CLIMBING KILIMANJARO

7-Day Lemosho Route Itinerary

(Recommended for the best acclimatization and success rate)

Tour Overview

The Lemosho Route is widely considered the most beautiful route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a gradual ascent, diverse landscapes, and fewer crowds. It starts on the western side of the mountain, passing through lush rainforests, open moorlands, and alpine deserts, before joining the Machame Route at Shira Plateau.

This 7-day trek provides excellent acclimatization opportunities, increasing your chances of a successful summit. It is ideal for trekkers seeking stunning scenery, a balanced challenge, and a high success rate.

Day 1: Moshi to Londorossi Gate – Trek to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp)

🚶‍♂️ Trekking Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
🌍 Starting Elevation: 2,100m (6,890 ft)
🏔️ Ending Elevation: 2,820m (9,250 ft)

🌿 Highlights:
✔️ Drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, passing villages and coffee plantations.
✔️ Begin the trek through dense rainforest, home to Colobus monkeys and exotic birds.
✔️ Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), nestled in the forest.

📍 Overnight Stay: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Tents)

🚶‍♂️ Trekking Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
🌍 Starting Elevation: 2,820m (9,250 ft)
🏔️ Ending Elevation: 3,500m (11,483 ft)

🌿 Highlights:
✔️ Leave the rainforest and enter the heather and moorland zone.
✔️ Enjoy panoramic views of Shira Ridge and Kibo Peak.
✔️ Cross Shira Plateau, an ancient lava flow area.

📍 Overnight Stay: Shira 1 Camp (Tents)

🚶‍♂️ Trekking Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
🌍 Starting Elevation: 3,500m (11,483 ft)
🏔️ Ending Elevation: 3,900m (12,795 ft)

🌿 Highlights:
✔️ A shorter trekking day for acclimatization.
✔️ Hike across the high-altitude desert of Shira Plateau.
✔️ Marvel at stunning views of Kibo and Mount Meru.

📍 Overnight Stay: Shira 2 Camp (Tents)

🚶‍♂️ Trekking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
🌍 Starting Elevation: 3,900m (12,795 ft)
🏔️ Highest Elevation: 4,630m (15,190 ft) – Lava Tower
⬇️ Ending Elevation: 3,960m (12,992 ft)

🌿 Highlights:
✔️ Trek to Lava Tower (4,630m/15,190 ft) for altitude adaptation.
✔️ Descend to Barranco Camp, surrounded by the majestic Barranco Wall.
✔️ Witness the striking contrast between rocky landscapes and giant Senecio trees.

📍 Overnight Stay: Barranco Camp (Tents)

🚶‍♂️ Trekking Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
🌍 Starting Elevation: 3,960m (12,992 ft)
🏔️ Ending Elevation: 4,035m (13,238 ft)

🌿 Highlights:
✔️ Climb the iconic Barranco Wall, a thrilling scramble with breathtaking views.
✔️ Hike through alpine desert terrain towards Karanga Valley.
✔️ Short trek allows for rest and acclimatization before the summit push.

📍 Overnight Stay: Karanga Camp (Tents)

🚶‍♂️ Trekking Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
🌍 Starting Elevation: 4,035m (13,238 ft)
🏔️ Ending Elevation: 4,673m (15,331 ft)

🌿 Highlights:
✔️ Trek across a rocky alpine desert to reach Barafu Base Camp.
✔️ Arrive early to rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
✔️ Dinner at high altitude, with a spectacular view of Mawenzi Peak.

📍 Overnight Stay: Barafu Camp (Tents)

🚶‍♂️ Trekking Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
🌍 Starting Elevation: 4,673m (15,331 ft)
🏔️ Uhuru Peak Elevation: 5,895m (19,341 ft)
⬇️ Ending Elevation: 3,100m (10,170 ft)

🌿 Highlights:
✔️ Begin at midnight for the final ascent under a star-filled sky.
✔️ Reach Stella Point (5,756m/18,885 ft), where the sunrise over Africa is unforgettable.
✔️ Arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa!
✔️ Celebrate at the summit before descending to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

📍 Overnight Stay: Mweka Camp (Tents)

Why Choose the Lemosho Route?

✔️ Most scenic route with breathtaking landscapes.
✔️ Gradual ascent, reducing altitude sickness risk.
✔️ High success rate due to excellent acclimatization profile.
✔️ Low crowd levels compared to Marangu or Machame routes.

💰 Price Range: $2,000 – $3,000 per person

Short Overview

Difficulty Level: Balanced Challenge
Best Time to Trek: June to October, December to March
Starting Point: Londorosi Gate 
Ending Point: Mweka Gate 

Please take a moment to complete the form here: 

This will help us finalize your itinerary and provide you with the best possible experience. If you have any special requests or questions, feel free to let us know.

Package Details

Climbing Cost Includes

Our Kilimanjaro packages include all necessary transfers for a hassle-free experience. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our professional drivers will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in a spacious, well-equipped vehicle with ample luggage space, Wi-Fi, bottled water, and wet wipes.

For the journey to the trailhead, we use rugged Toyota Hiace or Coaster vehicles, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride through challenging terrain. At the end of your adventure, we’ll arrange your return transfer to the airport—so you can focus on the climb while we take care of the rest.

