7-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

From $ 1,970 pp

Duration: 7 Days

Tour Type: Hiking

Trip Overview

The 7-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route offers an exciting journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. The trek begins on the western side of the mountain, taking you through beautiful rainforest, open moorland, rocky alpine terrain, and the high-altitude landscape near the summit. Each day brings new scenery and challenges as you gradually climb toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters.

With the support of experienced mountain guides and a dedicated support team, you will follow a carefully planned route designed to help your body adjust to the increasing altitude. This trek combines spectacular scenery, rewarding hiking, and the unforgettable experience of standing on the roof of Africa.

What Makes This Trip Special

Trek through Kilimanjaro’s rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert.

Enjoy spectacular views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes.

Follow the scenic Lemosho Route from the western side of Kilimanjaro.

Acclimatize as you climb toward the higher camps.

Itinerary In Details

Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Your journey begins with a drive to Lemosho Gate, where your guide completes the registration process before the trek starts. From here, you walk through a beautiful rainforest filled with tall trees, thick vegetation, and the sounds of forest wildlife. The trail gradually climbs toward Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you will spend your first night on the mountain.

Elevation: 2,100 m to 2,650 m
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Distance: Approximately 6 km
Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, continue through the forest as the trail gradually opens into moorland. The landscape becomes less dense, revealing wider views of the surrounding hills and the Shira Plateau. You will cross ridges and open slopes before reaching Shira 1 Camp, where you can rest and enjoy the mountain scenery.

Elevation: 2,650 m to 3,610 m
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today’s trek crosses the beautiful Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic areas of the Lemosho Route. You will walk across open landscapes with views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks and the surrounding highlands. The relatively gradual climb allows you to continue adjusting to the altitude before reaching Shira 2 Camp.

Elevation: 3,610 m to 3,850 m
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Distance: Approximately 7 km
Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

After breakfast, leave the Shira Plateau and continue toward Lava Tower, climbing into a higher-altitude landscape. This section is important for acclimatization because you gain elevation before descending to Barranco Camp. Along the way, you will pass rocky terrain and unusual high-altitude vegetation before reaching camp beneath the impressive Barranco Wall.

Elevation: 3,850 m to 4,630 m at Lava Tower, then down to approximately 3,960 m
Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

The day begins with a climb up the famous Barranco Wall. Although parts of the trail are steep, your guide will help you navigate the rocky sections safely. At the top, enjoy impressive views of the surrounding valleys and mountain slopes before continuing across ridges and down into Karanga Valley. After reaching Karanga Camp, take time to rest and prepare for the next stage.

Elevation: Approximately 3,960 m to 4,035 m
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, continue climbing toward Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt. The trail passes through a dry, rocky landscape with increasingly dramatic views of the mountain. Once you arrive, your team will provide an early dinner and instructions for the summit climb. Rest during the afternoon and prepare for a very early start.

Elevation: Approximately 4,035 m to 4,640 m
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Distance: Approximately 4 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Gate

Your summit attempt begins around midnight, when you start climbing toward Stella Point along steep volcanic slopes. The ascent is demanding because of the altitude and cold conditions, but your guide will help you maintain a steady pace. From Stella Point, continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement and taking photographs, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp.

On the standard seven-day Lemosho itinerary, the descent normally continues to Mweka Camp, with the final walk to Mweka Gate taking place the following day. If your trek must finish at the gate on Day 7, the itinerary needs to be adjusted to account for the additional descent and demanding summit-day schedule.

Elevation: Approximately 4,640 m to 5,895 m, then down to Mweka Camp at approximately 3,100 m
Hiking time: Around 12–16 hours in total, depending on conditions and pace
Accommodation: Mweka Camp, if following the standard seven-day schedule

Book This Tour

Includes & Excludes

  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries, and park fees
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
  •  Fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Conservation fees (part of park fees)
  • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
  • Rescue fees (part of park fees)
  • VAT (18% charged by the Government)
  • Kilimanjaro summit certificate
  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel
  • Alcohol and soft drinks
  • Sleeping bag
  • Flights
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs
  • Travel insurance

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