7-Day Kilimanjaro Hiking – Lemosho Route: The Best Tour for 2025/2026/2027
7-Day Kilimanjaro Hiking – Lemosho Route Itinerary: 2025/2026/2027
Embark on a 7-day adventure through the stunning landscapes of Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route. This itinerary offers an ideal balance of acclimatization, breathtaking scenery, and a rewarding summit experience. Plan your trek for 2025, 2026, or 2027, and conquer Africa’s highest peak.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa (2,750m)
Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Your journey begins with a transfer from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, where you’ll complete registration formalities. From there, a scenic drive takes you to the Lemosho trailhead. The hike starts with a gradual ascent through the dense rainforest, offering opportunities to spot colobus monkeys and other wildlife. Your day ends at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa (2,750m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, the trail ascends steeply through the forest before transitioning into moorland terrain. As you climb higher, the landscape opens up, and you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the Shira Plateau. You’ll camp at Shira 1, with spectacular views of Mount Meru in the distance.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Distance: 7 km (4 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today’s trek takes you across the vast Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. The trail is relatively gentle, giving you a chance to acclimatize to the altitude. You’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the afternoon, where you can enjoy stunning views of the mountain.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) to Barranco Camp (3,900m) via Lava Tower (4,640m)
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
This is a key acclimatization day. You’ll hike to Lava Tower at 4,640m, where you’ll have lunch and take some time to adjust to the higher altitude. Afterward, the trail descends to Barranco Camp. Though you end the day at nearly the same elevation as you started, this “climb high, sleep low” approach is vital for acclimatization.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,900m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The day starts with the famous Barranco Wall, a challenging but non-technical climb that rewards you with incredible views. After the wall, the trail meanders through the alpine desert, with a series of ups and downs, leading to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day designed to help with acclimatization.
Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trek to Barafu Camp is relatively short but steep, as you gain significant altitude. You’ll arrive at Barafu Camp in the early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to rest and prepare for the summit push. After an early dinner, you’ll rest before the midnight summit attempt.
Day 7: Summit Day: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and descend to Mweka Camp (3,110m)
Distance: 15 km (9 miles)
Hiking Time: 12-16 hours (6-8 hours ascent, 6-8 hours descent)
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
Your summit attempt begins around midnight. The trail is steep and rocky, and the cold is intense. You’ll pass Stella Point (5,739m) at dawn, where you’ll be rewarded with the first rays of sunlight. From here, it’s another hour to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend your final night on the mountain.
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,110m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
On your final day, you’ll continue descending through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. From there, a vehicle will transfer you back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration of your incredible achievement.
Inclusions
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Sleeping Mattress
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of 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
Exclusions
- Tanzania Visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Book Your 2025/2026/2027 Lemosho Route Adventure Now!
The 7-day Lemosho Route offers the perfect combination of acclimatization, breathtaking views, and a rewarding summit experience. Whether you’re planning your adventure for 2025, 2026, or 2027, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us now to reserve your spot and begin the journey of a lifetime!
