Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route: 7-Day Trek with Local Guides

Summary

Trekking kilimanjaro’s wild side with local support & stories

You’ll trek Kilimanjaro’s Lemosho route with local guides who know every turn of the trail. Expect misty rainforest mornings, hearty camp meals, and sunrise at Uhuru Peak if you’re lucky with weather. Your journey includes all mountain accommodation, meals, ethical porter care, and return transport — plus those small moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We were already deep in the rainforest when I realized how quiet it was — just the soft crunch of boots and the odd bird call, nothing else. Our guide, Joseph, kept pointing out plants I’d never seen before (I still can’t pronounce half their names). Lunch tasted like it had been made by someone’s auntie — warm rice and beans, a little spicy, eaten sitting on a log while mist curled around us. The first night at Forest Camp, I remember lying in my tent listening to rain tap on the canvas and thinking: this is really happening.

The next days blurred into a rhythm of early starts and slow climbs. The air thinned as we left the trees behind for moorland — tall grasses brushing my legs, volcanic rocks everywhere. At Shira Camp, Joseph showed us Kibo peak across the plateau; it looked both close and impossibly far. There was this moment at Moir Hut where I tried to joke with one of the porters about my “mountain hair” (he just grinned and handed me more tea). The nights got colder fast. Sometimes I woke up just to see if the stars were still there.

I didn’t expect how tough that push from Barafu Camp would be. We started at midnight — everyone moving in silence except for the wind rattling our jackets. My hands felt numb even inside gloves. When we reached Stella Point near sunrise, people from other routes joined us; suddenly it was like a small crowd all shuffling toward Uhuru Peak together. The sun came up behind Mawenzi and for a second everything glowed orange-pink — honestly, I still think about that view when I’m back home making coffee.

The way down was muddy in places and my knees complained, but reaching Mweka Gate felt like finishing something bigger than just a hike. Joseph handed me a summit certificate with this proud little nod — not much English between us but it didn’t matter. Back in Moshi later, there was hot water (thank god) and someone handed me a cold Kilimanjaro beer. That first sip tasted better than any fancy drink I’ve ever had.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp

• Drive Moshi to Londorossi Gate and trailhead, lunch, hike to Forest Camp

Day 2 — Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1

• Hike through moorland to Shira Camp 1

Day 3 — Shira Camp 1 to Moir Hut

• Explore Shira plateau, hike to Shira 2 and Moir Hut

Day 4 — Moir Hut to Barranco Camp

• Hike past Lava Tower, lunch, descend to Barranco Camp

Day 5 — Barranco to Barafu Camp

• Hike Barranco Wall, Karanga Valley, then to Barafu Camp

Day 6 — Summit Day: Barafu to Mweka Hut

• Night start, summit Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Hut

Day 7 — Mweka Camp to Moshi

• Descend to Mweka Gate, receive certificate, drive to Moshi

Top questions

How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro via Lemosho?

This tour takes 7 days from Londorossi Gate to Moshi via the Lemosho route.

Is food included on the Kilimanjaro trek?

Yes, all meals are provided while on the mountain.

Are guides included on this Kilimanjaro tour?

Yes, professional local mountain guides lead the trek throughout.

What is the highest point reached on this trek?

The highest point is Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).

Is accommodation provided during the climb?

All nights’ accommodation on the mountain are included in tents at designated campsites.

How difficult is the Lemosho route for beginners?

The route requires moderate fitness; not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health or certain medical conditions.

Are rescue fees covered in this package?

Yes, all rescue fees are included in your booking.

Does this tour include transport from Moshi?

Yes, transport from Moshi to Londorossi Gate and back is included.

What’s included

Your trek includes all nights’ tent accommodation on Kilimanjaro’s slopes with professional local guides leading each day’s hike. You’ll have all meals prepared fresh on the mountain plus clean drinking water throughout. Rescue fees are covered too; porters are treated fairly and ethically by your crew. After descending to Mweka Gate you’ll be driven back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and maybe even a celebratory beer if you want one.