Package Overview
A 6-Day Guided Trek to Uhuru Peak via the Western Slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as Kilimanjaro's most scenic and best-paced trail. Starting on the mountain's quiet western slopes, it offers trekkers a remote, pristine wilderness experience with far fewer crowds than the popular Machame Route. The route begins in dense rainforest home to black-and-white colobus monkeys, then climbs onto the open Shira Plateau with sweeping views of the upper mountain, before crossing lava ridgelines near Lava Tower and scrambling up the famous Barranco Wall.
This 6-Day Lemosho Route with Winter Trails Tours and Safaris is a faster, more demanding version of the classic 7–8 day itinerary. It combines several trekking stages to fit into six mountain days, making it ideal for physically fit trekkers with previous high-altitude experience or travellers with limited time who still want the best scenery Kilimanjaro has to offer.
Unlike longer Lemosho itineraries, the 6-day version skips Shira 1 Camp and moves directly to Shira 2 Camp, saving time while still crossing the entire Shira Plateau from west to east. The route then joins the Machame Route at Shira 2 and follows the southern circuit through Barranco, Karanga, and Barafu before the final summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) .
Important Note: The 6-day Lemosho Route has less time for acclimatization than the 7 or 8-day versions. While the scenery and pacing are excellent, the summit success rate is slightly lower on the 6-day itinerary. We strongly recommend the 7-day or 8-day version for first-time high-altitude trekkers or anyone concerned about altitude sickness.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 Days / 5 Nights on the mountain |
| Route Type | Camping (tented accommodation) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging |
| Summit Success Rate | ~85–90% (with proper preparation) |
| Start Point | Londorossi Gate (2,100m) |
| End Point | Mweka Gate (1,640m) |
| Highest Point | Uhuru Peak (5,895m) |
| Accommodation | Mountain camping (tents) |
| Best For | Fit trekkers, experienced hikers, those seeking the best scenery |
| Group Size | Private or small group |
| Guide Ratio | 1 guide per 2–3 climbers |
Why Choose the 6-Day Lemosho Route?
- Most scenic route on Kilimanjaro — panoramic vistas on all sides of the mountain, including the Southern Ice Fields
- Starts on the quiet western slopes — far fewer crowds than Machame or Marangu
- Crosses the entire Shira Plateau — a beautiful, relatively flat hike with stunning views
- Acclimatization at Lava Tower — climb high, sleep low — a proven altitude strategy
- Conquers the Barranco Wall — an exciting yet manageable scramble with spectacular views
- High summit success rate — thanks to the gradual ascent and acclimatization profile
- Wildlife-rich rainforest — spot colobus monkeys and exotic birds on Day 1
- Available as private or small group trek — personalised attention
Itinerary
Day 1 — Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp)
Elevation: 2,100m → 2,780m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: ~7 km
Habitat: Montane rainforest
Your trek begins early in the morning with a transfer from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate — the western entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park. The drive takes approximately 2 hours through farmland and villages with open views over the plains.
After registration with the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), you'll begin your ascent through lush montane rainforest. The trail is gentle and shaded, passing beneath ancient trees draped in moss and lichen. Listen for the calls of colobus monkeys and watch for colourful turacos and hornbills. Stop for a packed lunch at a clearing halfway up.
You'll arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (also called Big Tree Camp) in the mid-afternoon. After settling into your tent, enjoy a hot dinner prepared by your mountain chef.
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (camping) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 — Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 2,780m → 3,900m
Hiking Time: 8–10 hours
Distance: ~16.5 km
Habitat: Moorland and heath
After breakfast, you'll leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone — a landscape of giant heather, lobelias, and proteas. The trail climbs steadily through open terrain, and you'll cross the Shira Plateau from west to east — a beautiful, relatively flat hike with panoramic views of Kibo Peak floating above the clouds.
Day 3 — Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Elevation: 3,900m → 4,640m (Lava Tower) → 3,960m (Barranco Camp)
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Distance: ~10 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Today is a crucial acclimatization day. After breakfast, you'll ascend into the alpine desert zone, walking on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. The trail climbs steadily toward Lava Tower (4,640m) — a volcanic pinnacle and the high point of the day.
You'll stop at Lava Tower for lunch — a perfect opportunity to acclimatize by spending time at altitude before descending. After lunch, you'll make a steep descent into the Great Barranco Valley (3,960m), sheltered by towering cliffs with extensive views of the plains below.
This "climb high, sleep low" strategy is one of the most effective ways to prevent altitude sickness and is a key reason the Lemosho Route has such a high summit success rate.
Day 4 — Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp via Barranco Wall
Elevation: 3,960m → 4,640m
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Distance: ~13 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
After a good night's rest and breakfast, you'll set off on one of the most exciting sections of the trek — the Barranco Wall. This is a steep, non-technical scramble (Class 2) that takes about 1.5 hours to climb. Despite its imposing appearance, the Barranco Wall is manageable for most trekkers, and the views from the top are spectacular.
After conquering the Wall, you'll continue through the Karanga Valley — the last water point on the route — and then climb to Barafu Camp (4,640m). The trail crosses desolate scree slopes with no vegetation, and the altitude makes this a tough, steep walk.
You'll arrive at Barafu Camp in the mid-afternoon. Eat an early dinner (around 5:00–6:00 PM) and rest. You'll be woken around 11:00 PM to begin the final ascent to the summit.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (camping) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 — Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,640m → 5,895m → 3,100m
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Distance: ~20 km
Habitat: Arctic summit and alpine desert
This is the most demanding day of the trek. You'll be woken around 11:00 PM for tea and biscuits, then begin the ascent in the darkness. The trail is steep and switchbacks up scree and rock — the toughest part of the route.
After about 6 hours of climbing, you'll reach Stella Point (5,735m) on the crater rim — the moment you officially reach the summit. From there, it's a further 1–1.5 hours along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa.
Day 6 — Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
After breakfast, continue your descent through the lush rainforest back to Mweka Gate. The trail is gentle, and the warmer air and thicker oxygen make this a pleasant final day.
You'll arrive at Mweka Gate in the late morning, where you'll receive your summit certificate — a proud memento of your achievement. Your vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Celebration dinner and overnight at your hotel (optional add-on).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included services in itinerary
- Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) Included in itinerary
- Camping Experience
- Entrance Fees Included
- Hiking / Trekking
- Professional English-speaking safari guides
Excluded
- Swimming / Beach Access
- Tips and Gratuities not included
Trip Information
PDF format with full itinerary
