Chat with us
6 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Trek
Kilimanjaro

6 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Trek

The 6 Days Lemosho Route offers 6 full days of trekking across Kilimanjaro's most scenic western traverse. Starting at Londorossi Gate (2,385 m), you ascend through lush rainforest before emerging ont...

Duration6 Days
DifficultyChallenging
Group size1 – 12
Summit5,895 m
USD 1,650 per person
At a glance

Trip Overview

Duration 6 Days
Difficulty Challenging
Group size 1 – 12
Summit 5,895 m
Trip overview

What to Expect

The 6 Days Lemosho Route offers 6 full days of trekking across Kilimanjaro's most scenic western traverse. Starting at Londorossi Gate (2,385 m), you ascend through lush rainforest before emerging onto the vast Shira Plateau — one of the highest plateaus in the world. From there, the classic Lemosho itinerary takes you past Lava Tower (4,640 m), down into the spectacular Barranco Valley, and up through the Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp — your summit base. The final push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m is the crowning moment of an unforgettable journey.

Why this journey

Trip Highlights

Efficient acclimatisation profile = ~87% summit success
Full rainforest trek from Londorossi Gate (2,385 m)
Traverses the vast Shira Plateau — one of the world's highest plateaus
Quiet western approach away from Machame crowds
Summit night from Barafu Camp under a sky of stars
7 trekking days

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1 Day

Welcome to Tanzania – Arrival in Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing and gear check before your trek begins.

Altitude890 m / 2,920 ft
HikingNone
StayLa Mama Hotels, Moshi (or similar)
MealsD
  • Airport welcome service Kilimanjaro trip briefing Professional gear check Moshi town atmosphere Relax before trekking
What you'll do: Meet your mountain team for a complete trek briefing, review your equipment, ask questions, and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.
What's included today: Airport transfer, hotel accommodation, dinner, pre-climb briefing, professional guide consultation, and equipment inspection.
Good to know: This is a rest day — not counted in your 6 trekking days. Ensure all hiking gear is ready and get plenty of rest. Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins tomorrow.
2 Day

Londorossi Gate → Big Tree Camp

Begin your Kilimanjaro adventure through lush rainforest trails filled with giant trees, colourful birds, and possible sightings of black-and-white colobus monkeys. The trail starts at Londorossi Gate (2,385 m) and winds gently through the forest zone to Big Tree Camp, your first mountain camp nestled among the giant camphorwood trees.

Altitude2,385 m → 2,780 m
Distance6 km / 3.7 mi
Hiking3 – 4 h
StayBig Tree Camp (tents)
MealsB / L / D
  • Ancient rainforest trails Colobus monkey sightings Giant tropical trees Rich birdlife encounters First mountain camp
What you'll do: Hike through the beautiful rainforest zone at a gentle pace while enjoying the fresh mountain air and observing Kilimanjaro's unique ecosystem.
What's included today: Park fees, mountain crew support, all meals, camping equipment, drinking water, professional guides, and porter services.
Good to know: The "pole pole" (slowly, slowly) pace starts today. Walking slowly improves acclimatization and increases summit success.
3 Day

Big Tree Camp → Shira 2 Camp

Today you leave the rainforest behind and hike across the vast Shira Plateau — one of the highest plateaus in the world. The trail winds through grassy moorland and giant heather, with ever-expanding views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds ahead. The landscape opens up dramatically as you traverse the whole plateau, passing Shira 1 and continuing to Shira 2 Camp set against the towering volcanic cone.

Altitude2,800 m → 3,850 m
Distance14 km / 8.7 mi
Hiking7 – 8 h
StayShira 2 Camp (tents)
MealsB / L / D
  • Shira Plateau panoramic traverse First clear view of Kibo summit Alpine moorland with giant lobelias Mount Meru views on clear days
What you'll do: 7 – 8 h of trekking across the Shira Plateau, paced for acclimatisation with rest and snack stops.
What's included today: Stay at Shira 2 Camp (tents) · Meals: B / L / D
Good to know: The vegetation thins noticeably as you climb higher across the plateau. This is a long day — stay well hydrated and enjoy the unfolding views.
4 Day

Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp

The classic 'climb high, sleep low' day — the most important acclimatisation day of the trek. Ascend to Lava Tower (4,640 m) for lunch with spectacular views of the Western Breach and the glaciers above, then descend into the giant senecio forest of the Barranco valley.

Altitude3,850 m → 4,640 m → 3,960 m
Distance10 km / 6.2 mi
Hiking6 – 7 h
StayBarranco Camp (tents)
MealsB / L / D
  • Lava Tower acclimatisation (4,640 m) Giant senecio forest View of Western Breach & glaciers
What you'll do: 6 – 7 h of trekking with your lead guide, paced for acclimatisation with lunch at Lava Tower.
What's included today: Stay at Barranco Camp (tents) · Meals: B / L / D
Good to know: Lava Tower (4,640 m) is the highest point before summit night. The descent to Barranco afterwards helps your body adapt more than staying high — trust the process.
5 Day

Barranco → Barafu Camp

Start early to conquer the iconic Barranco Wall — a steep but non-technical scramble up the Great Barranco ravine with breathtaking views of the Heim and Kersten glaciers. After the wall, traverse through the Karanga Valley and push up desolate scree slopes to Barafu Camp at 4,673 m — your summit base camp. Early dinner, summit briefing, then rest before the midnight summit push.

