafu Camp, with a midnight ascent to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. After witnessing an unforgettable sunrise from the Roof of Africa, climbers descend through different ecological zones to Mweka Gate, completing an incredible and life-changing trekking experience in Tanzania.

Plan Day By Day

Arrival Date

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

During the drive, you will get your first glimpse of Tanzania’s beautiful landscapes and, if the weather is clear, you may even see the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.

After arriving at the hotel, you will have time to relax and recover from your journey. Later in the day, your mountain guide will conduct a pre-climb briefing, where you will receive important information about your Kilimanjaro trekking adventure, review your equipment, and prepare for the climb starting the following day.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Moshi, preparing for the unforgettable journey to the Roof of Africa. 🏔️

Day 1: Lemosho Gate (2,100 m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750 m)

Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
Distance: ~3 km
Hiking Time: 2 – 3 hours

Your 7 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro climb begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Moshi. You will then drive to Lemosho Gate, located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro.

After completing park registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority, your trekking adventure officially begins. The trail starts in the lush rainforest where tall trees, thick vegetation, and the sounds of tropical birds create a beautiful natural environment. This area is also home to wildlife such as colobus monkeys and blue monkeys, which are sometimes seen along the trail.

The hike is gentle and gradual, allowing you to slowly adjust to the altitude while enjoying the peaceful forest surroundings. After several hours of trekking, you will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, where your support team will already have prepared the campsite.

In the evening, you will enjoy a warm dinner prepared by the mountain chef and receive a briefing from your guide about the next day’s trek. You will then rest overnight in your tent, surrounded by the quiet beauty of Kilimanjaro’s rainforest. 🏔️

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750 m) – Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)

Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Distance: ~16 km
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours

After breakfast at Mti Mkubwa Camp, you will continue your trek on the scenic Lemosho Route as you gradually leave the rainforest behind and enter the beautiful moorland zone of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The trail climbs steadily through open landscapes with stunning views of the mountain and surrounding valleys. As you gain altitude, the vegetation begins to change, with giant heather and unique alpine plants appearing along the trail. On a clear day, you will also begin to see impressive views of Kibo Peak, the highest summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

You will cross parts of the spectacular Shira Plateau, one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world. This area offers breathtaking panoramic views and a dramatic volcanic landscape that makes the Lemosho Route one of the most scenic ways to climb Kilimanjaro.

After several hours of trekking, you will arrive at Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m) where your support team will have prepared the campsite. After settling into your tent, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery while preparing for the next stage of your Kilimanjaro adventure. Dinner will be served at the camp followed by an overnight stay under the stars.

Day 3: Shira Camp (3,750 m) – Lava Tower (4,600 m) – Barranco Camp (3,900 m)

Vegetation Zone: Moorland & Alpine Desert
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

After breakfast at Shira 2 Camp, you will begin trekking east across the high alpine landscape of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail gradually climbs through rocky terrain and sparse vegetation as you move into the alpine desert zone.

Today is an important acclimatization day following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. The trail ascends steadily toward Lava Tower (4,600 m), a dramatic volcanic rock formation also known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” This is the highest point of the day and a great place to stop for lunch while enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery.

After spending some time at Lava Tower, the route descends gradually into the beautiful Barranco Valley. This area is famous for its giant senecio plants and stunning views of the Western Breach and Kibo Peak. The descent helps your body adjust to the altitude while offering incredible photographic opportunities.

You will arrive at Barranco Camp (3,900 m) in the afternoon, located at the base of the impressive Barranco Wall. From the camp, you can enjoy breathtaking sunset views of the mountain while your team prepares dinner. This scenic campsite is one of the highlights of the Lemosho Route before continuing higher up the mountain the following day.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,900 m) – Karanga Camp (3,995 m)

Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

After breakfast at Barranco Camp, the day begins with the exciting climb of the famous Barranco Wall. Although it looks steep at first, the climb is manageable and very rewarding. As you ascend, you will enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the towering peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Once you reach the top of the wall, the trail continues through a series of ridges and small valleys, offering beautiful panoramic views of the southern glaciers and the rugged mountain landscape. The path then descends gradually into the Karanga Valley, one of the important acclimatization points along the Machame Route.

