7 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing | Hiking Tour via the Lemosho Route

Experience the 7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via the Lemosho Route

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, is something many travelers dream about—yet few get to do. This 7-day hiking tour via the Lemosho Route offers a well-rounded, authentic experience that balances challenging terrains with incredible scenery. While we haven’t personally summited, numerous reviews highlight what makes this trek stand out: expert guides, tasty meals, and the scenic diversity along the route.

What we love about this tour? First, the comprehensive support including all meals and camping gear, which simplifies packing and logistics. Second, the guides’ expertise and friendly approach; reviewers mention guides like Geoffrey and the team’s attentiveness making a real difference. Third, the scenic variety—from lush forests to alpine deserts—keeps every day interesting. The only potential consideration? The price of $965 per person might seem high, but given what’s included, many agree the value is justified. This tour is best suited for those who want a structured, well-supported climb with some acclimatization time and are ready for the physical challenge.

Key Points

• All-inclusive package reduces stress with meals, gear, and transfers included.
• Knowledgeable guides and support staff are a highlight, often praised for their friendliness and professionalism.
• Scenic diversity on the Lemosho Route offers lush forests, moorlands, and stunning vistas.
• Comfortable camping experience with included tents, allowing you to focus on the climb.
• Pre-climb logistics are smooth, with transport from Moshi and park procedures well managed.
• Ideal for travelers seeking a balanced mix of challenge, comfort, and adventure.

Introduction: What to Expect from This Kilimanjaro Tour

If you’re eyeing Kilimanjaro and want a manageable yet authentic experience, this 7-day Lemosho Route trek has a lot to offer. It promises a chance to reach the summit with the help of expert guides, all while enjoying the stunning scenery and a comfortable camping setup.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? We’re told the support team is exceptional—guides are skilled, friendly, and attentive, ensuring you’re well cared for even on the more difficult days. Meals are included, which means you won’t need to worry about food logistics, and camping gear is provided, so packing is lighter. Plus, the route itself is designed to give you a gradual acclimatization, enhancing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.

One thing worth noting: while the tour offers great value, it does require a good level of physical fitness and mental preparation. The route involves some tough sections, especially at high altitude. Still, it’s suited for those who want a guided, all-inclusive adventure with plenty of support along the way.

Why Choose the Lemosho Route?

The Lemosho Route is renowned for its scenic beauty and higher success rate, partly because it offers a longer, more gradual ascent. It begins at Londorosi Gate and takes you through a variety of ecosystems—lush forests, moorlands, and alpine desert—each offering breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

Most reviewers agree that the route’s scenery is one of its best features. “The location was nice and friendly,” one said, referring to the starting point. “The views from Shira Camp are incredible,” another noted, highlighting the variety of landscapes you’ll encounter. Plus, the route is less crowded than others, giving a more solitary experience of Kilimanjaro’s majesty.

Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: From Moshi to Londorosi Gate and Lemosho Starting Point

Your adventure kicks off with a pickup in Moshi around 8:30 a.m., heading to Londorosi Gate to complete park entry formalities. This initial stage involves a short drive to the Lemosho Gate, where you’ll begin your trek into the forest. Expect to see high contrast colobus monkeys and vibrant flora as you walk through the lush jungle. The first camp at Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) is a perfect spot to acclimate and prepare for the more rugged sections ahead.

Day 2: Forest to Shira Camp 1 and Shira Camp 2

Walking about 8 km, your second day takes you from dense rainforest into more open terrain, crossing streams and climbing in elevation. Here, the scenery shifts from verdant trees to grassy slopes, with views of Kibo on the horizon. A highlight is the stop at Shira Camp 1, where you’ll have lunch and enjoy panoramic vistas. Moving on to Shira Camp 2, you’ll experience the expansive, flat Shira Plateau—one of the longest elevated plains on Earth—great for acclimatization.

Day 3: Moorlands, Lava Tower, and Barranco Camp

Today’s walk spans diverse landscapes—mooring vegetation and giant heather. The Lava Tower (4640m) is a key acclimatization spot, offering a brief climb to help your body adjust. During this day, you’ll see iconic giant Senecio trees, and the descent to Barranco Camp allows you to relax and socialize. Many reviewers mention this day’s scenery as one of the most memorable.

Day 4: Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley

This day involves tackling the Barranco Wall—a steep but manageable challenge—before heading to Karanga Valley. The wall is described as “not that difficult but long and tiring,” giving a sense of accomplishment without being overly technical. The camp at Karanga is a cozy spot to rest and prepare for the final push.

