7 Days Lemosho Route
Duration
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed using six established routes. Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe approach from the southern side of the mountain. Lemosho and Shira approach from the west. Rongai approaches from the north near the Kenyan border. All routes descend via the Mweka Route except Marangu and Rongai.
The Lemosho Route is one of the newer and most highly regarded routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is known for its remote feel, exceptional scenery, and excellent acclimatization profile. The route begins on the western side of the mountain at Londorossi Gate and was introduced as a more scenic alternative to the Shira Route.
Landscape and Scenery
Lemosho passes through dense rainforest and open moorland before crossing the Shira Plateau. As the route progresses, it joins the southern circuit near Lava Tower and continues toward the Barranco Valley beneath the southern ice fields.
Wildlife sightings are more common on the lower sections of this route, with occasional sightings of buffalo, elephants, and other animals in the forest zones.
Acclimatization and Summit Success
One of the key strengths of the Lemosho Route is its longer duration and gradual ascent profile. This allows for effective acclimatization and significantly improves summit success rates compared to shorter routes.
The route naturally supports a climb-high, sleep-low approach while offering extended time at altitude.
Summit Attempt
The final ascent follows the southern circuit before joining the Barafu Route for the summit push. Climbers proceed to Stella Point and continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. The challenge is primarily related to altitude, and the route’s strong acclimatization profile supports a high probability of success.
Route Characteristics
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Duration: 7 or 8 days
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Difficulty: Medium
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Scenery: Excellent
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Traffic: High
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Accommodation Style: Fully supported camping
Arrival and Pre-Climb Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, climbers are transferred to a hotel near the mountain for overnight accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.
Before the climb, the head guide conducts a full briefing and equipment check. Any required gear can be arranged locally prior to departure.
Pricing
7 Days | 6 Nights . Price Per Person (USD)
Group Size | Price Per Person
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | USD 2,290 |
Solo & Supplement Charges (USD)
| Charge Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Solo Climber Add-On | USD 350 |
| Single Supplement | USD 300 |
Prices are indicative and subject to current government-regulated park fees at the time of departure.
Typical Crew Composition (2 Climbers)
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1 Lead Guide
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1 Assistant Guide
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1 Cook
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1 Waiter
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1 Toilet Porter
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10 Porters
Included/Exclude
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the agreed itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking guide (Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified)
- Proper ration and support of the mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Pre- and post-trek accommodation (2 nights, Bed & Breakfast)
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- All meals on the mountain as per the itinerary (full board)
- Safe drinking water throughout the trek
- All National Park fees, hut/camping fees, crew permits, and VAT
- Fair and sustainable wages for all mountain crew
- Gate transfers
- Complimentary oxygen cylinder (for emergency use)
- Private portable toilet with a dedicated porter
- Use of quality, imported trekking equipment
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory – recommendations available)
- Gamow (hyperbaric) bag
- Personal medications
- Tips for porters and mountain crew
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
- Energy foods and beverages, including alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear (e.g. trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.)
- Additional accommodation costs in case of early descent from the mountain
Tour Plan
Departing from Moshi a 3 hours drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to d
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