6 Days Lemosho Route
Overview
The six-day Lemosho Route is generally not recommended because the itinerary covers significant distances and elevation gains within a short period, leaving less time for proper acclimatization.
On Day 2, the trek from Forest Camp to Shira 2 is particularly demanding, with a significant elevation gain of around 3,000 feet. Reaching this altitude so quickly can increase the risk of experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, especially for climbers who have not had enough time to acclimatize.
Another concern is the demanding schedule toward the summit. Day 4 involves a long trek from Barranco to Barafu Camp, followed by dinner and only a few hours of rest before beginning the summit attempt around midnight. This creates an extremely strenuous period of trekking at high altitude, with limited time for sleep and recovery.
For a more comfortable pace and better acclimatization, we recommend choosing a longer Lemosho itinerary, such as the 7-day or 8-day route, which allows more time to adjust to the altitude and enjoy the climb.
Day 1 Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
•Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
•Distance: 6 km
•Hiking Time:3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
DAY 2 Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
- •Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 12,500ft
•Distance: 18 km
•Hiking Time 8-10 hours
•Habitat: Moorland
We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing. From here, it is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.
DAY 3 Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
•Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
•Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
DAY 4 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
•Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
•Distance: 9km
•Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
DAY 5 Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
•Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
•Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
•Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
•Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 6 Mweka Camp to Moshi
Mweka Camp to Moshi
•Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.
BOOK THIS TOUR
- Price Included
- Two nights accommodation in Hotel
- Private transport to / from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Moshi
- Qualified guides with mountain crew
- National park fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees and services
- All camping equipment; mountain tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats
- Transport
- Rescue fees
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Guides and porters’ accommodations and their entry fees on the mountain
- Pulse oximeter
- First aid kit
- Emergence oxygen
- Katady filtered water through the trek
- Fair wages to guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authorit
- Price Included
- Flights
- Visa
- Insurance
- Tips to mountain crew
- Personal Items
- Laundry services (available at the hotel for cost)
Kilimanjaro Climbing faq
What is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year, but the best conditions are generally during the drier months, especially from June to October and January to February.
How many days does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?
Most Kilimanjaro climbs take between 5 and 9 days, depending on the route. Longer routes allow more time for acclimatization and a more gradual ascent.
Which Kilimanjaro route is best for beginners?
Several routes are suitable for first-time climbers. Machame and Lemosho are popular choices because they offer beautiful scenery and good opportunities for gradual acclimatization.
How difficult is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro is a challenging trek, but you do not need technical climbing skills. Good preparation, proper pacing, and choosing a suitable route can make the experience more manageable.
What should I pack for a Kilimanjaro climb?
You will need warm and comfortable hiking clothes, waterproof gear, hiking boots, a sleeping bag, a daypack, water bottles, and other essential trekking equipment. Your tour operator can provide a detailed packing list before your climb.