7 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Trek (Camping Adventure)
Your Safari Experience
This 7-day Mount Kilimanjaro trek via the Lemosho Route offers one of the most scenic and rewarding ways to reach the Roof of Africa. Known for its beautiful landscapes, gradual ascent profile, and excellent acclimatization opportunities, the Lemosho Route takes climbers through diverse ecosystems ranging from lush rainforest and heathlands to alpine desert and glacial summit terrain. Along the journey, you will enjoy sweeping views across the Shira Plateau, dramatic valleys near Barranco, and unforgettable sunrises high on the mountain. With the support of experienced Kiota Adventures mountain guides and crew, comfortable camping, and carefully paced trekking days, this route provides a balanced combination of adventure, safety, and stunning natural beauty. It is an ideal choice for trekkers seeking a quieter trail and a truly memorable Kilimanjaro summit experience.
Safari Highlight
Day 1: Arusha / Moshi – Lemosho Gate (2,100m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi and transferred to Lemosho Gate for registration. Once cleared, you begin hiking through the rainforest, adjusting to the trail and enjoying the quiet, shaded environment.
Your guide will keep the pace comfortable (pole pole), with short breaks along the way. In this forest section, you may spot colobus monkeys and hear the calls of tropical birds. You reach Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp in the afternoon, where your crew will have the tents ready. After a warm meal, you rest early to prepare for the higher-altitude days ahead.
Hiking Duration: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner (Breakfast not included)
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m) – Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)
Today you leave the rainforest and enter the heath and moorland zone, where the scenery opens and the air cools. The trail gains altitude steadily, offering expansive views across valleys and ridges.
Your guide will maintain a slow, steady pace to support acclimatisation, encouraging hydration and regular breaks. Approaching the Shira Plateau, the landscape becomes more rugged, with unique vegetation and volcanic rock.
You arrive at Shira 1 Camp later in the day, often with clear views of Kibo Peak. The afternoon is for rest, hydration, and acclimatisation.
Hiking Duration: 6–8 hours
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,610m) – Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Today, you’ll hike through a forest that slowly turns into open moorland as you climb higher. The path gets steeper, but we keep a steady, comfortable pace so you can adjust to the altitude. Along the ridge, you’ll see great views of the Meru Crater, the Ash Cone, and the wide scenery of Arusha National Park.
You’ll reach Saddle Hut in time for lunch and have the afternoon to rest. If you feel up to it, you can take an optional hike to Little Meru at 3,820 meters. This short climb is a great way to see sunset views and get ready for summit day.
Main Destination: Mount Meru
Accommodation: Saddle Hut
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3 to 5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Drinks: Non alcoholic drinks included
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,976m)
Today is a key acclimatisation day, following the principle of climbing high and sleeping low. You hike into the alpine desert, with rocky and exposed terrain, reaching Lava Tower (4,630m) for lunch and rest.
The altitude can be challenging, so your guide will monitor your condition and encourage a slow pace and hydration. After lunch, you descend into the greener Barranco Valley.
You arrive at Barranco Camp with views of the Barranco Wall and, when clear, the glaciers. This day is important for acclimatisation before ascending further.
Hiking Duration: 6–8 hours
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,976m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m)
After breakfast, you climb the Barranco Wall. Although it appears steep, it is non-technical, and your guide will assist you throughout. The summit offers rewarding views over the valley.
The trek continues with traverses over ridges and valleys. The air becomes thinner and the landscape more alpine as you approach the high camps. The pace remains steady to support acclimatisation.
By afternoon, you arrive at Karanga Camp, where you rest and recover. The evening focuses on eating well, hydrating, and preparing for the final ascent.
Hiking Duration: 4–6 hours
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Barafu Camp (4,673m)
Today you hike to Barafu Camp, your summit base. The trail climbs steadily over rocky terrain, and the environment becomes increasingly barren and windswept. Rest, hydration, and pacing are essential at this altitude.
After arriving at Barafu, you focus on recovery and have an early dinner. Your guide will provide a detailed summit briefing, covering packing, clothing, energy management, and the summit schedule.
You try to sleep early, as the summit attempt begins around midnight. Even brief rest is beneficial at this altitude.
Hiking Duration: 3–5 hours
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,673m) – Stella Point (5,739m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Transfer to Hotel (Moshi/Arusha)
Around midnight, you begin your summit attempt. This is the most demanding section due to altitude and steep volcanic scree. Your guide will maintain a slow pace with regular breaks as you ascend to the crater rim.
You reach Stella Point (5,739m) around sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After a brief celebration, you descend to Barafu Camp for rest and food.
After resting, you continue your descent through varied terrain, re-entering greener zones. The trek ends at Mweka Gate, where you sign out, receive your summit certificate, and meet your driver for transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Hiking Duration: 14–18 hours (summit + full descent to Mweka Gate)
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi/Arusha (after the trek)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner at hotel or own arrangement)
Included in the price
Includes:
- Mount Meru / Arusha National Park entry fees
- All government taxes and park conservation fees
- Professional English-speaking mountain guide
- Armed park ranger (required for Mount Meru treks)
- Mountain porters and cook
- Fair wages for guides and porters
- Hut accommodation on the mountain (Miriakamba Hut and Saddle Hut)
- One night accommodation in Arusha before the trek
- All meals during the trek as listed in the itinerary
- Drinking water during the trek
- Transfer from Arusha to Momella Gate and return
- Airport pick-up on arrival
- Summit certificate for successful climbers
- Basic first aid kit and safety equipment
Included in the price
Excludes:
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Additional accommodation in Arusha after the trek
- Airport drop-off (available on request)