Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
7 days climbing Lemosho Route is one of the best options for climbing Kilimanjaro. The route provides plenty of time for acclimatization and takes in the entire scenery of the mountain as it practically traverses it from west to east. The access via the western route requires a bit longer drive to the trail head but is well worth it as you get to drive through some wild country and may even be lucky enough to spot buffalo or an elephant. During the first few days of the trek, you will ascend the western flank of the mountain a side of mountain few visitors reach as you ascend through the lowland jungles to the Shira Plateau. Climbers spend the afternoon resting here before making a midnight summit push. It's a 6-hour slog to the crater rim and another hour of traversing across the rim of the crater to reach Uhuru Peak the final summit and highest point in Africa.
What's included
Transportation (hotel pickup and drop off)
Rescue fees (required by national park)
National Park gate fees
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Certified, experienced, English-speaking Guides
Food and Drinks (breakfast, lunch, dinner, water and soft drinks)
Porters' salaries
Travelers must bring their own personal equipment's or gears.
What to expect
Day 1: Londorosi Gate to Forest Camp
Kilimanjaro National Park
4h
We depart Arusha or Moshi from Hotel for Londorosi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, and then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1
Mount Kilimanjaro
6h · Admission ticket included
We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut
Kilimanjaro National Park
7h
We explored the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Kilimanjaro National Park
6h
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Kilimanjaro National Park
10h
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Kilimanjaro National Park
6h
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continued our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through a heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi Town
Kilimanjaro National Park
4h
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to the hotel in Arusha/ Moshi.
Meeting and pickup
Pickup details
Your day starts early with breakfast, followed by a 45-minute drive from Moshi (910m) to the Machame Gate (1828m). The guides and porters prepare and pack the supplies and your equipment at the hotel and then drive to the gate.
Additional information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
