6 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Group Size
Unlimited
Travel Styles
Trekking
Starts from $2,010​ Per person
Overview of the Lemosho route
The 6 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb is one of the most scenic ways to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Beginning on the mountain’s western slopes, this route crosses the beautiful Shira Plateau, Barranco Valley, and alpine desert before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Although the six-day itinerary offers less time for acclimatization than longer routes, it is an excellent option for experienced and physically fit climbers seeking a rewarding adventure.
Compare this trek with the 7 Days Lemosho Route, or extend your adventure with one of our Tanzania Safari Packages.
For official information about Kilimanjaro National Park and park regulations, visit the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). You can also learn why Kilimanjaro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
Who Should Choose the 6-Day Lemosho Trek?
This version is faster than the 7-day and 8-day Lemosho options. It is best for climbers who already have good trekking fitness, previous high-altitude experience, and confidence walking long days on uneven mountain terrain.
Because the schedule is compressed, there is less spare time for acclimatization. Guruguru Safaris should position this route carefully: it is scenic and efficient, but it is not the best option for first-time high-altitude trekkers. For beginners, the 7-day or 8-day Lemosho program is usually a safer and more comfortable choice.
Route Summary
| Route Detail | Information |
|---|---|
|
Route |
Lemosho Route |
|
Duration |
8 days total, including arrival and departure; 6 days on the mountain |
|
Trek Start |
Londorossi Gate / western Lemosho approach with vehicle transfer toward the Shira side |
|
Mountain Accommodation |
Mti Mkubwa Camp, Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp and Barafu Camp. |
|
Highest Point |
Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m / 19,341 ft |
|
Finish Point |
Mweka Gate, followed by transfer back to hotel |
|
Difficulty |
Challenging; best for fit climbers with prior trekking or altitude experience |
|
Best For |
Travelers with limited time who still want the scenic Lemosho approach and strong mountain support |
Kilimanjaro Trek Packing List
Get PDF Kilimanjaro trkking Packing List + Useful Tips
Get PDF Kilimanjaro trkking Packing List + Useful Tips
6 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Prices
6-DAY CLIMBING (+ 2 days in a hotel)
Price per person
1 Pax
$3,050
2 pax
$2,550
3 pax
$2,320
4 pax
$2,230
5 pax
$2,150
6 pax
$2,010
7+ pax
Upon Request
6-DAY CLIMBING (+ 2 days in a hotel)
Price per person
1 Pax
$8,859
2 pax
$6,226
3 pax
$5,850
4 pax
$5,521
5 pax
$5,463
6 pax
$5,309
7 pax
$5,033
8+ pax
$4,943
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport - Transfer to Hotel
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Guruguru Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. The rest of the day is reserved for rest after your flight, gear organization, and preparation before the climb.
In the evening, your mountain guide will conduct a detailed briefing. The briefing covers the route plan, altitude safety, daily trekking pace, packing check, weather expectations, tipping guidance, and how the Guruguru Safaris mountain crew will support you during the expedition.
Meal Plan
Dinner and overnight at the hotel, or as confirmed in the final quotation
Overnight
Hotel in Arusha or Moshi
Day 2
Hotel - Londorossi Gate - High-Altitude Drop-Off - Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, your Guruguru Safaris guide and mountain crew will meet you at the hotel for a final equipment check before driving to the western side of Kilimanjaro. The drive to Londorossi Gate passes through rural landscapes, farms, forest edges, and mountain villages.
At Londorossi Gate, the team completes park registration, permit checks, and porter luggage weighing. After the formalities, you continue by vehicle toward the higher western side of the mountain, reducing the time spent in the lower forest zone and making this route possible within six trekking days.
From the drop-off point, you begin a short trek toward Shira 1 Camp. This is your first day at altitude, so the pace must remain slow. Drink water frequently, keep warm when the clouds come in, and report any headache, nausea, dizziness, or unusual fatigue to your guide early.
Acclimatization hike:
Trail Zone
Rainforest
Hiking distance:
Approx. 5 km
Trekking Time:
1-2 hours
Meal Plan
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overnight
Shira 1 Camp
Day 3
Shira 1 Camp - Shira 2 Camp - Acclimatization Hike
After breakfast, you cross the Shira Plateau toward Shira 2 Camp. This section is not the longest day on the route, but it is important because your body is adjusting to sleeping high on the mountain.
The landscape becomes wide and open, with views toward Mount Meru and the plains below when the weather is clear. Depending on the group pace and conditions, your guide may include a scenic route around Cathedral Peak or continue more directly to Shira 2 Camp.
