7 days
Lemosho Route
7 days mount kilimanjaro trekking via lemosho route
The Lemosho Route, with its unparalleled scenic beauty, diverse landscapes, and higher success rates, is a trekker’s paradise. It offers a quieter, less crowded path to the summit, with a trekking experience that includes lush rainforests and arid alpine deserts. Here’s a detailed guide for a 7-8 day trek via this unique and captivating Lemosho Route.
Overview of the Lemosho Route
Duration：
7 Days Trekking
Difficulty Level
Distance
Approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles)
Best Time to Climb
January to mid-March and June to October
Starting - End Point
Londorossi Gate – Mweka Gate
Departure dates
Route
Lemosho Route Trekking
Price per person1 Person
Price From
$2,831
Per Person
2 – 3 Person
Price From
$ 2,613
Per Person
6 – 10 Person
Price From
$ 2,533
Per Person
11+ Person
Price From
$ 2,476
Per Person
Your Journey Mapped Out
Ready to set out? Your adventure awaits!
- DAY 1 - Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) - Arusha
- DAY 2 - Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp
- DAY 3 - Big Tree Camp to Shira Camp 2
- DAY 4 - Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- DAY 5 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- DAY 6 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- DAY 7 - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- DAY 8 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
- DAY 9 - Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport
Day 1
Arrival
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your guide and the rest of your trekking team will meet you and take you to your hotel in Arusha. This day is for resting, meeting your team, and getting a briefing. Your team will consist of experienced guides, porters, and cooks who will ensure your safety, comfort, and well-being throughout the trek. Prepare your gear and take time to relax and adjust to the local climate.
Accommodation before and After
Golden Tulip
located in Arusha (City)
- HB – Dinner and Breakfast
- Drinks not included
Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp
Elevation
Distance
6 km
Hiking Time
3-4 hours
Habitat
Day 2
Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp
Your exciting journey starts with a drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate for registration, followed by a convenient transfer to the trailhead. As you trek through the vibrant rainforest, be prepared to encounter fantastic wildlife, such as colobus monkeys and various bird species. The day’s hike is relatively short and culminates at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.
Day 3: Big Tree Camp to Shira Camp 2
Elevation
Distance
16 km
Hiking Time
7-8 hours
Habitat
Day 3
Big Tree Camp to Shira Camp 2
Today’s hike involves a significant elevation gain as you leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone. The trail is steeper and more challenging, offering spectacular views of the Shira Plateau. As you progress, the vegetation becomes sparse, and the landscape opens up. You’ll camp at Shira 2 Camp, which provides panoramic views and an excellent spot for acclimatization.
Day 3: Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation
Distance
10 km
Hiking Time
7-8 hours
Habitat
Day 4
Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
This day is crucial for acclimatization. You’ll hike to Lava Tower, a striking rock formation at 4,640 meters, and then descend to Barranco Camp. This ‘climb high, sleep low’ strategy involves ascending to a higher altitude during the day and then descending to a lower altitude to sleep. This helps your body adjust to the altitude and reduces the risk of altitude sickness. The trek to Lava Tower is challenging, but the descent to Barranco Camp is relatively more straightforward, offering beautiful views of the Western Breach and the Great Barranco Wall.
Day 5 : Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation
3,960m to 4,035m
Distance
5 km
Hiking Time
4-5 hours
Habitat
Day 5
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
You will start the day by ascending the Barranco Wall, a non-technical climb that involves some hands-on scrambling. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy amazing views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s southern glaciers and the Heim Glacier. After that, the trail descends into the Karanga Valley and climbs to Karanga Camp, where you will spend the night.
Day 6 : Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation
4,035m to 4,640m
Distance
Hiking Time
4-5 hours
Habitat
Day 6
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Today’s hike is relatively short but steep. It will take you to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. The trail traverses an alpine desert with little vegetation, and the altitude makes the hike more challenging. You’ll arrive at Barafu Camp in the early afternoon, giving you time to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit push. Ensure all your gear is ready for the midnight departure.
Day 7 : Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation
4,640m to 5,895m to 3,080m
Distance
Hiking Time
10-14 hours
Habitat
Day 7
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
The most challenging and rewarding day begins around midnight. You’ll ascend the steep slopes to Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim, a tough climb due to the altitude and cold. After a short break at Stella Point, head to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The sunrise from the summit is a magical experience. After celebrating and taking photos, you’ll begin the long descent to Mweka Camp, passing through Barafu Camp for a short break.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
Elevation
Distance
10 km
Hiking Time
3-4 hours
Habitat
Rainforest
Day 8
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
The final day involves a straightforward descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail can get muddy and slippery, so trekking poles will be beneficial. At Mweka Gate, you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificates, which are tangible proof of your remarkable achievement. A vehicle will then take you back to your hotel in Arusha, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible journey, filled with a deep sense of pride and satisfaction.
Day 9
Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport
After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, you’ll have time to explore Arusha or relax at the hotel. This time is crucial for rejuvenating your body and mind after the strenuous trek. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. This marks the end of your unforgettable journey on the Lemosho Route, leaving you with a treasure trove of memories and experiences that will bring you a smile every time you recall them.
Accommodation before and After
Golden Tulip
located in Arusha (City)
- HB – Dinner and Breakfast
- Drinks not included
Included
- professional, English-speaking guide
- mountain crew (cook & porters)
- 8 nights‘ stay in lodges and mountain tents
- camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc)
- portable toilet and toilet tent
- meals according to the itinerary
- drinking water
- all national park fees
- all mentioned transfers
Excluded
- flights (international and domestic)
- meals not indicated in the itinerary
- alcoholic and soft drinks
- sleeping bag (can be rented at extra cost)
- tips
- personal expenses, visa fees, travel insurance