Altitude3,960 m → 4,673 m
Distance9 km / 5.6 mi
Hiking7 – 8 h
StayBarafu Camp (tents)
MealsB / L / D
  • Barranco Wall scramble (non-technical) Karanga Valley traverse Arrival at summit base camp Pre-summit briefing & gear prep
What you'll do: 7 – 8 h of trekking — conquer the Barranco Wall, traverse the Karanga Valley, and climb to Barafu Camp.
What's included today: Stay at Barafu Camp (tents) · Meals: B / L / D
Good to know: The Barranco Wall is a fun hands-on scramble, not a technical climb. Your guides will show you the easiest line — trust your feet and don't look down!
6 Day

Summit Day — Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

Wake at 11 PM for hot tea and snacks, then step into the dark by midnight. Six hours of slow switchbacks up the scree slope to Stella Point (5,756 m) for sunrise, then one final hour along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak — the Roof of Africa at 5,895 m. Celebrate with photos and a moment of silence on top of Africa before beginning the long descent to Mweka Camp.

Altitude4,673 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
Distance16 km / 10 mi
Hiking12 – 14 h
StayMweka Camp (tents)
MealsB / L / D
  • Midnight summit push by starlight Sunrise at Stella Point (5,756 m) Uhuru Peak — 5,895 m (Roof of Africa) Long descent to oxygen-rich forest camp
What you'll do: 12 – 14 h of trekking — summit push by starlight, celebrate at Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp.
What's included today: Stay at Mweka Camp (tents) · Meals: B / L / D
Good to know: Dress in all your warm layers — summit night temperatures fall to −20 °C with windchill. Carry your camera inside your jacket to keep batteries warm.
7 Day

Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi (Departure)

A gentle descent through lush rainforest where the air is thick with oxygen and bird calls echo through the canopy. At Mweka Gate, you complete park formalities and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate — a proud moment to commemorate your achievement. Your vehicle meets you at the gate for the drive back to Moshi, where a hot shower, cold drinks, and a farewell with your crew await before your departure transfer.

Altitude3,100 m → 1,640 m
Distance10 km / 6.2 mi
Hiking3 – 4 h
StayDeparture (no overnight)
MealsB / L
  • Final rainforest descent Summit certificate ceremony Hot shower & celebration in Moshi Departure transfer to airport
What you'll do: 3 – 4 h of descent through the rainforest, certificate presentation, and transfer back to Moshi for a shower before your departure.
What's included today: Park fees, guide support, lunch, and airport transfer on departure day. Optional overnight in Moshi available on request.
Good to know: Expect muddy knees on the final descent — rainforest is wet year-round. Pack a change of clothes in a separate dry bag for the drive to the airport.
What's covered

Included & Excluded

Everything you need for a seamless journey — and a clear view of what to arrange yourself.

What's included

  • 1 night at Park View Inn (or similar) in Moshi on B&B before the trek
  • Airport pick-up on arrival and drop-off on departure
  • Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro park gate
  • Kilimanjaro Park entrance, camping & rescue fees
  • High-quality 4-season tents, 10 cm foam mattresses, mess tent
  • Professional KINAPA-licensed lead guide, assistant guides, cooks & porters
  • Three freshly prepared meals daily + filtered drinking water
  • Hot water for washing
  • Fair wages for mountain crew per KINAPA & KIATO regulations
  • Portable oxygen cylinders & pulse oximeter for daily health checks
  • Private portable flush toilet with toilet tent (groups of 4+)
  • Official Kilimanjaro summit certificate
  • Mountain communication radio & emergency protocols
  • All government taxes & VAT (18%)

Not included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa (USD 50 on arrival)
  • Travel & evacuation insurance (mandatory — must cover trekking above 4,000 m)
  • Tips for the mountain crew (recommended USD 300–350 per climber)
  • Personal climbing gear (rentable in Moshi)
  • Meals and drinks at the hotel (before and after the trek)
  • Single tent supplement (USD 20 per day)
  • Laundry services at the hotel
Your Summit Awaits

Ready to Conquer Kilimanjaro?

Secure your spot today with just 20% deposit. Our local experts will craft a personalized itinerary and guide you every step of the way to Uhuru Peak.

Get a Free Quote View Group Departures
Free Cancellation up to 24h
20% Deposit to confirm
24/7 Support personal guide
Pack smart

Packing list

A category-by-category checklist tailored to this journey. Items marked essential should not be skipped — rentals are available in Moshi and Arusha.

