7 Days Lemosho Route
A scenic western-side Kilimanjaro route through Lemosho forest, the Shira Plateau, Barranco Valley, Barafu, Uhuru Peak, and the Mweka descent, with practical pacing and no summit guarantees.
Duration
7 trekking days
Trek Style
Camping trek
Route
Lemosho Route
Destinations
Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
— Our Mountain Team
Locally guided Kilimanjaro trekking
The Lemosho Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a drive toward Londorossi Gate and the Lemosho forest area.
This route is known for a quieter start, rainforest walking, the Shira Plateau, and a gradual connection with the Southern Circuit. From Shira 2 Camp, it joins the same general trail used by the Machame Route, passing through Barranco, Karanga, Barafu, the summit zone, and down to Mweka Gate. Summit success depends on fitness, pacing, altitude response, weather, and guide assessment.
The package includes
- Pick-up at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Transfer to a hotel in Arusha and back to the airport
- Accommodation before and after the trek, double rooms with breakfast included
- 24/7 phone support
- All park fees listed in the programme
- All accommodation listed in the programme
- Three meals per day during the trek
- Bottled water and soft drinks during the tour
- Thermos with hot tea or coffee
- Medical kit
- Wet wipes
The package excludes
- Air tickets
- Visa fees
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel before and after the trek
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Personal mountain gear or rentals unless confirmed in the final package
Talk to a Tanzanian expert
Tell us your dates, number of climbers, trekking experience, and any health or altitude concerns.
+255 76 928 3377— Route Overview —
Pre-trek hotel
Arrival accommodation with briefing and equipment check before the climb.
Big Tree, Shira 2, Barranco and Karanga
Forest, moorland, and southern circuit camps used before summit base.
Barafu and Mweka Camps
Summit base at Barafu followed by descent to Mweka Camp and Mweka Gate.
Your 7-day Lemosho itinerary
Arrival in Arusha
You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Arusha. You will meet your guide for a trek briefing and equipment check. Missing mountain gear can be rented on this day.
Lemosho Forest Start
After breakfast, transfer to Lemosho Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After registration, the climb begins through the forest of the Lemosho Glades and continues to Big Tree Camp for the night.
Across the Shira Plateau
Today covers a long distance across grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. The route passes through Shira 1 Camp and continues toward Shira 2 Camp, gaining important altitude along the way.
Lava Tower and Barranco Valley
The route climbs into the upland desert zone and reaches Lava Tower at 4,640 m, the high point of the day. After lunch, descend steeply to Barranco Camp below the cliffs of the Great Barranco Valley.
Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley
Begin by descending into the Great Barranco, then climb the Barranco Wall. This is not technical climbing, but it is steep and tiring. Continue below the Heim and Kersten glaciers toward Karanga Camp.
Prepare for Summit Night
After breakfast, walk to Barafu Camp at 4,640 m across dry scree slopes. The distance is short, but altitude makes the stage demanding. Eat, rest, stay warm, and prepare for the summit attempt.
Summit Attempt and Descent
The summit attempt begins around midnight, climbing steeply toward Stella Point and, if conditions and guide assessment allow, Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. After the summit attempt, descend to Barafu for breakfast, then continue to Mweka Camp.
Rainforest Descent
The final trek descends through rainforest to Mweka Gate, where park formalities are completed and certificates are issued where applicable. You are then transferred back to your arranged hotel in Moshi.
