7 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Trek
Follow the Lemosho Route over seven days on a scenic Kilimanjaro trek through rainforest, the Shira Plateau and the mountain’s southern circuit. The itinerary includes important acclimatization stages at Lava Tower, Barranco and Karanga before the final ascent from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres.
7 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE TREK OVERVIEW
The 7 days Lemosho Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning near Londorossi Gate and continuing through the mountain’s rainforest zone. It is known for its varied scenery, quieter opening stages and traverse across the expansive Shira Plateau before joining the southern circuit.
The trail passes through several distinct ecological zones. Climbers move from montane rainforest into heath, moorland, alpine desert and the exposed Arctic environment near Kilimanjaro’s summit. The changing vegetation and landscapes make Lemosho one of the mountain’s most visually diverse routes.
After crossing the Shira Plateau, the itinerary continues towards Lava Tower at approximately 4,630 metres. Climbers then descend to Barranco Camp at about 3,950 metres. Reaching a higher elevation during the day before sleeping lower is an important part of the itinerary’s acclimatization profile.
The route proceeds over the Barranco Wall and through the Karanga Valley before reaching Barafu Camp. Although the Barranco Wall looks steep, it is a guided, non-technical scramble. Climbers use their hands for balance in several places, but specialist rock-climbing equipment is not normally required.
The summit attempt begins from Barafu Camp, usually around midnight. The trail ascends to Stella Point before following the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. At 5,895 metres, Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent.
After reaching the summit, the descent follows the Mweka Route through Mweka Camp and ends at Mweka Gate. Accommodation before and after the Kilimanjaro climb is provided at Summit View Retreat.
Price Per Person
|
1 to 2 People |
3 to 4 People |
Group of 5+ |
|
$2,200 |
$2,150 |
$2,100 |
Trekking Highlights
- DAY 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- DAY 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- DAY 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
- DAY 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- DAY 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- DAY 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp
- DAY 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Summary Route Description
- DIFFICULTY – Medium
- SCENERY – Excellent
- TRAFFIC – High
Summit success rates
Lemosho – Crater Rim: 96.5%, Uhuru Peak: 94.9% – the highest!
Route Map
Best Time to Use the Lemosho Route
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route is during the dry seasons: late June to October (warmest/driest) and January to March (clear skies/colder). These months offer the best weather, highest summit success rates, and optimal visibility. Mid-June to October is generally considered the top choice for dry, stable, and warmer trekking conditions.
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
- ARRIVAL
- KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – SUMMIT VIEW RETREAT
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, an Almighty Kilimanjaro representative will meet you and transfer you to Summit View Retreat.
After checking in, you will meet your mountain guide for a detailed pre-climb briefing. The guide will explain the 7 days Lemosho Route itinerary, expected trail conditions, altitude considerations and mountain safety procedures.
Your personal trekking equipment will also be checked to ensure you have the clothing and gear required for the different conditions on Kilimanjaro. If you are missing any essential items, the team can help you arrange suitable rental equipment before the climb.
You can spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing for the trek.
Accommodation: Summit View Retreat
Accommodation Options (Before and After the Hike):
SUMMIT VIEW RETREAT
The Maridadi Hotel
Chanya Lodge
- DAY 1:
- LONDOROSSI GATE TO MTI MKUBWA CAMP
Elevation: 2,250 metres to 2,820 metres
Distance: Approximately 7 kilometres
Trekking time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane rainforest
After breakfast at Summit View Retreat, you will meet the mountain crew and drive towards Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro’s western side. Your guide will complete the national park registration procedures while the porters organize the group equipment and supplies.
The journey then continues to the Lemosho trailhead. From here, you will begin walking through Kilimanjaro’s montane rainforest. This section of the mountain receives considerable rainfall and supports tall trees, mosses, ferns and dense tropical vegetation.
The trail climbs gradually through the forest towards Mti Mkubwa Camp, which is also known as Big Tree Camp. Blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys and several forest bird species inhabit this area, although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Your mountain crew will prepare dinner at camp while you rest and adjust to your first night at elevation.
