Mount Kilimanjaro climbing,7 days Lemosho Route.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is often called a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and many travelers aim for the most scenic, successful, and comfortable routes. The 7-day Lemosho Route offered by Kikafu Tour & Travel is designed to do just that—combining stunning landscapes, high success rates, and a well-paced schedule that appeals to most trekkers.

While we haven’t personally taken this trek, we’ve analyzed the tour details, reviews, and itinerary to give you an honest, practical look at what you can expect. Three things we love: its scenic diversity, excellent success rates, and thoughtful acclimatization days. One consideration: the price, which is competitive but still an investment. This tour is best suited for travelers seeking a balance of adventure, comfort, and high chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.

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Key Points

Scenic Diversity: The route traverses forest, moorlands, alpine meadows, and glaciers, offering a visually captivating experience.
High Success Rates: The 7-day itinerary boasts success rates of up to 95%, thanks to optimal acclimatization and gradual altitude gain.
Comfort & Support: Accommodation in mountain cabins, mountain tents, and warm meals make the trek more manageable.
All-Inclusive Value: The tour includes transportation, guides, meals, and gear, making it a convenient choice.
Authentic Local Experience: Guides and porters are friendly and professional, adding local insights and personal care.
Good Value for Money: For around $2,430, you get a well-organized, scenic, and successful Kilimanjaro climb, making it a worthwhile investment.

Overview of the 7-Day Lemosho Route Experience

Looking for more options in Moshi? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

What Makes the Lemosho Route Special?

The Lemosho route is often regarded as one of the most scenic and gentle options for tackling Kilimanjaro. Its starting point on the western side of the mountain allows trekkers to enjoy lush forests and wind across various climate zones, including alpine meadows and glaciers, before reaching the summit.

The journey covers 46 km (28.5 miles) through diverse landscapes, each with its own charm. The route’s design emphasizes better acclimatization and higher success rates (up to 95% for 8-day tours), making it popular among first-timers and seasoned hikers alike.

What’s Included in the Tour?

This tour is priced at $2,430.77 per person, which includes:

Private transportation from Moshi to the trailhead
Accommodation in mountain cabins and tents
All necessary gear: double-layered sleeping mats, tents, portable oxygen tanks, and oxygen meters
Three hot meals daily
Experienced guides, cooks, and porters
Drinking water, filtered and treated throughout the trek
Two nights in Moshi pre- and post-trek

Extras like tips, personal toiletries, extra bathroom tents, and flights are not included, but these are common in most Kilimanjaro tours.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: Starting at Lemosho Glades

The adventure begins with a pickup from your lodge in Moshi and a scenic drive to Londorossi Gate. From here, you’ll trek through lush forest, a peaceful start that helps your body begin the altitude adjustment gently. The trail winds upward through dense vegetation, culminating at the Lemosho Gate at 2,100 meters. You’ll settle into the wooden cabins or tents, setting the scene for the journey ahead.

Authentic Insight: One reviewer noted the efficient support from guides and the smooth start, which sets a positive tone for the trip.

There's plenty more to explore in Moshi

Day 2: Forest to Moorlands at Big Tree Camp

Trekkers walk through the forest, crossing into open moorlands en route to Big Tree Camp. The open landscape offers spectacular views and the chance to witness diverse flora.

Expectations: This day involves a steady walk with opportunities to spot birds and unique plant species. The open terrain also helps with acclimatization.

Day 3: From Shira 2 Hut to Barranco

The trek continues across the Shira Plateau, a flat, expansive area with panoramic mountain views. Reaching Barranco Camp, you’ll be in a sheltered spot below the impressive cliffs of the Breach Wall, which dominate the landscape.

Review Insight: One traveler appreciated the scenic beauty and the camp’s location, which offers good acclimatization potential.

Day 4: Acclimatization at Baranco, then onward to Karanga

This day is designed for acclimatization, with a trek from Barranco to Karanga Valley. The route passes close to glaciers and steep cliffs, helping your body adapt to increasing altitude. The day’s walk is longer but carefully planned to reduce altitude sickness risk.

Authentic Tip: Many trekkers find the climb through the Barranco Wall challenging but rewarding, with breathtaking views.

Day 5: From Karanga to Barafu

The trek moves from Karanga to Barafu Camp, the last camp before the summit. Expect to see glaciers and sheer cliffs marking the mountain’s final ascent. Here, you’ll find the last water source—crucial for your final push.

