7 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb
Start on Kilimanjaro's quiet western slopes and cross the wide Shira Plateau on one of the mountain's most beautiful routes to Uhuru Peak.
- Duration
- 7 days
- Route
- Lemosho Gate – Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 – Shira 2 – Lava Tower – Barranco – Karanga – Barafu – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
- Start / end
- Starts and ends in Moshi or Arusha (pick-up and drop-off at your hotel)
- Best time
- Late June to October and January to early March usually bring the driest conditions, while April and May are typically the wettest months.
- Trip style
- Fully supported camping climb with professional mountain guides, cook and porters, using quality mountain tents, a dining tent and toilet tent. Available as a private climb or on join-in departures.
Tour overview
The Lemosho Route is often called the most beautiful way up Kilimanjaro. It begins on the remote western side of the mountain, where far fewer climbers start, and winds through pristine rainforest before crossing the vast Shira Plateau with wide views of the snow-capped summit ahead.
From Shira the route joins the southern circuit, climbing to the Lava Tower for acclimatization, scrambling up the Barranco Wall and continuing via Karanga to Barafu Camp for the summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The gradual approach and climb-high, sleep-low profile give good acclimatization in a single week.
This climb suits fit hikers who want quieter trails and big scenery without committing to a longer itinerary. A full team of professional guides, a cook and porters supports you all the way, so you can focus on walking and enjoying the mountain.
Highlights
- Quiet start through pristine western rainforest
- Cross the open, high-altitude Shira Plateau
- Acclimatization hike to the Lava Tower
- Scramble the Barranco Wall above the clouds
- Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the roof of Africa
- Experienced guides, cook and porter team
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Lemosho Gate (2,100 m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m)
Your guide collects you from your hotel for the drive to the western side of the mountain, about 3 to 4 hours from Moshi including registration at Londorossi Gate. Continue to the Lemosho trailhead, where you have lunch while the porters prepare their loads. The first walk is gentle, about 3 to 4 hours through beautiful, quiet rainforest, with chances of seeing colobus monkeys and many forest birds. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa, meaning big tree, for your first night on the mountain.
Day 2Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 and Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)
Climb out of the forest into giant heather and moorland, with the views widening as you go. The trail crosses the Shira Ridge and descends gently onto the Shira Plateau, where you pause near Shira 1 Camp for lunch with the summit dome rising in front of you. In the afternoon cross the plateau's open grassland and volcanic boulders to Shira 2 Camp. This is a full day of about 7 to 8 hours, but the gradients are mostly moderate.
Day 3Shira 2 to Lava Tower (4,600 m) and Barranco Camp (3,950 m)
Head east into the alpine desert, gradually climbing to the striking Lava Tower at about 4,600 meters, where you stop for lunch. This is the highest point you reach before summit night, and spending a few hours here is excellent for acclimatization. In the afternoon descend into the Barranco Valley, passing forests of giant groundsels, to Barranco Camp beneath the Breach Wall. Expect about 6 to 7 hours of walking and a noticeable difference in how you feel lower down.
Day 4Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,000 m)
Begin with the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble of about an hour. Your guides show you the best hand and footholds, and the views from the top across the clouds and up to the glaciers are breathtaking. The path then rolls over ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp, set on a slope with views down to the plains. The walk takes about 4 hours, leaving plenty of time to rest and acclimatize in the afternoon.
Day 5Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,670 m)
A steady climb of about 3 to 4 hours over rocky ground brings you to Barafu Camp, the base for the summit attempt. Arrive around lunchtime and spend the afternoon resting, drinking plenty of water and preparing your summit kit. Your guide gives a full briefing, checks your layers, headlamp and water bottles, and carries out a health check. After an early dinner, sleep for a few hours before being woken shortly before midnight for the final ascent.
Day 6Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), descend to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Set out around midnight, climbing slowly by headlamp up steep scree. The night is cold and long, but your guides keep a steady pace and plenty of encouragement. After about 6 to 7 hours you reach Stella Point on the crater rim, often as the sun rises, then walk about an hour along the rim past glaciers to Uhuru Peak. Celebrate, take photos and begin the descent to Barafu for rest and food, then continue down to Mweka Camp. Expect 12 to 15 hours on your feet.
Day 7Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640 m) and Moshi
Wake up in the thicker air of the forest zone and enjoy a final breakfast with your crew, who often celebrate with a farewell song. The descent to Mweka Gate takes about 3 to 4 hours through lush rainforest, and the path can be slippery. At the gate you sign out and receive your summit certificate, and this is when climbers traditionally thank the crew with tips. After lunch, transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower and a celebration.
What is included
- Return transfers between your Moshi or Arusha hotel and the park gates
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees, including conservation, camping and rescue fees
- Professional, certified mountain guides, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Quality mountain tents, sleeping mats, dining tent with table and chairs
- Private portable toilet tent
- All meals on the mountain as listed
- Purified drinking water and hot drinks throughout the climb
- Emergency oxygen, first-aid kit and daily pulse oximeter checks
- Summit certificate
Not included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 6,000 m (compulsory)
- Tips for your guides, cook and porters
- Hotel accommodation before and after the climb
- Sleeping bag, trekking poles and personal gear (rental available)
- Drinks other than water and hot drinks
- Personal items and snacks
Good to know
- The drive to the Lemosho trailhead is long and can be bumpy, especially after rain.
- Day 2 is a long day; good pacing and regular water breaks help you arrive at Shira 2 feeling strong.
- Tipping your mountain crew is a standard and expected part of every Kilimanjaro climb.
- Plan at least one night in Moshi or Arusha before the climb for your briefing and gear check.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lemosho better than Machame?
Both share the same upper section, but Lemosho starts on the quieter western side and crosses the whole Shira Plateau, so the first days feel more remote. Lemosho also gains altitude a little more gradually.
Do I need climbing experience?
No technical experience is needed. You should be comfortable hiking for 6 to 8 hours a day, and the Barranco Wall involves some easy scrambling. Training with long hill walks before the trip is strongly recommended.
Can I extend this climb to 8 days?
Yes. An 8-day Lemosho adds a night at Shira 1 or an extra acclimatization stop, which further improves your chances of reaching the summit. Ask us and we will adjust the itinerary.
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