9 days trip · 7 days on the mountain 95% summit success

7 Days Lemosho Route

Ahsante Tours is the #1 leading local tour operator for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, trusted by most agents. So why not book with us and experience the adventure of a lifetime?

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Lemosho Route Overview

The Lemosho Route is widely recognized as the top choice for summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, offering climbers a flexible journey with options for a 7- or 8-day ascent. Starting from the western side of the mountain, the route begins with a scenic drive from Moshi town to the Lemosho Gate. It is known for its beautiful and diverse scenery, with less crowding in the earlier stages and a gradual altitude gain that allows climbers to acclimatize effectively. The descent is made via the Mweka Gate, with a slightly different path for the 7-day option

Did You Know? The Lemosho Route is renowned for its stunning views and rich wildlife, offering a scenic and gradual ascent, making it one of the best routes for acclimatization on Mount Kilimanjaro!

Difficulty Moderate to challenging

Start point Lemosho Gate

Descent Mweka Gate

Gallery

Photos from the trail

Success rate on this route

Lemosho Route - Summit Success Rate

The Lemosho Route is renowned for its exceptional summit success rate, with an impressive 95% of climbers reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. This remarkable achievement is largely attributed to its carefully designed 8-day itinerary, which is highly recommended for optimal acclimatization. The route's extended duration allows trekkers to adapt gradually to the altitude, significantly boosting their chances of a successful and rewarding summit experience.

95% of climbers reach Uhuru Peak

20K+ successful summits in over 20 years

Why it is that high

Award-winning We're award-winning Kilimanjaro tour operators.

Luxury Luxury camping, food, tent, toilets and more

20K+ Successful summits Over 20K successful summits in over 20 years

Get help Get help choosing the best route for your team

Route map

Lemosho Route Map

Camps and altitude profile

Lemosho Glades2,385 m

Big Tree Camp2,780 m

Shira 2 Camp3,900 m

Barranco Camp3,960 m

Karanga Camp3,963 m

Barafu Camp4,640 m

Uhuru Peak5,895 m

Millennium Camp3,790 m

Mweka Gate1,630 m

Our experience on this route

Ahsante Tours' Experience with Lemosho Route

Ahsante Tours strongly recommends the Lemosho Route for climbers with the flexibility to spend more time on the mountain. This route is ideal for those seeking to maximize their chances of a successful and enjoyable ascent, offering a well-balanced and rewarding trekking experience. With its excellent conditions for acclimatization, the Lemosho Route ensures a memorable and fulfilling journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day by day

7 Days Lemosho Route Itinerary

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Day 1

Arrive in Kilimanjaro

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. The rest of your day will be free; you might want to explore the small and pretty town of Moshi, or you can just relax by the pool. Later on, our operations team and your mountain guide will meet with you and give you a thorough briefing in preparation for your trek. There will be an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Accommodation: Accommodation is either in Standard or Mid-Range hotels depending on your preference. Meals: None (B&B only)

Day 2

Lemosho Glades (2385m) to Big Tree Camp (2780m)

You will be picked up at your hotel at around 08:00am and transferred to the Lemosho gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After the registration process you will still start our climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp where you will be spending the night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Altitude2,780 m

Walking4 hours

Distance7 km / 4.3 mi

HabitatRainforest

Day 3

Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)

Today you will cover a lot of ground as you trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. We will trek through Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds as we head towards our destination which is Shira 2. We gain a reasonable amount of altitude as we head towards Shira 1 and parts of the route are fairly steep. As you proceed towards Shira 2 you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Altitude3,900 m

Walking9 – 11 hrs

Distance16.5 km / 10.3 mi

HabitatMoorland

Day 4

Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)

Your trek starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking in to the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Altitude3,960 m

Walking7 hrs

Distance10 km / 6.2 mi

HabitatAlpine desert

Day 5

Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)

Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It's a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night's camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch Included.

Altitude3,963 m

Walking5 hours

Distance5.5 km / 3.4 mi

HabitatAlpine desert

Day 6

Karanga Camp (3963m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)

After a good night's rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It's a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arrival at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Altitude4,640 m

Walking3 hours

Distance3 km

HabitatAlpine desert

Day 7

Barafu Camp (4640m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m), down to Millennium Camp (3790m)

We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour's walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Altitude5,895 m

Walking12 – 15 hours

Distance13.4 km / 8.3 mi

HabitatArctic summit

Day 8

Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)

A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower (and a cold beer or two!) before our big celebration. Overnight in Moshi. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch Included.

