Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek with Summit Sunrise

7 Days Round trip from Tanzania Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Experience diverse ecosystems on the scenic Lemosho Route of Mount Kilimanjaro
  • 02 Witness breathtaking views, including the famed Lava Tower and Barranco Wall
  • 03 Enjoy optimal acclimatization for the best chance to reach Kilimanjaro's summit
  • 04 Encounter captivating wildlife like Bush Babies and Colobus Monkeys during the trek

Embark on a 7-day trek along the Lemosho Route, a breathtaking journey to the roof of Africa. Traverse lush rainforests, alpine deserts, and rugged ridges as you ascend towards Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Experience the thrill of conquering the Barranco Wall, marvel at glacial landscapes, and witness a mesmerizing sunrise at the summit. With expert guides, acclimatization stops, and stunning vistas, this trek offers an unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure.

Embark on a 7-day trek along the Lemosho Route, a breathtaking journey to the roof of Africa.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru
Languages English, French, German, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Starting point (2,300m) to Mti Mkubwa (2,750m)

Trekking Time: 3 hours

Distance: 7 km

Altitude Gain: 450m

  • After enjoying an appetising meal at the hotel, you will embark on a bumpy three-hour drive from the hotel to the Londorossi Gate. We will travel amid the fascinating town of Boma N’gombe and the native people of Sanya Juu. 
  • Registration will be completed at the gate and then we will drive to the starting point of your trek at 2,350m. The trail journeys through the thick, untamed rainforest for the duration of the day. 
  • Adorable Bush Babies and curious Black and White Colobus Monkeys may peer down from the high trees. 
  • Mti Mkubwa Camp is our final destination for the day and the hike is fairly short.
2
Day 02

Mti Mkubwa (2,750m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,550m)

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours

Distance: 10 km

Altitude Gain: 800m

  • The trail heads towards Shira Camp 1, and there is a shift in scenery to the heather and moorland zone – an arid landscape sprinkled with contrasting silver fauna and flora as well as the enormous lobelias. 
  • Stunning views of Mount Meru engulfing the fiery sunset are present in the west, and the gleaming Kibo Peak makes its presence known. 
  • The light clouds will begin to float around you as you cross several calming streams to get to the Shira Ridge (3,600m). We will proceed to Shira Camp 1, where a delicious meal awaits.
3
Day 03

Shira Camp 1 (3,550m) to Shira Camp 2 (3,840m)

 Trekking Time: 3-4hours

Distance: 8km

Altitude Gain: 290m

  • The moorland landscape remains with its dusty, rocky ground and low grasses and shrubs. The bright everlastings erupt from the ground, and the concentric rings of leaves on the celestial lobelias are astonishing. 
  • The scenic views of the towering mountain are best observed from this area, and the path is generally flat. A steaming hot lunch will be served at Shira Camp, and after the short excursions for acclimatisation are complete, you will rest for the remainder of the day.
  • In the evening, the stars twinkle from the infinite arch of darkness. In areas, they are sapphire balls and beautiful, shimmering in their heavenly finery. The ones on the outermost boundary, virtually outside the span of human comprehension, are like glinting pinpricks in a shroud of blackness.
4
Day 04

Shira Camp 2 (3,840m) to Barranco camp (3,950m) via Lava Tower

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours

Distance: 11km

Altitude Gain: 110m

  • Today the Lemosho route connects with the Machame route before approaching Lava Tower. The landscapes are magnificent, and the trail begins with a gentle incline towards the beautiful sights of Kibo Peak. 
  • The first milestone is a jagged ridge named the Shark’s Tooth (4,400m), and after crossing the mysterious shadow valleys, we will come across the protruding Lava Tower (4,600m). 
  • Thousands of years ago, enormous volcanos erupted and spluttered the remains of the once-molten rocks. The gradual descent to the Barranco Camp features incredible views of the bleached Western Breach and the striking Barranco or ‘Breakfast’ Wall. 
  • This day follows the mountaineering principle of walking high and sleeping low, making it an ideal acclimation day.
5
Day 05

Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Barafu Camp (4,700)

Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hours

Distance: 9km

Altitude Gain: 750m

  • The day begins with a moderate trek up the Barranco Wall. it is steep, but the climbing only requires your hands and feet for a short period of time (200m). 
  • Feelings of satisfaction will begin to emerge once you witness the beautiful landscape that includes the smoothed edges of Kibo Peak and a vantage point of the frosted scenery.
  • The trail begins to fluctuate as we cross various small streams and the Karanga River that excitedly hops over the rocks. We will stop at the Karanga Campsite for an appetising lunch (3,930m). An hour’s climb up a steep, granite lava ridge will lead us to the Barafu Camp. 
  • This signifies that you have conquered the South Circuit of the mountain, and the views of the summit will shift. The infertile grounds at the Barafu Campsite tend to freeze over, and the temperatures shift dramatically. 
  • A warm, hearty meal will be prepared, and we suggest that you rest early as the midnight climb to the summit (1188m) is only a few hours away.
6
Day 06

