Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route – 7 Days / 6 Nights

Wild, scenic Lemosho in seven days for fitter or time-limited trekkers
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Quick facts

  • Duration: 7 days / 6 nights on the mountain, plus hotel nights in Moshi before and after
  • Accommodation: Tents
  • Start/finish: Londorossi Gate (2,100 m) / Mweka Gate (1,640 m)
  • Summit: Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Best months: January–March, June–October
  • Crowds: Quiet on days 1–3, busier after the Machame junction
  • Scenery: Rainforest, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall
  • Price: from US$2,080 per person (budget, 2 climbers); from US$2,520 per person (standard, 2 climbers). Solo: from US$2,495. Groups of 10+ from US$2,015 per person.

Tour Details

Lemosho begins on the remote western side of the mountain, in untouched rainforest where you may see colobus monkeys. After crossing the sweeping Shira Plateau, it joins the Machame route for the final stages. This 7-day version is a faster option for fit trekkers who have limited time.

This is the shortest sensible Lemosho. The 8-day version adds an extra night at Karanga, and for most climbers, we recommend it.

Who this route is for

  • Fit trekkers with less time
  • Hikers who want Lemosho’s scenery on a compressed schedule
  • Experienced high-altitude walkers

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 0 (before the climb): Arrival in Moshi or Arusha. Airport pick-up, hotel transfer, and a gear check and briefing with your guide. Overnight: hotel.

Day 1 – Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Drive to the remote western gate, register, and walk through untouched rainforest, with colobus monkeys likely.

  • Altitude: 2,100 m → 2,750 m
  • Hiking time: approx. 3–4 hrs
  • Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Leave the forest and climb onto the sweeping Shira Plateau.

  • Altitude: 2,750 m → 3,500 m
  • Hiking time: approx. 5–6 hrs
  • Overnight: Shira 1 Camp

Day 3 – Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
A short, easy day across the plateau that helps your body adjust.

  • Altitude: 3,500 m → 3,850 m
  • Hiking time: approx. 4–5 hrs
  • Overnight: Shira 2 Camp

Day 4 – Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Climb to Lava Tower (4,630 m) for acclimatisation, then descend to Barranco.

  • Altitude: 3,850 m → 4,630 m → 3,950 m
  • Hiking time: approx. 6–8 hrs
  • Overnight: Barranco Camp

Day 5 – Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Scale the Barranco Wall and cross the Karanga Valley to Barafu. Early dinner and rest.

  • Altitude: 3,950 m → 4,640 m
  • Hiking time: approx. 7–8 hrs
  • Overnight: Barafu Camp

Day 6 – Summit day: Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Midnight start, sunrise on the roof of Africa, then a long descent to Mweka Camp.

  • Altitude: 4,640 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
  • Hiking time: approx. 12–15 hrs
  • Overnight: Mweka Camp

Day 7 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Forest descent, summit certificates, and a hot shower at your hotel.

  • Altitude: 3,100 m → 1,640 m
  • Hiking time: approx. 3–4 hrs
  • Overnight: Hotel in Moshi

After the climb: continue to your hotel for a hot shower and celebration dinner. Ask us about adding a safari or Zanzibar extension for your departure day.

Pricing

Price per person in USD, by group size (number of climbers)
Tier 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10+
Budget 2,495 2,080 2,070 2,060 2,050 2,040 2,030 2,025 2,020 2,015
Standard 3,025 2,520 2,495 2,470 2,450 2,430 2,415 2,400 2,390 2,380

Prices are in US dollars per person and include 2026 park fees. Group prices apply when everyone books the same departure together. Park fees and government taxes are set by KINAPA/TANAPA and may change; the price is confirmed at payment.

Budget vs Standard: what’s the difference?