Altitude1,630 m

Walking6 hours

Distance12.1 km / 7.5 mi

HabitatRainforest

Day 9

Depart Kilimanjaro

The day is left free to rest and relax after a long, challenging week of trekking. You will be transferred to the airport to catch your morning flight back home. Meal: Breakfast Included.

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Private climb prices by group size. Joining a group departure? Secure your spot with a deposit of just €150 / USD 200 per person. The balance is due before departure — no full payment needed to confirm your dates.

Group size Per person Note

1 adult (booking alone) $3,245 Deposit: $960 · Available until 2 days before departure

2 pax $2,963 Deposit: $905 · Booking & travelling together as 2 pax

3 pax $2,685 Deposit: $835 · Booking & travelling together as 3 pax

4–6 pax $2,570 Deposit: $795 · Booking & travelling together as 4-6 pax

7–9 pax $2,540 Deposit: $765 · Booking & travelling together as 7-9 pax

10–12 pax $2,460 Deposit: $705 · Booking & travelling together as 10-12 pax

Private climb prices, total cost per person. Available until 2 days before departure.

What is and is not included

Read the short list, or open each line for the detail.

Included

Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
18% VAT on tour fees & services
3 Season Mountain tents (double occupancy)
Sleeping Bag
3-inch-thick foam Sleeping Mat/Pad
Spacious mess tent with all tables and chairs for rest and dining
Transportation to & from the mountain gate
Transportation to and from the airport
Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
Three meals daily while on the mountain
Katadyn filtered water throughout the trek
Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb
Fair wages for the mountain crew
Tree donation in support of our environmental conservation projects
Supplemental Oxygen tanks & Pulse Oximeter
1 portable flush toilet with a toilet tent
Free of charge use of a storage room and a safe room at the lodge
Celebration dinner at the hotel after the trek

Not included

International and Domestic Flights
Visa
Tips to mountain crew
Single supplement
Rental Gears
Laundry Services
Travel Insurance
1 portable flush toilet with a toilet tent for group sizes less than 4 people

Included in the price

Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees

18% VAT on tour fees & services

3 Season Mountain tents (double occupancy)

Except for Marangu route where we overnight in Huts

Sleeping Bag

3-inch-thick foam Sleeping Mat/Pad

Spacious mess tent with all tables and chairs for rest and dining

Transportation to & from the mountain gate

Transportation to and from the airport

JRO Airport. Additional charge of USD 50 for 1 way Arusha Airport transfer

Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters

Three meals daily while on the mountain

Katadyn filtered water throughout the trek

Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb

With breakfast and dinner included (double occupancy)

Fair wages for the mountain crew

As approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)

Tree donation in support of our environmental conservation projects

Supplemental Oxygen tanks & Pulse Oximeter

1 portable flush toilet with a toilet tent

For group sizes of 4 and above

Free of charge use of a storage room and a safe room at the lodge

Celebration dinner at the hotel after the trek

Not included

International and Domestic Flights

Visa

Tips to mountain crew

A recommended amount is USD 250-350 per participant

Single supplement

The tents are based in double occupancy; a single tent is arranged at an extra charge of USD 20 per day.

Rental Gears

Laundry Services

Travel Insurance

Recommended – Travel insurance with medical cover on trekking to altitudes of up to 6000 meters and a helicopter evacuation

1 portable flush toilet with a toilet tent for group sizes less than 4 people

Downloads

Kit lists and trip documents

Free Kilimanjaro Packing List with gear necessary for the hike and recommendations from Ahsante Tours Team

PDF Free Kilimanjaro Kit Checklist Free Kilimanjaro Packing List with gear necessary for the hike and recommendations from Ahsante Tours Team

Reviews from this route

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 212 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Priya S 
 
 
 
