7 Days

Lemosho Route

  • Overview
  • Summary
  • Itinerary
  • Includes & Excludes
  • Plan Your Safari

7 Days Lemosho Route

The 7-day Lemosho Route is a scenic Kilimanjaro trek, featuring gradual ascents and diverse landscapes from rainforests to volcanic terrain. The route allows for optimal acclimatization, enhancing summit success. With stunning views, skilled guides, & comfortable camps, it offers a balanced challenge, making it ideal for trekkers seeking an unforgettable adventure to Uhuru Peak.

7 Days Lemosho Route Climbing

Tour Summary & Map

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (6 km)

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp (8 km)

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (10 km)

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (7 km)

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Kosovo Camp (6 km)

Day 6: Kosovo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp (19 km)

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (10 km)

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (6 km)
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (6 km)

Elevation: 2,360m/7,742ft to 2,895m/9,498ft

Depart from Moshi for Londorossi Gate (approx. 4-hour drive). Complete entry formalities before driving another hour to the Lemosho trailhead. After a satisfying lunch, start your hike through the dense, untouched rainforest, gradually ascending toward the first campsite. The day’s short distance allows you to acclimatize while surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp (8 km)
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp (8 km)

Elevation: 2,895m/9,498ft to 3,847m/12,621ft

Leave the forest behind as you enter a breathtaking savannah landscape dotted with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped in lichen. As you ascend through lush hills, cross streams, and reach the Shira Ridge, stunning views of Kibo Peak unfold. Continue to Shira 2 Camp, nestled on the plateau, where you can enjoy incredible views of the mountain.

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (10 km)
Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (10 km)

Elevation: 3,847m/12,621ft to 3,976m/13,044ft

Today, you’ll ascend toward the east along a ridge, passing the junction to Kibo’s peak. The trail curves southeast towards the famous Lava Tower, also known as “Shark’s Tooth” (4,650m/15,250ft). This unique landscape aids in acclimatization, ensuring your body adapts to the altitude. After the tower, descend to Barranco Camp, where you’ll camp near the base of the Barranco Wall, a prominent Kilimanjaro landmark.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (7 km)
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (7 km)

Elevation: 3,976m/13,044ft to 4,050m/13,250ft

Start the day with a challenging climb up the Barranco Wall. This steep but rewarding ascent offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Once at the top, follow the ridge down into the Karanga Valley, where you’ll meet the Mweka Trail junction. After a day of steady climbing, rest and take in the striking scenery at Karanga Camp.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Kosovo Camp (6 km)
Karanga Camp to Kosovo Camp (6 km)

Elevation: 4,050m/13,250ft to 4,870m/15,978ft

Continue your journey along the South Circuit, heading towards Kosovo Camp via Barafu Camp. This leg offers breathtaking views of the summit from various perspectives as you trek across volcanic rock and alpine desert. Upon reaching Kosovo Camp, enjoy a well-deserved break, prepare for summit day, and take in the awe-inspiring surroundings. The day ends with a satisfying dinner in preparation for the night ahead.

Day 6: Kosovo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp (19 km)
Kosovo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp (19 km)

Elevation: 4,870m/15,978ft to 5,895m/19,341ft to 3,068m/10,065ft

Depart for the final summit push at midnight, ascending through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the Crater rim. This is the most demanding section of the trek, but your reward is the stunning sunrise over the mountain. From Stella Point, it’s a final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa (5,895m/19,341ft). After celebrating your achievement with photos, descend to Mweka Camp, where you’ll rest for the night, surrounded by the mountain’s incredible vistas.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (10 km)
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (10 km)

Elevation: 3,068m/10,065ft to 1,640m/5,380ft

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic descent through Kilimanjaro’s lush cloud forest to Mweka Gate. Be cautious on the slippery trail as you make your way down. At the gate, enjoy the final stretch, where you can buy souvenirs like t-shirts and drinks. Vehicles will be waiting to take you back to Moshi, marking the end of your incredible journey.

