7 Days Trekking by Lemosho Route with Guide
The Lemosho Route, along with the Northern Circuit, are considered the two most scenic trails on Kilimanjaro. Lemosho offers panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. Older information on the internet might state that the Lemosho Route is little used. That has not been the case for the past few years, it is now a popular itinerary. Because of the length of the route, the 8 days version is preferred, but if you do not have 8 days to commit to a Kilimanjaro trek the 7 days version is quite acceptable.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. The Lemosho route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Crowds are low until the route joins the Machame route near Lava Tower.
ItineraryDay 1: Kilimanjaro International AirportStop At: Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilimanjaro Region
Arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our friendly driver. If you are stuck in queue exiting the immigration/baggage area do not fret. Our driver will still be waiting for you. It will be approximately a 45-minute drive to Moshi. Unless your arrival is late at night, on this day you will have a pre-climb briefing with your guide who will answer all your questions, and we will go through a thorough equipment check. If you are lacking any items, all are available for rental locally in good quality and condition.
Duration: 45 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: overnight at Kilimanjaro hotels
Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti MkubwaStop At: Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilimanjaro Region
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast at your hotel, we depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through an undisturbed forest that winds to the first campsite. Your tents will be already set up before you arrive.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: overnight at Kilimanjaro national park
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 CampStop At: Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilimanjaro Region
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Health
We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: overnight at Kilimanjaro National Park
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Moir HutStop At: Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilimanjaro Region
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight at Kilimanjaro National Park
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga CampStop At: Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilimanjaro Region
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight at Kilimanjaro National Park
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu CampStop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 40000 Tanzania
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: overnight at Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru PeakStop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 40000 Tanzania
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight at Kilimanjaro Hotels
Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Stroller accessible"
"Near public transportation"
"Infants must sit on laps"
"Infant seats available"
"Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level"
"A current valid passport is required on the day of travel"
"This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"
Start Time:
12:00 AM
Duration: 7 Days
Start location: Traveler pickup is offered
by email and phone number
Airports- Kilimanjaro Airport, Kilimanjaro National Park Tanzania
Cancellations and refunds:
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.