6-Day Lemosho Route – Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Experience

Overview

6-days Lemosho Route is a breathtaking and rewarding approach to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit, favored for its scenic beauty, low crowd levels, and gradual altitude gain. Beginning on the remote western side, the route ascends through untouched rainforest, crosses the Shira Plateau, and converges with the Machame route for a dramatic climb toward the summit. This itinerary is ideal for physically prepared trekkers seeking a shorter but immersive Kilimanjaro experience. All logistics are expertly managed by Gardenia African Safaris Ltd—guides ensure safe pacing and acclimatization, cooks provide nutritious hot meals, and porters handle your gear with care. You’ll camp under the stars, summit at dawn, and descend through the lush Mweka rainforest—an unforgettable African adventure with full professional support every step of the way.

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1
Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 m)
After breakfast in Moshi or Arusha, we transfer to Londorossi Gate for registration and briefing. From here, we begin our journey on foot through lush montane rainforest. The trail is rich with wildlife—look out for black-and-white colobus monkeys and vibrant tropical birds. The gentle ascent covers 6–7 km in 3–4 hours. Porters trek ahead to set up your tents at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp. Upon arrival, hot tea and snacks are served, followed by a hearty 3-course dinner. Our professional guides conduct an evening altitude check and briefing to ensure your safety and readiness. Night temperatures drop significantly, and we provide warm water for freshening up. Sleep comes easily beneath the forest canopy, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Welcome to Kilimanjaro.
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa → Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m)
Today, you ascend steeply through rainforest and enter the vast heather and moorland zone. The trail opens up as you approach the stunning Shira Plateau. You’ll cover approximately 12 km over 7–9 hours of trekking. You’ll pass Shira 1 Camp, but continue to Shira 2 for improved acclimatization. Throughout the hike, guides set a steady pace, pointing out unique flora such as giant lobelias and senecios. Porters transport your gear and prepare lunch en route. Upon arrival at Shira 2 Camp, situated near dramatic escarpments, hot drinks and warm water are ready. You’ll enjoy dinner under the stars with sweeping views of Kibo Peak. Oxygen and pulse levels are checked daily by our team to monitor altitude adaptation. Evenings here are cold but magical, ideal for stargazing.
Day 3
Shira 2 → Lava Tower (4,630 m) → Barranco Camp (3,976 m)
This key acclimatization day follows the “climb high, sleep low” strategy. You’ll hike approximately 10 km over 6–8 hours, beginning with a steady ascent to Lava Tower at 4,630 meters, where lunch is served. The alpine desert landscape is stark and lunar-like. Spending time at this altitude helps your body prepare for the summit ahead. After lunch, you descend to Barranco Camp through steep, scenic valleys—this is where you’ll begin to feel the benefit of acclimatization. Upon arrival, the Gardenia team welcomes you with warm drinks and tents already pitched. This stunning campsite lies beneath the famed Barranco Wall and offers one of Kilimanjaro’s best sunsets. Your guides perform daily health checks, and the cook serves a hot, nutritious dinner. Rest well in preparation for tomorrow’s climb.
Day 4
Barranco Camp → Barafu Camp (4,673 m)
After breakfast, we ascend the iconic Barranco Wall—a thrilling scramble (not technical) with incredible views. The route then winds through alpine desert valleys toward Karanga Camp for a hot lunch. We continue onward to Barafu Camp, a challenging 8–9-hour trek covering 9–10 km. The trail is dry and dusty, and temperatures drop dramatically at altitude. Porters carry all gear, while our assistant guides provide encouragement and pace adjustment as needed. At Barafu, perched on a wind-exposed ridge, tents are tightly secured. Guides deliver a full summit briefing, discussing gear layout, layering, timing, and pacing. You’ll eat an early, high-energy dinner, and turn in by 7 p.m. Your summit push begins at midnight. Rest is crucial tonight. Gardenia staff provide hot water, prepare snacks, and double-check all summit gear.
Day 5
Barafu → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Summit day begins just after midnight. Following a warm drink and snack, you start the climb in darkness—headlamps leading the way up steep switchbacks. Your team moves slowly and steadily to Stella Point (5,730 m), where sunrise paints the sky above the crater rim. One final push brings you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate with hot tea, photos, and awe. Guides carry oxygen and monitor every climber’s condition. After a short stay, descend to Barafu for rest and brunch. The journey continues downward to Mweka Camp—a full-day effort of 12–14 hours and 17+ km. Porters ensure tents are up and warm drinks waiting. The summit glow lingers through a hearty dinner and celebratory atmosphere. This is your night to sleep deeply after conquering Kilimanjaro.
Day 6
Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate (1,640 m)
Your final day on Kilimanjaro is a relaxed descent of about 10 km through beautiful rainforest. You’ll walk for 3–4 hours, enjoying lush greenery, birdsong, and a return to oxygen-rich air. At Mweka Gate, you sign the park register and receive your official summit certificate. Gardenia African Safaris Ltd organizes a heartfelt tipping ceremony, where you thank the team—guides, assistant guides, porters, and cooks—for their essential support. After a hot local lunch, we transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. There, you’ll be debriefed, retrieve your gear, and receive altitude recovery tips. A warm shower, soft bed, and well-earned celebration await. You leave not just with a summit certificate, but with memories of endurance, awe, and the unmatched beauty of Africa’s highest peak.

Cost Info

Price includes

Park fees
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodations as stated in the itinerary
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Camping Equipment
Porterage

Price excludes

International flights (from/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Alcohol drinks
Rescue Fee
Climbing Gear
Sleeping Bag

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6-Day Lemosho Route – Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Experience

Overview

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1

Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 m)

Day 2

Mti Mkubwa → Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m)

Day 3

Shira 2 → Lava Tower (4,630 m) → Barranco Camp (3,976 m)

Day 4

Barranco Camp → Barafu Camp (4,673 m)

Day 5

Barafu → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Mweka Camp (3,100 m)

Day 6

Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate (1,640 m)

Cost Info

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