Barafu Camp (4,700m) to Summit (5895m) (Midnight start), descent to Mweka Camp (3100m)

Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hours

Distance: 5km

Altitude Gain: 1195m

  • You will be awoken at 11:00 pm to ensure that you have a light snack and a hot beverage before you embark on your 5km trek to the summit. Sixteen hours are needed to complete the trek this is the most taxing day on the 7 days Lemosho Route. 
  • The temperatures will dip to lows of up to 10°C. The trail along the stunning valley on the edge of scree fields will gradually increase. Stella’s Point (5,672m) is the first milestone, and you will pass the glowing Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Illuminating rays of orange, red, and purple begin to burst from the sky as you reach the southern rim of Kibo (Marks an hour until the summit).
  • Upon reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), you will attain an intangible reward, the heaven-touching apex of the mountain drenched in a shroud of clouds and splotches of gleaming snow impaling the lush floor. 
  • Across the horizon, you will see the glaciers protruding like a row of thorns. Swaddled around them are necklaces of powdery snow, frosty ice fields, and Mawenzi Peak.
  • We will begin descending towards the Barafu Camp, where we will have a short break before proceeding to the Mweka Camp (3,100m). 
  • The 9-km trail features stunning views of the magnificent Kilimanjaro plains. The incline traverses down a rocky scree path through barren moorland, and then you will enter the magnificent forest (4-5-hour hike). 
  • A tantalising meal will be served at the campsite and you will be able to snuggle in your sleeping bag.
7
Day 07

Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,800m) - Hotel

Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hours

Distance: 10km

Altitude Loss: 1300m

  • You will enjoy an appetizing breakfast before your descent to the Mweka Gate (1,300m). The stroll provides you with beautiful scenery. 
  • A Gold Summit Certificate will be awarded upon reaching the gate, a token to symbolize successfully tackling the 7-day Lemosho Route. 
  • From the tranquil Mweka Village, our driver will transport you to the hotel for rest, dinner, and overnight. If you’ve chosen to continue on a safari – well, that’s another adventure, and we’ll manage that for you as well!
Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Uhuru Peak sunrise, Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers

Where this trip takes you

Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Uhuru Peak sunrise, Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Tanzania 3 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All applicable park entry fees as per the program
  • Government taxes and local levies
  • Services of highly experienced English-speaking guide(s), porters, and a cook
  • Camping equipment such as mountain tents, mattresses, etc.
  • Accommodation type: camping
  • Transport from the hotel to the park gate and from the park gate to the hotel
  • Meals on full board during the trek, as indicated in the program
  • Unlimited drinking water, as specified in the day-by-day section
  • Rescue fees, emergency oxygen, pulse oximeter, and first aid kit
  • Guides' and porters' accommodation and their entry fees on the mountain
  • Fair wages for guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority

What's Not Included

  • International flights (from/to home) and domestic flights
  • Pick-up and drop-off at the airport
  • Medical/luggage insurance
  • Sleeping bag
  • Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa entry fees upon arrival at the airport, etc.)
  • Pre- and post-climb accommodation (B&B) in Moshi
  • Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
  • Any extra orders at meals are not included. Set-menu meals are part of the package.
  • Portable flush toilet

What to bring

  • Camera and memory cards
  • Sweater or fleece pullover to keep warm
  • Sturdy boots or sandals
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • T-shirts or polo shirts (2-5, depending on how often you want to change)
  • Sleeve shirts (lightweight)
  • Shorts
  • Long trousers
  • Socks
  • Sleepwear
  • Travel towel
  • Thermal underwear, gloves, and a warm hat (during May-Sept)
  • Raincoat and rain trousers (during the rainy season, Mar-May and Oct-Dec)
  • Binoculars
  • Sunscreen
  • Wet wipes
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, eye drops, etc.)
  • Malaria tablets
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Chargers and extra batteries for your camera, phone, etc.
  • The power adapter to fit the UK-style electrical socket

Know before you go

  • This tour starts and ends in Arusha.
  • The operator can help select your international or domestic flights, but you must book them yourself.
  • Fly to/from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO - check price) near Arusha. Or fly to/from Arusha Airport (ARK - check price) via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi (Kenya).
  • A transfer to and back to the airport is included.
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour start
Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 7 days finish where they began, in Tanzania.

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EUR 1,931 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room €1,931.00 — €2,821.00
Double Sharing €1,931.00 — €2,302.00

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