6 Days Lemosho route
Overview
The 6 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro is a shorter version of one of the most scenic and diverse trekking routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is ideal for climbers who are fit, well-prepared, and looking for a quieter trail experience with stunning landscapes.
Starting on the western side of the mountain, the Lemosho Route offers a unique approach compared to other routes. The early days pass through remote rainforest and open moorland, with chances to see wildlife before crossing the spectacular Shira Plateau.
Unlike longer itineraries, this 6-day option follows a more direct pace, making it better suited for trekkers who already have good fitness or prior hiking experience. While acclimatization time is shorter than the 7- and 8-day versions, the route still follows a steady “pole pole” (slowly) approach to support altitude adaptation.
This itinerary follows the scenic Lemosho Route.
Read the full route overview here: Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro
Prefer a slower climb with higher success rate? Explore extended options:
Looking to reduce cost and join others?
Join a group climb here: Kilimanjaro Group Joining Tours
Trekking
Lemosho Route
Accommodation
Camps
Accommodation
Camp
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Arrival in Tanzania
Your 6 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro adventure begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where our Drive will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your lodge in Moshi. In the evening, you will meet our Materuni Tour team together with you mountain guide for a detailed briefing and equipment check to ensure you are fully prepared for the climb. Enjoy a restful overnight stay at Kili kivuli Accommodation or a similar comfortable accommodation.
- Total distance: 4.8km
- Hiking Time (approx.): 2 hours
The starting point of the Lemosho climb is located some distance from Moshi town (approximately 2 hours’ drive). We’ll get you straight into African life with a preliminary African massage (a term of endearment we have for the not-so-great road) on the way out to your start point. You will have fantastic views out of the window driving through rural Tanzanian scenery. Upon arrival at the Londorossi gate we will pay your park fees, and drive slightly further to the starting point at 2385m where you will don your day pack and start walking.
Today is by no means a strenuous hike hours but gives you time to adjust into your walking pace… and plenty of opportunities to look up hoping to spot some black and white colobus monkeys in the forest. A lucky few may even spot buffalo or even elephant! Today you will overnight at Mti Mkubwa (literal translation= big tree) camp, so called because of the large conifer trees, providing shade over the camp, one of the most picturesque on the mountain.
- Total distance: 14km
- Hiking Time (approx.): 9 hours
Your longest day of walking is always among the favourites from our trekkers as you leave the forested glades to emerge out into moorland with fantastic views to the Shira plateau, but more importantly the magnificent peak of Kibo. Your guide will make sure you are going at a slow pace, to ward off any altitude sickness. The day starts with lots of small ups and downs, before climbing to the top of a ridge. You will head eastwards along this ridge with views over to Ngare Nairobi River and the emergency 4 x 4 track. Following your lunch stop you will be able to see your trekking path laid out ahead across the Shira plateau. Descend down to your camp at Shira 2, located by a moorland stream where your chef will be cooking up a storm to reward your hard efforts.
- Total distance: 10.5m
- Hiking Time (approx.): 6-8 hours
Your final morning on the quieter Lemosho route before joining up with the Machame trekkers later on. You will emerge from the valleys peppered with lobelia and heather covering the ground to find yourself in the alpine desert ecosystem, with lichen covering every rock. The first few hours are steady uphill walking. This is best taken slowly as today is often the first day some may feel the symptoms of altitude sickness. Although after joining up with Machame route there is a shorter route to camp (which you will see porters and chefs running along) we take you on a diversion to Lava Tower Rock (alt. 4600m) to give you extra acclimatisation. From Lava Tower it’s all downhill to Barranco camp- feeling the chill where that cup of warm soup to start your dinner will be all the more welcome.
- Total distance: 10.5km
- Hiking time: 3-4 hours
A shorter day, giving you a good chance to adjust but still a little challenge just when you leave the camp as you climb up what has been nicknamed the ‘breakfast rock’. It’s all worth it though as at the top of this rock you can have a great view to Kibo peak and its magnificent glaciers, whilst at the same time in the other direction you’ll be able to see Mt Meru. This day also includes a lot of ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ until you reach the valley which marks the last point for water passing on the Machame route. Head back up the valley to Karanga camp where you can have are break and hot lunch before heard to Barafu camp for dinner and then rest up and get some sleep in preparation for your summit night! Although during the day time it can be a little hot at this time, the Barafu or ‘ice’ camp really lives up to its name once the sun goes down.
Summit Night: Your friendly guide will give you a warm wakeup call at approximately 11pm (depending how well you have fared so far you may get up earlier or later!). From here you will start your ascent to the summit. This is the final push to the top and so your guide will take you at a much slower pace compared to your trekking the previous days, to make sure you have the best chance of getting to the peak, giving your body time to cope with the high altitude. Once you reach Stella Point at 5735m you really have almost made it- only another 45 minutes until you will find yourself at Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. Enjoy your time here, take in what will surely be your most memorable sunrise and celebrate with your guide.
- Total distance: 10.8km
- Hiking time: Summit- Barafu Camp (2-3hours) Barafu Camp- Mweka Camp (4-5 hours)
From the summit you will descend back down to Barafu Camp where you will be welcomed by the rest of the crew and enjoy a short break and breakfast. Here you can have a nap for a couple of
hours if you wish and depending on the time you arrive. From Barafu Camp you will make your way down to Mweka Camp, passing from desert to moorland terrain. You will reach Mweka Camp at approximately 5pm. There’s always a great atmosphere at camp this night – the hard work is over and now you can pat yourself on the back! Celebrations won’t go on for too long as you will no doubt want to head into the tent early.
