Tanzania Rewilded

To the crater rim on the 7-day Lemosho route
 
 
 Kilimanjaro climb · 7 days on the mountain
Lemosho Gate
 
Shira Plateau
 
Uhuru Peak
From the wild west side

To the Crater Rim

The 7-day Lemosho route starts on the quiet western side of Kilimanjaro. You spend a first night in the rainforest at Mti Mkubwa, walk up onto the Shira Plateau and across it in one long day, and join the southern circuit at the Lava Tower. It is the Lemosho Route with the Shira 1 night left out.

9days
8 nights, 9 days total
7
Days on the mountain
5,895m
Uhuru Peak
Plan this climb
Day by day ↓
Download PDF ↓
 MoshiDay 1
 Mti MkubwaDay 2
 Lava TowerDay 4
 BarafuDay 6
 Uhuru PeakDay 7
Climbing permit
TR · LE07
Lemosho Route Express
 
Duration
9 days · 8 nights
7 days on the mountain, 2 nights in Moshi
Start / finish
Kilimanjaro Airport
Hotel in Moshi before and after
Summit
Uhuru Peak · 5,895 m
Via Stella Point, from Barafu Camp
Difficulty
Demanding
A long Day 3; no climbing skills needed
Style
Private · Camping
Your own guides, cook and porters
Best months
Jan – Mar · Jun – Oct
The two dry seasons

The 7-Day Lemosho Route,One Day Quicker

Lemosho starts on the far western side of the mountain, a long way from the busy gates. The full route spends two nights on the Shira Plateau. This express version walks from the forest camp straight to Shira 2 on Day 3, with lunch at Shira 1, so you save a day.

After that it is the same as the longer climb: the Lava Tower, the Barranco Wall, and a night at Karanga before the high camp. You still get a quiet first night in the western rainforest and a good climb-high, sleep-low pattern.

The climb

West to East Across the Mountain

Each point is where you sleep. The line climbs steeply on Day 3 as you leave the forest and cross the plateau, then spikes at the Lava Tower. Tap a camp to see it on the profile.

FarmlandRainforestHeath & moorlandAlpine desertArctic summit1,0002,0003,0004,0005,0006,000m 123456Uhuru Peak5,895 m78
Trail altitudeVegetation zones
  1. 01

    Moshi

    915 m · Hotel before and after the climb

    2 nights
  2. 02

    Mti Mkubwa Camp

    2,780 m · "Big tree" camp in the rainforest

    1 night
  3. 03

    Shira 2 Camp

    3,840 m · On the Shira Plateau, facing Kibo

    1 night
  4. 04

    Barranco Camp

    3,960 m · After the Lava Tower, below the Wall

    1 night
  5. 05

    Karanga Camp

    4,035 m · Short day, afternoon of rest

    1 night
  6. 06

    Barafu Camp

    4,640 m · High camp for the summit night

    1 night
  7. 07

    Mweka Camp

    3,090 m · First night down, in the forest

    1 night
Trek ≈ 67 kmHighest 5,895 mDescent Mweka route
Day by day

The Journey

✦

This is how the trip usually runs. Your guide will adjust each day around the weather, the trail and how the group is acclimatising.

Karibu Kilimanjaro
Day01
Kilimanjaro Airport → Moshi

Settle in at Moshi

We meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive about an hour to Moshi, the busy town at the foot of the mountain.

Your guide meets you at Kibo Palace Hotel for a full briefing: the route, safety and a gear check. There is time to hire anything you are missing in Moshi.

Good to know

Tomorrow starts with a drive to the west side of the mountain. Pack your daypack tonight: water, rain jacket, warm layer and snacks.

  • Transfer45 km · about 1 hr
  • OvernightKibo Palace Hotel, Moshi
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
Into the forest
Day02
Moshi → Lemosho Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp

Into the Western Forest

After breakfast you drive about an hour and a half round to the west side of the mountain and register with the park at Londorossi. The trail starts at Lemosho Gate, at about 2,200 m.

It is a gentle first walk through quiet, mossy rainforest, where colobus monkeys are often seen. You reach Mti Mkubwa, which means “big tree” in Swahili, in time for a hot lunch, and rest in camp for the afternoon.

Good to know

The forest is cooler and wetter than Moshi. Keep a rain jacket and a warm layer at the top of your daypack.

  • TransferAbout 1.5 hrs to the gate
  • Trek7 km · about 5 hrs
  • Altitude2,200 → 2,780 m
  • OvernightMti Mkubwa Camp
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
Heather and scrub on a wide open plateau under a blue sky
The Shira Plateau
Day03
Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp

Forest to Plateau

A long day, and the one this express version is built around. The forest thins into giant heather and moorland, with Kibo ahead of you, and after about five hours you reach Shira 1 on the edge of the plateau for a hot lunch.

In the afternoon you walk another two to three hours east across the wide, flat Shira Plateau, the floor of Kilimanjaro’s oldest collapsed crater, to sleep at Shira 2.

