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7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek: Lemosho Route

7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek: Lemosho Route

Overview

Explore on the scenic Lemosho Route, one of the most beautiful and less crowded paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route offers a gradual ascent through diverse landscapes, starting with lush rainforests and transitioning into moorlands, alpine deserts, and rocky terrain. Key highlights include the Shira Plateau, the impressive Lava Tower, and the challenging Barranco Wall, each offering breathtaking views and unique experiences. With its well-paced itinerary, the Lemosho Route ensures optimal acclimatization, enhancing your chances of reaching the summit while immersing you in the stunning beauty of Kilimanjaro

Itinerary

Day 1-Arrival In Moshi

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a friendly representative from African Landscape Adventures will be there to welcome you. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel, included in your package. The hotel offers everything you need for a relaxing start to your journey—comfortable rooms, hot showers, courteous staff, a swimming pool, and reliable internet access.

In the evening, you’ll meet with our experienced team for a pre-climb briefing. This is a great opportunity to go over the itinerary, ask questions, and ensure you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

Private Tour Transfer Details
All private tour packages include group-shared airport transfers. If your group members arrive or depart at different times, additional individual transfers can be arranged for an extra fee. To avoid extra costs, we recommend coordinating your group’s arrival and departure times in advance.

Chanya Lodge

located near Moshi, offers a peaceful escape with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. This cozy lodge provides a serene atmosphere perfect for unwinding before or after your trekking adventure

Kilimanjaro Wonders

Located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel offers a perfect blend of luxury and convenience for trekkers and tourists

Kibo Palace

Located in Moshi, Tanzania, offers a luxurious retreat with breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its modern amenities and exceptional service

After breakfast, your mountain guide and support crew will meet you at the hotel for a short pre-departure briefing. Once everyone is ready, you’ll embark on a scenic drive approximately 3 to 4 hours to the western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park:

Londorossi Gate. Here, you’ll complete the necessary formalities, including permit registration and signing in with the mountain rescue service.

From Londorossi, the adventure begins in earnest. A rugged off-road drive will take you to your drop-off point at an elevation of 3,600 meters (11,811 ft), offering your first breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau.

Your trek to Shira 1 Camp is a gentle introduction to the climb, covering 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) over 1–2 hours. The route features a moderate altitude gain and is designed to ease your body into the acclimatization process. When you arrive, your camp will already be set up by our professional mountain crew—tents pitched, dinner underway, and everything ready for your comfort.

Your day begins with a relaxed morning trek from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp, a scenic journey across the Shira Plateau. This part of the route is gentle, allowing you to soak in the spectacular panoramic views of the African savannahs below and Kilimanjaro’s unique alpine flora. Weather permitting, Shira 2 Camp also offers some of the best views of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak and the fifth highest in Africa.

🏔️ Optional Ascent: Cathedral Peak (3,872 m / 12,703 ft)

Along the way, our experienced guides will offer the option to hike up Cathedral Peak, one of the highest remnants of the ancient Shira volcano. This non-technical ascent offers a rewarding climb, and on a clear day, the views from the summit are absolutely unforgettable. The valley below has been described by many as a “lost world,” and it’s one of our personal favorites on the mountain.

Though weather can occasionally obscure the summit, there’s a stella (memorial) at the top perfect for a memorable photo. If you prefer to conserve energy or the weather doesn’t cooperate, heading directly to Shira 2 Camp is also a valid option. Since Cathedral Peak and Shira 2 Camp are at similar elevations, skipping the ascent won’t affect your acclimatization.

That said, we highly recommend taking on Cathedral Peak—many of our guests consider it a highlight of the day.

Arrival at Shira 2 Camp & Acclimatization Hike

Once at Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), you’ll enjoy a hot lunch and take a well-deserved rest. In the afternoon, we’ll begin a short acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp, gaining about 200 meters (656 ft) in elevation. This gentle trek helps your body adapt to the altitude, increasing your chances of a successful summit and reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

Acclimatization is Key

Please take this hike seriously—it plays a crucial role in preparing your body for the days ahead. Even though it’s short, the benefits for your health and overall success on the mountain are significant.

đź“Š Trekking Summary

  • Main Trekking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)

  • Elevation Gain: Moderate

Optional Acclimatization Hike:

  • From: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft)

  • To: Lava Tower Route Point (4,270 m / 14,009 ft)

  • Distance: 2 km (1.2 miles)

  • Hiking Time: 1–2 hours

After a hearty breakfast, your journey continues with a trek from Shira 2 Camp toward one of the most iconic landmarks on the Lemosho Route Lava Tower. This part of the route involves a series of ascents and descents, gradually bringing you to an altitude of 4,600 meters (15,091 ft).

