Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route: 7-Day Climb with Camps & Transfers

Summary

Walk Kilimanjaro’s wild side, sleep under stars, reach Uhuru Peak

You’ll feel every step as you cross Kilimanjaro’s Lemosho Route: crisp mornings at camp, laughter with guides over hot meals, and that silent awe near Uhuru Peak before sunrise. With all logistics sorted—airport transfers, hotel stays before & after, tents ready each night—you can focus on walking, breathing, and letting Africa’s highest mountain get under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I wasn’t sure I could handle seven days on the mountain. But landing in Tanzania and seeing Kilimanjaro from the hotel window (the Aishi Machame, with surprisingly good coffee) made it real fast. Our guide, Emmanuel, met us that evening for a briefing. He smiled when I asked about the weather — “Kili has its moods,” he said. We laughed but I felt the nerves in my stomach.

The first day on the Lemosho Route started with a bumpy drive to Londorossi Gate. The air was sharp, almost piney, and there was this hush as we set off — just boots crunching and birds somewhere out of sight. The porters moved ahead like it was nothing (I still don’t know how they do it). By Shira 1 Camp, the sun dropped behind clouds and everything smelled faintly of dust and soup. Dinner tasted better than it had any right to at 3,500 meters — maybe because we’d earned every bite.

Each day felt different. One morning we woke to frost on the tent zippers; another afternoon we hiked through mist so thick you could barely see your hands. Emmanuel would point out weird plants or tell stories about climbers who’d made it (or not). There were moments when my head throbbed from altitude or my legs just wanted to quit — especially after Lava Tower — but somehow you keep going. At Barranco Wall I nearly chickened out until one of the porters grinned at me and said “Pole pole” (slowly slowly), which became our group’s motto.

The summit push is a blur now: leaving Barafu Camp in darkness, boots crunching over frozen ground while everyone whispered or just breathed hard. Reaching Uhuru Peak didn’t feel like a movie moment — more like relief mixed with disbelief. The sky was pale blue and wind stung my cheeks; someone handed me ginger tea and I nearly cried from gratitude. On the way down to Millennium Camp my toes hated me but honestly? I still think about that sunrise above the clouds.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and briefing at hotel

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport
• Meet Altezza Travel representative
• Transfer to hotel
• Check-in and settle in
• Evening briefing with managers

Day 2 — Drive to Londorossi Gate and trek to Shira 1

• Morning briefing at hotel
• Drive 3-4 hours to Londorossi Gate
• Acquire climbing permits
• Drive to drop off point (3,500 m)
• Trek to Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m)
• Set up camp and dinner

Day 3 — Trek from Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp

• Depart Shira 1 Camp
• Trek to Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m)
• Lunch and rest at camp
• Acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (4,110 m)
• Return to Shira 2 Camp

Day 4 — Climb Lava Tower and descend to Barranco

• Depart Shira 2 Camp
• Climb to Lava Tower (4,630 m)
• Lunch and rest at Lava Tower
• Descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
• Set up camp and dinner

Day 5 — Climb Barranco Wall and trek to Karanga

• Early wakeup and breakfast
• Climb Barranco Wall
• Rest and photos at top
• Trek to Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
• Lunch and rest at camp
• Acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp
• Return to Karanga Camp

Day 6 — Trek to Barafu Camp and acclimatize

• Breakfast at Karanga Camp
• Trek to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
• Set up camp and rest
• Acclimatization hike to Kosovo Summit (4,800 m)
• Return to Barafu Camp
• Hot dinner and rest

Day 7 — Summit Uhuru Peak and descend

• Night departure from Barafu Camp
• Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
• Descend to Barafu Camp
• Rest for 2 hours
• Descend to Millennium Camp (3,820 m)
• Set up camp and dinner

Day 8 — Descend to Mweka Gate and return

• Wake up at Millennium Camp
• Breakfast and pack up
• Descend to Mweka Gate (1,640 m)
• Group gathering and congratulations
• Sign guestbook and receive certificate
• Transfer to hotel

Day 9 — Rest and departure

• Rest at hotel
• Check-out from hotel
• Transfer to airport

Top questions

How many days does the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route climb take?

The tour lasts 7 days on the mountain plus pre- and post-climb hotel nights.

Is airport transfer included for this Kilimanjaro climb?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport are included.

Are meals provided during the trek?

Yes, three energy-rich meals per day are provided by a dedicated kitchen crew.

What kind of accommodation is used during the climb?

You’ll sleep in North Face VE-25 tents set up by staff; hotels are provided before and after the trek.

Is this route suitable for beginners?

The Lemosho Route is suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers with moderate fitness.

What support is available if someone feels sick from altitude?

Crew includes certified Wilderness First Responder guides; medical kits and oxygen are always available.

Are vegetarian or special diets possible?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, halal and other meal plans can be arranged if requested in advance.

What’s included

Your journey includes two nights at Aishi Machame Hotel (before and after), all airport transfers, ground transport to trailheads, certified guides trained in wilderness first response, unlimited oxygen tanks and oximeters for safety checks along the way, North Face tents set up nightly by porters (sharing unless solo), three daily meals with options for most dietary needs—even hot drinks at altitude—and all park fees covered so you can focus on each step toward Uhuru Peak without worrying about logistics.