7 & 8 Days Lemosho Route – Kilimanjaro Climb
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and well-balanced trails to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Stretching across the mountain’s western approach, this route offers a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, gradual elevation gain, and excellent acclimatization opportunities. Whether completed in 7 or 8 days, the Lemosho Route provides trekkers with an immersive journey through diverse ecological zones — from lush rainforest and expansive moorlands to high alpine deserts and glacier-covered peaks.
7-Days Lemosho Route
Tour Overview:
The 7-day Lemosho Route is a spectacular and increasingly popular trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the western side. Known for its remote wilderness, diverse scenery, and excellent acclimatization profile, the Lemosho Route is considered one of the most beautiful and successful ways to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.
About this tour
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Live Tour Guide: Professional, English-speaking safari guide
(Other languages available on request: French, Spanish, German, etc.)
Start & End Location: Arusha ~ Moshi
Day by day
Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to Londorossi Gate for registration. Once formalities are complete, you’ll start trekking through lush rainforest, home to blue monkeys and exotic birds. After 3–4 hours of gradual ascent, you’ll reach Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, for your first night on the mountain.
Accommodation
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (tent)
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 - Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
By skipping Shira 1 Camp, you’ll embark on a longer trek across the Shira Plateau, ascending through moorland and alpine vegetation. This stretch offers expansive views of volcanic ridges and valleys below. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a hot lunch to keep energy levels high. After 6–7 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Shira 2 Camp, an ideal spot for rest and acclimatization at this high elevation.
Accommodation
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Shira 2 – Lava Tower (4,600m) – Barranco Camp (3,976m)
Climb steadily to Lava Tower, an important acclimatization point at 4,600 meters, then descend into the Great Barranco Valley. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to altitude. After 6–7 hours of trekking, arrive at the scenic Barranco Camp, nestled beneath the Barranco Wall.
Accommodation
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (3,995m)
Tackle the famous Barranco Wall, a non-technical but steep climb with breathtaking views. Continue through glacial valleys and undulating terrain toward Karanga Camp. This shorter day (about 4–5 hours) allows more time to rest and acclimate before your summit push.
Accommodation
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga – Barafu Camp (4,673m)aa as
After a steady hike over rocky terrain, you’ll reach Barafu Camp, your base camp for the summit attempt. Arrive by mid-afternoon, eat an early dinner, and rest. The summit trek starts just before midnight, so this is your final chance to prepare.
Accommodation
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Start the summit attempt around midnight, climbing slowly with headlamps through icy terrain. After 6–8 hours, you’ll reach Stella Point, then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After sunrise photos and celebration, descend to Barafu Camp for rest and lunch, then continue to Mweka Camp for your last night. Total hiking time: 12–14 hours.
Accommodation
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi/Arusha
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive a summit certificate. A driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a warm shower and well-deserved rest. Accommodation: Not included (can be arranged on request)
- Included in the Package
Park entry fees and Kilimanjaro rescue fees
Professional English-speaking guides, cook, and porters
4-season tents and sleeping pads
All meals during the trek
Drinking water and boiled water for refilling bottles
Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
Transfers to/from the park gate
Camping fees and support crew wages
- Excluded in the Package
- Flights and airport transfers
- Accommodation before/after the trek (available on request)
- Tips for the crew (recommended $300–$400 per climber)
- Personal gear (available for rent)
- Travel insurance and Tanzanian visa
- Snacks, alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks
- Personal expenses
8-Days Lemosho Route
Tour Overview:
The 8-day Lemosho Route is widely considered one of the most beautiful and successful routes to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting on the remote western side of the mountain, this route offers low crowds, rich rainforest, panoramic views, and excellent acclimatization with a longer approach. It joins the Machame Route on Day 4, passing iconic landmarks like Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall before summiting via Stella Point and Uhuru Peak (5,895m). This route is ideal for trekkers looking for both high success rates and breathtaking scenery.
About this tour
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Live Tour Guide: Professional, English-speaking safari guide
(Other languages available on request: French, Spanish, German, etc.)
Start & End Location: Arusha ~ Moshi
Day by day
Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to Londorossi Gate for registration. Once formalities are complete, you’ll start trekking through lush rainforest, home to blue monkeys and exotic birds. After 3–4 hours of gradual ascent, you’ll reach Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, for your first night on the mountain.
Accommodation
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (tent)
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)
Today the trail leads out of the forest and into the heather and moorland zone. Ascend through rolling hills and volcanic ridges with expansive views of the Shira Plateau. After about 5–6 hours, reach Shira 1 Camp where you'll rest for the night.
Accommodation
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Continue across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth. The trail is relatively gentle, with panoramic views of Kibo Peak. You’ll reach Shira 2 Camp in 4–5 hours. This day helps your body adjust to the increasing altitude.
Accommodation
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Day 4: Shira 2 – Lava Tower (4,600m) – Barranco Camp (3,976m)
Climb steadily to Lava Tower, an important acclimatization point at 4,600 meters, then descend into the Great Barranco Valley. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to altitude. After 6–7 hours of trekking, arrive at the scenic Barranco Camp, nestled beneath the Barranco Wall.
Accommodation
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (3,995m)
Tackle the famous Barranco Wall, a non-technical but steep climb with breathtaking views. Continue through glacial valleys and undulating terrain toward Karanga Camp. This shorter day (about 4–5 hours) allows more time to rest and acclimate before your summit push.
Accommodation
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Day 6: Karanga – Barafu Camp (4,673m)aa as
After a steady hike over rocky terrain, you’ll reach Barafu Camp, your base camp for the summit attempt. Arrive by mid-afternoon, eat an early dinner, and rest. The summit trek starts just before midnight, so this is your final chance to prepare.
Accommodation
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day 7: Barafu – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Start the summit attempt around midnight, climbing slowly with headlamps through icy terrain. After 6–8 hours, you’ll reach Stella Point, then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After sunrise photos and celebration, descend to Barafu Camp for rest and lunch, then continue to Mweka Camp for your last night. Total hiking time: 12–14 hours.
Accommodation
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi/Arusha
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive a summit certificate. A driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a warm shower and well-deserved rest. Accommodation: Not included (can be arranged on request)
- Included in the Package
Park entry fees and Kilimanjaro rescue fees
Professional English-speaking guides, cook, and porters
4-season tents and sleeping pads
All meals during the trek
Drinking water and boiled water for refilling bottles
Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
Transfers to/from the park gate
Camping fees and support crew wages
- Excluded in the Package
- Flights and airport transfers
- Accommodation before/after the trek (available on request)
- Tips for the crew (recommended $300–$400 per climber)
- Personal gear (available for rent)
- Travel insurance and Tanzanian visa
- Snacks, alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks
- Personal expenses