The terrain becomes more rugged and barren as you gain altitude, offering a dramatic change in scenery. While this stretch can be physically demanding and you may begin to feel the effects of the thinner air, it’s a critical acclimatization point. To help your body adjust, you’ll spend 1–2 hours at Lava Tower, where your group will stop to enjoy lunch surrounded by the raw beauty of Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert.

Following your break, you’ll begin the descent to Barranco Camp, nestled at the foot of the awe-inspiring Barranco Wall. Towering above the camp, the wall might seem intimidating at first glance, but don’t worry—despite its appearance, the trail up the wall is straightforward and non-technical. You’ll tackle it tomorrow with confidence and guidance from our expert team.

đź“Š Trekking Summary

  • Trekking Time: 6–8 hours

  • Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles)

  • Elevation Gain: Up to 4,600 m (15,091 ft) at Lava Tower

  • Elevation at Barranco Camp: ~3,900 m (12,795 ft

Today kicks off with an early breakfast and a head start as your group takes on the iconic Barranco Wall. We recommend departing camp as early as possible to avoid trail congestion from other climbing groups. Though the wall may appear steep, the climb is not technical and typically takes about an hour to complete.

Once at the top, take a well-deserved break, enjoy the incredible views, and snap a few photos with the stunning backdrop of Kibo volcano, Kilimanjaro’s main summit cone.

🥾 Trek to Karanga Camp

After conquering the wall, the trail continues with a series of challenging ascents and descents as you make your way to Karanga Camp. This part of the route can be demanding, but our expert guides will maintain a comfortable pace suited to the group’s energy levels. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a warm and satisfying lunch prepared by our support team.

🧗 Acclimatization Hike to Barafu Route

In the afternoon, you’ll complete a brief but essential acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp, gaining around 200 meters (656 feet) in altitude before returning to Karanga Camp for the night. This hike plays a key role in helping your body adjust to the increasing elevation and is an important step in preparing for summit day.

đź“Š Trekking Summary

  • Main Trek:

    • Trekking Time: 4–5 hours

    • Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)

    • Highest Point: Top of Barranco Wall (~4,200 m / 13,780 ft)

    • Camp Elevation: Karanga Camp (3,960 m / 12,992 ft)

  • Acclimatization Hike:

    • Karanga to Route Toward Barafu Camp:

    • Distance: 2.5 km (1.5 miles)

    • Elevation Gain: 200 m (656 ft)

    • Hiking Time: 1–2 hours

After a warm and energizing breakfast, your journey continues toward Barafu Camp, the final base before your night-time summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft) — the highest point in Africa and the ultimate goal of your Kilimanjaro adventure.

This leg of the trek takes approximately 4 to 5 hours over 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) of rocky, high-alpine terrain. The elevation gain is gradual, but due to the thinning air, it’s important to maintain a steady, slow pace.

Upon arrival at Barafu Summit Camp (approx. 4,673 m / 15,331 ft), you’ll find your tents already set up and your gear waiting—thanks to the incredible efforts of our support crew. Your only job is to rest and relax, allowing your body to recover and prepare for the demanding summit hike ahead.

We recommend spending the remainder of the afternoon and evening sleeping and hydrating, as you’ll begin the final ascent just after midnight.

đź“Š Trekking Summary

  • Trekking Time: 4–5 hours

  • Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)

  • Camp Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,673 m / 15,331 ft)

Your group will depart from Barafu Camp at night and start the final summit to Uhuru Peak of Kilimanjaro (5,895 m / 19,340 ft). Technically speaking, the climb is relatively simple, however at the high altitude even regular physical activity can feel strenuous. Therefore, climbers will be paired into twos, under the care of a personal guide for the entire ascent, this is in order to monitor your physical and mental well-being more closely. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp.

PLEASE NOTE:Don’t forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including most broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.

 
Trekking time:
8-12 hours
Distance:
15 km (9.3 miles)

Millennium Camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the national park’s exit: Mweka Gate. After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel.

Trekking time:
4-5 hours
Distance:
12 km (7.4 miles)
 

PLEASE NOTE:Don’t forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including most broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.

This will mark an end to your Lemosho Route Trekking .

➔ Main Destination: KIA
➔ Meals & Drinks:Breakfast

➔No Accommodations

Prices Information For The Trip

2pax

4pax

6+pax

$ 2462

$ 2318

$ 2071

Includes &Excludes

Includes
  • Park fees
  • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • International flights (from/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • Alcohol drinks

From $ 2071

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