Explore Tour
Unforgettable 7-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Expedition
With a remarkable 97 % success rate, ascend the legendary Lemosho route to summit the snow-capped Kilimanjaro.
Find comfort in high-altitude tents for a well-rested adventure, whether it’s your first 5000-er or a milestone in the Seven Summits challenge. Stand atop Africa and conquer the world’s largest free-standing mountain at the breathtaking summit.
Tour Plan
Touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and begin your adventure!
A scenic 1-hour drive takes you to the vibrant town of Moshi, nestled at an altitude of 890 m, your gateway to unforgettable experiences.
Driving time: 1 hour
After breakfast, depart Moshi for the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park—Londorossi gate 2360 m
Upon arrival, complete check-in and registration, marking the beginning of your Kilimanjaro ascent. The trail from Londorossi Gate (2360 m) to Mti Mkubwa (2895 m) is the initial segment of the Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The initial part of the trail takes trekkers through the lush rainforest zone. The trail is well-defined and surrounded by dense vegetation, including a variety of trees, plants, and moss-covered ground.
The ascent from Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa involves a gradual climb. The terrain is relatively flat or gently sloping, allowing climbers to ease into the trek.
In the late afternoon we reach our camp Mti Mkubwa 2895 m, which translates to "Big Tree" in Swahili. The camp is situated in the rainforest, and it offers a serene setting with towering trees and a tranquil atmosphere.
Be prepared with suitable gear and footwear for the muddy terrain often found at these lower altitudes.
Guides will conduct briefings at Mti Mkubwa, providing information about the upcoming days of the trek, emphasizing safety, pacing, and the importance of acclimatization.
Driving time: 2 hours
Hiking duration: 3-4 hours / Distance: 6 km
Ascent: 535 m
The journey from Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp showcases the diverse landscapes of Kilimanjaro, from the rainforest to the expansive Shira Plateau. We will experience the beauty and unique features of each ecological zone as we progress higher on the mountain.
The trail gradually ascends, and as we climb higher, we enter the Shira Plateau, a vast and open expanse characterized by heath and moorland. The landscape shifts from the dense vegetation of the rainforest to a more open and arid environment.
The Shira Plateau is a high-altitude plateau that spreads across the western side of Kilimanjaro. It is a unique and expansive area with a distinct landscape.
Afternoon arrival to Shira Camp 3505 m and have some free time to enjoy the surroundings.
Hiking duration: 7-9 hours / Distance: 18 km
Ascent: 610 m
The trail from Shira 1 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower (4630 meters) is a challenging yet rewarding section of the Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro.
We will take an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower for lunch, before descending to the Barranco valley. There’s the possibility to scramble up the prominent volcanic formation itself. It's essential to stay hydrated and monitor for any signs of altitude sickness while at Lava Tower.
The trail descends towards Barranco Camp and the descend involves navigating rocky terrain and may require careful footing. As we descend, the landscape transitions, and we may encounter the Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that must be traversed to reach Barranco Camp, a picturesque campsite with stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including the nearby Kibo summit.
Hiking duration: 6-8 hours / Distance: 11 km
Ascent: 1125 m
Descent: 654 m
The trail from Barranco Camp (3976 meters) to Karanga Camp (3995 meters) is a relatively short but crucial segment on the Lemosho Route of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The day typically starts with a challenging ascent of the Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that requires some scrambling.
Later we enter the scenic Karanga Valley which is characterized by a mix of alpine desert landscapes with rocks, low vegetation, and stunning views of glaciers on the upper slopes of Kilimanjaro. The trail meanders through this valley as climbers gradually gain elevation.
Our today's destination is Karanga Camp situated on a ridge above the Karanga Valley.
Hiking duration: 4-5 hours / Distance: 5 km
Ascent: 98 m
The trail from Karanga Camp (3995 meters) to Barafu Camp (4673 meters) is a crucial part of the Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro, as it marks the final ascent before the summit attempt.
The trail involves both ascending and traversing across rocky and alpine desert terrain. As we progress, the landscape transforms into an alpine desert, characterized by loose scree, volcanic rocks, and minimal vegetation.
