Overview

This 7-Day Lemosho Route is run by Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, a locally based Tanzanian operator. You climb with experienced mountain guides, porters and cooks, and we plan every detail with you.

Why book this 7-Day Lemosho Route with us

First, every 7-Day Lemosho Route we run is tailor-made, so we can adjust the dates, accommodation and pace. In addition, our local team supports you from arrival to departure. Before you travel, you can also read about the area on the official Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) website. For more ideas, see our other Kilimanjaro National Park tours.

Why climb the Lemosho Route

Take on the ultimate Mount Kilimanjaro adventure with our 7-Day Lemosho Route Trek, one of the best and most scenic routes on the mountain. The Lemosho Route is famous for breathtaking landscapes, an excellent acclimatization profile and a high summit success rate. So we highly recommend it for climbers who want an unforgettable journey to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.

From rainforest to the Shira Plateau

The Lemosho Route starts on the quiet western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. First, you walk through pristine rainforest. Then you cross the spectacular Shira Plateau, one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world. Along the way, you pass through five unique ecological zones, such as lush rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and the glacier-covered summit.

The route also follows the internationally recommended "climb high, sleep low" principle, so your body adjusts gradually to the altitude. As a result, Lemosho has some of the highest summit success rates on Mount Kilimanjaro.

At Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, we highly recommend the Lemosho Route because it offers some of the closest and clearest views of Kibo Peak and Uhuru Peak, especially from the Shira Plateau on clear days. In addition, our professional mountain guides, experienced cooks, quality camping gear and personal service make this one of the finest trekking experiences in Africa.

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arusha / Moshi – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

Your adventure begins with a pickup from Arusha, Moshi, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or Arusha Airport (ARK). First, you drive to Londorossi Gate for park registration. Then you continue by vehicle to the Lemosho Trailhead, where your trek begins through the untouched rainforest of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park.

You walk beneath towering, moss-covered indigenous trees while looking for colorful birds, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and unusual forest plants. This peaceful trail is also far less crowded than other routes, so you can fully enjoy Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty.

Later, you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m), where your mountain crew has your tents ready. Finally, enjoy a freshly cooked dinner before your first night on Africa’s highest mountain.

Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Distance: 6 km
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 02 :

Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, you leave the rainforest behind and enter the beautiful heath and moorland zone. As the trail climbs steadily, breathtaking views open up of the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most remarkable geological features.

Then the landscape opens dramatically, with giant lobelias, everlasting flowers, volcanic rock formations and panoramic mountain scenery. On clear days, you also get your first magnificent views of Kibo Peak. So this is one of the most memorable hiking days.

Finally, you arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) for dinner and the night beneath an incredible African sunset.

Hiking Time: 5–6 Hours
Distance: 8 km
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03 :

Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

Today’s trek crosses the magnificent Shira Plateau, one of the highlights of the Lemosho Route. The open landscape offers spectacular panoramic views of Kibo Peak, glaciers, volcanic formations and endless mountain scenery.

Meanwhile, the gentle ascent gives you excellent acclimatization on one of the most scenic sections of the mountain. Many climbers also consider this the best place on Kilimanjaro for photography, because the views are wide open and dramatic.

Later, you arrive at Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m), where you can relax and enjoy breathtaking sunset views.

Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Distance: 7 km
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04 :

Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

Today follows the important climb high, sleep low principle. First, you trek gradually toward the impressive Lava Tower (4,630 m). On the way, you cross dramatic alpine desert with incredible panoramic views.

After lunch near Lava Tower, you descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m), so your body can acclimatize naturally. Along the way, you also enjoy spectacular scenery, such as giant senecio plants, volcanic valleys and towering cliffs.

Finally, you reach Barranco Camp, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful camps on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Hiking Time: 6–8 Hours
Distance: 10 km
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05 :

Barranco Camp – Barranco Wall – Karanga Camp

After breakfast, you climb the famous Barranco Wall, an exciting but non-technical scramble. Our experienced mountain team guides you safely all the way. Then, at the top of the wall, you enjoy breathtaking views of glaciers, Kibo Peak and the valleys below.

Next, you continue through rolling alpine terrain toward Karanga Camp (4,035 m), with spectacular scenery and excellent acclimatization. Afterwards, you spend the afternoon resting and preparing for your final ascent.

Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Distance: 5 km
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 06 :

Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

After breakfast, you hike to Barafu Camp (4,640 m), your final base camp before the summit. Then you have an early dinner and several hours of rest. At midnight, you begin your climb beneath a sky filled with thousands of stars.

First, you reach Stella Point. Then you continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. Here you watch an unforgettable sunrise above the clouds, celebrate your achievement and take stunning photos from the Roof of Africa.

Afterwards, you descend to Mweka Camp (3,100 m) for your final night on the mountain.

Hiking Time: 11–15 Hours
Distance: 17 km
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 07 :

Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha / Moshi

After breakfast, you descend through lush rainforest and enjoy your final views of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. The trail passes beautiful tropical plants, towering trees and colorful birds before reaching Mweka Gate.

There you receive your official Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate and celebrate with your mountain crew. Finally, we transfer you back to Arusha, Moshi, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or Arusha Airport (ARK), with unforgettable memories of climbing Africa’s highest mountain.

Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Distance: 10 km
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch