Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek: Multi-Day Climb & Local Guides

Summary

Climbing Kilimanjaro’s wild side with laughter, dust and quiet awe

You’ll wake up to mountain mist and laughter from your Tanzanian crew, trek through forests and rocky moonscapes on the Lemosho Route, push yourself during summit night under starlight—and share hot meals with new friends as you descend. Each day brings quiet challenges and unexpected warmth that linger long after you leave Kilimanjaro.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the air changed as we left Moshi for the Lemosho Gate—like someone opened a window to a different world. Our guide, Joseph, had this easy grin and kept pointing out birds I’d never seen before (he said their names in Swahili; I forgot every one). The van was full of nervous chatter, gear clinking together. By the time we started hiking through that thick forest—moss on everything, mud squishing under boots—I could already smell woodsmoke from camp somewhere ahead. Didn’t expect to be hungry so soon but lunch at Mti Mkubwa tasted like victory after just a few hours’ walk.

The days blurred into each other in a good way. One morning at Shira Camp, clouds rolled over so fast it felt like we were inside them. The porters laughed when I tried to help set up my tent (I was useless), and later our cook handed me a bowl of soup that steamed up my glasses. At Lava Tower I got my first real taste of altitude—head heavy, legs slow—but Joseph just nodded and said “pole pole,” slow-slow, like he’d said it a thousand times before. It became a kind of rhythm for all of us on this Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route trek.

I didn’t expect how much I’d love the weird silences—just boots on gravel above Barranco Wall or that hush before sunrise at Barafu Camp when everyone’s pretending they’re not nervous about summit night. When we finally made it to Uhuru Peak, I couldn’t feel my fingers but I remember how pink the sky was and how Joseph hugged each of us like family (he smelled like campfire and tea). Coming down was almost harder than going up; knees shaky, legs jelly—but there was hot food waiting at Mweka Camp and suddenly everyone was laughing again.

Even now I can close my eyes and feel that thin mountain air or hear the guides singing after dinner. If you’re thinking about a day trip Machu Picchu Cusco style adventure but want something wilder—this is it. The Lemosho Route isn’t easy but there’s something honest about every step, every shared meal in those battered mess tents. It stays with you longer than you think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moshi to Mti Mkubwa Camp Trek

• Breakfast and guide briefing at hotel
• Drive to Lemosho Park Gate
• Register at Londorossi Gate
• Trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp
• Lunch and relax at camp
• Dinner and evening briefing

Day 2 — Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 2

• Early breakfast at camp
• Trek to Shira Camp 1
• Lunch at Shira Camp 1
• Trek to Shira Camp 2
• Relax and acclimate at camp
• Dinner and evening briefing

Day 3 — Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

• Early breakfast at camp
• Trek from Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
• Lunch and rest at camp
• Dinner and evening briefing

Day 4 — Lava Tower and Barranco Camp

• Early breakfast at camp
• Hike to Lava Tower
• Lunch at Lava Tower
• Descend to Barranco Camp
• Enjoy sunset and dinner

Day 5 — Barranco to Karanga Camp

• Early breakfast at camp
• Climb Barranco Wall
• Descend to Karanga Camp
• Lunch at camp
• Acclimatization hike to Barafu
• Dinner and evening briefing

Day 6 — Karanga to Barafu Camp

• Early breakfast at camp
• Trek to Barafu Camp
• Lunch and rest at camp
• Dinner and summit briefing

Day 7 — Summit and descend to Mweka Camp

• Wake up late night for tea
• Climb to Stella Point
• Ascend to Uhuru Peak
• Descend to Barafu Camp
• Rest briefly at Barafu
• Descend to Mweka Camp
• Dinner and overnight at camp

Day 8 — Descend to Mweka Gate and hotel

• Breakfast at Mweka Camp
• Descend to Mweka Gate
• Drive to Springlands Hotel
• Lunch and shower at hotel
• Optional safari briefing

Top questions

How many days does the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route trek take?

The standard itinerary covers 8 days from Moshi to summit and back to Springlands Hotel.

Is there hotel pickup included for this Kilimanjaro trek?

Yes, pickup from Springlands Hotel in Moshi is included at the start of your climb.

Are meals provided during the Lemosho Route trek?

Yes, all meals are prepared by an on-site chef throughout the multi-day trek.

What languages do local guides speak?

Guides are available who speak English, Spanish, French, and German.

Is this route suitable for beginners?

A moderate level of fitness is required; it's not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

Are tents provided or do I bring my own?

Tents are set up by porters at each campsite along the route; no need to bring your own tent.

How high is Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro?

The summit at Uhuru Peak reaches 5,895 meters above sea level.

Is wheelchair access possible on this tour?

Main transport options are accessible but trekking itself is not wheelchair accessible due to terrain.

What’s included

Your journey includes transfer from Springlands Hotel in Moshi to Lemosho Gate with an experienced local guide who speaks multiple languages. Porters handle camp setup while your chef prepares fresh meals daily; tents are provided at each site along the way. After summiting Kilimanjaro via the scenic Lemosho Route you’ll return to Moshi for a hot lunch and shower—all logistics covered so you can focus on every step (and breath) of the climb.