Kilimanjaro Hiking Lemosho Route 7 Days

7 Days
  • 12
  • 65
  • Bus, Min Bus
  • High Altitude Camping
  • 5,895 Meters (19,340 Feet)
  • Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
  • Moshi/Arusha Town
  • June to October
  • Hiking
  • All meals during the trek
  • English, French, Swahili
  • Easy to Moderate
  • 2 to 15

Overview

The Lemosho Route is a very scenic hiking route, starting on the western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro before merging with the Machame Route halfway through.

The Lemosho route, 7 days, is a very scenic hiking route, starting on the western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro before merging with the Machame Route halfway through. It leads you through a lush rainforest, past the eerie forest, and up to the Barranco Wall. The altitude profile of the Lemosho Route is ideal for acclimatization, allowing climbers to hike to higher altitudes during the day than they’ll be sleeping overnight.

The Lemosho Route can be completed in 7 or 8 days. We mostly recommend the 8-day Lemosho Route  over the 7-day Lemosho Route to allow more time to acclimatize to the high altitude.

Highlights

  • Scenic, remote western approach: Lemosho trail starts in lush, quiet rainforest with minimal early crowds for a pristine wilderness feel.
  • Diverse ecological zones: Rainforest → heather & moorland with giant lobelias → expansive Shira Plateau → alpine desert → glacier‑crowned summit.
  • Shira Plateau crossing: Panoramic open vistas of Kibo and rugged Mawenzi; optional detours to Shira Cathedral for dramatic viewpoints.
  • Superior acclimatization profile: Gradual ascent with “climb high, sleep low” opportunities (e.g., Lava Tower lunch stop) boosts 7‑day success rates.
  • Summit push from Barafu Camp: Pre‑dawn ascent for sunrise at or near Stella Point / Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) with sweeping crater and Southern Icefield views.
  • Varied descent via Mweka Route: Different scenery on the way down through moorland and rainforest; chances to spot colobus monkeys and unique flora.

Itinerary

  • Day
    01

    Londorossi Gate (2100m) – Mti Mkubwa camp (2750m)

    Hiking time: 3 hours

    Habitat: Montane forest

    After eating breakfast at your hotel, your guide will brief you on the day. You will drive two hours from Arusha (1400m) to Londorossi Park Gate (2100m). In the village near Londorossi Gate, you will receive a packed lunch and can buy mineral water for the hike. Then the final 45 minutes of the drive leading up to the gate will be on a bumpy forest track requiring 4WD vehicles. At the entrance gate, the guides and porters distribute the supplies and register with the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). You are now ready to begin your 3-hour hike into the rain forest. Be on the look out for Colobus monkeys! Along the way, you will stop for an afternoon lunch break and arrive at Mti Mkubwa (“Big Tree”) Campsite (2750m) in the early evening. The porters, who arrive at the campsite before the clients, will set up your tent and boil water for drinking and washing. The chef will prepare a snack then dinner for the clients. At nighttime, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared!

    3 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Mountain Camping
  • Day
    02

    Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750m) – Shira 2 Camp (3840m)

    Hiking time: 6.5 hours

    Habitat: Moorland

    After an early morning breakfast, you will begin your ascent out of the rainforest and into the heather moorland zone. You will cross many streams and walk over a plateau that leads to Shira 2 Camp (3840m). At this campsite, you will be next to a stream and have a spectacular view of the Western Breach and its glaciers in the East. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.

    5 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Mountain Camping
  • Day
    03

    Shira (3840m) – Lava Tower (4630m) – Barranco Camp (3950m)

    Hiking time: 7 hours

    Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers

    Habitat: Semi desert

    Following an early morning breakfast, you will leave the moorland environment and enter the semi desert and rocky landscape. After 5 hours of walking east, you will be come face to face with the Lava Tower (4630m). Packed lunches are served at the Tower and hikers have the option of climbing the massive Lava Tower weather permitting. At this point of the hike, it is normal for hikers to start feeling the effects from the altitude including headaches and shortness of breath. After lunch, you will descend from Lava Tower (4630m) to the Barranco Campsite (3950m). The 6800m descent gives hikers a huge advantage to allow their bodies to adjust to the conditions of high altitude. The descent to camp takes around 2 hours to reach. It is located in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall (“Breakfast Wall”). Drinking and washing water and dinner will be served as hikers view the sun setting.

    7 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Mountain Camping
  • Day
    04

    Barranco Camp (3950m) – Karanga Camp (3950m)

    Hiking time: 4-5 hours

    Distance: Approximately 5 kilometers

    Habitat: Alpine desert

    This is a short hiking day meant for acclimatization. After an early morning breakfast, it is now time to conquer the Great Barranco Wall! Although it may look intimating at first glance, hikers state that this Class 2 hike is usually much easier than they anticipated. At the top of the Wall, you will have a view of Heim Glacier and will be above the clouds. The trail then winds up and down in the Karanga Valley. You will spend the night at Karanga Camp (3950m) and enjoy dinner and washing at the site.