After lunch and rest at Shira 2, you complete a short acclimatization walk toward the Lava Tower direction before returning to camp. This supports the climb-high, sleep-low principle and helps prepare the body for the next day.
Acclimatization hike:
Camp Altitude
Approx. 3,720 m
Hiking distance:
Approx. 7 km
Hiking time:
3-4 hours
Meal Plan
Breakfast, lunch, and early dinner.
Overnight
Shira 2 Camp
Day 4
Shira 2 Camp - Lava Tower - Barranco Camp
Today is one of the most important acclimatization days of the climb. The trail rises toward Lava Tower, a dramatic volcanic formation above 4,600 meters. You may feel the altitude more strongly here, so the pace should stay slow and controlled.
Lunch is normally taken around the Lava Tower area before the route descends toward Barranco Camp. This descent is valuable because your body receives high-altitude exposure during the day but sleeps lower at night.
Barranco Camp sits below the famous Barranco Wall, with dramatic views of Kibo and the surrounding valleys. The wall may look intimidating from camp, but it follows a non-technical hiking route that your Guruguru Safaris guides will manage carefully the next morning.
Acclimatization hike:
Camp Altitude
Approx. 4,720 m
Hiking distance:
Approx. 12 km
Hiking time:
6-8 hours
Meal Plan
Breakfast, lunch, and early dinner.
Overnight
Barranco Camp
Day 5
Barranco Camp - Barranco Wall - Karanga Valley - Barafu Camp
The day begins with the climb up Barranco Wall, one of the most memorable sections of the Lemosho Route. It is not a technical rock climb, but it requires focus, patience, and careful foot placement in a few short places.
After the wall, the route continues across ridges and valleys toward Karanga. On the 6-day Lemosho schedule, this day continues beyond Karanga toward Barafu instead of stopping overnight at Karanga Camp. This makes the day longer and more demanding than the 7-day version.
When you reach Barafu Camp, the priority is rest. Your crew will prepare camp and meals while you organize warm clothing, headlamp, water, snacks, and summit layers. You will have an early dinner and try to sleep before the midnight summit wake-up call.
Acclimatization hike:
Main Goal
Reach summit base camp
Hiking distance:
Approx. 9 -11 km
Hiking time:
7-9 hours
Meal Plan
Breakfast, lunch, and early dinner.
Overnight
Barafu Camp
Day 6
Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak - Millennium Camp
Around midnight, you begin the summit push toward Stella Point and Uhuru Peak. This is the hardest part of the expedition because of cold temperatures, darkness, steep volcanic scree, and high altitude. Guruguru Safaris guides will keep the pace slow, check the group regularly, and support every climber step by step.
Reaching Uhuru Peak is the highest point in Africa and the main goal of the climb. After photos and a short celebration at the summit, you descend carefully back toward Barafu Camp for rest and refreshments.
The descent continues to Millennium Camp, where thicker air and lower altitude bring relief after the long summit day. The team will encourage careful footing because many climbers are tired after reaching the top
Acclimatization hike:
Highest Point
Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
Hiking distance:
Approx. 15 km
Hiking time:
8-12 hours
Meal Plan
Light midnight snack, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overnight
Millennium Camp
Day 7
Millennium Camp - Mweka Gate - Transfer to Hotel
After breakfast, you begin the final descent through the rainforest toward Mweka Gate. The air becomes warmer and thicker as you lose altitude, and the trail gradually returns to the lush lower slopes of Kilimanjaro.
At Mweka Gate, the group completes park exit formalities. Successful climbers receive Kilimanjaro certificates before saying thank you to the guides, cook, and porters who supported the expedition.
A Guruguru Safaris vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. The rest of the day is for a hot shower, rest, and celebrating the achievement.
Acclimatization hike:
Finish
Mweka Gate
Hiking distance:
Approx. 12 km
Hiking time:
4-5 hours
Meal Plan
Breakfast and lunch; dinner at the hotel or as confirmed in the quotation.
Overnight
Hotel in Arusha or Moshi
Day 8
Departure - Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport
After breakfast, relax at the hotel until your scheduled airport transfer. Depending on your flight time, you may add a short Arusha or Moshi town visit, coffee experience, souvenir shopping, or an extra hotel day at additional cost.
For travelers continuing their Tanzania adventure, Guruguru Safaris can arrange a private safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Lake Manyara, or a beach extension to Zanzibar.
Meal Plan
Breakfast
Overnight
Departure / optional extension
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What's included
- Airport transfers as specified in the final itinerary.
- Hotel accommodation before and after the climb, as confirmed in the quotation.
