The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and highly recommended paths up Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m). Starting on the western side of the mountain, the route offers beautiful forests, rolling moorlands, and stunning high‑altitude landscapes. Lemosho is known for its excellent acclimatization profile and high summit success rate, making it ideal for trekkers seeking both beauty and challenge.

This 7‑day itinerary takes you through varied ecosystems — from verdant rainforest to rugged alpine desert — before summiting at the iconic Uhuru Peak, then descending via the popular Mweka Route.

Route Highlights

✔ Scenic trek through forests, moorlands & alpine desert
✔ Less crowded trail with panoramic views
✔ Strong summit success thanks to gradual ascent
✔ Expert guides & well‑supported crew
✔ Trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Africa’s highest point
✔ Descent via the peaceful Mweka Route

7 Days Lemosho Route Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and highly recommended paths up Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m). Starting on the western side of the mountain, the route offers beautiful forests, rolling moorlands, and stunning high‑altitude landscapes. Lemosho is known for its excellent acclimatization profile and high summit success rate, making it ideal for trekkers seeking both beauty and challenge.

This 7‑day itinerary takes you through varied ecosystems — from verdant rainforest to rugged alpine desert — before summiting at the iconic Uhuru Peak, then descending via the popular Mweka Route.

Route Highlights

✔ Scenic trek through forests, moorlands & alpine desert
✔ Less crowded trail with panoramic views
✔ Strong summit success thanks to gradual ascent
✔ Expert guides & well‑supported crew
✔ Trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Africa’s highest point
✔ Descent via the peaceful Mweka Route

Pricing

Package Type	Price Per Person (USD)	Notes
Standard Camping	$2,600	Shared tents & dining setup
Luxury Camping / Tented Lodge	$3,400	Upgraded tents & meals
Private Guide & Porter	+$450	Optional upgrade
Airport Pickup (Arusha/Moshi)	Included	From Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport

DAY 1: ARUSHA/MOSHI – LEMOSHO GATE – MTI MKUBWA CAMP

Your journey begins with pick‑up from Arusha or Moshi and a scenic drive to Lemosho Gate (2,100 m) for registration. Start trekking through lush rainforest as you ascend gradually toward Mti Mkubwa Camp.

ACCOMMODATION: Mti Mkubwa Camp (tents)
MEALS: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA CAMP – SHIRA ONE CAMP

Continue through the rainforest and emerge onto the expansive Shira Plateau. Enjoy wide, open views of Kilimanjaro’s slopes as you head to Shira One Camp.

ACCOMMODATION: Shira One Camp
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: SHIRA ONE CAMP – SHIRA TWO CAMP

Trek eastward across the Shira Plateau, gaining more alpine terrain and dramatic vistas. Tonight’s camp offers a great opportunity to rest and acclimatize.

ACCOMMODATION: Shira Two Camp
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: SHIRA TWO CAMP – BARRANCO CAMP

Today’s trek takes you past Lava Tower (4,630 m) — an essential acclimatization point. After reaching the tower, descend into the Barranco Valley and set up camp near the iconic Barranco Wall.

ACCOMMODATION: Barranco Camp
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP

Climb the Barranco Wall, one of the most thrilling parts of the trek, then descend into Karanga Valley. This is an excellent acclimatization day as you prepare for the summit push.

ACCOMMODATION: Karanga Camp
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP

Ascend through alpine desert terrain toward Barafu Camp (4,673 m). Rest in preparation for your late‑night summit attempt.

ACCOMMODATION: Barafu Camp
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: BARAFU CAMP – UHURU PEAK – MWEKA CAMP

Summit Day! Rise around midnight for the final ascent to Stella Point (5,685 m). Continue to the highest point of Africa — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — at sunrise. After celebrating, descend to Mweka Camp for rest and recovery.

ACCOMMODATION: Mweka Camp
MEALS: Light Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – ARUSHA/MOSHI

Descend through the forest to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to Arusha or Moshi for celebration, rest, and departure.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

ESSENTIAL GEAR CHECKLIST

Clothing:

• Breathable base layers
• Insulating fleece/down jacket
• Waterproof/windproof jacket & pants
• Trekking shirts & pants (quick‑dry)
• Warm hat, gloves, buff
• Trekking socks (multiple pairs)
• Headlamp + extra batteries

Footwear:

• Broken‑in hiking boots
• Camp shoes/sandals

Gear & Accessories:

• Sleeping bag (rated to ~−10 °C / 14 °F)
• Daypack (20–30 L)
• Trekking poles
• Water bottles/hydration bladder
• Sunglasses & high SPF sunscreen
• Personal first‑aid kit & toiletries
• Camera & binoculars

Optional Items:

• Lightweight gaiters
• Hand warmers (summit night)
• Snacks/energy bars
• Travel towel

Difficulty & Best Time to Climb

The Lemosho Route is rated moderate to challenging with excellent acclimatization. The best months for climbing are January–March and June–October during the dry seasons — offering better trail conditions and greater summit success.