7-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb
A private 7-day climb of Kilimanjaro on the Lemosho route, starting on the quiet western side, with two hotel nights in Moshi, 9 days in total.
The Lemosho Route, One Day Shorter
Lemosho begins in the forest on the far west of the mountain, where few climbers start, and crosses the whole Shira Plateau before joining the southern circuit at Lava Tower. From there you follow the Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp and the summit, and come down the Mweka route.
Our 8-day Lemosho climb spends an extra night at Shira 1 Camp. This 7-day version walks from Big Tree Camp across the plateau to Shira 2 in one longer day. It suits fit hikers who want the scenery of the western route but have one day less; if you can spare the extra day, the 8-day climb gives you more time to adjust to the altitude.
Have one more day? See the 8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb →
Why Climbers Choose It
- The quiet western start through rainforest
- A full crossing of the Shira Plateau, with views of Kibo
- Lava Tower, the Barranco Wall and the southern circuit
- Our own licensed guides, cook and porters, with a private toilet tent
- Emergency oxygen, mountain tents, a sleeping bag and two hotel nights in Moshi included
Altitude Profile
Approximate altitudes in metres; published figures differ between sources. D1–D7 are the days on the mountain. On day 2 you pass Shira 1 Camp and continue to Shira 2.
Our driver meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and takes you to your hotel in Moshi. Your lead guide visits in the afternoon to go through the climb and check your equipment.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi (mid-range, or similar)
Meals: Dinner is not included on arrival day
↑ about 400 m · about 6 km · 3–4 hours
A long drive around the mountain to the Londorossi park gate to register, then on to the Lemosho trailhead. The first walk is short, on a narrow path through mossy forest where colobus monkeys live, to a camp among tall trees.
Overnight: Big Tree Camp (tents)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 1,120 m · about 15 km · 7–9 hours
You climb out of the forest onto the moorland and up to the rim of the Shira Plateau, an old volcanic crater filled with lava. After lunch near Shira 1 you walk across the open plateau to Shira 2, with Kibo ahead of you. This is the longest walking day before the summit.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 740 m, ↓ about 680 m · about 10 km · 6–7 hours
You walk up through alpine desert to Lava Tower for lunch, then down into the Barranco Valley among giant groundsels. Climbing high and sleeping lower helps you acclimatise.
Overnight: Barranco Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 260 m, with ups and downs · about 5 km · 4–5 hours
A morning scramble up the Barranco Wall, then a shorter walk across valleys to Karanga Camp. The afternoon is free to rest and drink plenty of water.
Overnight: Karanga Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 600 m · about 4 km · 3–4 hours
A short climb over rocky ground to Barafu, the base camp for the summit. You eat an early dinner, prepare your warm clothes and headlamp, and sleep until around midnight.
Overnight: Barafu Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 1,255 m, ↓ about 2,815 m · about 12–16 hours
You climb by headlamp to Stella Point on the crater rim and along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After your photos you go back to Barafu to rest and eat, then down to Mweka Camp in the forest.
Overnight: Mweka Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↓ about 1,450 m · about 10 km · 3–4 hours
A last walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you sign out and receive your summit certificate. Our driver takes you back to Moshi.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi (mid-range, or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we drive you to Kilimanjaro International Airport, or on to one of our safaris.
Meals: Breakfast
Price Per Person — Private Climb
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,570 |
| 2 People | $2,320 |
| 3 People | $2,240 |
| 4 People | $2,200 |
| 5 People | $2,175 |
| 6 People | $2,155 |
Price per person in US dollars, by the number of people climbing together. Groups of more than 6: price on request.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: Moshi (Kilimanjaro Airport transfers included)
- 9 days in total: 7 days on the mountain + 2 hotel nights
- Private climb: your group only, on the dates you choose
- Day 2 is long; good fitness needed
- Prices may change if park fees change
Includes
- Kilimanjaro National Park conservation, camping and rescue fees
- Licensed mountain guides, cook and porters from our own crew
- A personal porter to carry your main bag
- Emergency oxygen carried on the climb
- A sleeping bag
- All meals on the mountain and drinking water
- 2 nights' hotel in Moshi with breakfast
- Private portable toilet tent
- Transfers: Kilimanjaro Airport, Moshi hotel and the park gates
- Summit certificate
Excludes
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 6,000 m and evacuation
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Personal climbing clothes and boots
- Drinks other than drinking water
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
- Lunch and dinner in Moshi
Questions Climbers Ask
7 or 8 days on the Lemosho route?
Both follow the same path. The 8-day climb sleeps at Shira 1 and Shira 2; the 7-day climb walks from Big Tree Camp to Shira 2 in one day. More days mean more time to acclimatise, so choose 8 days if you can, and 7 if you are fit and short of time.
Why start on the Lemosho side?
The western forest is quieter than the Machame and Marangu gates, and you see the whole Shira Plateau, one of the most open and scenic parts of the mountain.
How long is the drive to the start?
The Lemosho trailhead is on the far side of the mountain from Moshi, so the first morning includes a long drive and registration at the Londorossi gate. Plan for most of the morning.
Do I need climbing experience?
No technical skills are needed. You need good fitness for several long walking days, and some experience of multi-day hiking helps. The Barranco Wall is a scramble where you sometimes use your hands.
What insurance do I need?
Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000 metres and emergency evacuation. Please check the altitude limit in your policy before you book.