    5 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Mountain Camping
  • Day
    05

    Karanga Camp (3959m) – Barafu Hut (4600)

    Hiking time: 2-3 hours

    Distance: Approximately 4 kilometers

    Habitat: Alpine desert

    After breakfast, you will begin your ascent. The trail intersects with the Mweka Route, which is the trail used to descend on the final two days. As you continue hiking for an hour, you will reach Barafu Hut. This is the last water stop for the porters because there is no accessible water at Barafu Camp (4550m). The word “barafu” in Swahili means, “ice” and this camp is located on a rocky, exposed ridge. Tents will be exposed to wind and rocks so it is important for hikers to familiarize themselves with the campsite before dark. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!

    3 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Mountain Camping
  • Day
    06

    Summit attempt Barafu Camp (4600m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)

    Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hours to descend to Mweka

    Distance: Approximately 7 kilometers ascent and 23 kilometers descent

    Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

    Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The route heads northwest and you will ascend over stone scree. During the ascent, many hikers feel that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. In about 6 hours, you will reach Stella Point (5685m), located on the crater rim. After enjoying the magnificent sunrise, you will continue ascending for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours. At camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Mweka Hut (3100m). The Mweka Trail will lead you through the scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rain forest. Mweka Camp (3100m) is located in the upper rain forest, so fog and rain should be expected. You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at camp.

    8 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Mountain Camping
  • Day
    07

    Mweka camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m)

    Hiking time: 3 hours

    Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers

    Habitat: Forest

    Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for three hours back to Mweka Gate. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, hikers will descend into the Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometers). And you will drive back to your hotel in Moshi.

    3 hour
    Breakfast
    Mountain Camping

Number of PeoplePrice in USD
1$2,220
2$1,950
3$1,930
4$1,900
5$1,850
6$1,830
7$1,800
8$1,750
9$1,730
10$1,700

The Cost Includes

  • All transportation in destination location
  • Hotel accommodations, before and after the trek
  • All government taxes and park entrance fees
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • All meals while on the mountain
  • Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Emergency oxygen cylinders and oximeters
  • Complete expedition medical kits
  • Comfortable sleeping mats
  • All group camping equipment (sleeping tents, dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
  • Portable radios – Taken on every trek to enable convenient communication.
  • Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, chefs, etc.)
  • Experienced professional mountain guides
  • Salaries for the trekking crew
  • Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
  • Purified water while on the mountain
  • Portable tented private flush toilet
  • Fair and ethical treatment of porters
  • Environment-friendly trek

The Cost Excludes

  • Personal gear rentals
  • Tanzania Visa fee
  • Tipping to the trekking crew
  • Travel insurance
  • Any private expenses

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I’m interested in booking, but our group is quite large. Will that be an issue?

We generally aim to keep our public group sizes small, usually no more than ten trekkers, to maintain a more personal experience and preserve the feeling of being in the wilderness. However, if you’re booking as a private group, we’re happy to accommodate you regardless of size, as everyone in your group will already be familiar with one another before arriving in Tanzania.

Can I Book a Private, Fully Customizable Climb of Mount Kilimanjaro?

Absolutely! Your Kilimanjaro adventure can be tailored entirely to your preferences. We’ll collaborate with you to craft a personalized trekking experience, designed around your chosen travel companions, ideal departure date, preferred route, hiking pace, and desired duration. It’s your mountain, your way.

I’m interested in booking, but our group is quite large. Will that be an issue?

We generally aim to keep our public group sizes small, usually no more than ten trekkers, to maintain a more personal experience and preserve the feeling of being in the wilderness. However, if you’re booking as a private group, we’re happy to accommodate you regardless of size, as everyone in your group will already be familiar with one another before arriving in Tanzania.

What is the ideal time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Although Mount Kilimanjaro is climbable year-round, most hikers choose the dry seasons, from December to March and June to October, for more favorable weather. Among these, January, February, and September are often regarded as the best months for the climb.

Which travel documents are required?

You must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, along with a properly endorsed entry or re-entry visa.

Do you provide airport pickup and drop-off services?

Yes, we offer airport transfer services. Kindly send your request to Safari for arrangements.

Who manages your operations in Tanzania?

We manage all operations directly. We are not agents for any third party; instead, we conduct the treks ourselves through our own locally registered Tanzanian company.

What accommodations can I expect during a Kilimanjaro trek?

