7 Days Lemosho Route Itinerary

Overview

The Lemosho Route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, offering panoramic views from all sides of the mountain. It’s less crowded than Machame or Marangu, and with its longer approach, it provides excellent acclimatization. Over 7 days, you’ll pass through rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit zones before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,250m) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)

- - Distance: ~6 km
  - Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
  - Habitat: Rainforest
    After registration at Londorossi Gate, you’ll drive to the trailhead and begin trekking through dense rainforest, where you might spot colobus monkeys. The hike is short but rewarding, leading to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp).
  - Meals: Lunch & Dinner
  - Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (tents)

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)

- - Distance: ~8 km
  - Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
  - Habitat: Moorland
    Leaving the forest behind, you enter the moorland zone, climbing up to the Shira Plateau. The views of Kilimanjaro’s western glaciers and Mount Meru in the distance are spectacular. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
  - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  - Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,610m) → Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)

- - Distance: ~7 km
  - Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
  - Habitat: Moorland / Semi-desert
    A gentle trek across the Shira Plateau leads to Shira 2 Camp, where you’ll camp with amazing views of Kibo peak. This is a relatively easy day, giving your body more time to acclimatize.
  - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  - Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,960m)

- - Distance: ~10 km
  - Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
  - Habitat: Semi-desert / Alpine Desert
    This is an important acclimatization day. You’ll ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m), where you stop for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp (3,960m). The climb high, sleep low strategy helps your body adjust to higher altitudes. The Barranco Valley is stunning, with views of the Great Barranco Wall.
  - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  - Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) → Karanga Camp (4,200m)

- - Distance: ~5 km
  - Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
  - Habitat: Alpine Desert
    After breakfast, you’ll climb the famous Barranco Wall, a thrilling scramble with amazing views. The trail then weaves through ridges and valleys until reaching Karanga Camp. This short day provides rest and acclimatization.
  - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  - Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,200m) → Barafu Camp (4,680m)

- - Distance: ~4 km
  - Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
  - Habitat: Alpine Desert
    A steady ascent takes you to Barafu Camp, the base camp for summit night. “Barafu” means “ice” in Swahili. From here, you’ll have magnificent views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. An early dinner and rest before your midnight summit attempt.
  - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  - Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,680m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)

- Distance: ~17 km
- Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
- Habitat: Arctic → Alpine Desert → Moorland
  Summit day! You’ll start around midnight, trekking through the dark to Stella Point (5,756m), then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, descend back to Barafu Camp for rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for the night.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) → Mweka Gate (1,640m)

Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
A steady descent takes you through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will transfer you back to Moshi/Arusha for a well-deserved hot shower and celebration.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch