7-Day Climbing Kilimanjaro Via Lemosho Route Itinerary Prices & dates
7 Days • Start and end in Arusha
$ 1,980 pp (USD)
Request a Free Quote
Payment Plan: 10% of the total price Learn More
Best price guarantee Learn More
🌄 Why Choose the Lemosho Route
1: High Success Rate (90%+)
The Lemosho Route offers one of the best acclimatization profiles, giving climbers a higher chance of reaching Uhuru Peak successfully.
3: Panoramic Views
Offers sweeping views of Mount Meru, the Shira Plateau, and the Great Rift Valley — ideal for photography lovers.
2: Less Crowded Start
The first few days are quiet and remote, allowing a peaceful trek before joining the busier Machame Route near Lava Tower.
4: Wildlife & nature
The western side of Kilimanjaro has more wildlife and dense forest, so you may spot colobus monkeys and rich birdlife early in the climb.
🧭 The Itinerery Map
7-Day Lemosho Route Overview
The 7-day Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and rewarding treks to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from the lush rainforest of the western slopes, the route gradually ascends through the Shira Plateau, alpine moorlands, and arid landscapes before reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. This route offers excellent acclimatization, fewer crowds, and panoramic views of Mount Meru and the Great Rift Valley. With its steady pace and breathtaking scenery, Lemosho provides a perfect balance between adventure, comfort, and summit success.
🗓️ Itinerary
2.5 Hour Drive From Arusha
Elevation: 2,100 m (Arusha) → 2,385 m (Lemosho Gate) → 2,650 m (Forest Camp)
Distance: 6 km / 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro CampingAfter an early breakfast in Arusha, you’ll drive for about 4–5 hours to the Lemosho Gate, enjoying scenic views of Tanzanian highlands and local villages along the way. After registration and briefing, the trek begins through a lush rainforest filled with colobus monkeys, exotic birds, and rich vegetation. The trail ascends gently, introducing you to Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty and fresh mountain air. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Forest Camp (Mti Mkubwa Camp) for dinner and overnight camping beneath the tranquil forest canopy.
Overnight at Moir Hut
Elevation: 2,650 m (Forest Camp) → 3,500 m (Shira 1 Camp) → 4,200 m (Moir Hut Camp)
Distance: 10–12 km / 6–8 hours
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Camping
After breakfast, the trail leaves the rainforest and climbs steadily through the heather and moorland zones. You’ll cross the Shira Ridge, gaining stunning panoramic views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. A lunch stop is taken at Shira 1 Camp, where you can rest and acclimatize before continuing across the open high-altitude plateau to Moir Hut Camp, tucked beneath massive lava cliffs. This quiet and remote campsite offers an excellent environment for acclimatization and a chance to explore nearby rock formations before dinner and overnight camping.
Explore the Barranco Wall
Elevation: 4,200 m (Moir Hut Camp) → 4,600 m (Lava Tower) → 3,950 m (Barranco Camp)
Distance: 10 km / 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Camping
Today’s trek follows the principle of “climb high, sleep low” to aid acclimatization. You’ll begin with a gradual ascent from Moir Hut, joining the main trail that leads to the Lava Tower (4,600 m), a striking volcanic rock formation where you’ll stop for lunch and acclimatization. From here, the trail descends into the beautiful Barranco Valley, surrounded by towering cliffs and the iconic Barranco Wall in view. The descent offers a welcome change in scenery, with lush vegetation returning as you approach Barranco Camp. Enjoy dinner and overnight at this scenic campsite beneath the towering walls of Kilimanjaro.
Dinner & Overnight at Karanga
Elevation: 3,950 m (Barranco Camp) → 4,200 m (Karanga Camp)
Distance: 5 km / 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Camping
Your day begins with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, one of the most memorable sections of the Lemosho Route. Though it looks challenging, the non-technical ascent is safe and fun, offering spectacular views of the Kilimanjaro glaciers and the Heim and Kersten Glaciers as you climb. After reaching the top of the wall, the trail undulates through valleys and ridges before descending into the Karanga Valley, where you’ll cross a small stream and make a short ascent to Karanga Camp. This shorter day allows for rest and acclimatization, preparing you for the higher altitudes ahead. Dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp.
Explore the ice walls of the Kili
Elevation: 4,200 m (Karanga Camp) → 4,673 m (Barafu Camp)
Distance: 4 km / 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Camping
After breakfast, the trek continues on a steady uphill climb across a rocky and wind-exposed terrain with sparse vegetation. The path gradually merges with the Mweka Route, which you will later use for your descent. As you approach Barafu Camp, the surrounding landscape transforms into a dramatic alpine desert with sweeping views of Mawenzi Peak and the summit ridge of Kibo. Upon arrival, you’ll rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. It’s essential to stay hydrated and keep warm as temperatures drop sharply at this altitude. Overnight at Barafu Camp before your final ascent to the summit.
Summit Day
Elevation: 4,673 m (Barafu Camp) → 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak) → 3,100 m (Mweka Camp)
Distance: 8 km ascent / 15 km descent / 12–16 hours total
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Camping
The day begins around midnight with a torch-lit trek to the summit. The ascent is steep, cold, and challenging, but the “climb high, sleep low” acclimatization strategy helps you reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) by sunrise. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Meru, the Great Rift Valley, and the snow-capped glaciers of Kibo. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, you’ll descend past Barafu Camp for a brief rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp, crossing moorlands and forest on the way. Overnight at Mweka Camp offers a well-earned rest after the summit push.