On your Kilimanjaro adventure, expert camp porters set up and take down the mountain camps daily. You’ll stay in double-occupancy, all-weather tents equipped with full-ground pads to keep you and your belongings dry. Each camp features private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents furnished with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing. For those on the Grand Traverse route, accommodations are upgraded to solar-lit, walk-in-height sleeping tents furnished with mountaineering beds and mattresses for added comfort.

What meals can I expect to eat?

Each day, expert chefs prepare three hot, nutritious meals along with trail snacks and afternoon tea. You’ll enjoy your meals in a sunlit dining tent alongside your fellow trekkers and the head guide. We offer delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specialty options. Just let us know in advance. If you’d like, we can also send you a sample menu, just ask!

Will I encounter wildlife during the trek?

Before the climb begins, you’ll have an acclimatization day featuring nature walks and opportunities to observe local wildlife. While trekking through the rainforest, you can expect to see black-and-white Colobus monkeys, various tropical birds, and other fascinating creatures.

How many hours can I expect to trek each day?

On most routes, daily trekking typically lasts between 4 and 7 hours. However, some routes include longer days where you might trek for 10 to 15 hours.

Is the Crater Camp Stop Available on Kilimanjaro Climbs?

An overnight stay at Crater Camp is an optional addition to customized Kilimanjaro climbs, typically included on routes lasting eight days or more, such as Shira, Lemosho, Umbwe, and Machame. This unique and extraordinary campsite is visited by fewer than 5% of the 40,000 to 50,000 climbers who summit Kilimanjaro each year, offering a rare and unforgettable highland experience in northern Tanzania.

Do You Provide Private and Fully Customizable Kilimanjaro Climbing Expeditions?

Your Kilimanjaro adventure is completely tailored to you. We collaborate closely to create the perfect Tanzanian mountain experience that matches your vision. Choose your own team, set your preferred departure date, select your route, and determine the pace and duration of your climb.

Do you have any special dietary needs?

Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, celiac, lactose intolerant, or have any allergies, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate your requirements.

How can you protect yourself from the sun in Tanzania?

Since Tanzania is located close to the equator, the sun remains intense for much of the day. This strong sunlight can lead to sunburn and heat-related illnesses like sunstroke. To stay safe, it’s important to wear a hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen with a high SPF.

Who operates your treks in Tanzania?

We do. We’re not intermediaries or agents; we organize and lead all our treks through our own locally based Tanzanian company. You can be confident that anyone you speak to on our team has firsthand experience climbing Kilimanjaro, often multiple times.

Is it possible to charge electronic devices while on Mount Kilimanjaro?

Charging electronic devices on Mount Kilimanjaro is not possible, as there are no charging stations available on the mountain. We highly recommend bringing fully charged power banks and extra batteries to keep your devices powered during the trek. However, if you’re combining your climb with a safari, our safari vehicles are equipped with charging ports for your convenience.

Is tipping the hiking crew customary?

Yes, tipping is both expected and greatly appreciated. The recommended amount typically ranges from $150 to $300 per hiker, depending on the length of the trip. All tips are pooled and distributed among the entire crew. Please bring US dollar bills for this purpose.

I am a vegetarian. What kind of food will be available for me during the trek?

As a vegetarian, you will be provided with a variety of regular vegetarian options such as potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, cheese, sandwiches, and fruit. Please make sure to inform your tour operator in advance if you have any food allergies or medical dietary requirements. For non-vegetarians, meals may include sausages, chicken, and meat. Beverages like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate will also be available.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How long does the hike to Uhuru Peak take?

There are at least six different routes to the summit of Uhuru Peak, ranging in distance from 53 to 73 kilometers, depending on the path you choose. The shortest and most challenging is the 5-day Umbwe Route. Adding extra days to your trek is highly recommended to allow for better acclimatization, which significantly increases your chances of reaching the summit. The Marangu Route is the easiest and most popular option. While it can be completed in five days, we typically allocate six days to ensure a safer and more comfortable ascent.

Do I need any prior experience to take part?

No previous experience is required, but having some background in hiking or climbing can be beneficial. It’s important that you are physically fit, in good health, and equipped with well-worn, sturdy hiking boots. The better your fitness level, the more enjoyable the experience is likely to be.

What is the elevation of Mount Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain on Earth and the tallest in Africa, reaches an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level at its highest point, Uhuru Peak, located on the Kibo crater.

In which country is Mount Kilimanjaro located, and how close is it to the equator?

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, in East Africa. It lies approximately 350 kilometers south of the equator, with the closest major towns being Moshi and Arusha.

Two Nights’ Hotel Accommodations Before and after the Kilimanjaro hiking adventure, we recommend the following options: Stay two nights with bed and breakfast at Parkview InnPanama Garden ResortShose Farmhouse and ChaletsBrubru Lodge, or Salinero Hotels.