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation:
- Mkubwa Camp
Meal Plan:
- Dinner & BreakFast
- DAY 2:
- MTI MKUBWA CAMP TO SHIRA 2 CAMP
Elevation: 2,820 metres to approximately 3,850 metres
Distance: Approximately 16.5 kilometres
Trekking time: 9–11 hours
Habitat: Rainforest, heath and moorland
Day two is one of the longer stages of this 7 days Lemosho Route itinerary. After breakfast, the trail leaves the rainforest and climbs into Kilimanjaro’s heath and moorland zone.
The forest gradually gives way to shorter vegetation, open ridges and volcanic terrain. As you gain elevation, views across the surrounding plains and towards Kilimanjaro’s upper slopes begin to open when weather conditions are clear.
The trail continues across the Shira Plateau, the remains of one of Kilimanjaro’s ancient volcanic centres. Your guide will maintain a slow and controlled pace to help your body respond to the substantial increase in elevation.
You will eventually reach Shira 2 Camp, where the crew will prepare dinner. The exposed location can become considerably colder after sunset, so warm layers will be important.
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation:
- Shira 2 Camp
Meal Plan:
- Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
- DAY 3:
- SHIRA 2 CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP VIA LAVA TOWER
Starting elevation: Approximately 3,850 metres
Lava Tower elevation: Approximately 4,630 metres
Sleeping elevation: Approximately 3,950 metres
Distance: Approximately 10 kilometres
Trekking time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Moorland and alpine desert
After leaving Shira 2 Camp, the route climbs steadily east towards Lava Tower. Vegetation becomes increasingly sparse as you enter Kilimanjaro’s dry alpine desert.
Lava Tower is a prominent volcanic rock formation situated at approximately 4,630 metres. Reaching this elevation is an important part of the day’s acclimatization process.
After spending time near Lava Tower, the trail descends into the Barranco Valley. This allows you to reach a high elevation during the day before sleeping lower at Barranco Camp.
Distinctive giant groundsels and other high-altitude plants become visible as you descend into the valley. Barranco Camp sits below the southern slopes of Kibo and directly beneath the Barranco Wall.
The camp provides dramatic mountain views when the weather is clear and positions you for the following morning’s climb over the wall.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation:
- Barranco Camp
Meal Plan:
- Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
- DAY 4:
- BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
Elevation: 3,950 metres to approximately 3,995 metres
Distance: Approximately 5 kilometres
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
The day begins with the ascent of the Barranco Wall, one of the most recognizable sections of the Lemosho Route. Although the wall appears steep from camp, it is a non-technical scramble rather than a technical rock climb.
You will follow your guide carefully and use your hands for balance in several places. The mountain team will assist you through the narrower and more exposed sections.
After reaching the top of the wall, the trail crosses a series of ridges and valleys along Kilimanjaro’s southern circuit. When conditions are clear, this section provides impressive views of Kibo and the surrounding alpine landscape.
The route then descends into the Karanga Valley before climbing to Karanga Camp. The relatively short walking day provides additional time to rest, eat and acclimatize before continuing to Barafu Camp.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation:
- Karanga Camp
Meal Plan:
- Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
- DAY 5:
- KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
Elevation: 3,995 metres to approximately 4,673 metres
Distance: Approximately 4 kilometres
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, you will leave Karanga Camp and follow an ascending trail towards Barafu Camp. The route crosses increasingly barren terrain as vegetation disappears and the conditions become colder and more exposed.
Barafu means “ice” in Swahili, reflecting the cold environment commonly experienced at this elevation. The camp is positioned on a rocky ridge and serves as the base for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak.
After arriving, you will have time to eat, hydrate and organize your summit-night equipment. Your guide will conduct a final briefing covering the expected pace, clothing layers, hydration, safety procedures and the route to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak.
You should rest during the afternoon and early evening because the summit attempt usually begins around midnight.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation:
- Barafu Camp
Meal Plan:
- Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
- DAY 6:
- BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK AND MWEKA CAMP
Starting elevation: 4,673 metres
Summit elevation: 5,895 metres
Sleeping elevation: Approximately 3,100 metres
Distance: Approximately 5 kilometres ascending and 12 kilometres descending
Trekking time: Approximately 11–14 hours
Habitat: Arctic zone, alpine desert and moorland
You will wake around midnight, have a light meal and prepare for the final ascent. Following your guide, you will begin climbing slowly over the loose volcanic scree above Barafu Camp.
