7 DAYS | 6 NIGHTS Lemosho Route Photographic Kilimanjaro Climb
Tour Overview
The Lemosho Route is one of the most beautiful ways to climb Kilimanjaro. It starts on the quiet western side of the mountain and slowly moves through very different landscapes. You will walk through thick green forests, wide open moorlands, rugged lava fields, and finally reach the snow-covered summit.
The climb is gentle, giving plenty of time to enjoy the views and take photos. Every step shows something new valleys covered in clouds, distant glaciers, rocky ridges, and dramatic skies. This route is perfect for anyone who wants to see the mountain in its full glory and capture it in memorable images.
Add Your Tooltip Text Here
Duration: 7 Days
When to go: All Year Round
FULL ITINERARY
Arrival at Kilimanjaro and Transfer to the Hotel
After landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. This day is for resting after your journey, checking your gear, and preparing for the trek ahead.
If time allows, you can explore the hotel surroundings, watch the sunset over the hills, and take your first photos of the local scenery. The calm evening and warm light create a peaceful atmosphere to get ready for the adventure ahead.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Lodge / Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Day 1:
Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Distance: ~6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Change: 2,100 m → 2,650 m
The climb begins in a lush rainforest, where tall cedar and camphor trees tower above. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting gentle beams on the moss-covered ground. Small ferns and flowers peek from the forest floor, and monkeys can often be seen jumping between branches.
You will notice the quiet sound of the forest birds singing, leaves rustling, and the occasional monkey call. The trail slowly rises, offering glimpses of mist-covered valleys below, perfect for capturing soft and magical forest scenes. Stop and take your time; the early stages are full of small details that make your photos special.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast (at hotel), Lunch & Dinner
Day 2:
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Elevation Change: 2,650 m → 3,500 m
Today the forest opens up to reveal the Shira Plateau, a wide and golden moorland. The landscape stretches far, with volcanic ridges and distant glaciers glinting in the sun. Clouds drift across the plateau, creating moving patterns of light and shadow, making every step visually different from the last.
Giant lobelias and towering heathers add interesting shapes to your shots, and small streams can reflect the sky beautifully. Along the way, you may notice interesting rock formations, scattered wildflowers, and even traces of wildlife. The evening light bathes the plateau in soft warm tones, giving endless possibilities for sunset photos.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3:
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Distance: ~7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Change: 3,500 m → 3,900 m
Today is a shorter day to allow your body to adjust to the height. You will walk along ridges that give views of glaciers and distant mountains. Mist and low clouds often move across the plateau, adding soft textures to the landscape. Giant heathers, lobelias, and other alpine plants grow here, offering great opportunities for close-up photos.
From the ridges, you can see the rolling moorlands, rocky outcrops, and the vast sky meeting the land. The slow pace allows you to stop frequently, study the scenery, and capture the changing moods of light throughout the day.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4:
Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation Change: 3,900 m → 4,600 m → 3,960 m
The day starts with a climb to the Lava Tower. The volcanic rocks rise dramatically against the sky, casting long shadows on the ground. The sunlight creates strong contrasts and textures on the rocks, making it a great place for dramatic photos. After reaching the tower and resting for lunch, you descend into the lush Barranco Valley.
Here, cliffs rise sharply from the green valley floor, creating powerful visual contrasts. The trail winds along streams and patches of forest, and the changing light adds depth to every scene. Evening brings warm, golden light on the cliffs and valley below, perfect for capturing stunning landscape shots.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Barranco Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5:
Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Distance: ~9 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation Change: 3,960 m → 4,640 m
Today starts with the climb over the Barranco Wall. From the top, you can see desert ridges, distant glaciers, and lava flows stretching toward the horizon. The trail then crosses the high alpine desert to reach Barafu Camp, perched on a ridge with wide views of Kilimanjaro’s upper slopes.
The land is open, rocky, and dramatic, with every angle offering a new perspective. Shadows shift constantly with the sun, making the terrain appear different every few minutes. The exposed landscape, combined with distant peaks and changing skies, creates many opportunities for wide-angle shots and dramatic compositions.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Barafu Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6:
Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Camp
Distance: ~16 km
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Elevation Change: 4,640 m → 5,895 m → 3,080 m
The summit day begins very early, before dawn. Headlamps light the path, creating long, glowing lines across the dark slopes. The climb is slow and steady, with breathtaking views appearing as the sky begins to brighten. At sunrise, you reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
The snow and glaciers reflect pink and gold light, while the volcanic crater and distant plains create a dramatic panorama. After enjoying the summit and taking photos, you descend back to Barafu, then continue down the alpine desert and into the green forested valleys. The contrast between stark highlands and lush lowlands in one day gives endless photographic opportunities.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Mweka Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7:
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Hotel
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Change: 3,080 m → 1,640 m
You descend through the rainforest from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. The trail is filled with moss-covered trees, ferns, and soft sunlight filtering through the leaves. Birds flit through the trees and small waterfalls dot the trail.
This is your final chance to enjoy the forest scenery and take last photos of the mountain environment. From Mweka Gate, you will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi to rest and recover after the climb.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha/Moshi
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Departure Day
After completing your Kilimanjaro climb, you will be transferred from the hotel to your onward travel destination or to catch your flight back home. This day is for reflecting on the amazing landscapes and memories from the trek. The transfer is arranged to be smooth and comfortable, giving you a relaxed start to the next part of your journey.
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All park entry fees
- Photographic guidance
- Domestic flights and road transfers
- Soft drinks and snacks
- Support equipment (bean bags, charging station, etc.)
Tour Exclusion
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Optional activities
- Staff gratuities
- Personal expenses
Price Per Person
|
Number of Person
|
Price per Person
|
|---|---|
|
PAX 2 |
$ 480 |
|
PAX 3 |
$ 460 |
|
PAX 4 |
$ 440 |
|
PAX 5+ |
$ 567 |
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All park entry fees
- Photographic guidance
- Domestic flights and road transfers
- Soft drinks and snacks
- Support equipment (bean bags, charging station, etc.)
Tour Exclusion
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Optional activities
- Staff gratuities
- Personal expenses
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
Make this itinerary yours