8 DAYS | 7 NIGHTS Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb with Stunning Views
Tour Overview
The Lemosho Route is considered one of the most scenic ways to climb Kilimanjaro. It starts on the quiet western slopes, passing through lush forests, wide moorlands, rocky lava fields, and finally the snow-capped summit.
This route is ideal for those who want a slower, more comfortable climb, allowing time to acclimatize, enjoy the landscapes, and capture stunning photos along the way. Each day offers new scenery from misty valleys and ancient forests to dramatic ridges and glaciers making every step a memorable experience.
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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 dense rainforest. Sunlight filters through tall cedar and camphor trees, highlighting moss and ferns along the forest floor. Monkeys can often be seen moving between branches, and birds add color and movement to the canopy.
The trail rises gradually, giving occasional glimpses of mist-covered valleys below. This first day is rich in small details and soft forest light, offering many opportunities for beautiful photographs.
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 to the Shira Plateau, a wide and golden moorland stretching toward volcanic ridges and distant glaciers. Clouds often drift across the plateau, creating moving patterns of light and shadow.
Giant lobelias and tall heathers dot the landscape, offering both color and interesting shapes for photography. Streams and small wildflowers provide close-up opportunities. Sunset paints the plateau with warm tones, ideal for dramatic landscape shots.
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
This shorter day allows for acclimatization. Walk along ridges with views of distant peaks and glaciers. Mist and low clouds create soft, dreamy scenes. Giant heathers and alpine plants provide excellent subjects for close-up shots. The plateau’s ridges give sweeping views of moorlands and rocky outcrops, with changing light and shadow making every angle unique.
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 trail climbs toward the Lava Tower, where dramatic volcanic rocks rise sharply against the sky, creating striking photography opportunities. After a lunch break at the tower, descend into the Barranco Valley.
The valley is lush, with cliffs rising from the green floor, contrasting beautifully with the surrounding forest. Streams and small waterfalls add interest to your shots, and evening light enhances the cliffs, producing golden tones ideal for landscape photography.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Barranco Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5:
Barranco Camp – Acclimatization and Barranco Wall Exploration
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Change: 4,200 m → 3,960 m
This day is for acclimatization and exploration. You climb the Barranco Wall for sweeping views of ridges, valleys, and distant glaciers. Take your time to enjoy the high-altitude desert, dramatic cliffs, and unique rock formations. The slower pace allows you to observe the details of the terrain, capture the play of light and shadow, and enjoy the changing colors of the sky and land during the day.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Barafu Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6:
Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Distance: ~9 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation Change: 3,960 m → 4,640 m
From Barranco, the trail crosses the high alpine desert to reach Barafu Camp. The Barranco Wall climb offers panoramic views of the ridges, lava flows, and distant glaciers.
Barafu Camp sits on a ridge with wide views of the mountain’s upper slopes. The barren, rocky terrain creates dramatic photo opportunities, and the constantly shifting shadows provide endless variety for wide-angle shots.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Barafu Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7:
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
Start very early, before dawn, with headlamps lighting the path. As the sun rises, the summit reveals glaciers, craters, and vast plains below. Snow and ice glow in pink and gold light, offering stunning photographic moments.
After celebrating at Uhuru Peak, descend first to Barafu, then continue down the alpine desert into forested valleys. The descent showcases a contrast of high-altitude barren terrain and lush green forest, giving many more photo opportunities.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Mweka Campi
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8:
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Hotel
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Change: 3,080 m → 1,640 m
Your final trek through the rainforest leads you to Mweka Gate. Moss-covered trees, ferns, and soft sunlight create a peaceful, photogenic trail. Birds flit through the branches, and small waterfalls provide natural highlights.
This is your last chance to capture the forest scenery. From Mweka Gate, you will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi to rest and recover after your climb.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha/Moshii
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, experiences, and memories from your 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
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