7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Lemosho Route with Guides

The summit push starts after midnight, and you reach the rim of Africa's highest peak as the sun rises.

A 7-day guided climb of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, departing from Moshi with professional guides, porters and camp meals included. The route crosses five distinct climate zones, from rainforest to alpine desert, with a gradual ascent designed for acclimatization. You trek through Shira Plateau, climb the Barranco Wall, and summit Uhuru Peak at 5,895m before descending through montane forest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your official certificate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Big Tree Camp

• Hotel pick-up in Moshi
• Drive to Lemosho Gate
• Process permits
• Trek through Montane Rainforest
• Arrive at Big Tree Camp

Day 2: Big Tree to Shira 2 Camp

• Trek across Shira Plateau
• Lunch at Shira 1 Camp
• Continue to Shira 2 Camp

Day 3: Shira 2 to Barranco Camp

• Ascend to Lava Tower
• Descend to Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco to Karanga Camp

• Climb Barranco Wall
• Trek through alpine desert
• Arrive at Karanga Camp

Day 5: Karanga to Barafu Camp

• Breakfast at Karanga Camp
• Trek to Barafu Camp
• Relax and hydrate
• Early dinner and briefing
• Rest for summit push

Day 6: Summit Day and Descent

• Start summit push after midnight
• Climb to Stella Point
• Reach Uhuru Peak
• Descend to Barafu Camp
• Continue descent to Mweka Camp
• Overnight at Mweka Camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

• Breakfast at Mweka Camp
• Trek to Mweka Gate
• Receive summit certificate
• Transfer back to Moshi

The experience

The Lemosho Route earns its reputation for high success rates because the climb is gradual. You start at Lemosho Gate (2,385m) in montane rainforest and spend the first two days crossing the Shira Plateau at 3,900m before pushing higher. This pacing gives your body time to adapt to altitude instead of rushing it. On day three, you ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m), a crucial acclimatization point, then descend to Barranco Camp, a pattern that trains your system for the summit push without exhausting it.

Days four and five move you through alpine desert toward Barafu Camp (4,680m), your final base. The landscape shifts from sparse vegetation to bare rock and ice as you climb. On day six, the summit attempt begins just after midnight: a steep, freezing ascent through switchbacks to Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim, where sunrise breaks over Africa. A final push reaches Uhuru Peak (5,895m). After celebrating at the summit, you descend the same day to Barafu Camp for rest, then continue to Mweka Camp (3,090m) for your last night on the mountain.

The final morning is a relaxed walk through rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m), where your guides present your official summit certificate. Your team transfers you back to Moshi for a hot shower and a bed. Professional guides lead the entire trek, porters carry the heavy loads, and a cook prepares meals at each camp. You carry only a day pack. The group stays small, which keeps costs down and builds camaraderie among climbers.

What’s included

• All park fees and taxes.
• professional guide in English throughout the trek.
• porter and cook wages.
• all meals at camp.
• tent accommodation at each campsite.
• hotel pickup in Moshi (depending on option).

Options for this experience

2 options

Joining group Kilimanjaro climbing tour: 7 days via the Lemosho RouteGuide in English · 08:00

Includes transfers and a budget hotelGuide in English · 08:00You will spend the night at the Kilimanjaro White House Hotel before and after the trek, on a bed and breakfast basis. Budget trek with budget lodges over 7 days. All meals are included throughout the tour. Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route; pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Youth (12 to 14 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 11 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by #1 Best Kilimanjaro Airport Transfer - Pick up / Drop Up | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO L.T.D

Is this one for you?Join a small group if you want the camaraderie and lower cost of shared climbing without the rush of a large tour. The seven-day timeline and gradual ascent suit climbers aiming for the summit with proper acclimatization, rather than speed. Children from age five are welcome, though the altitude and daily trekking demand genuine fitness and commitment from everyone on the mountain.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 14 years); Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Lemosho Route, and why does it have a high success rate?

The Lemosho Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, crossing the Shira Plateau before ascending to the summit. Its gradual ascent (starting at 2,385m and climbing over seven days) allows your body to acclimatize properly, which is why it has a reputation for high success rates compared to steeper routes.

What happens on the summit day, and when do we start climbing?

The summit push begins just after midnight from Barafu Camp. You climb steep switchbacks through the freezing night to Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim, where you watch the sunrise over Africa. A final push brings you to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point on the continent. After celebrating, you descend back to Barafu Camp for rest, then continue to Mweka Camp the same day.

What are the five climate zones we pass through?

The trek crosses montane rainforest (starting at Lemosho Gate), the Shira Plateau, alpine desert, the glaciated summit zone, and montane forest again on the descent to Mweka Gate. Each zone has distinct vegetation, temperature and terrain.

Who is on the mountain with us, and what do they do?

An experienced professional guide leads the trek and manages safety and pacing. Porters carry tents, food and group equipment so you carry only a day pack. A cook prepares meals at each camp. This crew handles the logistics while you focus on the climb.

What is included in the price, and what do we need to arrange separately?

The tour includes all park fees and taxes, the guide, porters, cook, meals at camp, and accommodation in tents. Hotel pickup in Moshi is included depending on your option. You arrange your own flights, travel insurance, tips for the crew, and personal climbing gear (depending on your option). A visa is your responsibility.