7-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Tanzania In 2025-2026

Overview:

The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and less crowded routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 7-day itinerary offers a gradual ascent, increasing the chances of a successful summit. This route takes you through lush rainforests, open moorlands, and alpine deserts before reaching the Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters.

Itinerary

This itinerary is designed for adventure enthusiasts aiming to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic and less-crowded Lemosho Route. With gradual elevation gains, this route maximizes acclimatization opportunities for a successful summit.

Day 0: Arrival in Moshi

• Activities:
  • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to your hotel in Moshi.
  • Attend a pre-climb briefing and gear check with your guide.
  • Rest and prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
• Meals: Dinner
• Accommodation: Standard hotel in Moshi

Day 1: Moshi to Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m)

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Activities:
  • Depart from Moshi and drive to Londorossi Gate for registration and permits.
  • Begin your trek through the lush rainforest, home to unique wildlife like colobus monkeys.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)

• Hiking Time: 8–10 hours
• Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
• Habitat: Moorland
• Activities:
  • Trek from Mti Mkubwa through the heather and moorland zone.
  • Enjoy views of Shira Ridge and the plateau before continuing to Shira 2 Camp.
  • A long but rewarding day, with acclimatization benefits.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp

Day 3: Shira 2 to Lava Tower (4,600m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m)

• Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Habitat: Alpine desert
• Activities:
  • Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatization.
  • Descend to Barranco Camp, surrounded by stunning views of the Barranco Wall.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035m)

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
• Habitat: Alpine desert
• Activities:
  • Tackle the Barranco Wall, one of the trek’s most memorable features.
  • Enjoy panoramic views as you trek to Karanga Camp, a crucial acclimatization stop.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673m)

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
• Habitat: Alpine desert
• Activities:
  • Make your way to Barafu Camp, the final stop before your summit push.
  • Have an early dinner and rest in preparation for the midnight ascent.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 6: Summit Day! Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

• Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
• Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
• Habitat: Arctic to rainforest
• Activities:
  • Begin your summit climb at midnight to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise.
  • Celebrate your achievement with stunning views from the highest point in Africa.
  • Descend to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m) to Moshi

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Activities:
  • Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate.
  • Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Moshi for relaxation.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Standard hotel in Moshi

Inclusions

• Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
• Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
• Tents and camping equipment
• All meals as outlined in the itinerary
• Round-trip airport transfers
• Two nights' accommodation in Moshi (before and after the trek)

Exclusions

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Climbing gear (available for rent)
• Tips for guides, cooks, and porters
• Personal expenses