Clothing & Layers

  • 3× moisture-wicking base layer tops
  • 2× thermal base layer bottoms
  • Fleece or soft-shell mid layer
  • Insulated down jacket (summit night)
  • Waterproof + windproof hard-shell jacket and trousers
  • Trekking trousers (2 pairs) + shorts
  • Warm hat, sun hat, buff/neck gaiter
  • Liner gloves + insulated waterproof gloves
  • 4× hiking socks, 1× thermal socks for summit

Daypack & Summit Kit

  • 20–30 L daypack with rain cover
  • 2–3 L water bladder or two 1 L bottles
  • Sunscreen SPF 50, lip balm with SPF
  • Sunglasses (UV 400)
  • Personal first aid kit: blister kit, paracetamol, rehydration salts
  • Quick-dry towel, hand sanitiser, wet wipes
  • Camera + spare batteries, power bank
  • Headlamp + spare batteries (essential for summit)
  • Trekking poles (collapsible)
  • Thermos for hot drinks on summit night
  • Hand and toe warmers

Footwear & Sleeping

  • Waterproof hiking boots, broken in
  • Camp shoes / trainers
  • Gaiters (recommended)
  • 4-season sleeping bag (-15 °C comfort rating)
  • Inflatable pillow

Documents & Money

  • Passport (6+ months validity) and visa
  • Travel insurance documents (printed + digital)
  • Vaccination certificate if applicable
  • Credit card + USD cash in small notes (post-2009, no rips)
  • Emergency contacts and trip voucher
Before you book

Important information

Practical details every traveller should read before confirming. We'll cover everything again in your pre-departure pack.

Visa & Entry

Most nationalities need a Tanzanian tourist visa (USD 50, or USD 100 for US passports). You can apply online or get a visa on arrival at JRO. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is mandatory. For Kilimanjaro and high-altitude treks the policy must explicitly cover trekking above 4,000 m and helicopter rescue.

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a yellow fever country. Anti-malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Consult a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure.

Payment & Deposits

A 30% deposit confirms your booking; the balance is due 45 days before arrival. We accept bank transfer and card (3% fee). Free rescheduling up to 30 days before departure.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and an important part of crew income. Guidelines are shared in your pre-trip pack — typically USD 300–350 total per climber for a Kilimanjaro crew.

Group Size & Privacy

This trip runs in groups of 1 – 12. Private departures with your own guide and vehicle are available year-round on request — ask us for a custom quote.

Altitude & Fitness

You'll sleep above 4,000 m and summit at 5,895 m. No technical climbing skills are needed, but you should be able to walk 5–7 hours per day on consecutive days. We do daily pulse-oximeter checks and carry emergency oxygen.

KPAP-Registered Operator

We follow Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) standards: fair wages, three meals a day for porters, proper gear, and a 20 kg load limit. Your booking directly supports ethical mountain employment.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your climb. Can't find your answer? Get in touch.

You should be able to walk 5–7 hours per day on consecutive days. No technical climbing skills are required, but good cardiovascular fitness and mental determination are essential. We recommend starting a fitness programme at least 8 weeks before your trek.
Success rates vary by route and duration. Longer itineraries (7–9 days) have higher success rates (85–95%) because they allow better acclimatisation. Our expert guides use proven strategies to maximise your chances.
Our guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. They monitor your health daily. If symptoms become severe, immediate descent is arranged. Helicopter evacuation is available for emergencies (covered by your mandatory travel insurance).
Accommodation depends on the route. Marangu Route uses mountain huts (dormitory beds). All other routes use high-quality 4-season tents with 10 cm foam mattresses. Mess tents with tables and chairs are provided for meals.
The best months are January–March and June–October. These are the driest periods with the clearest views. The wettest months are April–May and November–December, though climbing is still possible.
No. Our porters carry your main luggage (up to 15 kg) between camps. You only carry a small daypack with water, snacks, camera, rain gear, and personal items.
Our cooks prepare three fresh meals daily: breakfast (porridge, eggs, toast, fruit), lunch (soup, main course, snacks), and dinner (main course, vegetables, dessert). Dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) are accommodated with advance notice.
Limited. Signal is available at some lower camps but disappears above 4,000 m. Our guides carry satellite communication radios for emergencies. We recommend downloading offline maps and informing family of limited contact.
Get in Touch

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

Why Book With Us

Free Cancellation Up to 24 hours before departure
Secure Booking Pay only 20% deposit to confirm
24/7 Support Personal travel consultant assigned
or contact us directly
+255 783 884 129
+255 783 884 129
info@bushliontours.com

Send an Inquiry

We'll respond within 24 hours with a personalized quote.

Secure your spot with just 20% deposit. Free cancellation up to 24 hours.

Book Your Adventure

6 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Trek

6 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Trek

Price Calculator

Price per person $1,650
Number of travelers × 1
Total Price $1,650
Deposit to confirm (20%) $330

Balance due 60 days before departure. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Free Cancellation — Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. No questions asked.

Secure encrypted payment. Your card details are never stored.

Call WhatsApp Inquire