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees, hut fees, forest fees, and rescue fees
- Professional mountain guides, assistant guides, cook, and porters
- Accommodation in Kilimanjaro mountain huts during the trek.
- Three meals per day on the mountain, prepared by the mountain cook.
- Safe drinking water during the trek.
- Fair porter luggage allowance according to Kilimanjaro regulations.
- Summit certificate for successful climbers.
- Transfers between hotel, Marangu Gate, and back to hotel after the climb.
What's not included
- International and domestic flights.
- Tanzania visa fees and travel insurance.
- Personal trekking gear, sleeping bag, and optional gear rental.
- Tips for guides, cook, and porters.
- Personal snacks, drinks, laundry, and extra hotel services
- Extra accommodation before or after the scheduled itinerary.
- Medical costs, evacuation beyond included rescue arrangements, and personal expenses
- Optional safari, Zanzibar, or cultural extensions.
BOOK THIS TOUR
Optional Extensions with Guruguru Safaris
After Kilimanjaro, many travelers add a private Tanzania safari or Zanzibar beach holiday. Popular combinations include a 3-day Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara safari; a Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari; or a Zanzibar beach extension for rest after the mountain.
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and rewarding ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The route begins on the western side of the mountain and passes through diverse landscapes, including lush rainforest, the Shira Plateau, volcanic rock formations and high-altitude desert before joining the southern circuit.
One of the main advantages of the Lemosho Route is its gradual approach to higher altitudes, allowing climbers more time to acclimatize compared to shorter routes. The route also offers excellent scenery and relatively quieter trails during the first days of the trek.
The 6-day Lemosho itinerary is designed for climbers who are physically fit and comfortable with a more demanding acclimatization schedule. Climbers looking for additional time to adapt to the altitude may consider the 7-day or 8-day Lemosho Route.
Despite the challenge, the Lemosho Route remains one of the most popular choices for climbers seeking a scenic, less crowded and well-rounded Mount Kilimanjaro experience.
- Waterproof hiking boots that are already broken in before travel.
- Thermal base layers, fleece layer, insulated jacket, waterproof jacket, and waterproof trousers.
- Warm gloves, liner gloves, warm hat, sun hat, neck gaiter, and sunglasses.
- Sleeping bag suitable for cold mountain nights, unless rented through Guruguru Safaris.
- Headlamp with spare batteries for summit night.
- Daypack, water bottles or hydration bladder, trekking poles, sunscreen, lip balm, and personal medication.
- Soft duffel bag for porter-carried luggage and dry bags to protect clothing from rain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose the 6 Days Lemosho Route instead of the 7 Days Lemosho Route?
The 6 Days Lemosho Route is ideal for experienced hikers or travelers with limited time who want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro via one of its most scenic routes. If maximizing your summit success rate is your priority, the 7 Days Lemosho Route provides an additional acclimatization day and is often the better choice for first-time climbers.
Is the 6 Days Lemosho Route worth it?
Yes. The 6 Days Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic Kilimanjaro climbing routes, offering breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and a quieter western approach. It is ideal for climbers with good fitness who want a shorter itinerary without missing Kilimanjaro’s most iconic highlights.
Why is the Lemosho Route considered one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro?
The Lemosho Route is renowned for its stunning scenery, gradual ascent during the early days, and diverse ecosystems ranging from rainforest to alpine desert. It also joins the Machame Route after Shira Plateau, giving climbers spectacular views while avoiding the crowds at the start of the trek.
Is six days enough to climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route?
Yes, it is possible to summit Kilimanjaro in six days via the Lemosho Route. However, because there is less time for acclimatization, this itinerary is best suited to experienced hikers or physically fit climbers. Those seeking a higher summit success rate may prefer the 7 Days Lemosho Route.
Which is better: the 6 Days Lemosho Route or the Machame Route?
Both routes are excellent choices, but they offer different experiences. The Lemosho Route begins on the quieter western side of Kilimanjaro and is known for its beautiful scenery and remote start. The Machame Route is more popular and can be busier during peak climbing seasons.
How cold does it get on the 6 Days Lemosho Route?
Temperatures vary significantly throughout the climb. Rainforest sections are generally warm, while summit night can drop to -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F). Wearing proper layered clothing is essential for comfort and safety.
What happens if I experience altitude sickness?
Your guides will monitor your health throughout the climb. If symptoms become severe, they will recommend descending to a lower altitude immediately. Safety is always the highest priority, and experienced guides are trained to respond to altitude-related illnesses.
Can I combine the Lemosho Route with a safari?
Yes. Many travelers celebrate their Kilimanjaro summit by continuing with a wildlife safari in Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park, followed by a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
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