Embark on an unforgettable journey to the roof of Africa on our 7-Day Lemosho Route, one of the best and most scenic routes up Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its incredible balance of low foot traffic, awe-inspiring landscapes, and a high summit success rate, the Lemosho Route is a top choice for adventurers looking for a memorable Kilimanjaro climb.
The Lemosho Route begins with a scenic drive from Moshi to Lemosho Gate on Kilimanjaro's western side. Over the first two days, you'll trek through lush rainforest, encountering diverse wildlife as you ascend to the Shira Ridge. Unlike other routes, the Lemosho Route traverses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east, offering a relatively easy and flat hike with magnificent views.
After joining the popular Machame Route, you’ll continue along the spectacular Southern Circuit, with stops at iconic spots like Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, and Barafu Camp. As you reach higher altitudes, you'll experience breathtaking panoramas of Kilimanjaro's unique landscapes and glaciers. The descent is made via the Mweka Route, ensuring you enjoy a varied and scenic trek from start to finish.
With Incredible Africa Adventures, you'll enjoy a professionally guided experience that prioritizes safety, comfort, and sustainable tourism. Our guides are passionate experts dedicated to making your Kilimanjaro climb a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Book your Kilimanjaro adventure with us and take on one of the world’s most iconic treks with confidence and excitement.
ARRIVAL DAY: WELCOME TO TANZANIA
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. You will meet your experienced mountain guide for a full briefing on your upcoming Kilimanjaro trek and an equipment check to ensure you’re well-prepared. Any missing gear can be rented on this day, so you’re all set for the adventure of a lifetime.
DAY 1: LEMOSHO GATE – BIG TREE CAMP
The day begins with a long drive to Londrossi Park Gate (2100 m) for registration. Pass through village communities to the trailhead to start hiking on the route along a narrow forest path to reach Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite (2800m).
Trekking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 5km
Altitude Gain: 411m.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Big Tree
DAY 2: BIG TREE CAMP - SHIRA HUT 1
Leaving the forest, the trail gets steeper as it enters the moorland zone towards the valley. A gentle grade walk takes you across the high altitude Shira Caldera past Shira Cave (views of Arrow glacier) at 3500m and then gently downwards to Shira Hut 1 located near a stream on the Shira Plateau.
Trekking Time: 3 hours
Distance: 8km
Altitude Gain: 719m.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Shira Hut 1
DAY 3: SHIRA HUT 1 TO LAVA TOWER THEN BARRANCO CAMP
Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. Traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach to reach Barranco camp (3900m). The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but you will have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to avoid altitude sickness by aiding your bodies in acclimatization.
Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 15km
Altitude Gain: 382m
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp
DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP- KARANGA VALLEY
Start the day by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. Then exit steeply, up what has been termed the Breakfast Wall, which divides you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It is a climb over rocks, although not technical. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, head towards the Karanga Valley (4000m) for overnight.
Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 5km
Altitude Gain: 100m
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Karanga Valley
DAY 5: KARANGA VALLEY - BARAFU CAMP
The day is characterized by a short hike on terrain formed by scree. Walk through arid land towards Barafu Camp (4600m) where you have the entire afternoon to rest before ascending towards the summit.
Trekking Time: 2-4 hours
Distance: 4km
Altitude Gain: 600m.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp
DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP - UHURU PEAK - MILLENNIUM CAMP
We avoid walking too long in the heat of the sun today by starting around midnight, walking steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. You will be climbing scree for 5 to 6 hours but you gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. You should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5750 m) as the first rays of the sun emerge. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround you and the views to Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walk takes you to your goal, the summit of Uhuru (5896 m), the highest point; Uhuru means freedom in Swahili. Trekking Time: 6-8 hours, Distance: 7 km, Altitude and Gain: 1296m. After a quick celebration and photos at the top, you will begin the descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope back to Barafu Camp for breakfast and a short rest before finally heading down to Millennium Camp (3000m) for a well-earned rest. On the descent, you will have fabulous views of the plains and Mawenzi peak.
Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 12km
Altitude Loss: 2896m
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Millennium Camp
DAY 7: MILLENNIUM CAMP – MOSHI
A gentle trek takes you down through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate (1640m), where park formalities will be completed, you will be met by our vehicles, and receive your certificate of ascent courtesy of the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. Thereafter, drive back to Moshi where you can treat yourself to a well-earned shower and a cold beer or two.
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 10km
Altitude Loss: 1360m
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.
Accommodation: Your Hotel
DEPARTURE DAY
Spend the day at leisure in Moshi, recovering from your trek. The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight back home. Depending on flight schedule, you may explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
Wildlife Safari tour, Zanzibar trip and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
Airport Transfers: Hassle-free transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport and your accommodation in Moshi for a seamless start and finish.
Comfortable Accommodation: Two nights in Moshi—one night before your climb and one night after—designed for rest and relaxation.
Transportation: Reliable transport to and from the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, ensuring timely access to the trail.
All Necessary Fees: Coverage of Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees, camping fees, and rescue fees for your peace of mind.
High-Quality Gear:
>Four-Season Mountain Tents: Durable and weatherproof tents to keep you safe and comfortable in all conditions.
>Double-Layered Sleeping Mats: Extra comfort and insulation for restful nights on the mountain.
Professional Support Team: Knowledgeable and experienced mountain guides, a skilled cook, and hardworking porters to support your journey.
Daily Hot Meals: Nutritious, freshly prepared hot meals served three times daily to keep you energized.(We are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions or requests.)
Clean Drinking Water: Unlimited supply of treated and filtered water to keep you hydrated throughout your climb.
Hot Water for Washing: Daily provision of hot water for washing, ensuring you stay refreshed during your adventure.
Ethical Treatment of Crew: We prioritize the fair treatment and proper payment of our guides, cooks, and porters, ensuring a motivated and supportive team.
Enhanced Safety Measures:
>Portable oxygen tanks and an oximeter to monitor your health and oxygen levels during the climb.
>A fully equipped emergency first-aid kit for any unexpected situations.
Private Toilet Facilities: Enjoy a portable flush toilet with its own privacy tent for added convenience on the mountain.
Meals and Drinks at Hotel: Lunches, dinners, and beverages at your hotel before and after the climb are not covered.
Travel Insurance: We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.
Flights: International and domestic flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport are not included.
Laundry Services: Laundry facilities are available at your hotel but are not included in the package.
Personal Items and Toiletries: Make sure to bring your own personal essentials, including toiletries and other comfort items.
Tips for Guides, Porters, and Cook: While tipping is not mandatory, it’s a valued tradition to show appreciation for your team’s hard work and dedication, and so highly recommended.
Drop us a line. Our Safari experts will answer all your questions in 24 hours