 Verified A Memorable Safari - Thanks to the Wonderful Team at Ahsante Tours
We had a fantastic experience with Ahsante Tours on our Tanzania safari. Everything was well organized, and the trip went smoothly from beginning to end. Holyfield Edwin, our main contact, deserves special recognition. He was warm, professional, responsive, and incredibly helpful, patiently answering all our questions both before the trip and while we were on safari. When I accidentally left my Kindle at Rafiki Retreat in Arusha, he went out of his way to arrange for it to be retrieved and sent to Kigali, our final destination. That kind of personal attention really stood out. Our guide and driver for nine days, Aston, was equally outstanding. He worked incredibly hard every day, was always patient and professional, and made us feel safe on the road. His knowledge of wildlife and ability to spot animals were impressive—we saw the Big Five multiple times! Most of all, we loved his genuine enthusiasm. He seemed just as excited about each sighting as we were, which made the experience even more enjoyable. He was also considerate and unobtrusive, allowing us to take in each moment at our own pace. The accommodations were generally three-star, and we enjoyed most of the bush camps and hotels along the way. Ahsante also coordinated our Rwanda extension to see the gorillas through Mist Safari, which was another wonderful experience. Brian K., our contact in Rwanda, was super responsive and easy to communicate with. All in all, we were very happy with Ahsante Tours. The team was reliable, thoughtful, and professional, and the personal touches made a real difference. We would absolutely recommend them to anyone planning a Tanzania safari, especially if you value good communication, a knowledgeable guide, and a team that genuinely cares about your experience. Thank you, Ahsante Tours, for a trip filled with wonderful experiences and memories we will cherish for years to come!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sam S 
 
 
 
 Verified Trip of a lifetime!
I went with Ahsante Tours via Explore on a trip to climb Kilimanjaro (Lemosho route) followed by safaris in Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. All the guides were very friendly and nice to talk to - I got along with all of them very well. For the Kilimanjaro climb, I was consistently impressed by how above and beyond all the staff went to make sure we had everything and we were comfortable. The level of care, service and concern for our health and safety was unmatched. For the safaris, our guide was very knowledgeable with what everything was and was amazing at spotting even the smallest animals in secretive hiding spots. I think this was the best trip of my life and I will always remember it incredibly fondly!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sophie N 
 
 
 
 Verified Incredible
An incredible experience with the best team of guides and porters we could have asked for. They made it fun, interesting and ensured we were safe and happy at all times. I cannot thank Mussa, Joshua , Michael , Juma , Uhuru and the rest of the team enough for the trip of a lifetime. Thank you 🙏
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Blair T 
 
 
 
 Verified 10/10 review for a great company
Uk - Scotland based review. This is my second time using Ahsante tours and they can’t be faulted. I booked Kilimanjaro in 2025 with them and they were brilliant from the first initial contact. They planned out the trip according to my dates etc and were in communication throughout until I arrived. I used them again this year to book a safari trip for my partners birthday. Again, from initial contact their communication was excellent. I provided them with how I’d like my trip to look and executed it to perfection. We stayed with a Masai tribe before starting safari trip and this was a 10/10 experience. Would recommend. We thereafter visited Tarangire, Lake Manyara and then Serengeti for safari game drives. An experience that will last a life time that was made possible by using Ashante Tours. All accommodation we stayed in was clean, staff all friendly, food was good, all packed lunches provided for game drives and they were good as well. We had a safari guide Godwin, who was with us for 6 days. He was so friendly, so knowledgeable and just an overall really nice guy. Couldn’t have picked a better guide myself. The Weru Weru lodges, where you stay when booking with Ahsante is clean, good food and staff very friendly (both times). Would recommend anyone looking to book a trip to climb Kilimanjaro or safaris to book through Ahsante tours. Both times zero complaints. If I was to return to Tanzania I will use again. Ahsante to all - Ahsante Tour staff 👏🏻
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ukiyo 
 
 
 
 Verified Perfect!
Professional, flexible, and friendly team. We spent 17 days with this company. From Kili to Safaris, everything was organized and managed to a perfection. Big thanks to Daniel, Benson and Derick.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Shabana S 
 
 
 
 Verified They didn’t just get us to the summit — they got us through Kilimanjaro
I don’t think you fully understand the importance of choosing the right Kilimanjaro team until you are actually on that mountain. We climbed with Ahsante Tours in September 2026, and there are moments from those days that I will genuinely never forget. Kilimanjaro tests you in ways that go far beyond physical fitness. There are long days, altitude, exhaustion, freezing temperatures, moments of complete awe and moments when your mind and body simply do not want to cooperate anymore. And during those moments, the people around you become incredibly important. Our Ahsante team were exceptional. The guides knew when to push us, when to slow us down, when we needed encouragement and when we simply needed someone beside us. The porters were absolute heroes. Watching how hard this team works while still greeting us with warmth, humour and encouragement every day gave me an entirely new level of respect for what goes into getting someone up Kilimanjaro. Summit night is where I understood it most. By that point, this wasn’t a holiday or even just a trek anymore. It was mental, physical and emotional. There were moments when reaching Uhuru Peak felt impossibly far away, but our team never stopped believing that we could get there. And we did. I stood at Uhuru Peak knowing that although my legs had carried me there, I absolutely had not got there alone. The organisation, food, camps and logistics were all handled extremely well, but what separates a good Kilimanjaro company from an unforgettable one is the people. These are the people who see you exhausted, cold, emotional and completely stripped of your usual comforts — and somehow keep you moving forward. To everyone at Ahsante who carried, cooked, guided, encouraged, laughed with us and quite literally walked this journey with us: asante sana. Kilimanjaro gave me one of the hardest and most extraordinary experiences of my life, and I will always be grateful that Ahsante Tours was part of it. Five stars, without hesitation. ❤️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Heena K 
 
