7 Days Lemosho Route – The lesser-known Lemosho route begins on the western side of Mt Kilimanjaro. The first 2 days of the tour cross the thick rainforest belt which then changes into heath and moorland with many ferns and ericas along the way. The small trail sometimes has very steep passages and goes through diverse landscapes. On the third day, the trail joins the Machame route.
Ask about this journey ↗7 Days Lemosho Route – The lesser-known Lemosho route begins on the western side of Mt Kilimanjaro. The first 2 days of the tour cross the thick rainforest belt which then changes into heath and moorland with many ferns and ericas along the way. The small trail sometimes has very steep passages and goes through diverse landscapes. On the third day, the trail joins the Machame route. Compared to the Marangu and the Rongai route, the Lemosho route is more challenging.
Explore the landscapes and experiences that make this part of Africa special.
A selection of images from our Tanzania journeys. Ask our team for current photos of your specific route and accommodation.
Your day-by-day outline gives you a feel for the pace. The final plan can be adjusted around your dates and interests.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be greeted by our transfer driver and taken to Hotel Moshi. The rest of the day will be at leisure and you may choose to relax at the hotel or perhaps explore the town of Moshi (taxi required). In the evening, you will attend a briefing in preparation of your upcoming trek. Dinner and overnight
In the morning, you will be picked up at the Hotel and taken to the Lemosho Gate (2,250 m). Here you will be registered by the national park authorities. You will follow a moderately steep track, which leads you through an amazing and unspoilt natural forest to the Big Tree Camp, your destination for today. As this region is also home to wild game, you will be accompanied by an armed ranger during the first 2 days of your trek. Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft Distance: 6 km Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp Meals Plan: Lunch & Dinner Habitat: Rainforest Forest
Today’s long trek starts on a small trail that passes through the rainforest. As one climbs, the forest gradually thins out and the landscape changes into heath and moorland where plants like erica and lobelia start to dominate the landscape. You will cross the Shira Ridge and after 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you will reach the Shira Camp 1. Here you will stop for lunch, relax a bit and enjoy the fantastic views of Mt Meru and the Rift Valley. For the last part of the climb (approximately 3 hours), you will climb another 250 m in altitude. The landscape will change again and you will pass giant senecios that can grow to almost 9 m in height. At Shira Camp 2, you will camp for the night and with a little luck, enjoy the wonderful view of the Kibo summit at sunset. Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft Distance: 8 km Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Habitat: Moorland Forest
Today you will climb approximately 700 m, but you will spend the night at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to acclimatise, as a height of over 4,600 m will be reached before descending again. In doing so, you will be able to see how your body reacts to such an altitude. The trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower. The vegetation becomes sparser as the landscape changes to alpine desert. The climb passes through the wide Barranco Valley with its lobelia and giant senecio plants. After 6 to 7 hours’ walking, you will arrive at the Barranco Camp – perhaps the most beautiful camp on Kilimanjaro. Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft Distance: 8km/5mi Walking Time: 5-6 hours Accommodation: Barranco Camp Habitat: Semi-desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft Distance: 5km/3mi Climbing Time: 3-4 hours Accommodation: Karanga Camp Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft Distance: 4km/2mi Climbing Time: 3-4 hours Accommodation: Barafu Camp Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain. Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes). Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft Distance: 10km/6mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest Meals: Breakfast
Use this route as a starting point. We’ll confirm the exact parks, stops and transfer times when we plan your dates.
Accommodation can shape the feel of a trip. Tell us what comfort, setting and budget mean to you.
Your route determines the overnight stops and facilities on the mountain.
A relaxed place to prepare before your climb and unwind after the descent.
These are stay styles to consider, not confirmed properties. We’ll recommend and confirm named accommodation once we know your route and dates.
We’ll send a written proposal so you can see exactly what your trip includes before you confirm.
Your proposal will confirm the guide or driver, transport, accommodation, meals, park or activity fees and transfers included in your specific itinerary.
We’ll clearly note any items arranged separately, such as international flights, travel insurance, visas, gratuities, personal expenses or optional activities.
“The team took great care of us from start to finish.”
“Everything was perfectly arranged from arrival to departure.”
“Ayoub R. praised the Serengeti itinerary, the accommodation and the guide’s attentive, considerate service.”
These reviews describe guests’ experiences across 21 Africa Safari journeys; each itinerary is different.
Share a few details and our Moshi-based team will come back with availability, route options and a tailored quote.
No payment or commitment at this stage.
A real person will follow up with you directly.
