6 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE MT.KILIMANJARO
The 6-day Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the more scenic and less crowded routes to the summit, offering trekkers the opportunity to experience the full range of Kilimanjaro’s ecosystems in a relatively short period. Beginning on the western side of the mountain at Londorossi Gate, the route takes you through lush rainforests, up to the expansive Shira Plateau, and across a variety of terrains, including the alpine desert and rocky highlands. One of the main appeals of the Lemosho Route is its scenic beauty and low foot traffic in the early stages, providing a sense of serenity and wilderness before joining the busier Machame Route. Over six days, the trek moves steadily upwards, allowing for decent acclimatization despite the shorter duration compared to the typical 7 or 8-day Lemosho itineraries. This makes it a more challenging option, with fewer rest days, but still offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and the mountain itself.
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Mt.kilimanjaro |
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| Included |
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All meals |
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- Additional Services
- Insurance
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Details
The journey culminates with the summit push from Barafu Camp, where trekkers set off at midnight to reach Uhuru Peak in the early morning. The summit ascent is demanding, involving steep climbs and cold temperatures, but the reward is breathtaking—reaching the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. The descent is quicker, taking you through different ecological zones once again, from the stark alpine desert back to the lush rainforests, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of Kilimanjaro. This 6-day trek is ideal for experienced hikers who are confident in their physical fitness and ability to adjust to high altitudes, offering a condensed yet unforgettable adventure to the roof of Africa.
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate, located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. After registration and permits are secured, you'll drive to the Lemosho starting point. From here, the trek officially begins, leading you through the lush rainforest zone, one of the most biodiverse areas on the mountain. The trail is filled with towering trees, dense vegetation, and a chance to spot wildlife like colobus monkeys, birds, and small forest creatures. The air is humid and the terrain relatively gentle, making this first day a good introduction to Kilimanjaro’s ecosystem.
The day ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), located at an altitude of 2,650 meters. The campsite is nestled in the forest, providing a serene and sheltered environment. After a 3-4 hour hike, you’ll settle into camp, where your support team will have already set up tents and prepared dinner. The evening is spent acclimatizing to the altitude, and the cool night air will be a welcome change after the humid rainforest trek. This first day serves as a warm-up for the more challenging terrain ahead.
On the second day, you’ll leave the dense rainforest and begin the ascent into the heath and moorland zone. The transition is dramatic, as the forest thins out and gives way to rolling hills and giant heathers. As you ascend, the vegetation becomes more sparse, and the landscape opens up, offering stunning views of the Shira Plateau and the looming peak of Kibo in the distance. The trail becomes steeper and rockier, but the diverse scenery makes the trek incredibly rewarding.
After 6-7 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Shira 1 Camp at 3,500 meters. This camp sits on the western edge of the Shira Plateau, one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world. The open skies and expansive views of the surrounding landscape make Shira 1 a truly unique campsite. After setting up camp, you’ll have time to rest, hydrate, and enjoy a hearty meal prepared by your support team. As the sun sets, temperatures drop significantly, so layering up for the chilly night is important.
The third day of the trek involves a shorter but equally scenic hike as you cross the Shira Plateau. The route is mostly flat with a few gentle ascents, offering ample time to enjoy the panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic peaks—Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. The landscape is dominated by low-lying shrubs and unique plants like giant lobelias, creating a surreal, otherworldly environment. With clear skies, you can see Mount Meru in the distance and vast stretches of Tanzania's plains.
You’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 meters after about 4-5 hours of trekking. This camp is located closer to the main Kibo peak, offering even more breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and the surrounding landscape. The afternoon is spent resting and acclimatizing to the higher altitude. An acclimatization hike to a nearby ridge is typically done in the afternoon, following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. The day concludes with dinner and preparation for the more challenging days ahead.
Day four is one of the most critical acclimatization days of the trek, as you’ll be trekking to the Lava Tower at 4,600 meters before descending to Barranco Camp at 3,900 meters. This is a challenging day, with a steep ascent toward Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation. The altitude can start to take its toll, and some trekkers may experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. The trek is slow and steady, with plenty of breaks to rest and hydrate. As you reach Lava Tower, you’ll feel the effects of the thinner air, but the dramatic landscape is worth the effort.
After spending some time at Lava Tower, you’ll descend into the Barranco Valley, where you’ll be greeted by the sight of the massive Barranco Wall and the southern glaciers of Kilimanjaro. The descent helps your body acclimatize by following the “climb high, sleep low” strategy. Barranco Camp, located at 3,900 meters, is one of the most scenic campsites on the mountain, surrounded by towering cliffs and unique plant life like the giant groundsels. The day ends with dinner and an early rest to prepare for the next challenge: the Barranco Wall.
The day starts with the thrilling ascent of the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb that requires some scrambling. Despite its intimidating appearance, the Barranco Wall is often a favorite part of the trek, with rewarding views once you reach the top. After conquering the wall, you’ll trek through a series of ridges and valleys, including the scenic Karanga Valley. The trail becomes more rugged, and the landscape increasingly barren as you ascend into the alpine desert zone.
After several hours of trekking, you’ll reach Barafu Camp at 4,673 meters, the base camp for your final summit push. The camp is set on a rocky ridge with views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The afternoon is spent resting and preparing for the summit attempt, which will begin in the early hours of the next morning. A hot meal is served early in the evening, and trekkers are encouraged to sleep early to conserve energy for the long summit night ahead.
Summit day begins around midnight, with a challenging ascent under the stars. The trail to the summit is steep and rocky, with cold temperatures and thin air making it the toughest part of the trek. After several hours of relentless climbing, you’ll reach Stella Point at 5,756 meters, where you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise. From Stella Point, it’s a relatively gradual hike along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. Standing at the summit is an emotional and rewarding experience, with panoramic views stretching across Tanzania and into Kenya.
After celebrating at the summit, you’ll begin the long descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch. The descent continues further down to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters, where the air is thicker and the environment more comfortable. The trek down is easier on the lungs but still tough on the legs due to the steep, rocky path. You’ll arrive at Mweka Camp in the late afternoon, exhausted but triumphant after completing the summit. The day ends with a final dinner and a well-deserved night’s rest.
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