 
 
 Verified Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro
My Kilimanjaro Experience with Ahsante Tours 🏔️ Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was something I wanted to do for the adventure, but the experience turned out to mean so much more than I expected. From the beginning, Ahsante Tours made the process smooth and well organised. The communication before the climb, the arrangements, and the preparation all gave me confidence going into the journey. The climb itself was challenging—physically. But having a supportive and experienced team around me made a huge difference. The guides were encouraging throughout the entire climb, constantly checking on us, reminding us to take it *pole pole*, and making sure we were comfortable and safe. The porters were equally incredible. Seeing how much they carried and how hard they worked every day gave me an entirely different appreciation for the people behind the climb. Summit night was by far the toughest part. It was cold, dark, exhausting and mentally challenging, but every step brought me closer to the goal. Finally reaching Uhuru Peak at **5,895 metres** was a feeling I honestly cannot put into words. After all the preparation, tiredness, doubts and long days, standing at the summit and knowing **I DID IT** was unforgettable. But what I loved most about this experience is that Kilimanjaro taught me things beyond climbing a mountain. It taught me to appreciate my comfort at home, to trust my body, to keep moving at my own pace, and to understand that sometimes you are capable of much more than you think. I am genuinely grateful to the entire Ahsante Tours team for being part of such an important experience for me. From the first step to the final descent, their support contributed greatly to making this journey memorable. Thank you, Ahsante Tours, for an unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Duncan 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable trip (in a good way)
I joined an Ahsante group climbing the Kilimanjaro Machame route. Ascending isn’t easy, but the Ahsante team worked hard to maximise the chances of a successful ascent. Out of our group, nearly all managed to get to the top (something that isn’t usual). The guides were superb - supportive, very experienced and very friendly. Our team contained a medical doctor who was very reassuring and who was conducting research on the effects of altitude on the body. The Ahsante team are very welcoming, experienced and knowledgeable. The friendliness of the group, the stunning scenery and the Ahsante team made this an unforgettable trip.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   seangamage 
 
 
 
 Verified Life long memories.
Our experience was split into two parts. Firstly, the Ahsante team got me and my friend to Uhuru Peak. Nine days, Northern Circuit - absolutely amazing. Professional, supportive and fun; we could not have asked for more. After the climb, Ahsante got four of us from Weru Weru River Lodge to Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Central/Northern Serengeti. Knowledgeable guides, great camps - saw the Great Migration over the Mara River, lions, rhino, cheetah, elephant, zebra, crocodile, hippo, giraffe. Life long memories.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   mark s 
 
 
 
 Verified Safari-tastic!
Our 5 day Safari was amazing (if a little too long!) We saw such a great variety of animal life , and our drivers/ guides Godwin and Derek were very knowledgeable and could answer pretty much every question we asked, adding more information where they could. Godwin is a very skilled driver ( Derek is still training so not allowed to drive with customers) and handled those bumpy roads well. It was also great that he had car mechanic knowledge to sort out a few problems with our jeep along the way. They are both very professional but also friendly and we really enjoyed our time with them!

Frequently asked questions

What is the Lemosho Route?

The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and less crowded routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers stunning landscapes, including lush rainforest, heath, and moorland, and gives climbers a better chance of acclimatization due to its longer itinerary.

How long is the Lemosho Route?

The Lemosho Route typically takes 7 to 8 days to complete, allowing ample time for acclimatization. The route covers approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) from start to finish.

Is the Lemosho Route difficult?

The Lemosho Route is considered moderate to challenging. Its longer duration and gradual ascent make it an excellent choice for those seeking to acclimatize properly, though it still requires a reasonable level of fitness and preparation.

What are the advantages of choosing the Lemosho Route?

Better Acclimatization: The extended itinerary gives trekkers more time to adjust to the altitude. Beautiful Scenery: You pass through different ecosystems, including rainforests and alpine deserts, offering a wide variety of landscapes. Fewer Crowds: This route is less crowded compared to others like the Machame and Marangu routes.

Awards and certifications