Real Talk: Reviewers mention that this stretch is physically demanding but manageable with proper pacing and support.

Day 6: The Summit Push – Uhuru Peak

Starting around midnight, you’ll trek in the dark, navigating scree and steep slopes toward Stella Point. Reaching the summit at 5,895 meters, you’ll witness the sunrise over Africa from the highest point in Africa.

Authentic Experience: The trek at night is cold and demanding, but most find it an unforgettable highlight. Guides emphasize steady, measured steps for success.

Day 7: Descend to Millenium Camp and Exit

The descent winds down through forested slopes to the gate, where your vehicle awaits. The journey covers the last section of the mountain, bringing a sense of accomplishment.

Note: Expect a long day—about 12 hours—covering approximately 11 km downhill, which can be tough on knees but offers lush scenery after the climb.

What Travelers Say: A Closer Look at Authentic Experiences

A reviewer from Tripadvisor shared, “We used Kikafu Tour & Travel for our climb in November 2019. The trip of a lifetime, meticulously planned, and professionally guided.” The importance of friendly guides and smooth logistics shines through, helping trekkers feel supported throughout the challenging journey.

Another note from a different reviewer highlighted the value: “The route’s success rate is high, and they really focus on acclimatization, which I believe is why I reached the summit.” Such insights confirm that the route’s design, with proper acclimatization days, works well for most people.

Many appreciated the well-organized logistics, including transportation, meals, and gear. The inclusion of mountain cabins and tents meant a comfortable rest after long trekking days, making the experience less exhausting.

The Practical Side: Value & Comfort

Cost & What You Get

At $2,430.77, this tour offers excellent value considering all inclusions—transport, guides, accommodation, meals, and gear. High success rates further justify the price, especially for those who value a safer, more comfortable climb.

Accommodation & Support

Staying in wooden mountain cabins and tents with double-layered mats keeps you warmer and more rested. The professional guides and porters are a highlight—friendly, experienced, and dedicated to your safety and success.

What’s Not Included?

Remember, tips for guides and porters are not included, so budget accordingly. Also, extra bathroom tents cost $70, and flights are separate expenses.

Travel Flexibility & Cancellation Policy

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, which adds peace of mind. The start time is 6:00 am, giving you the whole day to begin your adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Kilimanjaro climb is perfect for those who want a scenic, high-success-rate route with decent comfort and support. It’s well-suited for:

First-time climbers seeking a structured, safe ascent
Trekkers who appreciate stunning landscapes and diverse climate zones
Travelers who want comprehensive support, including accommodation and meals
Those willing to invest a bit more for higher chances of reaching the summit

It’s a good fit for adventurous spirits who understand the physical demands and are prepared for a week of trekking at altitude.

The Sum Up: Is This Kilimanjaro Tour Worth It?

For travelers looking for a balance of scenic beauty, comfort, and high success rates, the 7-day Lemosho Route from Kikafu Tour & Travel offers a compelling package. The route’s emphasis on acclimatization and its diverse landscapes make it an excellent choice for those with a sense of adventure and a desire for a well-supported climb.

The included accommodations, professional guides, and meals reduce stress and logistical worries, letting you focus on the incredible experience ahead. The price, while an investment, reflects the quality and safety measures built into the tour.

If your goal is to reach Uhuru Peak with confidence, enjoy stunning scenery, and have a supportive team behind you, this tour stands out as a valuable option. It’s best suited for those who prioritize a successful summit and are ready for a week of physical challenge in exchange for one of the most iconic views in Africa.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, especially since the route has high success rates and includes acclimatization days to help prevent altitude sickness.

What do the accommodations on the mountain include?
You’ll stay in wooden cabins or tents, with double-layered sleeping mats, designed to keep you warm and comfortable after long days.

Are meals provided during the trek?
Yes, three hot meals daily are included, along with filtered drinking water, ensuring you stay energized and hydrated.

What should I budget for tips?
Tips for guides, porters, and cooks are not included, so it’s advisable to allocate some funds for their services.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How long does the whole climb take?
The trek lasts approximately 7 days, covering around 46 km with a mix of walking, acclimatization, and rest.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility and peace of mind.

This Kilimanjaro climb via the Lemosho route offers a thoughtful blend of scenic variety, support, and success likelihood. It’s an adventure that rewards careful planning with one of Africa’s most iconic views—the summit of Kilimanjaro.