Honest note

This is the day the express version saves. You gain more than 1,000 m on foot, so walk slowly from the very first step and drink often.

  • Trek12 km · 6–7 hrs
  • Altitude2,780 → 3,840 m
  • OvernightShira 2 Camp
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
A tall dark rock tower half hidden in mist
The Lava Tower in cloud
Day04
Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp

Up to the Tower

You leave the plants behind and climb through stony alpine desert to the Lava Tower, a 90-metre plug of old lava at 4,630 m. Lunch is at its foot, often in cloud.

Then you drop down into the Barranco Valley, where giant groundsels grow taller than people, to sleep at 3,960 m. Going high and sleeping low today is the best preparation for the summit.

  • Trek11 km · 7–8 hrs
  • Altitude3,840 → 4,630 → 3,960 m
  • OvernightBarranco Camp
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
A line of climbers with daypacks scrambling up a steep rock face
Scrambling up the Barranco Wall
Day05
Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp

Hands on the Rock

Straight after breakfast you climb the Barranco Wall. It is steep and you use your hands in a few places, but there is a clear path and your guides are right beside you.

At the top you get a big view of Kibo’s southern glaciers. The path then rolls up and down to Karanga Camp, where the afternoon is yours to rest, eat and drink.

Pole pole

There is often a queue on the Wall early in the morning. Your guide will time your start so you can climb at your own pace.

  • Trek5 km · about 5 hrs
  • Altitude3,960 → 4,035 m
  • OvernightKaranga Camp
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
Barafu means ice
Day06
Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp

To High Camp

A steady climb through dry, bare alpine desert takes you to Barafu Camp at 4,640 m. There is almost nothing growing up here, and the wind is cold.

You arrive around lunchtime. In the afternoon your guide explains the summit plan, you lay out your warm clothes and go to bed very early. The wake-up call comes just before midnight.

  • Trek5 km · about 5 hrs
  • Altitude4,035 → 4,640 m
  • OvernightBarafu Camp
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
Glacier ice glowing orange at sunrise on the summit of Kilimanjaro
Summit ice at sunrise
Day07
Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

The Top of Africa

You start at midnight and climb slowly up the scree by headtorch. Around sunrise you reach Stella Point on the crater rim, where the ice fields glow orange.

From there it is about an hour along the rim to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m. After photos at the sign you walk back down past Barafu and on to Mweka Camp, a long day that ends in the trees.

Honest note

This is the hardest and longest day, 15 hours or more. Your guides check you all the way and will bring you down if it is not safe. Your health always comes before the summit.

  • Trek17 km · 15 hrs or more
  • Altitude4,640 → 5,895 → 3,090 m
  • OvernightMweka Camp
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
Asante, crew
Day08
Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi

Through the Rainforest

The last morning is an easy walk down through green rainforest to Mweka Gate. With more oxygen in every breath, you will feel your energy come back.

At the gate you receive your summit certificate and thank your crew. A one-hour drive takes you back to Moshi for a hot shower and a celebration dinner.

Good to know

Tipping the crew usually happens at the gate. We send you guideline amounts before the climb.

  • Trek10 km · 4–5 hrs
  • TransferAbout 1 hr to Moshi
  • OvernightKibo Palace Hotel, Moshi
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
Kwaheri
Day09
Moshi → Kilimanjaro Airport

Time to Fly Home

After breakfast you can relax at the hotel or walk around Moshi before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Or carry on to a safari in the northern parks.

Where you sleep

Six Camps, Two Hotel Nights

Two nights in a hotel in Moshi, and six nights in the park’s official campsites. Your crew carries everything, pitches your tent and cooks every meal.

A camp on Mount Kilimanjaro
On the mountain

Nights on the mountain: Mti Mkubwa Camp, Shira 2 Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Mweka Camp.

2nights

Kibo Palace Hotel

Moshi · 915 m

A comfortable hotel in Moshi with a swimming pool, a garden, a bar and a restaurant. You stay here before the climb and after it.

PoolGardenBar
1night

Mti Mkubwa Camp

Western rainforest · 2,780 m

Your first night on the mountain, under tall forest trees and loud with birdsong.

Rainforest
1night

Shira 2 Camp

Shira Plateau · 3,840 m

Higher and more exposed, with a big view of Kibo and cool nights.

Kibo views
1night

Barranco Camp

Barranco Valley · 3,960 m

Below the Barranco Wall, among giant groundsels and cliffs.

Giant groundsels
1night

Karanga Camp

Karanga Valley · 4,035 m

In a valley below Kibo’s southern glaciers. A quiet afternoon before the high camp.

Rest afternoon
1night

Barafu Camp

High camp · 4,640 m

Rugged alpine desert with views of Mawenzi. A few hours’ rest before the summit.

Summit base
1night

Mweka Camp

Upper forest · 3,090 m

The last night on the mountain, warm and green after the summit.