After crossing the valley, you will make a short climb up to Karanga Camp (3,995 m) where your tents will already be set up by the support team. This is a shorter trekking day, giving your body more time to acclimatize before continuing to higher altitude the next day. In the evening, enjoy a warm meal prepared by the mountain chef while taking in the stunning alpine scenery before resting for the night.

Day 5: Karanga Camp(3995) - Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Distance: ~4 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

After breakfast at Karanga Camp, the trek continues with a steady climb toward Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt on Mount Kilimanjaro.

The trail passes through an alpine desert landscape with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. As you gain altitude, the views become more dramatic, with clear sights of Kibo Peak and the surrounding mountain slopes. Although the distance is relatively short, the high altitude makes the hike feel more challenging, so a slow and steady pace is important.

Upon arrival at Barafu Camp (4,673 m), your team will prepare a warm meal while you rest and prepare for the summit push. The word “Barafu” means ice in Swahili, and the camp sits on a narrow, rocky ridge with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.

After an early dinner, you will have time to rest for a few hours before waking up around midnight to begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Proper rest and preparation are essential as you get ready for the most challenging and rewarding part of the Kilimanjaro climb. 🏔️

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,673 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,100 m)

Vegetation Zone: Arctic / Ice-Capped Summit
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours to summit / 4–5 hours descent

Your summit attempt on Mount Kilimanjaro begins around midnight. With headlamps lighting the way, you will slowly ascend through steep scree slopes toward Stella Point (5,756 m) on the crater rim.

After a short rest and, weather permitting, witnessing a spectacular sunrise, you will continue for about two more hours to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the highest point in Africa.

Celebrate your incredible achievement while enjoying breathtaking views of glaciers and the surrounding landscape. After taking photos, you will descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m) for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) – Mweka Gate (1,640 m)

Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

After an early breakfast, you will begin the final descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate.

Upon arrival at the gate, climbers who successfully reached Stella Point or Uhuru Peak will receive official Kilimanjaro summit certificates. It is also customary to thank and tip your guides and porters for their incredible support during the trek.

You will then be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and relax after completing one of the world’s most iconic trekking adventures. 🏔️

Departure Date

After breakfast at your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, you will have time to relax and reflect on your incredible Mount Kilimanjaro climbing adventure.

Depending on your travel plans, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your international departure flight.

If you wish to extend your Tanzania experience, this day can also mark the beginning of another exciting journey:

Tanzania Wildlife Safari: Continue your adventure with a safari to famous national parks such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park, where you can experience incredible wildlife and the famous Big Five.
Zanzibar Beach Holiday: Fly to the beautiful island of Zanzibar for a relaxing beach escape. Enjoy white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and the rich culture of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Whether you choose to return home, explore Tanzania’s wildlife, or relax on the beaches of Zanzibar, your journey will conclude with unforgettable memories of Mount Kilimanjaro and Tanzania’s natural beauty. 🌍🏔️🌴

Price (quoted in USD/per person)

Number of Pax

1 Pax

2 - 4 Pax

5 - 7 Pax

8 - 9 Pax

10+ Pax

7 DAY LEMOSHO ROUTE

$ 2,000

$ 1,900

$ 1,850

$ 1,800

$ 1,750

This Tour Includes & Exclude

Airport pickup and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
All Mount Kilimanjaro park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Experienced porters and cook
All meals during the Kilimanjaro trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Three Meals During Trekking
Government taxes and service charges
aily health checks and emergency oxygen for safety
Fair wages for the mountain crew
Clean and quality mountain camping equipment (tents, dining tent, tables, and chairs)

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