The ascent towards Stella Point is the most physically and mentally demanding part of the trek. Temperatures may fall well below freezing, while the reduced oxygen available at high altitude makes a slow and controlled pace essential.
Stella Point stands on the crater rim at approximately 5,756 metres. From here, the route follows the rim towards Uhuru Peak, passing glaciers and sections of exposed volcanic terrain.
At 5,895 metres, Uhuru Peak is the highest point in Africa. You will have time for photographs and summit views, subject to the weather and your guide’s safety assessment.
The descent begins by returning to Barafu Camp. After a short rest and meal, you will continue down towards Mweka Camp at approximately 3,100 metres. This is a long trekking day with a substantial descent.
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation:
- Mweka Camp
Meal Plan:
- Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
- DAY 7:
- MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE
Elevation: 3,100 metres to approximately 1,640 metres
Distance: Approximately 10 kilometres
Trekking time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane rainforest
After breakfast, you will begin the final descent through Kilimanjaro’s montane rainforest. The lower trail can become wet, muddy and slippery, particularly following rainfall.
At Mweka Gate, your guide will complete the national park exit procedures. Climbers who reached Stella Point or Uhuru Peak will receive the corresponding summit certificate.
You will then say goodbye to the mountain crew before being transferred back to Summit View Retreat. The remainder of the day can be spent resting and recovering from your Kilimanjaro climb.
Accommodation: Summit View Retreat
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation:
- Salinero Hotel | The Maridad Hotel | Chanya Lodge (Dinner).
Meal Plan:
- Breakfast, & Picnic Lunch
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INQUIRIES & FAQ's
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Your Trekking & Hiking Questions Answered
The 7 days Lemosho Route is physically demanding because of the altitude, consecutive trekking days and long summit ascent. It is a non-technical trek, but climbers need appropriate fitness, preparation and determination. The longer walking days and considerable elevation gains make prior hiking experience beneficial.
Seven days provides a complete Lemosho Route itinerary with important acclimatization stages, including the climb to Lava Tower followed by a descent to Barranco Camp. An eight-day itinerary provides an additional day on the mountain and may suit climbers who prefer a slower schedule.
The main climbing seasons are generally January to early March and June to October, when conditions are often drier. Kilimanjaro has a variable mountain climate, however, and rain, snow, wind and low temperatures can occur at any time of year.
No specialist mountaineering or rock-climbing experience is normally required. The route is a high-altitude trek. The Barranco Wall involves a guided scramble where climbers use their hands for balance, but technical climbing equipment is not normally needed.
The route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west. Registration is completed at Londorossi Gate before climbers continue to the Lemosho trailhead and begin trekking through the rainforest towards Mti Mkubwa Camp.
After reaching the summit, climbers descend along the Mweka Route. The trek ends at Mweka Gate on the southern side of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation before and after the 7 days Lemosho Route trek is provided at Summit View Retreat. During the climb, accommodation is in mountain tents at designated Kilimanjaro campsites.
The highest point is Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres above sea level. Uhuru Peak is situated on the crater rim of Kibo and is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa.
Training should include regular cardiovascular exercise, hill walking, strength work and progressively longer hikes. Whenever possible, practise walking on consecutive days while carrying the daypack you intend to use on Kilimanjaro.
You will need layered clothing for warm, wet, cold and windy conditions. Important items include broken-in hiking boots, waterproof outerwear, insulated clothing, warm gloves, a headlamp, trekking poles, a suitable sleeping bag and a comfortable daypack. A complete packing list should be provided before departure.
Your guide will monitor your condition throughout the climb. Mild symptoms can occur as the body adjusts to elevation, but worsening symptoms must be reported immediately. The guide will determine whether you should rest, descend or receive further assistance. Reaching the summit must never take priority over safety.
No. Tips for guides, assistant guides, cooks and porters are not normally included in the package price. Tipping is voluntary but customary after a Kilimanjaro climb. Current recommendations should be confirmed before the trek.
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