Certification Day
Elevation: 3,100 m (Mweka Camp) → 1,640 m (Mweka Gate) → 1,400 m (Arusha)
Distance: 10 km descent / 3–4 hours trekking + 4–5 hours drive
Accommodation: N/A (return to hotel or lodge in Arusha)
After breakfast at Mweka Camp, you’ll descend through the lush rainforest, enjoying the final views of Kilimanjaro’s slopes. The trail is mostly downhill, passing streams, giant ferns, and wildlife such as colobus monkeys and exotic birds. At Mweka Gate, you’ll complete the official park exit formalities and receive your summit certificate. From here, a private vehicle will drive you back to Arusha, where you can relax, celebrate your achievement, and enjoy a well-deserved rest after the week-long adventure.
✅ Inclusions in The Package
Included
-
Park fees
(For non-residents)
-
All activities
(Unless labeled as optional)
-
All accommodation
(Unless listed as an upgrade)
-
A professional Mountain Guide
-
Guides, Porters, cook salaries, and park fees
-
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
-
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
-
Clean, purified drinking water
-
Oximeter
-
Medical Kit
-
Emergency oxygen
-
Crisis management and safety procedures
-
Fair and ethical treatment of porters
-
All transportation
(Unless labeled as optional)
-
All Taxes/VAT
-
Round-trip flight
Excluded
-
International flights
(From/to home)
-
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
-
Tips
(Tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
-
The government imposed an increase in taxes and/or park fees
-
Personal items
(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Our Reviews on TripAdvisor
⭐ 150+ Reviews on TripAdvisor
Bakari, the best Guide
3-Day-Safari, Serengeti and Ngorongoro: We had a lot of fun with our guide Bakari. He knew anything about the animals, found the best spots and showed us the beautiful sunrise and also sunset in the serengeti...
Read Review
Holger B / Aug 2025
An Amazing Experience
From the first moment I contacted Gadiel the truth that super attentive and very resolute at all times. In each accommodation we made things much easier and the safari spectacular!...
Read Review
Vacation 61974955803 / Dec 2024
Top notch
Two 18yr olds had a superb trip to climb Kilimanjaro and then go on safari. Gadiel was superb organising everything. We felt very confident entrusting our boys with him and his team...
Read Review
Thundercatgo / Oct 2024
Innocent Alfey
"Inno’s vision for sustainability ensures that every adventure not only uplifts the spirit but also honors and preserves the soul of Tanzania."
Answered by
ℹ️ 5 Questions About 7 Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Via lemosho Route
Answered by
Innocent Alfey
1
What is the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic trails, starting on the western slopes. It passes through rainforest, moorlands, alpine desert, and glaciers before reaching Uhuru Peak. Known for its gradual ascent, fewer crowds, and high success rate, it is ideal for trekkers seeking both adventure and breathtaking panoramic views across the Shira Plateau and surrounding landscapes.
2
How difficult is the Climb?
The 7-day Lemosho Route is moderately challenging. It involves long days of trekking at high altitudes, including a steep midnight ascent to the summit. Good fitness and stamina are required. However, the gradual acclimatization schedule, shorter daily distances, and the “climb high, sleep low” approach make it one of the safest and most successful routes.
3
What is the best time to climb?
The best time to climb via Lemosho Route is during the dry seasons: January–March and June–October. These months offer more stable weather, clearer skies, and lower chances of rain. Climbing in the dry season increases the chance of a successful summit while providing spectacular views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers, surrounding peaks, and the Great Rift Valley.
4
What should I expect on the route?
Expect diverse landscapes and changing climates. The trek starts in lush rainforest, then moves into moorlands and alpine desert before reaching snowfields near the summit. Wildlife such as colobus monkeys and exotic birds is common early in the hike. Trekking involves long ascents, occasional steep sections like Barranco Wall, and rewarding panoramic vistas of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau.
5
What accommodations are provided?
Accommodation on the 7-day Lemosho Route is Kilimanjaro camping, which includes sturdy tents with sleeping mats and camp chairs. Campsites such as Forest Camp, Moir Hut, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu, and Mweka provide safe and comfortable resting spots. Meals are prepared at camps, offering nutritious options for energy and recovery. Summit day involves a night-time start and basic camp facilities at Barafu.
Tips about the Lemosho Route
Closer view of Mount Kilimanjaro
Where exactly is Lemosho situated?
The Lemosho Route is located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, within Kilimanjaro National Park in northern Tanzania. The trail begins at Lemosho Gate, near Londorossi Gate, about a 4–5 hour drive from Arusha or Moshi. This western starting point offers a quieter, more remote approach to the mountain, with stunning scenery and excellent acclimatization opportunities.
How can I reach Mt Kilimanjaro?
Most climbers reach Mount Kilimanjaro by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located between Arusha and Moshi in northern Tanzania. From the airport, it’s a 1–2 hour drive to your hotel or starting point. Safari Roam Tours provides convenient airport transfers and transportation to the mountain gates, including Lemosho, Machame, and Marangu, depending on your chosen route.
An Air plane
Mount kilimanjaro View with Tents & Huts
What is the overall distance of the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route covers approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the Lemosho Gate to Uhuru Peak and down to Mweka Gate. The total distance is usually completed over 7 to 8 days, allowing for better acclimatization and a higher summit success rate. The gradual ascent and diverse landscapes make it one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and rewarding routes.
What are the rainy and dry seasons in Lemosho?
The Lemosho Route, like all routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, experiences two main dry seasons and two rainy seasons. The dry seasons run from January to mid-March and June to October, offering the best trekking conditions. The rainy seasons occur from April to May and November to mid-December, bringing wetter trails and cloudier views.
The Sunset View of the Kilimanjaro during the evening
🌍 "Ready to
start planning your next
great journey?"
🚀 "Your adventure, your way—send us your ideas and receive a tailor-made itinerary in 2 hours."