The Best 7-days Kilimanjaro Climbing on Lemosho Route-2025 with itinerary
The Best 7-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing on the Lemosho Route – 2025
The Lemosho Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and less crowded paths to the summit, offering a variety of landscapes and excellent acclimatization opportunities. Known for its panoramic views and gradual elevation, the Lemosho Route is ideal for adventurers looking to experience the mountain’s beauty at a comfortable pace.
Why Choose the 7-Day Lemosho Route?
Spectacular Scenery: The route starts on the western side of the mountain and offers breathtaking views, including the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and Barranco Wall.
Great Acclimatization: The seven-day itinerary allows for good acclimatization through the “climb high, sleep low” principle, boosting summit success rates.
Remote and Less Crowded: Lemosho is quieter and more remote compared to the popular Machame and Marangu routes, offering a more tranquil trekking experience.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Arrival: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and be transferred to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-climb Briefing: Attend a pre-trek briefing to meet your guides and review your gear and itinerary.
Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Moshi to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,100m to 2,650m (6,890ft to 8,692ft)
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the Londorossi Gate for registration, then continue to the Lemosho trailhead. The trek begins in the rainforest, where you might spot wildlife such as monkeys and various bird species. After a few hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp 1
Elevation: 2,650m to 3,610m (8,692ft to 11,844ft)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland The trail steepens as you leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone. As you ascend, you’ll cross the Shira Plateau, a vast high-altitude desert with stunning views of the mountain. By afternoon, you’ll reach Shira Camp 1, where you’ll rest for the night.
Day 4: Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
Elevation: 3,610m to 3,850m (11,844ft to 12,631ft)
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland Today’s hike is relatively short and gentle, allowing for further acclimatization. You’ll trek across the Shira Plateau towards Shira Camp 2, with spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscape. Arrive at camp early enough to relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Day 5: Shira Camp 2 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Elevation: 3,850m to 4,630m (12,631ft to 15,190ft), then descend to 3,960m (12,992ft)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert This day is key for acclimatization. After ascending to Lava Tower (4,630m), where you’ll have lunch and adjust to the altitude, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp. The “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adapt to the thinning air. You’ll also have great views of the Barranco Wall and the glaciers of Kilimanjaro.
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m (12,992ft to 13,238ft)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert Start the day by tackling the famous Barranco Wall, a challenging but exhilarating climb. After reaching the top of the wall, you’ll traverse through valleys and ridges to reach Karanga Camp, where you’ll rest for the night. The shorter hike allows you to conserve energy for the upcoming summit attempt.
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,035m to 4,673m (13,238ft to 15,331ft)
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert Today’s hike is relatively short but steep as you climb through the barren landscape to Barafu Camp. You’ll arrive at the camp early enough to rest and prepare for the final ascent. After an early dinner, go to bed early, as the summit push begins around midnight.
Day 8: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,673m to 5,895m (15,331ft to 19,341ft), then descend to 3,068m (10,065ft)
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
Habitat: Arctic zone to Rainforest You’ll begin your final ascent around midnight, trekking through the cold and darkness towards Stella Point (5,756m) on the crater rim. From Stella Point, it’s a short trek to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After taking in the awe-inspiring views, you’ll begin your descent to Barafu Camp for a brief rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,068m to 1,640m (10,065ft to 5,380ft)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest After breakfast, continue your descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificate. You’ll then be transferred back to Moshi for a well-earned rest.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or onward journey.
Package 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)