Includes & Excludes

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7 Days Lemosho Route

Mid Range

Luxury

Top Luxury

Discover Africa's Best Mountain Packages

Mount Kilimanjaro offers several scenic routes to its summit, each varying in difficulty and duration. Popular paths include Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, and Northern Circuit. These routes showcase diverse landscapes—from rainforest to alpine desert—culminating at Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.

7 Days Rongai Route

6 Days Marangu Route

7 Days Machame Route

8 Days Lemosho Route

7 Days Lemosho Route FAQs

How do I choose a Kilimanjaro tour operator?

Choosing the right Kilimanjaro Tour Operator is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when hiking Africa’s highest peak.

It is often advised to look for a registered and experienced operator that has good reviews, professional mountain guides, and follows proper safety practices.

A good company should also take care of its crew, provide fair wages, reasonable porter loads, and appropriate meals. Don’t just go with the cheapest option.

A reliable operator provides superior support, high-quality equipment, and a safer experience on the mountain.

The cost of Climbing Kilimanjaro usually ranges between $2,000 and $5,000. This depends on the route, the number of days, whether the climb is group or private, and the services included.

Remember, cheaper companies may cut corners on staff welfare or safety equipment.

A reasonable price usually includes park fees, experienced guides, meals, tents, porters, and airport transfers.

Therefore, always ask for a detailed cost breakdown before booking.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons. January to mid-March and June to October offer the most stable weather and clearer views.

These months are ideal for achieving summit success and enjoying comfort. The long rains (late March to May) and short rains (November) make the trails slippery and reduce visibility.

While climbing during the rainy seasons is possible, it’s not ideal unless you’re prepared for wet, muddy, and more difficult conditions.

The Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes are known for beautiful scenery and good acclimatization. 

Machame is the most popular, offering a dramatic and varied landscape. 

Rongai is less crowded and drier, great for those seeking quiet trails. 

Marangu is the only route with hut accommodations, but it offers less time for acclimatization.

Hence, your choice should depend on your fitness, time, and comfort level with altitude.

Climbing Kilimanjaro should not be rushed. The longer you spend on the mountain, the better your chances of acclimatizing properly and reaching the summit safely.

Most climbers choose a seven or 8-day route. These extra days allow your body to adjust gradually to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes shorter than 6 days often lead to lower summit success and more health issues.

The weather on Kilimanjaro changes dramatically with altitude. You’ll experience five different climate zones, from tropical rainforest at the base to arctic conditions at the summit.

Days are warmer on the lower slopes (around 20–27°C / 68–80°F), while nights are much colder at higher altitudes.

Near the summit, temperatures can drop as low as -20°C (-4°F), especially before sunrise. Be ready for sun, wind, rain, and freezing temperatures—all in one climb.

The essential items that are a must-have when climbing Kilimanjaro include:  waterproof hiking boots, thermal base layers, an insulated jacket, waterproof pants and jacket, gloves, a hat, a warm sleeping bag, a headlamp, and a daypack.

The support team carries your large duffel bag (up to 15 kg), while you have only a small daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and a jacket. We always provide a complete Kilimanjaro Packing List.

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you must be physically prepared by doing some intensive training for Kilimanjaro. The best way to train is by doing long-distance hikes with elevation gain while carrying a backpack.

Build your endurance 2–3 months before the trip with regular walking, stair climbing, strength training, and cardio.

Aim for 4–6-hour hikes at a steady pace. Most of all, get used to walking uphill and downhill for several days in a row.

Kilimanjaro is considered a non-technical mountain, but the high altitude can be risky. Good operators take safety seriously. Trained guides monitor your health every day using pulse oximeters and ask questions to check for signs of altitude sickness. Oxygen cylinders, first-aid kits, and emergency evacuation plans are standard. If you climb with an experienced team and follow their advice, the climb is safe and well-managed.

If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is. Budget operators often cut costs by paying porters unfair wages, overloading staff, using worn-out gear, or skipping proper meals and safety checks. These practices are not just unethical; they also affect your overall experience. Reputable companies charge more because they take care of their team, use better equipment, and focus on your safety and success.

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"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

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JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

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