7 Day Kilimanjaro climbing Lemosho route

Overview

The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Almighty  Kilimanjaro specializes in guiding on the Lemosho route. Most of our clients climb Kilimanjaro using this route and they consistently report that they loved it. Thus, Lemosho is highly recommended.

The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rain forest to Shira Ridge. The Lemosho route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Crowds are low until the route joins the Machame route near Lava Tower. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.

Day to Day Itinerary

On arrival in Tanzania.

Arrival Location: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight. A pre-climb briefing and gear check will be conducted in the evening to ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

DAY 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Distance: 4.8 km / 3 mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Elevation: 2389m / 7838ft to 2785m / 9137ft
Altitude Gained: 396m

After breakfast in Moshi, we drive approximately 45 minutes through beautiful mountain villages to reach Londorossi Gate. While we wait for permits to be issued, you’ll experience the hustle and bustle of porters and crew getting ready.
Once on the trail, we begin our journey through the lush rainforest, alive with exotic plant life and the calls of colobus monkeys and tropical birds. Be prepared for muddy and slippery conditions — gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.
Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp.

DAY 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Distance: 7.9 km / 4.9 mi
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Elevation: 2785m / 9137ft to 3895m / 12,779ft
Altitude Gained: 1110m

We leave the rainforest behind and enter the heather and moorland zone. The trail climbs steadily as we cross several streams and pass through the rolling hills of the Shira Plateau, where you will get your first clear views of the mountain.
Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

DAY 3: Shira 1 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Distance: 10.1 km / 6.3 mi
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Elevation: 3895m / 12,779ft to 3986m / 13,077ft via Lava Tower at 4650m
Altitude Gained: 755m to Lava Tower, then descend 664m to Barranco

This is a crucial acclimatization day. We trek east across the Shira Plateau and up to the iconic Lava Tower — also known as the "Shark's Tooth" — at 4650m. After lunch, we descend into the beautiful Barranco Valley. Although we sleep at a similar elevation to where we started, today’s altitude gain helps your body adjust for summit day.
Overnight at Barranco Camp.

DAY 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Distance: 5.2 km / 3.2 mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3986m / 13,077ft to 4034m / 13,253ft
Altitude Gained: 48m

After breakfast, we tackle the iconic Barranco Wall — an exhilarating climb that rewards you with spectacular views. The trail then meanders through ridges and valleys before descending into the Karanga Valley. This short day is designed for acclimatization and rest.
Overnight at Karanga Camp.

DAY 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Distance: 3.3 km / 2 mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4034m / 13,253ft to 4662m / 15,295ft
Altitude Gained: 628m

Today’s hike leads us to Barafu Camp, the base for our summit attempt. Upon arrival, you'll have time to rest, rehydrate, and enjoy early dinner before turning in early — summit night begins just after midnight.
Overnight at Barafu Camp.

DAY 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Distance: 5 km / 3 mi ascent, 11.5 km / 7.1 mi descent
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours (5–7 hrs up, 5–6 hrs down)
Habitat: Glaciers and Snow-Capped Summit
Elevation:

• Ascent: 4662m / 15,295ft to 5895m / 19,341ft
• Descent: 5895m to 3090m / 10,150ft
  Altitude Gained: 1233m
  Altitude Lost: 2789m

Around midnight, we begin our final push to the summit. Ascend through scree and switchbacks under a sky full of stars. After reaching Stella Point (5739m), the sun will rise as we make our final 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa!

Celebrate your incredible achievement, take photos, and breathe in the moment. After descending to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch, we continue down to Mweka Camp for your last night on the mountain.
Overnight at Mweka Camp.

DAY 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Transfer to Moshi

Distance: 9.1 km / 5.7 mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Elevation: 3090m / 10,150ft to 1633m / 5358ft
Altitude Lost: 1457m

After breakfast, enjoy a heartfelt ceremony with your mountain crew before descending through lush rainforest back to the gate. The terrain can be slippery — again, gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

At Mweka Gate, you'll receive your well-earned summit certificate. A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi (about 30 minutes).The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Almighty  Kilimanjaro specializes in guiding on the Lemosho route. Most of our clients climb Kilimanjaro using this route and they consistently report that they loved it. Thus, Lemosho is highly recommended.

The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rain forest to Shira Ridge. The Lemosho route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Crowds are low until the route joins the Machame route near Lava Tower. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.

Inclusion

• Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
• Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
• Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;
• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
• One night at Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant ); Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
• Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
• All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks.A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost; All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
• 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
• All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
• Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
• GPS-tracking service;
• Complete medical kits.
• Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 10+years of successful mountaineering experience;
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

Exclusion

• Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
• Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
• Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;
• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
• One night at Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant ); Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
• Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
• All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks.A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost; All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
• 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
• All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
• Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
• GPS-tracking service;
• Complete medical kits.
• Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 10+years of successful mountaineering experience;
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).