7-Day Lemosho Route-Kilimanjaro Climbing Itinerary
$2515 Per Person
Overview
The Lemosho Route is widely considered one of the most scenic and well-balanced ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the remote western side of the mountain, this route offers a quieter start, breathtaking landscapes, and excellent acclimatization—making it a top choice for trekkers aiming for both comfort and summit success.
The journey begins at Londorossi Gate, passing through lush rainforest where climbers may encounter wildlife such as monkeys and a variety of bird species. As the trail ascends, the scenery opens into the vast Shira Plateau, one of the most impressive high-altitude plateaus in Africa, offering panoramic views and a true sense of wilderness.
A key advantage of the Lemosho Route is its gradual ascent profile combined with the “climb high, sleep low” approach. Trekkers pass important acclimatization points such as the Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp, helping the body adjust effectively to altitude.
The route then joins the Machame trail, where climbers tackle iconic features like the Barranco Wall and continue through alpine desert terrain toward Barafu Camp, the base for the summit attempt.
The final ascent begins at night, leading to a breathtaking sunrise at Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. The descent follows the Mweka Route, offering a different perspective and a smooth finish to the journey.
Overall, the Lemosho Route combines stunning scenery, lower crowds at the start, and strong acclimatization, making it one of the best routes for a safe, enjoyable, and successful Kilimanjaro climb
Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Highlights
- Day 0: Arrival in Arusha
- Day 1 – Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp
- Day 3 – Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)
- Day 4 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Day 5 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Day 6 – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Day 7 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route: Day-by-Day Detailed Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), we provide a smooth, pre-arranged transfer to your hotel. Mvuli Hotel Arusha offers a comfortable stay with cozy rooms, hot showers, a refreshing swimming pool, and free Wi-Fi—perfect for recovering from your journey. In the evening, you will attend a detailed pre-climb briefing. Our expert guides will check your gear, discuss safety procedures, and answer any final questions.
Main Destination: Arusha Town
Accommodation: Mvuli Hotel Arusha
Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinks: Drinking water included
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast, you will drive to Londorossi Gate on the western side of the mountain for registration. From here, a short transfer takes you to the trailhead where your trek begins.
The hike starts through dense rainforest, home to birds, monkeys, and lush vegetation. The trail is gentle and scenic, making it a great introduction to the climb.
Elevation: 6,000 ft to 8,700 ft
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp
The trail gradually steepens as you leave the forest and enter the moorland zone. You cross streams and ridges before reaching the expansive Shira Plateau.
This is a longer trekking day, offering wide views and a strong introduction to higher altitude hiking.
Elevation: 8,700 ft to 12,600 ft
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Distance: 16 km | 10 miles
Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)
This is an important acclimatization day. You climb toward Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp, following the “climb high, sleep low” principle.
The landscape becomes more rugged and semi-desert-like, preparing your body for higher altitudes.
Elevation: 12,600 ft to 15,250 ft (then down to 13,000 ft)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Semi-Desert
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
The day begins with the famous climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical section offering incredible views.
After reaching the top, the trail descends into Karanga Valley and continues to Karanga Camp for rest and acclimatization.
Elevation: 13,000 ft to 13,250 ft
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
You continue the ascent through alpine desert terrain toward Barafu Camp. This is your base camp for the summit attempt.
After arrival, you will rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight climb to the summit.
Elevation: 13,250 ft to 15,350 ft
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp (Summit Day)
Your summit attempt begins around midnight. This is the most challenging part of the trek, requiring determination and endurance.
You reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise—the highest point in Africa—before descending to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Elevation: 15,350 ft to 19,341 ft (then down to 10,150 ft)
Hiking Time: 11–15 hours
Distance: 18 km total
Habitat: Arctic
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
On your final day, you descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate.
Upon arrival, you will receive your summit certificate before transferring back to Moshi for rest and celebration.
Elevation: 10,150 ft to 5,500 ft
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
Accommodations
Welcome to Mvuli Hotels
Whether you’re seeking the ultimate safari retreat near the stunning Ngorongoro Crater or a peaceful escape in the heart of Arusha, our hotels offer a blend of luxury, tranquility, and authentic hospitality. From the boutique safari experience in Karatu to the lush, garden-surrounded charm of Mvuli Hotel, each destination is designed to provide an unforgettable stay, seamlessly combining modern comfort with the beauty of Tanzania’s landscapes.
Mountain Camps
Your ultimate comfort camping experience features all-weather tents customized with upgraded zippers, flysheets, and insulating full-ground pads. We ensure privacy with daily private toilet tents and communal dining in solar-lit tents. You’ll enjoy hot, fresh meals prepared by our dedicated chef, and we provide afternoon treats of hot drinks and snacks.
What the Price Includes & Excludes
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel
- Quality mountain tent and Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Meals
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Tanzania Visa
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
What Our Guests Have to Say?
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