7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Lemosho Route

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Overview

  • Duration:7 days 6 nights
  • Travelers:1 - 20 guests
  • Tour Type:Daily tour, Group tour
  • Language:English, French, German, Italian
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most scenic trail on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering breathtaking panoramic views from multiple angles of the mountain. As one of the newer and less crowded routes, it provides a quieter and more immersive trekking experience.

It is our top recommended route due to its excellent balance of stunning landscapes, low foot traffic, a gradual ascent profile, and a high summit success rate. Most of our clients choose Lemosho for their climb, and their feedback is overwhelmingly positive.

The trek begins at Londorossi Gate (2,360m) on the western side of Kilimanjaro. The route takes you through rich rainforest teeming with unique wildlife, then ascends to Shira Ridge, the mountain’s third summit, offering exceptional views and optimal acclimatization opportunities as you circle around the southern slopes of the mountain.
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Highlights

  • Scenic and less crowded trail with panoramic views
  • Begins in lush rainforest with chances to see unique wildlife
  • Crosses the dramatic Shira Plateau
  • Excellent acclimatization profile, increasing summit success rate
  • Stunning views of Kibo, Mawenzi, and surrounding landscapes
  • Opportunity to experience diverse ecosystems from rainforest to alpine desert
  • Ascent via Stella Point and descent via Mweka Route
  • High summit success rate due to gradual ascent and longer itinerary

Includes/Excludes

  • All park entry, camping & rescue fees
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guide(s), cook & porters
  • Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, etc.)
  • All meals during the climb
  • Drinking water during the hike
  • Fair wages for crew
  • Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro National Park gate
  • Government Tax
  • Certificate of achievement
  • International or domestic flights
  • Visa fees
  • Tips for guides, porters, and cook
  • Personal equipment (gear/clothing)
  • Travel insurance
  • Extra hotel accommodations before/after the climb
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Laundry services

Itinerary

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DAY 1: Arrival in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Arusha | Moshi town. Here, you will meet your guide for a detailed briefing about the upcoming trek. An equipment check will be conducted to ensure you have all the necessary gear. Any missing items can be rented on this day.

  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner included

DAY 2: Lemosho Glades (2385m) to Big Tree Camp (2780m)

You will be picked up from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha at around 08:00 AM and driven to the Lemosho Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After completing registration formalities, your trek begins through the untouched rainforest of the Lemosho glades. The trail winds gently upward through rich vegetation, with chances to spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys. You’ll reach Big Tree Camp in the late afternoon, where you will rest for the night.

  • Distance covered: 7km / 4.3mi
  • Approx. time taken: 4 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 3: Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)

Today’s trek covers a vast and scenic stretch as you traverse a plateau of grassy moorland and heather, scattered with unique volcanic rock formations. You’ll first pass through Shira 1 Camp, where—on a clear day—you may catch stunning views of Kibo Peak seemingly floating above the clouds. The ascent to this point includes some steep sections, helping you gain valuable altitude.

Continuing onward to Shira 2 Camp, you’ll enjoy panoramic views across the Shira Plateau and have the opportunity to see the Northern Ice Fields from a rare western perspective. This steady climb offers excellent acclimatization as you prepare for higher elevations in the days ahead.

  • Distance covered: 8.5km / 5.3mi
  • Approx. time taken: 7 hrs
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 4: Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)

Today’s trek offers stunning scenery as you cross the vast Shira Plateau with expansive views in every direction. You'll get a unique perspective of the Northern Ice Fields and Kibo’s western face. The gentle ascent across moorland terrain supports acclimatization. Upon reaching Shira 2 Camp, you’ll have time for an acclimatization hike in the afternoon before settling in for dinner and rest.

  • Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
  • Approx. time taken: 5 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)

Today begins with a descent into the base of the Great Barranco, a vast and dramatic ravine. From here, you’ll tackle the challenging Barranco Wall—a non-technical but steep and demanding climb offering stunning views. As you ascend, you’ll pass below the impressive Heim and Kersten glaciers. The trail then winds through alpine terrain toward the Karanga Valley. After a final steep climb out of the valley, you’ll arrive at Karanga Camp. In the afternoon, those feeling strong can take a short acclimatization hike up to 4200m before returning to camp to rest.

  • Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi
  • Approx. time taken: 5 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 6: Karanga Camp (3963) to Barafu Camp (4640m)

After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, you begin the ascent to Barafu Camp. The trail leads across desolate alpine desert and scree slopes with little to no vegetation. Though the distance is short, the steep incline and increasing altitude make this a challenging day. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, you'll rest and hydrate in preparation for the final summit push. Dinner is served early, and you’ll head to bed soon after, as the summit attempt begins around midnight.

Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi

Approx. time taken: 3 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 7: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)

Starting around midnight, you’ll begin a steep climb up scree slopes towards the summit glaciers. This 4 to 5-hour ascent gains significant altitude over a short distance. At sunrise, you’ll reach Stella Point (5739m) on the crater rim, surrounded by spectacular ice cliffs and stunning views of Mawenzi peak. After about an hour more, you’ll arrive at Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest point at 5895m. After celebrating the summit, you’ll descend back to Stella Point, then continue down scree and trail to Barafu Camp for breakfast. The descent continues to Millennium Camp, where you can rest and recover.

  • Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi
  • Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 8: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)

Enjoy a gentle trek down through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will complete park formalities and receive your well-deserved summit certificate to proudly display. From there, you’ll be picked up by vehicles and transferred back to your hotel in Moshi. Take this opportunity to relax and enjoy a refreshing hot shower after your incredible climb.

  • Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi
  • Approx. time taken: 6 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 9: Depart Tanzania

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Arusha | Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.

  • Meals: Breakfast Included

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 72 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

The best months are January–March and June–October, when the weather is generally dry and clear.

How fit do I need to be?

You don’t need to be an athlete, but good physical condition and stamina are essential. Regular hiking and cardio training are recommended.

Which route is best for climbing?

- Marangu Route: Comfortable with hut accommodations, less scenic.
- Machame Route: Very scenic and popular, more challenging.
- Lemosho Route: Scenic and great for acclimatization.
- Rongai Route: Drier and less crowded.
- Northern Circuit: Longest route with best acclimatization.

How many days does it take?

Most treks take 6 to 9 days, depending on the route and your acclimatization needs.

Do I need technical climbing experience?

No. Kilimanjaro is a non-technical trek, so no ropes or climbing gear are needed. Just good hiking preparation.

What is the success rate?

Routes with longer durations (7+ days) have higher success rates due to better acclimatization.

What is included in the climb package?

Usually includes:  
- Park fees
- Professional guides and porters
- Meals and drinking water
- Tents or huts (depending on route)
- Emergency evacuation (where applicable)

What should I pack?

You’ll need layered clothing, hiking boots, a sleeping bag, day pack, headlamp, and warm gear. A full packing list is usually provided upon booking.

What about altitude sickness?

It’s the main challenge. Acclimatization days, hydration, and slow ascent help reduce the risk. Guides monitor you closely.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, it’s highly recommended, and it should cover high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m) and emergency evacuation.

Extra Services

Airport transfers

Airport transfers

Personalized welcome at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport. Express airport assistance and Private airport transfers to/from hotels and lodges.

$ 70/package
Photography

Photography

Private photographer on request, Drone videography (subject to park permissions). You will get custom safari photo album.

$ 350/package

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