While the terrain may be challenging, the views of the surrounding glaciers and the crater rim become increasingly spectacular. We may have clear views of the summit, Uhuru Peak, as we ascend, providing motivation for the final push.
We spend the remainder of the day at Barafu Camp, resting and preparing for the summit night.
Early bedtime is crucial for the energy needed for the ultimate challenge: Kilimanjaro's summit!
Hiking duration: 4-5 hours / Distance: 5 km
Ascent: 678 m
The trail from Barafu Camp (4673 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5895 meters) and then descending to Mweka Camp (3068 meters) is the final and most challenging part of the Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The ascent to Uhuru Peak typically begins in the late evening or early morning from Barafu Camp, so we start the ascent with headlamps, navigating the steep and challenging terrain in darkness.
After several hours of ascent, we reach Stella Point, which is on the crater rim and is often considered a significant milestone, and climbers may experience the first light of dawn, providing awe-inspiring views of the surrounding glaciers and landscapes.
From Stella Point, we continue along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, which offers breathtaking panoramic views, and we may witness the sunrise over the African continent.
Depending on the timing, snow might greet you on the path toward Uhuru Peak – Kilimanjaro's zenith at 5895 m. Celebrate this monumental achievement with a photo at the Uhuru Peak Sign amidst the astounding views.
Eventually we descend back to Barafu Camp and the descent is often quicker than the ascent, but it requires caution on the rocky and uneven terrain. Once back at Barafu Camp, we take a break, rest, and have a meal before continuing the descent to Mweka Camp, where we often celebrate our successful summit, share experiences, and express our sense of achievement.
Hiking duration: 12-16 hours / Distance: 17 km
Ascent: 1222 m
Descent: 2827 m
The trail from Mweka Camp (3068 meters) to Mweka Gate (1640 meters) represents the final descent of the Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The day begins with a descent from Mweka Camp, located in the lush rainforest zone and the trail initially passes through the moorland and heath sections before entering the dense rainforest.
Afternoon arrival to Mweka Gate, which is the exit point for completing the Machame Route and where we'll gather for a farewell lunch bidding adieu to our incredible mountain crew.
Exiting Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, we'll journey back to Moshi for a well-deserved shower and a memorable celebratory dinner!
Hiking duration: 4-5 hours / Distance: 10 km
Descent: 1428 m
Driving time: 1 hour
From Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or off to the wonders of Safari and Zanzibar – your journey continues beyond the trails.
Driving time: 1 hour
Included
- Meet & greet at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Return airport transfer and all land transfers within the tour
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees, taxes, and permits (worth cca $900)
- 2 x accommodation in a hotel in Moshi area on bed & breakfast basis in twin or double rooms
- Accommodation in tents for two people on the mountain,
- Local team: qualified guides, assistant guides, porters, waiter, cook – depending on the number of people in the group
- A porter that carries 15 kg of your luggage (duffle bag)
- All the food on the mountain: breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner
- Water for everyday personal care/hygiene,
- Unlimited amount of (cold or hot) water on Kilimanjaro trekking for drinking
- A pulse oximeter, Emergency oxygen, and Complete First Aid kit
- Summit certificate of National Park Kilimanjaro
- Organization and taxes
Excluded
- Compulsory tips for the guides, porters and cook - $200 per hiker
- Tanzanian visa (on arrival) - $50 per person for EU citizens
- Single room in Moshi – cca 30-50 €/per night per person
- Heath and travel insurance that covers hiking up to 6000 m
- Flights or tour extensions like Safari or Zanzibar
- Food and drinks before/after the climb, personal expenses, and souvenirs.
Other Information
Trip Information
Accommodation
Before and after the trek you are accommodated in a hotel/lodge in the Moshi area in double or twin rooms. A single-room supplement is not obligatory unless you want a room for yourself; otherwise, we find you a same-sex roommate. Triple rooms are possible to arrange on request.
During the Kilimanjaro Lemosho 7-day hiking tour you sleep in the high altitude tents. For your comfort bring a comfortable sleeping mat, warm sleeping bag and a pillow.
Transportation
Our Izimanija team members will wait for you outside Kilimanjaro International Airport JRO and take you to the accommodation in Moshi area. All land transports within the program are already included in the price. For smaller groups we use taxis / cars / vans and for bigger groups minibuses / buses, private “dala dala”.