The night before your Kilimanjaro climb and after your descent, you’ll stay in a cozy 3-star hotel in Moshi Town, based on double occupancy unless you request a single supplement.

We carefully select accommodations that offer quality service, a welcoming atmosphere, and essential amenities, including a restaurant, swimming pool, mosquito-netted rooms, laundry service, and complimentary Wi-Fi. If your preferred hotel is unavailable, we’ll arrange a suitable alternative of the same standard.

We provide top-quality camping equipment for a safe and comfortable Kilimanjaro experience. Our durable, 4-season tents are designed to withstand strong winds and heavy rain, ensuring a cozy and secure rest. With easy access and ample space, you’ll sleep comfortably, ready for the adventure ahead.

Our expert mountain chefs provide energy-packed meals throughout your Kilimanjaro adventure. Designed with a dietitian, our menu ensures both taste and nutrition. We also cater to special dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more—at no extra cost. Just let us know, and we’ll take care of the rest!

Our highly experienced guides, each with over seven years of expertise and Wilderness First Responder certifications, ensure your safety and success while leading you through Kilimanjaro’s diverse terrain on an unforgettable adventure.

Our WFR-certified guides conduct mandatory medical check-ups every morning and evening to monitor acclimatization for both hikers and crew. These include oxygen level checks, health assessments, and, if needed, blood pressure or lung evaluations. With well-equipped medical kits and an in-company doctor, we take every precaution to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.

For your safety, our expeditions include satellite phones for emergency communication with our 24/7 support team. Even in remote areas without mobile service, help is always within reach. Personal satellite phones are also available for rent—contact us for details.

Our Kilimanjaro packages cover all mandatory park fees, including camping, conservation, rescue, and crew fees. As a responsible company, we fully comply with Tanzanian tax regulations and ensure fair employment practices, providing you with a worry-free and ethical adventure.

Climbing Cost Excludes

Our Kilimanjaro packages don’t include international flights. You’ll be responsible for covering those costs separately. Feel free to contact your manager to get recommendations about the airlines operating flights to Tanzania.
Tipping your climbing crew is a well-established practice in mountain hiking all over the world. Though never mandatory at Joanne Adventures, our clients are encouraged to tip their mountain crews if their performance is up to your expectations. A recommended amount is USD 250-350 per participant. 
Most nationals are required to pay USD 50 for a one-time, single-entry 90-day visa. USA nationals, however, are required to pay $100 for a multi-entry visa. Contact our travel advisors to learn more about Tanzania visa rules and requirements.

For your Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll need essential personal gear, including hiking boots, sleeping bags, trekking pants, thermals, and trekking poles.

Our gear rental service provides high-quality equipment from top outdoor brands, ensuring comfort and reliability throughout your adventure. If you wish to rent gear, simply share your list with us in advance, and we’ll have everything ready upon your arrival in Tanzania—allowing you to focus on the climb without any hassle.

Travel insurance is not included in our climbing packages. For our Kilimanjaro and Meru hiking adventures, all participants are required to have travel insurance that covers trekking to altitudes of up to 6000 meters and a helicopter evacuation. Since the requirements and costs of insurance vary across different countries, please contact your insurance provider to make sure that those requirements are covered, and find out about the exact costs.
Currently, the cost of portable toilets is not included in the tour package to reduce trip expenses. Public restrooms are available in camps along the way. However, for those who prioritize comfort, renting a portable toilet is highly recommended. You can contact our travel consultants to learn more about this option. Portable toilet is not available on the Marangu route due to the Kilimanjaro National Park regulations.
Included accommodation in the hotel is on a bed & breakfast basis. It means that you will need to pay for the lunch and dinner either at our hotel restaurant or if you decide to dine out – at any other place in Moshi.

Our Happy Clients!

"Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route was the best decision I made! The extra days for acclimatization made the trek more enjoyable, and the guides were incredibly supportive. Reaching Uhuru Peak was an unforgettable moment!"
Pamela Padmore
Doctor, USA
"The Lemosho Route was truly magical! The guides and porters were outstanding, ensuring we were comfortable, safe, and well-acclimatized. I highly recommend this route for anyone looking for a rewarding Kilimanjaro experience!"
Barbara Smith
Mountaineer, Norway
"The 8-day Lemosho Route gave us the perfect pace for acclimatization, and I felt strong throughout the trek. and the support from the Joanne Adventures team was exceptional. Standing on the roof of Africa was a dream come true!"
Jennifer Sayers
Designer, Canada

Other Related Tours You May Like

“Coca-Cola Route,” the Marangu Route is the most established and comfortable path up Kilimanjaro. It is the only route offering hut accommodations instead of tents, making it popular among trekkers for extra convenience.

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“Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic paths up Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers stunning landscapes, varied terrain, and excellent acclimatization. Trekkers pass through lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts.

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The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenya-Tanzania border. Known for its dry climate, gradual ascent, and fewer trekkers, this route is an excellent choice for those seeking solitude.

Get In Touch With Us!

Phone

+255 764 601 151

Email

info@joanneadventures.com

Address

Shanty Town – Moshi – Kilimanjaro

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