7 Days Lemosho Trek
Trek Overview
The 7-day Lemosho Route offers a beautiful and less crowded path to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from the west, it passes through lush rainforests, open moorlands, and stunning alpine deserts. With a good balance of challenge and scenery, this route is great for climbers who want to experience the diverse beauty of Kilimanjaro while having enough time to adjust to the altitude. Though shorter than the 8-day trek, it still provides a rewarding journey for those with good fitness.
Detailed Itinerary
On arrival, you will be picked up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and taken to your hotel in Moshi. Relax or meet with your guide for a briefing and a gear check, helping you prepare for the climb ahead.
Highlight: Hike through a beautiful rainforest.
After breakfast, we drive from Moshi to Lemosho Gate. The hike begins through a lush rainforest full of wildlife, ascending from 2,100 meters to 2,650 meters. The day ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp, a 4-5 hour trek covering 7 kilometers.
Highlight: Enter the moorland zone with stunning views.
Today’s trek moves from 2,650 meters to 3,610 meters over 7 kilometers in about 4-5 hours. You’ll move through dense forest before reaching the open moorlands, enjoying panoramic views as you head toward Shira 1 Camp.
Highlight: A gradual ascent across the Shira Plateau.
We continue across the Shira Plateau, ascending from 3,610 meters to 3,850 meters over 10 kilometers in about 4-5 hours. Enjoy stunning views of the Shira Cathedral and the peak ahead. We will camp at Shira 2 for the night.
Highlight: Hike up to Lava Tower for acclimatization.
Ascend to 4,600 meters at Lava Tower, then descend to Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters, covering 10 kilometers in about 6-7 hours. This day helps your body adjust to the higher altitude, and you’ll camp in the scenic Barranco Valley.
Highlight: Climb the Barranco Wall and move towards base camp.
Start by climbing the Barranco Wall, then trek to Barafu Camp at 4,640 meters, a distance of 9 kilometers taking about 7-8 hours. The trek includes stunning views and ends at the base camp, where you’ll rest before your summit attempt.
Highlight: Reach the summit of Kilimanjaro!
Begin around midnight, climbing from 4,640 meters to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters. This challenging day covers 19 kilometers in 12-14 hours.
Highlight: Final descent through the rainforest.
A 10-kilometer trek down to Mweka Gate, descending from 3,100 meters to 1,640 meters in 3-4 hours. Celebrate your accomplishment with a certificate ceremony before heading back to Moshi for rest and relaxation.
Pricing
Your experience is unique. Let’s discuss a pricing plan that perfectly suits your needs
Price Includes
- Professional mountain guides
- Park fees and rescue fees
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
- Meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Transport to and from the park gate
- Salaries for guides, cooks, and porters
- Portable oxygen tanks
- Emergency first-aid kit
- Kilimanjaro trekking certificate for successful summit
Price Excludes
- Flights to and from Tanzania
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Personal gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, clothing)
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks)
- Additional accommodation before and after the trek
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Why Lemosho route?
Accommodation in Lemosho
Accommodation on the Lemosho Route consists of camping in designated sites along the trail. Tents are set up for you, offering basic but comfortable shelter under the stars as you make your way to the summit.
Best time for Lemosho route
Seasonal Advice:
The ideal time to trek the Lemosho Route is during the dry seasons, which run from late June to October and from December to February. These months provide the best weather conditions, featuring clearer skies and minimal rainfall, ensuring a more pleasant climbing experience.
Lemosho Route Expert Advice
The Lemosho Route is perfect for trekkers seeking a scenic and diverse climb with excellent acclimatization opportunities. To enhance your chances of reaching the summit, pace yourself and stay well-hydrated. Opt for the 7-day trek instead of the 6-day option to give your body more time to acclimatize to the altitude. Trekking poles can be beneficial for navigating steep sections, particularly during descents. Lastly, be prepared for varying weather conditions by packing layers for comfort.
Popular Lemosho Route FAQS
The Lemosho Route is considered moderately difficult, with a more gradual ascent than other routes. It’s suitable for beginners with good fitness and offers a well-paced climb that helps with acclimatization.
The best time to climb the Lemosho Route is during the dry seasons, from June to October and from January to February. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and optimal trekking conditions.
You’ll need a high-quality sleeping bag, waterproof layers, warm clothing for colder nights, sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, a headlamp, and a daypack. Your trekking company typically provides tents and camping gear, but personal items are your responsibility.
The Lemosho Route is approximately 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) long and usually takes 7 to 8 days to complete. This includes six to seven days of trekking and one day for the summit attempt.
Accommodations on the Lemosho Route consist of camping in tents at designated sites. Your trekking company will set up the tents, and the campsites are equipped with basic but essential facilities.
The Lemosho Route is one of the less crowded routes on Kilimanjaro. Its remote start and longer duration mean fewer trekkers, allowing for a more peaceful and secluded experience, even during the peak season.
Trivia About Lemosho Route
- Oprah Winfrey: The renowned media mogul and philanthropist climbed Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route in 2010, raising awareness for clean water initiatives.
- Megan McGlover: An accomplished adventurer and author who documented her journey on the Lemosho Route.
- Bear Grylls: The famous British adventurer and television presenter has shared experiences from his climb via the Lemosho Route.
- Miley Cyrus: The pop star and actress climbed Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route as part of a charity trek to support wildlife conservation.
Oldest Woman to Summit:
In 2019, Anne Lorimor, at the age of 89, became the oldest woman to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route. Her climb was part of a fundraising effort to support underprivileged children.Fastest Ascent by a Blind Climber:
In 2017, Dan Berlin, a visually impaired athlete, set the record for the fastest ascent by a blind climber on the Lemosho Route, completing the trek in just four days. His climb was a part of an effort to inspire others with disabilities.Youngest Girl to Summit:
Cooper Rosen, an 8-year-old girl from the United States, became one of the youngest girls to successfully summit Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route in 2019. Her climb was widely covered in the media and inspired many young adventurers.Record for the Most Ascents:
Guide Simon Mtuy holds the record for the most ascents via the Lemosho Route. He is known for his exceptional guiding skills and has summited Kilimanjaro over 300 times, with many of these climbs on the Lemosho Route.
Shira Route:
The Lemosho Route joins the Shira Route on the Shira Plateau after the first few days of trekking. Both routes then continue along the same path toward the summit.Machame Route:
After crossing the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho Route merges with the Machame Route near the Lava Tower. From there, they share the same trail through the Barranco Valley and up to the summit via the Barafu Camp.Western Breach Route:
For trekkers choosing the Western Breach option, the Lemosho Route provides access to this more challenging and direct ascent to the summit. The Western Breach is known for its steep and rugged terrain.Mweka Route (Descent):
Most trekkers on the Lemosho Route descend via the Mweka Route after reaching the summit. This route is commonly used for descending, providing a shorter and more direct path down the mountain.
Kilimanjaro Packing Essentials
- Warm gear
- Waterproof gear
- Hiking attire
- Personal items
- Documents