Summit Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m (19,341 ft) · Remote, quiet start in the western forest
Trip Info
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Accommodation
Mountain tents
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Departure City
Moshi / Arusha
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Arrival City
Moshi / Arusha
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Best Season
Jan – Mar, Jun – Oct
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Guide
Guided mountain crew
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Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
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Group Size
1 – 12 guests
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Stay Category
Camping
Overview
The Lemosho Route starts on the remote western side of Kilimanjaro and is widely regarded as the most beautiful route. Quiet forest trails lead onto the entire width of the Shira Plateau before joining the southern circuit to Barafu Camp.
This 7-day itinerary is led by our professional mountain crew of guides, cooks and porters. Every day is paced to help you acclimatize, with daily health checks, hot meals and a carefully planned summit night to give you the best chance of standing on the Roof of Africa.
Tour Highlights
- Summit Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m (19,341 ft)
- Remote, quiet start in the western forest
- Full crossing of the Shira Plateau
- Excellent acclimatization profile
- High summit success rate
- Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley
Places You’ll See
Lemosho Route
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Professional mountain guide, assistant guides & porters
- Camping equipment & tents
- All meals on the mountain
- Rescue fees
- Airport transfers (Moshi / Kilimanjaro Airport)
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and porters
- Personal trekking gear rental
- Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages
Itinerary
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Day 01: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
Drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, continue to the Lemosho trailhead and hike through pristine rainforest to Mti Mkubwa ("Big Tree") Camp.
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: 6 km
- Starting Altitude: 2,100 m / 6,890 ft
- Ending Altitude: 2,820 m / 9,252 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
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Day 02: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp
Climb out of the forest into giant heather and moorland, crossing the Shira Ridge before dropping onto the plateau to Shira 1 Camp.
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Distance: 8 km
- Starting Altitude: 2,820 m / 9,252 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,610 m / 11,844 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
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Day 03: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp
An easy walk east across the Shira Plateau with constant views of Kibo, arriving at Shira 2 Camp in time for lunch and an afternoon acclimatization stroll.
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: 7 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,610 m / 11,844 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,845 m / 12,615 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
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Day 04: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
A key acclimatization day: climb through the alpine desert to the 4,630 m Lava Tower for lunch, then descend into the Barranco Valley among giant groundsels. Climb high, sleep low.
- Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,845 m / 12,615 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,960 m / 12,992 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Barranco Camp
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Day 05: Barranco Camp – Karanga – Barafu Camp
Climb the Barranco Wall, continue across the Karanga Valley for lunch and push on to Barafu Camp. Early dinner and rest before the midnight summit attempt.
- Hiking Time: 7–9 hours
- Distance: 9 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,960 m / 12,992 ft
- Ending Altitude: 4,673 m / 15,331 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Barafu Camp
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Day 06: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Wake near midnight for the summit push. Climb steadily to Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise, then on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Descend to Barafu for a rest and continue down to Mweka Camp.
- Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
- Distance: 17 km
- Starting Altitude: 4,673 m / 15,331 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Mweka Camp
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Day 07: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
A final walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
- Ending Altitude: 1,640 m / 5,381 ft
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi / Departure
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This package is specifically the Lemosho Route for 7 days. Other day options are listed as separate packages.
No technical climbing is required, but good fitness and preparation help a lot.
Dry seasons January–March and June–October are the most popular.
