7-Day Lemosho Route
- Mt. Kilimanjaro
7 Days
Starting from
N/A
per person*
- +255 762 982 004
7-Day Lemosho Route
- Immerse in Diverse Ecosystems. The Lemosho Route takes you through breathtaking landscapes, starting with the lush rainforest, home to unique wildlife, before transitioning to the expansive Shira Plateau, where vast open plains stretch beneath the towering peak. As you ascend, you'll traverse the stark alpine desert before reaching the glacier-covered summit.
- Take Advantage of Acclimatization. Known for its excellent "climb high, sleep low" approach, the Lemosho Route provides great acclimatization opportunities, particularly when trekking to Lava Tower (4,630m) before descending to Barranco Camp. Follow your guide’s pace and stay hydrated to adapt better to the altitude.
- Conquer the Barranco Wall. This famous climb is a thrilling highlight of the route. While it looks steep, it’s a non-technical scramble that most trekkers handle well. Trust your guides, take it one step at a time, and enjoy the rewarding panoramic views.
- Prepare for Steep Climbs and Long Descents. The Lemosho Route includes steep ascents, including the final summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Trekking poles will help reduce strain on your knees, especially during the long descent to Mweka Gate. Endurance training will make these sections more manageable.
- Enjoy Panoramic Views and a Sunrise Summit. The Lemosho Route offers stunning 360-degree views, including breathtaking sights of Mount Meru, Shira Cathedral, and the Tanzanian plains. Reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise is the ultimate reward—be ready to capture the golden dawn over Africa’s highest point.
Trip Overview
The 7-Day Lemosho Route is one of the best routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, offering stunning scenery, a high success rate, and excellent acclimatization. This trail begins in the lush rainforest, where you may spot wildlife, before ascending to the Shira Plateau with its sweeping views. As you climb higher, the terrain changes to rocky landscapes and alpine deserts, leading to the challenging final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa.
With a gradual elevation gain and the “climb high, sleep low” approach, this 7-day itinerary improves your chances of reaching the summit while allowing for proper acclimatization. The Lemosho Route is known for its breathtaking panoramic views, fewer crowds compared to other routes, and a rewarding sunrise summit experience. If you’re looking for an unforgettable Kilimanjaro trek with the best success rate, the Lemosho Route is an excellent choice.
Trip Itinerary
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Arrival
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Here, you’ll rest, prepare your gear, and attend a pre-climb briefing with your guides. This session ensures you’re well-prepared for the climb and understand the route itinerary.
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Accommodation
Hotel in Arusha or Moshi
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Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m/8,700ft)
The adventure begins with a drive to Lemosho Gate for registration. A 4WD vehicle will take you further to Lemosho Glades, where the trek begins. You’ll hike through lush montane forest, possibly spotting colobus monkeys and exotic bird species. After 2–3 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) for your first overnight stay. Elevation Gain: 1,830m (6,000ft) to 2,650m (8,700ft), Hiking Distance: 6km (4mi), Hiking Time: 2–3 hours. Habitat: Montane Forest.
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Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,600ft)
After breakfast, the trail gradually steepens as you enter the moorland zone. You’ll cross several small streams before reaching Shira Ridge, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The trail continues past Shira 1 Camp before arriving at Shira 2 Camp, where you’ll rest by a scenic stream. Elevation Gain: 2,650m (8,700ft) to 3,850m (12,600ft), Hiking Distance: 16km (10mi), Hiking Time: 7–8 hours, Habitat: Moorland.
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Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower (4,630m/15,190ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/13,000ft)
Today focuses on acclimatization as you ascend to Lava Tower, a striking rock formation known as the “Shark’s Tooth”. After reaching the high-altitude point, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, passing through semi-desert terrain with stunning glacier views. Though you finish at a similar elevation as you started, this day is crucial for adjusting to altitude. Elevation Gain: 3,850m (12,600ft) to 4,630m (15,190ft), then down to 3,950m (13,000ft). Hiking Distance: 8km (5mi), Hiking Time: 5–6 hours, Habitat: Semi-Desert.
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Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035m/13,235ft)
Start the day with an exhilarating climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical rock scramble. Once at the top, the trail leads through an alpine desert landscape to Karanga Camp, where you’ll rest and further acclimatize before the summit push. Elevation Gain: 3,950m (13,000ft) to 4,035m (13,235ft), Hiking Distance: 5km (3mi), Hiking Time: 3–4 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert.
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Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640m/15,090ft)
A steady climb takes you to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. You have now completed the Southern Circuit, which provides views of the summit from multiple angles. After an early dinner, you’ll rest before the midnight summit push. Elevation Gain: 4,035m (13,235ft) to 4,640m (15,090ft), Hiking Distance: 4km (2mi), Hiking Time: 3–4 hours.
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Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) to Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft)
Your summit attempt begins around midnight. The trek ascends through scree slopes towards Stella Point (5,756m/18,885ft), where you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise over Africa. A final push leads to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. After celebrating, you’ll descend via Barafu Camp for lunch before continuing down to Mweka Camp for the night. Elevation Gain: 4,640m (15,090ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft), then down to 3,110m (10,200ft), Hiking Distance: 5km (3mi) up / 13km (8mi) down, Hiking Time: 10–14 hours, Habitat: Arctic (Summit) → Stone scree → Alpine Desert.
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Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft)
The final descent leads back through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. After celebrating your successful Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Elevation Loss: 3,110m (10,200ft) to 1,640m (5,380ft), Hiking Distance: 10km (6mi), Hiking Time: 3–4 hours, Habitat: Rainforest.
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Departure
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Trip Includes
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Meals according to the itinerary
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
- Gate Transfers
Trip Does Not Includes
- Flights
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendations
- Visa fees
- Medication
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Gamow Bag
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