7 Days Hiking Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Mount Kilimanjaro

Tour Price

$ 1,800

Duration

7 days

Tour Type

Min Age

5+

Max People

30

Tour Overview

The Lemosho route is a popular and scenic trail that offers stunning views, excellent acclimatization, and high summit success rates. Starting on the western slope of Kilimanjaro, it provides a quieter, less crowded approach compared to other routes. The trek passes through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, offering trekkers the chance to experience the mountain’s varied ecosystems. The route is available in 7- and 8-day itineraries, with the 8-day option recommended for better acclimatization.

A key highlight of Lemosho is Cathedral Peak (3,872 m), one of the highest points of the Shira Volcano, where climbers can enjoy an acclimatization hike and take in spectacular views of the surrounding areas. Another iconic feature of the route is the Dendrosenecio kilimanjari, an alien-like plant species found only on Kilimanjaro. With its great acclimatization profile and breathtaking landscapes, the Lemosho route offers an unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.

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Our sample itineraries are customizable based on your choices. Our experts collaborate with you to design your perfect journey!

Airport Pick Up

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), our friendly guide will greet you pleasantly. They’ll help you with your luggage and facilitate a smooth transfer from the crowded airport to your hotel. Enjoy a pleasant ride while our professional guide provides insights into the local area and answers any questions you may have, setting the tone for the start of your Tanzania adventure.

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Who Can Take this Tour !

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an adventure open to anyone with determination and a reasonable level of fitness, regardless of prior mountaineering experience. From seasoned trekkers seeking their next challenge to first-time climbers eager to push their limits, this journey welcomes adventurers from all walks of life. With various routes tailored to different skill levels and timeframes, Kilimanjaro offers something for everyone, whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner. The key to success lies in proper preparation, including physical training, mental resilience, and acclimatization to altitude. Families, solo travelers, and even groups celebrating milestones often embark on this life-changing journey, supported by expert guides who ensure safety and an unforgettable experience.

Tour Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 | Moshi to Mti Mkubwa Camp

You will be picked up at your hotel at around 08:00am and transferred to the Lemosho gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After the registration process you will still start our climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp where you will be spending the night.

  • Elevation: 915m to 2,650m
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: 7 kilometers
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Habitat: Rainforest

Day 2 | Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today you will cover a lot of ground as you trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. We will trek through Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds as we head towards our destination which is Shira 2. We gain a reasonable amount of altitude as we head towards Shira 1 and parts of the route are fairly steep. As you proceed towards Shira 2 you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views.

  • Elevation: 2,650m to 3,850m
  • Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 8 kilometers
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
  • Habitat: Heath and Moorland

Day 3 | Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Your trek starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking into the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.

  • Elevation: 3,850m to 3,960m via 4,640m
  • Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 10 kilometers
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 4 | Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

The  day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.

  • Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 6 kilometers
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5 | Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.

  • Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: 4 kilometers
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6 | Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.

  • Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m, then down to 3,080m
  • Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
  • Distance: 20 kilometers
  • Difficulty: Very Challenging
  • Habitat: Arctic (summit), Alpine Desert (descent)

Day 7 | Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi

A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.

  • Elevation: 3,080m to 1,640m
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 10 kilometers
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Habitat: Rainforest

Day 8 | 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 Moshi or Arusha town and grab some gift shops before heading to the airport.

Safari, Cycling Adventures and other add-on are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania

Itinerary Map

Includes

  • Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
  • Professional, English-speaking guide
  • Mountain crew (cook, summit porter& porters)
  • Overnight stays in tents
  • Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs )
  • Meals according to the itinerary
  • Drinking water, tea & coffee
  • Oxygen tank and oximeters
  • All national park fees
  • Transfer from the hotel to the National Park gate and back

Excludes

  • International or Local Flights
  • Optional activities
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • Travel insurance

Accommodation style

Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro offers a unique and adventurous way to experience the mountain’s awe-inspiring beauty. As you hike, you’ll sleep in comfortable, well-equipped mountain tents, set up at each campsite along the route. These tents provide a safe, warm space to rest after a challenging day of trekking, with cozy sleeping bags and mattresses ensuring a good night’s sleep. Surrounded by the raw wilderness, you’ll wake up to stunning views of the mountain, the stars, and the changing landscape as you ascend. Each campsite is strategically chosen for its scenic beauty and safety, with staff ready to serve hot meals and provide support. The experience of camping under the vast African sky, with the sound of nature all around, is an unforgettable part of climbing Kilimanjaro.

The Best Time To Take This Tour!

The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during its two distinct dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. These periods offer the most stable weather, with clear skies, mild temperatures, and less chance of rain, ensuring breathtaking views of the summit and surrounding landscapes. Climbers in January to March can enjoy quieter trails and occasional snow at the peak, creating a magical alpine experience. Meanwhile, June to October aligns with peak travel seasons, where sunny days and starry nights enhance the trek’s appeal. These optimal windows allow adventurers to focus on the climb, relish nature’s beauty, and increase their chances of a successful summit.

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