- Total distance: 8.5km
- Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Passing through the montane forest, similar to your first day trekking, you will make your way down to Mweka Gate, stopping to watch the monkeys and spot turaco birds or hornbills. Upon reaching the gate you will sign out and exit Kilimanjaro National Park. From here you will be picked up by our company transport and transferred back to our office in town where you will be presented with you certificate before returning to your hotel for a well-deserved rest!
Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide
Enquire This Tour
Price Per Person (Private Climb)
Pax
Price (USD)
1
2,069
2
1,780
3
1,700
4
1,640
5
1,590
6
1,570
7
1,560
Included in cost:
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (1 Night before/ 1 Night after the climb) in kili-kivuli.com
- Transport to and from Moshi/Arusha to the trail head
- Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping /huts fees, rescue fee, and Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Expert guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Bottled oxygen for emergency rescue only
- Camping tents/Hut
- Sleeping pads
- Mess tents, tables, chairs, and lanterns
- Fresh and nutritious meals on the mountain
- Breakfast at the hotel
- pulse oximeter
- Emergency Radio Call
The price does not include
- Airfare and visa fees at airports
- Lunch or dinner at hotel
- Beverages at the hotel
- Personal gears and equipment
- Tipping
Important Informations
A favourite of ours, this route starts out in West Kilimanjaro. Enjoy fantastic panoramas as you trek across the Shira Plateau before joining up with the Machame route for a steady approach to the summit.
Best For:
- Fit climbers
- Shorter timeframe
- Quiet route experience
Pros:
- Scenic and less crowded start
- Wildlife + panoramic views
- Unique western approach
Cons:
- Faster pace than longer options
- Lower success rate than 7/8 days
If you prefer a more gradual ascent and higher summit success rate, consider:
- 7 Days Lemosho Route – Better acclimatization and comfort
- 8 Days Lemosho Route – Highest success rate and best experience
We always recommend you have at least 1 day in town before starting your trek. This gives you time to rest, relax and prepare. On this day we make sure you meet your guide(s) so that they are able to check all your gear, we can rent anything else that you require and you have the opportunity to ask them any questions you may have!
This route, favoured by those preferring a quieter ascent, takes you through beautiful landscapes that change each day, with some of the best views found on Kilimanjaro. Along with the views, Lemosho can boast some of the best wildlife, especially birdlife, of all the routes. The extra days give you a much better chance to acclimatise, with plenty of shorter ‘acclimatisation treks’ that are optional along the way. At approx. 46km, it is one of the longest routes on Kilimanjaro… but don’t let that put you off- you start out at higher elevation and take it pole pole (slowly slowly), giving you the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak!
Related Trekking Packages
FAQ – 6 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro
1. For the 6 Days Lemosho Route, which camp do I skip?
On the 6 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro, climbers skip Karanga Camp, which is normally included in the longer 7- and 8-day itineraries.
Instead of stopping at Karanga, the trek continues directly from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp on Day 4. This makes the day longer and more physically demanding, as you combine what is usually split into two days.
Because of this, the 6-day itinerary has less acclimatization time, which is why it is recommended mainly for fit and experienced trekkers.
For a more gradual ascent and better comfort, consider:
7 Days Lemosho Route or 8 Days Lemosho Route
2.Is the 6 Days Lemosho Route a good option for Kilimanjaro?
The 6 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro is a good option for fit and experienced trekkers who are comfortable with a faster pace. While it offers stunning scenery and a quieter trail, it has less acclimatization time compared to longer itineraries.
3.What is the success rate of the 6 Days Lemosho Route?
The success rate of the 6 Days Lemosho Route is moderate, as the shorter duration allows less time for acclimatization. Climbers who are well-prepared and physically fit still have a strong chance of reaching the summit.
4.How difficult is the 6 Days Lemosho Route?
The 6 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro is considered moderate to challenging, mainly due to the shorter timeframe and altitude gain. It is best suited for climbers with good fitness levels or previous trekking experience.
5.How long is the 6 Days Lemosho Route?
The route covers approximately 45–50 km (28–31 miles) from the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro to the summit and descent via Mweka Gate.
6.What makes the Lemosho Route special?
The Lemosho Route is known for:
- Beautiful and diverse landscapes
- Fewer crowds in the early days
- Wildlife sightings in the rainforest
- Crossing the scenic Shira Plateau
7.Can beginners climb the 6 Days Lemosho Route?
Yes, but it is not the best option for beginners. Due to the shorter acclimatization time, first-time climbers are usually advised to choose the 7 Days Lemosho Route for a safer and more comfortable experience.
8.Do I need prior trekking experience?
Previous trekking experience is helpful but not required. However, good physical fitness and preparation are important for completing the 6-day itinerary successfully.
9.Can I join a group for the 6 Days Lemosho Route?
Yes, you can join a group climb to share the experience and reduce costs.
View available departures here:
Kilimanjaro Group Joining Tours
10.What is the best alternative to the 6 Days Lemosho Route?
If you want a higher summit success rate and better acclimatization, the best alternatives are:
- 7 Days Lemosho Route
- 8 Days Lemosho Route
These options allow a slower pace and more time to adjust to altitude.
11.Do I descend via the same route on the 6 Days and 7 Days Lemosho Route?
No, both the 6 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro and the 7 Days Lemosho Route use the same descent route, which is the Mweka Route on the southern side of Mount Kilimanjaro.
While the ascent begins on the western side via the Lemosho Route, all climbers descend through Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, regardless of whether they choose the 6-day or 7-day itinerary.
The main difference between the two options is not the descent, but the acclimatization schedule:
- The 6-day itinerary skips Karanga Camp and descends faster
- The 7-day itinerary includes Karanga Camp, allowing a more gradual ascent and better acclimatization
For a more comfortable climb and higher summit success rate, the 7 Days Lemosho Route is generally recommended.
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