Food and drinks
Our cook will daily provide you proper amount of food. Breakfast consists of eggs, pancakes, jam, peanut butter, bread, tea, coffee and similar. For lunch and dinner a soup, rice, French fries, pasta, potatoes, salad, various meat (chicken, beef, pork), fresh fruits and similar are served.
Unlimited amount of hot or cold water is provided daily during the trek. We provide you tea bags, coffee, milk powder and similar; but it is advisable to bring your extras to mix the cold water.
Health and safety
You need to have your health insurance that covers trekking up to 6000 m with you. Since 2023 there is a rescue helicopter as well. For your safety the main guide carries first aid kit, oximeter and emergency oxygen. Please consult with your doctor before coming.
Tanzania is generally safe country and people we work with are very trustworthy.
Tips and money
Official currency in Tanzania is Tanzanian shilling TZS (1 € = cca 2650 TZS) and you can change it at the airport on arrival or in the town of Moshi. Majority of the bigger payment you will make in USD, like the balance payment, visa, tips, safari and alike.
For appreciation of the staff there is a compulsory tip of $200, which you give to the main guide on the last morning of the trek, so he can share with other team members.
Equipment and luggage
We send you the equipment list once you apply for the tour. Unfortunately there is no possibility of renting the equipment (like sleeping bag) in Moshi, so you need to bring everything from the list with you.
During Kilimanjaro trekking you can leave your extra stuff at the accommodation till you return. Luggage storage is free of charge.
Payment and Cancellation Policy
300 € at the time of booking; the rest on arrival in American dollars USD.
For cancellations more than 30 days prior arrival we keep 50 € per person; for cancellations 29-15 days prior arrival we keep 100 € per person; for cancellations 14 days prior arrival or no-show we keep the full amount.
*The trip can only be rescheduled once free of charge if we are informed no later than 30 days before the arrival. Price difference may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the environment on Kilimanjaro look like?
The trek starts in the village crossing the rain forest with monkeys, later the trees become lower to bush. Above 4000 m we get to the alpine desert without vegetation and near the summit we can find snow.
What to pack?
The equipment list we send you once you sign in for the tour. In short you need a warm sleeping bag, comfortable hiking boots, and warm clothes, because the temperatures can be as low as – 10 °C.
Can I rent the equipment in Moshi?
Unfortunately not. If it happens your duffle bag is lost by the airline, we will try to provide you complementary equipment for trekking, which might be of a lower quality.
How to prepare for trekking Kilimanjaro?
If you are sporty person there should not be a problem. It is advisable you run, cycle or do other cardio sports. Mountains experiences are very helpful. We recommend you to do some 12h-long night hike with cca 2000 m elevation gain and 3-day hike with cca 1600 m+ elevation gain daily. After all, you need to be stubborn, persistent, motivated and goal-oriented.
Who can climb Kilimanjaro?
Anyone who is physically and mentally fit can climb Kilimanjaro with some preparations beforehand. You need to be at least 10 years old; if you are 90 years old or older you are likely to set the record of being the oldest on the Kilimanjaro. You are never too old for this lifetime experience.
Which Kilimanjaro route to choose?
You can choose one of the following routes: Machame Route (Whiskey Route), Rongai Route, Marangu Route (Coca-Cola Route), Umbwe Route, Northern Circuit Route, Lemosho Route, and Shira Route. All of them are picturesque and bring you to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Depending on how much time you have and the preference, you choose the route.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
You can climb Kilimanjaro any time of the year, but you should consider rainy and dry seasons. Traditionally the best weather is expected from December to mid-March, and from mid-June to October. During this time you will get more chances of great views, clear skies, sunshine and little to no rain. November and April are usually the rainiest months. As the climate changes, it is hard to predict the weather.
How difficult is the Lemosho 7 days route?
The 7-day itinerary allows for a more gradual ascent, providing additional time for acclimatization compared to shorter routes. This can be beneficial for climbers who may need more time to adapt to the higher altitudes. It’s important for climbers to be adequately prepared, both physically and mentally, and to be aware of the potential challenges associated with high-altitude trekking.
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