Lemosho Route

About
this Tour

Area to Visit

Lemosho Gate, Big Tree Camp, Shira 1 Camp, Shira 2 Camp, Barranco Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, one of the most scenic and well-acclimatized approaches to the summit. Beginning on the remote western side of the mountain, this route offers a quieter and more gradual ascent through pristine rainforest, wide moorlands, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone.

The 7-day Lemosho Route allows extra time for acclimatization, significantly improving summit success rates. With breathtaking scenery, varied landscapes, and a well-paced itinerary, this route is ideal for trekkers seeking a balanced, rewarding journey to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. All nights are spent in tents, supported by experienced mountain guides and crew.

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Full Itinerary

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. You will meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing, equipment check, and itinerary review. The remainder of the day is free to relax and prepare for the climb.

Meal Plan: Dinner

Distance: ~7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: 600 m (2,100 m to 2,700 m)
Habitat: Montane Rainforest

After breakfast, drive to Lemosho Gate for registration before beginning your trek through untouched rainforest. The trail is quiet and lush, with moss-covered trees and chances to spot black-and-white colobus monkeys.

You arrive at Big Tree Camp in the afternoon, allowing time to relax and enjoy the peaceful forest setting.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,100 m (2,700 m to 3,800 m)
Habitat: Heath and Moorland

The forest gradually gives way to open moorland as you climb onto the Shira Plateau. The landscape opens dramatically, offering wide views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding plains.

You reach Shira 1 Camp in the afternoon, where the rest of the day is dedicated to rest, hydration, and acclimatization.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: ~7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: 350 m (3,800 m to 4,150 m)
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Desert

A shorter and gentler day allows your body to adapt to the altitude. The trail crosses the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world, with expansive views and volcanic formations.

By early afternoon, you arrive at Shira 2 Camp, offering excellent views of Mount Meru on clear days.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation Gain: 500 m ascent / 650 m descent
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today is an important acclimatization day. You hike toward Lava Tower (4,630 m), crossing a stark and rugged alpine landscape. After lunch near the tower, you descend into the scenic Barranco Valley.

Barranco Camp lies beneath the imposing Barranco Wall and is surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias, making it one of the most beautiful camps on the mountain.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: ~9 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation Gain: 700 m (3,960 m to 4,673 m)
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, you climb the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble that rewards you with sweeping views once completed. The route continues across ridges and valleys, passing through Karanga Valley before reaching Barafu Camp.

Barafu Camp is the final base before the summit attempt. After an early dinner, you rest and prepare for the midnight ascent.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: ~17 km
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,222 m ascent / 2,800 m descent
Habitat: Alpine Desert → Arctic Zone

Shortly after midnight, you begin the summit ascent, trekking slowly toward Stella Point (5,756 m). From here, you continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), reaching the highest point in Africa around sunrise.

After celebrating and taking photos at the summit, you descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours
Elevation Loss: 1,600 m (3,100 m to 1,500 m)
Habitat: Montane Rainforest

After breakfast, you descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, you complete park formalities and receive your summit certificate.

You are then transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-earned rest.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Price Includes

Price Excludes

The quoted price includes the following:

  • Professional English-speaking mountain guide

  • Porters for luggage (1 porter per 2 climbers)

  • 4×4 transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport to hotel and back

  • Bottled mineral water during the trek

  • All park and camping fees, including Kilimanjaro National Park entry

  • Meals as specified in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  • Summit certificates upon successful climb

  • All Tanzanian government taxes and service charges

  • Trekking equipment guidance and assistance (maps, route briefing, safety support)

The quoted price does not include the following:

  • International flights to / from Tanzania

  • Visas and airport departure taxes

  • Personal items (snacks, toiletries, clothing)

  • Laundry service on the mountain or at the hotel

  • Tips and gratuities for guides and porters

  • Alcoholic or soft drinks not listed in the itinerary

  • Travel insurance (mandatory for trekking)

  • Optional activities (e.g., cultural visits, extra day excursions)

  • Any last-minute changes requested by the client

Price Includes

From the moment you arrive until your departure, we make sure you are free to relax and enjoy your safari.

  • English-speaking chauffeur/guide
  • 4×4 Land Cruiser vehicle
  • Bottled mineral water while on safari
  • Transfers to /from airport / airstrip upon arrival/departure
  • Full board accommodation while on safari
  • All park entrance fees
  • Activities as specified in the itinerary
  • All Tanzanian government taxes & service charges
  •  

Price Excludes

The quoted price does not include the following:

  • All International flights to / from Tanzania
  • Visas
  • All items of a personal nature
  • Laundry service at your lodges
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Alcoholic drinks while on safari
  • Travel Insurance
  • Optional activities (Hot Air Balloon in Serengeti).
  • Last-minute changes made by you
  •  

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