7-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro climbing
Lemosho Route
Mountain view
Summit view
Kilimanjaro · Lemosho Route

7-Day Lemosho Route Climb

Moshi → Lemosho Gate → Big Tree → Shira 2 → Barranco → Karanga → Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka → Moshi

The Lemosho Route is widely considered the most beautiful path up Kilimanjaro. It approaches from the west, crossing the Shira Plateau before joining the main route. The scenery is spectacular — rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the summit zone. The 7-day itinerary gives you time to acclimatize properly, with a gradual ascent that makes summit night more manageable. This is the route for climbers who want the best scenery and the best chance of reaching the summit.

Why Choose the Lemosho Route

The Lemosho Route is the most scenic route on Kilimanjaro. It starts in the west, crossing the Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route. The scenery changes every day — rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the summit zone. The route is less crowded than Machame, and the 7-day itinerary gives you plenty of time to acclimatize.

The route follows the "climb high, sleep low" principle, with a hike to Lava Tower (4,600m) before descending to Barranco Camp (3,960m) to sleep. This helps your body adjust to the altitude. The Barranco Wall offers a fun scramble with great views. The Shira Plateau is one of the most dramatic sections of the climb. This is the route for climbers who want the full Kilimanjaro experience.

Tour features and specifications
7 Days / 6 Nights
Private 1 – 10+ Guests
Camping Accommodation
Full Board on Mountain
Certified English-Speaking Guides
Emergency Oxygen & First Aid
Summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Private Transfers Included
Excellent Acclimatization
Day-by-day itinerary
Moshi arrival

Hussein meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport. The transfer to Moshi takes about an hour. You check into your hotel and settle in.

In the evening, you meet your guide for a pre-climb briefing. He goes through the route, the gear, the schedule, and what to expect. Equipment check — you'll leave anything you don't need on the mountain at the hotel. Dinner is served at the hotel. Get some sleep.

Good to know Private transfer from airport. Dinner included. Overnight at hotel in Moshi.
Lemosho Gate

After breakfast, you drive to Lemosho Gate. The drive takes about two hours. You register at the gate, meet your porters, and start the trek.

The trail climbs through lush rainforest. The canopy is thick, and the air is humid. The path is well-maintained. After about four hours, you reach Big Tree Camp. You set up your tent, eat dinner, and rest.

Good to know 4 hour trek, 7 km. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Overnight at Big Tree Camp (2,850m).
Shira 2 Camp

You leave Big Tree Camp after breakfast. The trail crosses the Shira Plateau. The views are spectacular — Kibo is visible in the distance, and the plateau stretches out in every direction. The vegetation changes to moorland and alpine desert.

The trek takes about nine to eleven hours. You arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the afternoon. You set up your tent, eat dinner, and rest. The altitude is noticeable at this camp.

Good to know 9-11 hour trek, 16.5 km. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Overnight at Shira 2 Camp (3,850m).
Barranco Camp

You leave Shira 2 Camp after breakfast. You hike toward Lava Tower (4,600m) — this is the key acclimatization day. The landscape changes to alpine desert. You reach Lava Tower in the afternoon, have lunch, and then descend to Barranco Camp.

The descent helps your body adjust to the altitude. The "climb high, sleep low" principle is built into this day. You arrive at Barranco Camp in the afternoon. The views of the Barranco Wall are impressive.

Good to know 7 hour trek, 10 km. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Overnight at Barranco Camp (3,960m).
Barranco Wall

You start the day with a scramble up the Barranco Wall. It's not technical — more like a steep hike with some handholds. The views from the top are spectacular. From there, you continue through the Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp.

The trek takes about five hours. You arrive at Karanga Camp in the afternoon. This is a shorter day, which gives you time to rest and acclimatize. The extra rest will be valuable for the days ahead.