Day 5: To Barafu Camp

Starting early, you follow a route along a crevasse and reach Barafu Camp, at 4,664 meters. The walk is short but demanding, with cairns marking the trail and the environment turning into a high-altitude desert. As one reviewer pointed out, the camp is quite chilly, with no water available over this height, so packing appropriate gear is crucial. This day sets the stage for the summit night.

Day 6: Summit Night to Uhuru Peak

The most intense and rewarding part arrives after a brief rest, with a pre-dawn start around midnight. Expect a six to seven-hour trek in freezing temperatures, often dropping to -20°C. The ascent is tough but manageable with guided support. Once at the summit, expect awe-inspiring views and a sense of achievement. After taking photos and soaking it in, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp for your final night.

Day 7: Descent and Return to Moshi

Your journey concludes with a descent down the Mweka route, arriving at the park entrance around 10 a.m. Here, you’ll sign out and receive your certificates. The driver will then take you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can relax, share stories, or plan your next Tanzanian adventure.

What’s Included and What To Consider

For $965, this tour covers almost all essentials—guides, park fees, meals, camping gear, and transfers. Reviewers note that the guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the tough days more manageable. The inclusion of all meals means you can focus on the climb without worrying about food logistics, and the provided tents make camping comfortable.

However, some extras such as tips, visas, medical insurance, and flights are not included, so plan accordingly. Also, the tour begins early from Moshi, and the group size can be up to 500 travelers, though the actual group during your climb may be smaller. It’s worth considering your comfort level with large groups and whether you prefer a more private experience.

The Support Team and Guide Experience

Many reviews highlight the dedication of the support team. From guides like Geoffrey, who’s praised for his responsiveness and leadership, to the porters and cooks, everyone seems committed to making the experience as smooth as possible. One reviewer shared that the guides answered all their questions patiently, emphasizing the importance of good leadership on a high-altitude trek.

Reviewers also appreciated the “smiling and always doing their best” attitude of the crew, which helps lift spirits during the tougher sections. The guides’ ability to manage the route’s technical parts, like the Barranco wall and summit push, was especially noted.

Scenic Highlights & Authentic Encounters

Throughout the trek, you’ll encounter a variety of landscapes—from lush rainforests to arid alpine zones and snow-capped peaks. The views from Shira Camp and the summit are described as breathtaking, with some reviewers mentioning clear mornings that allow for stunning sunrise photos. Several mention moments like spotting high-altitude birds (white-necked ravens) or marveling at giant Senecio trees—these authentic sights make the journey memorable.

Practical Tips for Your Kilimanjaro Climb

• Pack light but bring layers—temperatures can vary from warm during the day to freezing at night.
• Prepare for altitude with a gradual ascent schedule, as many reviewers report that proper acclimatization contributes to their success.
• Stay flexible—weather can be unpredictable, and the tour’s cancellation policy allows for rescheduling or refunds if conditions are poor.
• Be ready for early mornings during summit night; most guides advise starting around midnight for the best chance to reach Uhuru Peak before afternoon storms.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This 7-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Lemosho Route offers excellent value for those seeking a guided, well-supported adventure. The route’s scenic diversity, combined with professional guides and all-inclusive meals and gear, makes it an attractive choice. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a balance of challenge and comfort and are willing to invest in a quality service.

If you’re after a route with high success rates, stunning scenery, and supportive staff, this tour checks all those boxes. It’s best for those prepared physically and mentally for a multi-day trek and who want to avoid the logistical headaches of organizing a climb independently.

While it costs a bit more than some other options, many reviews confirm that the support, food, and overall experience justify the price. With a proven track record and glowing feedback, this tour is a reliable way to tick Mount Kilimanjaro off your bucket list.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
All fees and taxes, guides, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), camping gear, and transfers from Moshi are included, making it a comprehensive package.

Are meals provided during the climb?
Yes, all six dinners, six breakfasts, and seven lunches are included, prepared by the support team to keep you energized.

Do I need to bring my own camping gear?
No, camping tents and gear are provided, so you can pack light and focus on the climb.

How is the guide support during the trek?
Reviewers praise the guides for their professionalism, friendliness, and patience. They are experienced and attentive, answering questions and helping during tough sections.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour has a flexible cancellation policy—if conditions are unsafe, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

How long does the summit attempt take?
Guides usually advise starting around midnight, with a six to seven-hour trek to reach Uhuru Peak, depending on pace and weather.

Is this suitable for beginners?
While suitable for most physically fit travelers, the high altitude and demanding terrain mean some prior hiking experience and good fitness can help improve your chances of success.

In the end, this Kilimanjaro tour offers a well-rounded adventure with a strong support team, scenic variety, and all the essentials covered. Whether you’re chasing the summit or soaking in the views, it’s a trip that promises a true Kilimanjaro experience.