Descent

Hotels are shown “or similar”. On the mountain you sleep in the park’s official campsites, in tents our crew carries and pitches for you.

Timing & price

When to Climb

The west side of the mountain catches more rain than the south, so the dry months make the first two days much easier. January to March and June to October are the best times.

Climbing Kilimanjaro, month by month Highlighted: best months to climb
MonthSeasonOn the mountainClimbing
JanuaryDryWarm & clearOne of the best months. Warm days, clear summit mornings and fewer climbers than in August.Best
FebruaryDryWarm & clearVery good climbing. Clear skies, and snow on the summit is possible after a cold night.Best
MarchDry → wetWarm, some showersStill good early in the month. Showers start to build towards the end.Good
AprilLong rainsWet & cloudyThe wettest month. Muddy trails and cloud; very few climbers.Wet
MayLong rainsWet, clearing lateRain eases later in the month. Quiet trails, but expect wet days.Wet
JuneDryCold & clearThe dry season starts. Cold nights up high, and the trails get busier.Good
JulyDryCold & clearPeak season. Cold, clear and dry, with the most climbers of the year.Best
AugustDryCold & clearPeak season. Very reliable weather; book early for this month.Best
SeptemberDryMild & clearExcellent conditions. Slightly warmer and a little quieter than August.Best
OctoberDryMild & clearGood weather and quieter trails before the short rains.Best
NovemberShort rainsShowersShort afternoon showers, mostly lower down. Possible, with good rain gear.Good
DecemberShort rains → dryMixedRain clears through the month. Busy over Christmas and New Year.Good
Price per personYour groupAll yearPrivate climbAny start date
1solo climber$2,539USD per person
2–5climbers$2,320USD per person
6–10climbers$2,241USD per person
11+climbers$2,183USD per person
 Check dates →
14%

Climb as a group and pay less. A group of 11+ pays about 14% less per person than a solo climber.

Prices are in US dollars, per person, for a private climb with two hotel nights in Moshi. It is below freezing on the summit in every month. We send a full kit list when you book.

No surprises

What's Included

Included / 12

  • Airport transfers on arrival and departureKilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
  • 2 nights at Kibo Palace Hotel in Moshi, before and after the climbSharing a double or triple room. The first night includes breakfast; the last night includes dinner and breakfast
  • Professional mountain guides and support crew
  • Wages for guides, porters, cook and waiter
  • National park entry fees
  • Camping fees, tents and foam sleeping mats
  • Cooking gear, plates and cutlery
  • Park rescue fees
  • Pulse oximeter checks and a full first aid kit
  • All meals on the mountainBreakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Boiled drinking water on the mountain
  • Park fees and lodging for the crew on the mountain

Not included / 12

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visaSee our visa guide
  • Travel insuranceRequired, and it must cover climbing to 6,000 m. See our insurance guide
  • Single room supplement at Kibo Palace Hotel
  • Tips for guides, porters, cook and waiter
  • Personal mountain gear, such as a sleeping bagSome items can be hired. Ask us for the hire price list
  • Emergency oxygenNot part of the standard package
  • Vehicle surcharge of USD 145 per carApplies to climbs that start from the Lemosho, Rongai or Shira side
  • Meals and drinks not listed in the itinerary
  • Extra hotel nights beyond the two included
  • Optional trips, such as a waterfall walk or a village visit
  • Personal expenses, such as souvenirs, laundry and phone calls
Good questions

Before You Book

The night at Shira 1. On this version you walk from Mti Mkubwa, the forest camp, all the way to Shira 2 on Day 3, with lunch at Shira 1. Everything after that is the same as the full Lemosho climb, including the Karanga night. Compare the routes in our route guide.

Day 3 is long, and the summit night is long, cold and steep. The rest is steady walking of 4 to 8 hours, with one scramble on the Barranco Wall. No climbing skills are needed, but you should be used to hiking several days in a row. See our preparation guide.

For most people, yes. You get one more night on the mountain, a first night in the forest, a night on the Shira Plateau and a rest afternoon at Karanga. That gives your body more time to adjust. Lemosho is also quieter for the first days.

Most people feel it a little, usually as a headache or poor sleep. The forest night and the Lava Tower day both help. Your guides check you every day and carry a pulse oximeter and first aid. Read our altitude safety guide.

Add to your trip

Related Activities

Ideas that fit well with this climb. Ask us and we’ll add any of them to your plan.

After the climb

Add a safari

Rest your legs in a safari vehicle: Tarangire, the crater or the Serengeti.

Read more →
Beach

Zanzibar beach days

Finish with warm sea, white sand and Stone Town’s old streets.

Read more →
Pole pole
Kilimanjaro

Altitude & safety

How acclimatisation works and how our guides keep you safe.

Read more →
Get ready
Kilimanjaro

Preparing for the climb

Training, gear and what to expect on summit night.

Read more →
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Uhuru Peak

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