Lemosho Route 6 Days Climb – Mt. Kilimanjaro Trekking
6 Days Lemosho Route – Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking
Lemosho Route Also available as a 7-day and 8-day itinerary for better acclimatization and higher summit success rates.
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most scenic of all Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes. Approaching the mountain from the western side, it offers breathtaking landscapes, excellent acclimatization opportunities, abundant wildlife, and fewer crowds than many of the other routes. It is an ideal choice for climbers seeking a quieter and more rewarding trekking experience.
Although this itinerary follows the 6-day Lemosho Route, we highly recommend the 7-day or 8-day option whenever possible. The additional days allow your body more time to acclimatize to the altitude, significantly improving your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft) safely and comfortably.
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, followed by a trek through lush rainforest before crossing the spectacular Shira Plateau. Along the way, you’ll pass through five distinct ecological zones—from dense tropical forest and alpine moorland to volcanic desert and the glaciers of Africa’s highest summit.
With its gradual ascent profile, spectacular scenery, and high summit success rate, the Lemosho Route remains one of our favourite ways to experience the Roof of Africa.
Day 1: Moshi – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,380 m (7,800 ft) to 2,895 m (9,500 ft)
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Moshi and driven approximately four hours to Londorossi Gate, where park registration formalities are completed. From here, a short drive takes you to the Lemosho trailhead.
Your trek begins through an unspoilt montane rainforest filled with towering trees, colourful birds, and playful black-and-white colobus monkeys. After a gentle hike, you arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), where your mountain crew prepares dinner while you relax beneath the forest canopy.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 2,895 m (9,500 ft) to 3,810 m (12,500 ft)
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 8–10 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today’s trek is one of the longest of the expedition. Leaving the rainforest behind, you gradually climb into the heath and moorland zone, where giant heather and unique alpine vegetation dominate the landscape.
After crossing the beautiful Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth, you’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp, where spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding wilderness await.
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,810 m (12,500 ft) to 4,630 m (15,190 ft), then descend to 3,950 m (12,960 ft)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Today follows the important climbing principle of “climb high, sleep low,” helping your body acclimatize to the increasing altitude.
The trail ascends through rocky alpine terrain to the impressive Lava Tower, a dramatic volcanic formation standing at 4,630 metres (15,190 feet). After lunch, you descend into the scenic Barranco Valley, beneath the towering Great Barranco Wall.
This is one of the most beautiful campsites on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering spectacular views and unforgettable sunsets. Your guides will also monitor everyone carefully for any signs of altitude sickness.
Day 4: Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3,950 m (12,960 ft) to 4,640 m (15,220 ft)
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 8–9 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, you tackle the famous Barranco Wall, a fun and rewarding scramble that rewards you with magnificent views across the mountain.
The trail continues through rocky ridges and alpine desert before reaching Barafu Camp, your base camp for the summit attempt.
After an early dinner, you’ll rest for a few hours before waking around midnight to begin the final ascent to Africa’s highest point.
Day 5: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,640 m (15,220 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft), then descend to 3,100 m (10,170 ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent, 13 km descent
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours ascent, 4–5 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
Around midnight, your summit attempt begins under a blanket of stars. This is the most physically and mentally demanding part of the trek, requiring determination, patience, and the encouragement of your guides.
As dawn breaks, you’ll reach Stella Point, where you’ll witness one of Africa’s most spectacular sunrises over Mawenzi Peak. From there, a gradual walk leads to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)—the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating your achievement and taking photographs, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for lunch before continuing to Mweka Camp, where you can enjoy your final night on the mountain.
Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
Elevation: 3,100 m (10,170 ft) to 1,640 m (5,380 ft)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Following breakfast, you continue your descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers receive their official Mount Kilimanjaro summit certificates.
Your driver will meet you at Mweka Village for the transfer back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a well-deserved shower, celebrate your achievement, and reflect on the unforgettable experience of standing on the Roof of Africa.
Congratulations on conquering Mount Kilimanjaro!
