The 7-Day Lemosho Route with Chipmunk Expeditions offers one of the most scenic, balanced, and successful journeys to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Beginning on the quiet western slopes, this itinerary takes you through lush rain-forest, across the vast and breathtaking Shira Plateau, and into the high alpine desert before making a well-paced summit push via Barafu. With its gradual acclimatization profile, diverse landscapes, and exceptional guiding support, the Lemosho Route provides the perfect combination of beauty, challenge, and comfort—maximizing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) safely and confidently. This 7-day climb is ideal for trekkers seeking a rich, immersive, and rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.
Highlights
- Scenic & Less Crowded Route
- Best Acclimatization for Summit Success
- Cross the Majestic Shira Plateau
- Climb the Famous Barranco Wall
- Expert Guides & Full Support Crew
The 7-Days Lemosho Route with Chipmunk Expeditions offers one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and successful summit experiences. Starting on the western slopes, this route provides a gradual acclimatization profile, diverse landscapes, and fewer crowds during the first days. Climbers cross the expansive Shira Plateau, ascend through the alpine desert, and approach the summit via Barafu Camp for a steady and safe final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
With our highly trained guides, professional mountain crew, and premium camping equipment, this itinerary is designed to maximize safety, comfort, and summit success—making it one of the most reliable routes for both first-time and experienced climbers.
Elevation: 2,100m → 2,785m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 6 km
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Your adventure begins with a morning drive to Lemosho Gate, located on the western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. After registration and a detailed briefing from your professional Chipmunk Expeditions mountain team, you enter the beautifully dense montane rainforest, a region known for its rich biodiversity. As you trek through towering trees draped in moss, you may encounter colobus monkeys, duikers, and a variety of exotic bird species. By late afternoon, you arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, where your tents are already set up. Enjoy a warm dinner prepared by our mountain chefs as you settle in for your first night on the mountain.
Elevation: 2,785m → 3,505m
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours | Distance: 9 km
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a hearty breakfast, you leave the lush rainforest behind and ascend into the Shira Plateau, a vast moorland area with stunning views of the western cliffs of Kilimanjaro. The landscape gradually opens up with heather, giant groundsels, and lobelias. Take breaks along the way to admire the panoramic vistas. By late afternoon, you reach Shira 1 Camp, where the tents await, providing a perfect spot to rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude.
Elevation: 3,505m → 3,840m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 5 km
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s trek takes you across the Shira Plateau with gradually increasing altitude. Enjoy spectacular views of Kilimanjaro’s southern glaciers and surrounding landscapes. Wildlife is sparse here, but the unique flora makes the walk fascinating. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the afternoon, where you’ll have time to relax and prepare for the more challenging sections ahead.
Elevation: 3,840m → 3,950m
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours | Distance: 10 km
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Shira 2, the route leads you toward the dramatic Great Barranco Wall. Today’s hike features a mix of rolling moorland and steep ascents. After crossing the Lava Tower (4,630m) on the way, you descend slightly to reach Barranco Camp. This camp is famous for its views of the towering Barranco Wall, providing a stunning backdrop for your evening meal.
Elevation: 3,950m → 4,035m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 5 km
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you have the opportunity to scramble up the Barranco Wall, an exhilarating and scenic climb with amazing photo opportunities. Once over the wall, the trail descends into the Karanga Valley, passing unique alpine vegetation. Karanga Camp offers a quiet, scenic setting for your night’s rest and final acclimatization before the summit push.
Elevation: 4,035m → 4,640m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 6 km
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s hike takes you through increasingly barren and rocky alpine terrain. You pass Kibo’s slopes, preparing your body for the challenging summit night ahead. Arriving at Barafu Camp in the afternoon, rest and hydrate well. After an early dinner, you’ll get some sleep before the midnight summit attempt.
Elevation: 4,640m → 5,895m → 3,100m
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours | Distance: 18 km
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day begins around midnight as you start your summit push toward Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. Trekking in darkness, guided by headlamps, you ascend the challenging final slopes. After several hours, you reach the summit at sunrise and witness breathtaking views of the Tanzanian plains. Following the summit, you descend via the Mweka Route to Mweka Camp. Celebrate your incredible achievement with a warm meal and well-earned rest.
- Professional Mountain Crew – Certified English-speaking guides, experienced cooks, and a skilled team of porters.
- Accommodation on the Mountain – Fully-serviced camping throughout the 7 days (tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, tables & chairs).
- Meals (BLD) – Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared fresh daily, including dietary options on request.
- Drinking Water – Treated and filtered water for the entire hike.
- All National Park Fees – Conservation fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and summit fees.
- Kilimanjaro Safety Equipment – First aid kit, pulse oximeter, portable oxygen cylinder (for emergencies).
- Luggage Support – Porters to carry camping equipment and duffel bags (up to 15 kg per climber).
- Transfers – Pick-up and drop-off from Moshi/Arusha to the Lemosho Gate and return from Mweka Gate.
- Summit Certificate – Official Kilimanjaro National Park certificate upon successful completion.
- Pre-Climb Briefing – Detailed safety, gear, and route briefing by your head mountain guide.
- International & Domestic Flights
- Accommodation Before & After the Trek (can be arranged on request)
- Personal Gear – Sleeping bags, trekking poles, headlamps, hiking boots, and personal clothing.
- Travel Insurance – Highly recommended and required for high-altitude trekking.
- Tipping for Mountain Crew – Standard tipping guidelines provided upon booking.
- Soft Drinks & Alcoholic Beverages
- Personal Expenses – Snacks, souvenirs, and items of a personal nature.
- Medical Expenses – Including medications, vaccinations, and emergency evacuation if not covered by insurance
The Lemosho Route is considered moderately difficult, offering gradual elevation gain and excellent acclimatization. It is suitable for both first-time trekkers and experienced hikers, especially with the 7-day itinerary
The 8-day version has one of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro, often above 90%, due to its longer acclimatization profile and steady elevation adjustments.
No technical climbing experience is required. However, good physical conditioning is important. Regular walking, stair climbing, and cardio exercises are recommended before the trek
All nights are spent in fully serviced mountain camps, including high-quality tents, sleeping mats, a dining tent, portable toilets, and professional staff who handle all camp setup.
Chipmunk Expeditions prioritizes safety. Guides conduct daily health checks, carry first aid kits, and have oxygen cylinders for emergencies. If altitude symptoms become severe, a controlled and safe descent will be arranged.