  Budget Standard
Accommodation Quality shared tents and mattresses Roomy waterproof tents and thick mattresses, with a private mess tent
Toilet Shared camp toilet facilities Private portable flush toilet tent
Crew Licensed guide, assistant guide, cook, porters Larger crew with extra porters and a dedicated waiter
Meals 3 meals a day, tea and coffee 3 meals a day plus snacks and a wider menu
Sleeping gear Mattress and standard sleeping bag provided Premium four-season sleeping bag and liner provided
Table, chairs Dining tent with table and chairs Private mess tent with table and chairs
Hotel in Moshi 1 night before the climb (B&B) 2 nights, before and after the climb (B&B)

Both packages include licensed, English-speaking guides, emergency oxygen, a pulse oximeter, a first-aid kit and emergency evacuation support.

What’s included (both packages)

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off, and transfers to and from the trailhead
  • Private, licensed, English-speaking guide, assistant guides, cook, and porters
  • Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees and 18% VAT
  • Crew entry fees and forest fees
  • All meals on the mountain, plus boiled and treated drinking water
  • Quality tents, mattresses, a dining tent, table and chairs
  • Emergency oxygen, a pulse oximeter and a first-aid kit, with health checks twice a day
  • Pre-climb briefing and a summit certificate
  • Hotel nights in Moshi (1 night for Budget, 2 nights for Standard, bed and breakfast)

What’s not included

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa
  • Travel and medical insurance (required, and it must cover evacuation up to 6,000 m)
  • Tips for the crew
  • Personal gear and optional rentals (e.g. trekking poles, jackets, boots)
  • Meals and drinks in town, unless stated
  • Optional extras such as a private toilet (Budget) or a safari after the climb

Park fee breakdown (per climber, 2026)

Fee Calculation Amount
Conservation fee US$70 × 7 days US$490
Camping fees US$50 × 6 nights US$300
Rescue fee one-off US$20
Subtotal   US$810
VAT (18%)   US$145.80
Total park fees   US$955.80

Guide and porter entrance fees are paid by us and included in the package.

Good to know

  • Londorossi Gate is further from Moshi than the other gates, so the first day includes a longer drive.
  • Summit night starts around midnight, and the walk to Uhuru Peak is long and cold, so we brief you on layering and pacing beforehand.
  • Bring a valid passport, travel insurance, and, where required, proof of yellow fever vaccination. See our Trekking Preparations and Pack Smart pages.
  • We keep group sizes small and carry a pulse oximeter, so your guide can monitor you daily.

FAQ

How difficult is the Lemosho Route?

You don’t need technical climbing skills, as it is a walk, not a climb. It is still a demanding multi-day trek at altitude, so good fitness and steady training in the months before help a lot. Difficulty on this itinerary is: Moderate.

Why do you recommend Lemosho for success?

The gentle gradient, the Shira Plateau and the Lava Tower day give your body time to adapt, and the longer the itinerary, the better your odds.

Do I need prior trekking experience?

No. Many of our climbers are first-timers. We recommend regular hiking, cardio and leg strengthening for at least 8–12 weeks before your trip.

What is the best time to climb?

The best months are January–March, June–October, with clear skies and the most stable conditions. Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year, but April–May and November are the main rains.

What happens if I get altitude sickness?

Our guides are trained in altitude-sickness management and check your oxygen saturation and pulse twice a day. We follow the ‘climb high, sleep low’ principle, carry emergency oxygen and a first-aid kit, and arrange a safe descent if needed

Is the price per person?

Yes. Prices are per person, and the more people in your group, the lower the price per person (see the table above). Park fees, crew wages, meals, camping or hut fees and transfers are included.

How much should I tip the crew?

Tipping is voluntary but expected, and it is a large part of the crew’s income. As a guide, budget about US$250–$400 per climber for a 6–7-day climb and US$300–$450 for 8–9 days, shared across the whole crew. We explain the process in your pre-climb briefing.

What are your booking and cancellation terms?

A 30% deposit confirms your booking and the balance is due before the trek starts. Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure; 50% refund between 30 and 15 days; no refund inside 15 days. We accept bank transfer, credit card or PayPal.

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