7 Days
Adventure
10-20 People
Any Language
To climb the Lemosho route on Kilimanjaro you will trek across the remote Shira plateau and enjoy 7 days on the mountain to maximize your acclimatization and summit chance. Skirting the southern face of Kibo, the views of the summit icefields and back to Mawenzi are stunning, and a climb to the Lava Tower (4600m) on the 4th day makes for excellent and valuable acclimatization. The infamous Barranco wall provides excitement on the 5th day, with the ascent to Stella Point on the 7th day providing an easier approach to Uhuru Peak than via Gillmans. Descent is via the Mweka route.
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge past the Shira 1 camp and on to the Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth†(level 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for the summit day
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.
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.
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.
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). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. Best Day Safaris vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel
Before taking on Kilimanjaro, knowing the details makes all the difference. Our FAQs cover routes, weather, and preparation, guiding you toward a safer, smoother, and unforgettable climb up Africa’s tallest mountain.
The length of the Lemosho Route on Kilimanjaro is around 70 kilometres (43 miles). The route approaches the mountain from the western side, beginning at the Londorossi Gate.
The route passes through diverse landscapes, ranging from lush rainforests to moorlands, before leading climbers through alpine deserts and ultimately to the arctic summit of Uhuru Peak.
It takes around 6 to 7 days to complete Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route. While it’s possible to finish in 6 days, extending the climb to 7 days is highly recommended for better acclimatization — the body’s natural way to adapt to high altitude.
BestDay Safaris offers Kilimanjaro climbs via both 6-day and 7-day routes. For more preparation tips, please see our Kilimanjaro Travel Guides.
The Lemosho Route is moderately challenging compared to other routes. One of the most difficult sections is the famous Barranco Wall, which requires both physical fitness and mental strength to navigate successfully.
Additional challenges include varied terrain, unpredictable Kilimanjaro weather, and reduced oxygen levels as climbers ascend to higher elevations.
If an emergency occurs, BestDay Safaris’ trained guides and support staff are well-prepared to ensure your safety. They carry first aid equipment and can provide basic medical assistance on the mountain.
In serious cases, they will follow established Kilimanjaro rescue procedures to safely evacuate climbers to lower altitudes or medical facilities.
When someone says a trip changed them, we listen. Many guests have written about moments that stayed long after they left, wildlife, culture, and friendships. Their voices give you a glimpse of the Tanzania we’re proud to show.
I can’t thank best day safari enough for the incredible journey they planned for us.Climbing Kilimanjaro was a dream come true & the guides and the support team made us feel safe.
Bestday Safaris designed this fantastic safari to meet our needs. There were eight of us, two families of friends, split between two jeeps with the fantastic guides Tuma and Emanuel.
These were days we will never forget. The organization by Bestdays Safari was flawless in every way.Yuna is a truly special person – she fulfilled every single request of mine.
Whether you are ready for Tanzania Safari Dream or Kilimanjaro Adventure or Beach Relaxation for a few days or a few weeks long, our experts will create an itinerary from scratch, fully tailored to your wishes. Want to visit a beautiful destination or start an adventure to reach the top, or relax in a paradise, we will make it happen.