Good to know 5 hour trek, 5.5 km. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Overnight at Karanga Camp (3,995m).
Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you continue to Barafu Camp. The trek takes about three hours. You arrive at Barafu Camp in the early afternoon. This is the last stop before summit night.

You eat an early dinner and go to bed by 6 PM. The summit attempt starts at midnight. The 7-day Lemosho route has given you plenty of time to acclimatize — you're ready for the push.

Good to know 3 hour trek, 3 km. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Overnight at Barafu Camp (4,673m).
Uhuru Peak

You wake at 11:30 PM. A quick snack and some tea. You start the ascent at midnight. The trail is steep and loose — scree and rock underfoot. You climb in the dark, headlamps lighting the path. The pace is slow. "Pole, pole" — slowly, slowly.

You reach Stella Point at sunrise. The view is spectacular. From here, it's another hour to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa. You take photos. You celebrate. You check the box.

Then you start the descent. You return to Barafu Camp for a short rest and some food. Then you continue down to Mweka Camp. You arrive in the afternoon, exhausted and satisfied. Dinner is served in the dining tent.

Good to know 5-7 hour summit ascent, 5-6 hour descent. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Overnight at Mweka Camp (3,110m).
Mweka Gate

After breakfast, you descend to Mweka Gate. The trail drops through the rainforest. The air gets warmer and more humid. Your legs are tired, but the feeling of accomplishment carries you.

You reach Mweka Gate in the early afternoon. You sign out, receive your summit certificate, and meet your driver. The transfer to Moshi takes about an hour. You check into your hotel. Celebration dinner is optional. You sleep well.

Good to know 3-4 hour descent, 10 km. Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight at hotel in Moshi.
Best time to climb Lemosho

The Lemosho Route is accessible year-round. The dry months are the best time for climbing, but the wet months have fewer crowds.

  • January to March. Dry season. Clear skies, good visibility, warm days, cold nights. Peak climbing season.
  • June to October. Dry season. Excellent conditions, clear skies, cold nights. Peak climbing period.
  • April to May. Rainy season. Wet trails, fewer crowds, lower rates. Not recommended for beginners.
  • November to December. Short rains. Fewer crowds, lower rates. Good for experienced climbers.
Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Lemosho and Machame Routes?

Both routes are similar, but Lemosho starts further west and crosses the Shira Plateau. It's more scenic and less crowded than Machame. The 7-day Lemosho route has a better acclimatization profile than the 6-day Machame route.

What is the camping like on the Lemosho Route?

You sleep in tents on the Lemosho Route. The tents are comfortable and well-maintained. There are also mess tents for dining and toilet tents at each camp. Your porters carry all the equipment and set up camp each day.

Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?

Yes. Even though the tents have sleeping mats, you need a sleeping bag. The temperatures drop significantly at night, especially at higher altitudes. We recommend a four-season sleeping bag rated to -10°C.

What fitness level do I need for the Lemosho Route?

You need to be in good physical condition. Regular hiking or cardio training in the months before your climb is essential. The Lemosho Route is longer than some other routes, but the 7-day itinerary gives you more time to acclimatize.

Is altitude sickness common on the Lemosho Route?

Altitude sickness is common on any route up Kilimanjaro. The Lemosho Route has an excellent acclimatization profile with the "climb high, sleep low" principle. Your guide monitors your health closely and will adjust the pace accordingly.

What's included in the price?

Park fees, camping fees, guides, porters, cooks, all meals on the mountain, emergency oxygen, and airport transfers. International flights, visas, personal gear, and tips are not included.

Explore more routes

Looking for a different route or a longer climb? Check out these related options.

5-Day Marangu Route
6-Day Marangu Route
6-Day Machame Route
7-Day Machame Route
6-Day Umbwe Route
6-Day Rongai Route
All Kilimanjaro Routes
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Booking and payment
Pickup from Moshi hotel or Kilimanjaro Airport.
Comprehensive evacuation and medical insurance included.
10% Low-Season discount available (April–May, November).
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