The best Kilimanjaro’s Trekking Lemosho in Seven (7)-Days 2025-2026
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic paths to Kilimanjaro’s summit, renowned for its beautiful landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and excellent acclimatization profile. This 7-day itinerary offers a well-paced ascent with a high success rate, passing through untouched rainforests, unique alpine meadows, and the breathtaking summit zone. Here’s a detailed day-by-day breakdown for an unforgettable 7-day adventure on the Lemosho Route:
Tour Overview:
Duration: 7 Days, 6 Nights
Route: Lemosho
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Ideal For: Trekkers seeking a scenic route with optimal acclimatization
Highlights: Remote start, varied ecosystems, panoramic views, and excellent acclimatization
Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Big Tree Camp
Starting Altitude: 2,100m (6,890 ft)
Ending Altitude: 2,780m (9,120 ft)
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Terrain: Rainforest
Highlights & Experience:
The trek begins at Lemosho Gate, where you’ll register and meet your guide and team. The first day’s journey takes you through Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest, rich with towering trees, colorful birds, and a variety of monkeys. You’ll reach Big Tree Camp, your first night’s stop, by late afternoon.
Accommodation: Tented camp at Big Tree Camp
Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Starting Altitude: 2,780m (9,120 ft)
Ending Altitude: 3,500m (11,485 ft)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
Terrain: Moorland
Highlights & Experience:
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail opens up into the heather and moorland zone, where giant heathers and volcanic rock formations begin to emerge. The path ascends gradually, offering spectacular views as you approach Shira Ridge. By the end of the day, you’ll reach Shira 1 Camp, located on the Shira Plateau.
Accommodation: Tented camp at Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Starting Altitude: 3,500m (11,485 ft)
Ending Altitude: 3,850m (12,631 ft)
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Terrain: Moorland
Highlights & Experience:
Today’s route leads you across the vast and beautiful Shira Plateau, providing open vistas of Kibo Peak. The trail is more gradual today, allowing time to enjoy the scenic expanse and remarkable volcanic landscape. You’ll reach Shira 2 Camp by the afternoon, with the option of a short acclimatization hike in the surrounding area.
Accommodation: Tented camp at Shira 2 Camp
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Starting Altitude: 3,850m (12,631 ft)
Highest Point (Lava Tower): 4,630m (15,190 ft)
Ending Altitude: 3,960m (12,992 ft)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Trekking Time: 7-8 hours
Terrain: Alpine desert
Highlights & Experience:
Today’s hike to the Lava Tower provides essential acclimatization as you reach a high point of 4,630m (15,190 ft) before descending to Barranco Camp. The dramatic ascent offers sweeping views of the Western Breach, and reaching Lava Tower reveals volcanic formations and rugged alpine scenery. The descent to Barranco Camp provides a chance to acclimate while enjoying stunning views of the Barranco Valley and its signature landscape.
Accommodation: Tented camp at Barranco Camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Starting Altitude: 3,960m (12,992 ft)
Ending Altitude: 4,035m (13,235 ft)
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Terrain: Alpine desert and rocky terrain
Highlights & Experience:
The day begins with the famous Barranco Wall, a challenging but manageable climb that rewards with exceptional views. Once at the top, the trail continues through valleys and rocky terrain, providing views of glaciers and jagged cliffs. After a short trek, you’ll reach Karanga Camp, where you’ll have time to rest and prepare for the summit push.
Accommodation: Tented camp at Karanga Camp
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Starting Altitude: 4,035m (13,235 ft)
Ending Altitude: 4,673m (15,331 ft)
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Terrain: Alpine desert
Highlights & Experience:
The final stretch before the summit leads you to Barafu Camp, where you’ll settle in and rest for the challenging summit night ahead. With views of Mawenzi Peak and Kibo, this camp provides an inspiring backdrop as you prepare to begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak in the early hours of the morning.
Accommodation: Tented camp at Barafu Camp
Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Starting Altitude: 4,673m (15,331 ft)
Summit Altitude: 5,895m (19,341 ft)
Ending Altitude: 3,110m (10,204 ft)
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Trekking Time: 12-15 hours
Terrain: Glacier, snow, and rainforest
Highlights & Experience:
Summit day begins with a midnight start, trekking under the stars toward Stella Point. After an intense push, you’ll reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, just in time for sunrise over the vast landscapes below. After celebrating and taking photos, you’ll descend back to Barafu for a brief rest and then continue to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Accommodation: Tented camp at Mweka Camp
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Starting Altitude: 3,110m (10,204 ft)
Ending Altitude: 1,640m (5,380 ft)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Terrain: Rainforest
Highlights & Experience:
On your final day, you’ll descend through the lush rainforest back to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate and celebrate your incredible achievement with your team. From Mweka Gate, you’ll transfer back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest.
Inclusions
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Quality Mess tents Day 1
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Clean, purified drinking water
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Sleeping Mattress
All meals while on the Mountain
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Exclusions
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Tanzania Visa
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
