- Lemosho Route 7 Days
Trekking Overview
Experience the ultimate Mount Kilimanjaro climb via the scenic Lemosho route. This 7-day Kilimanjaro trekking adventure offers the best acclimatization and highest summit success rates. Trek through lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts to reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. The Lemosho route is renowned as the most beautiful Kilimanjaro ascent with fewer crowds and stunning panoramic views. Perfect for climbers seeking the best Kilimanjaro experience with optimal time for altitude adjustment.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. After check-in, you will receive a detailed climb briefing, equipment check, and meet your mountain guide. This is a relaxing day meant to help you settle in, adjust to the altitude, and prepare mentally and physically for the adventure ahead. Spend the rest of the day at leisure—enjoy the hotel facilities, explore the town, or rest before your trek begins the following morning.
Day 2: Lemosho gate - Mti Mkubwa
You’ll be picked up from the hotel and driven to Lemosho Gate, where you will be registered by the national park authorities. A moderately steep path leads to the Big Tree Camp (2780 m). Look out for monkeys and interesting birds along the way. The tents will be already set up, and hot tea and washing water will be waiting. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2
Today’s long trek starts on a small trail that continues through the trees and gradually ascends to reach the Shira plateau. You’ll enjoy the views of the mountain and plains below. The path continues to cross the Shira Ridge (ca. 3600 m), and you will stop for lunch at the Shira Camp 1 after another few hours. In the last section (approximately 3 hrs), you will climb another 250 meters in altitude and pass the surreal Senecia plants growing to over 8m in height. Reaching the camp after the long day, you will relax with coffee and tea and be nourished with a 3-course meal tonight. As the sun sets, you might see the summit glowing in the afternoon sun. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: Shira Camp 2 (3900 m) – Lava Tower (4640 m) – Barranco Camp (3960 m)
You will gain 700m in altitude but descend to sleep at Barranco – 60 m higher than last night’s camp. This will help with acclimatization as you will go up to 4600 m before descending again. Today begins with a long uphill in the direction of the Lava Tower Hut (4640m), and you will notice how the landscape changes to a rocky alpine desert. Later, the path descends again to the Barranco Valley with its giant Senecios and Lobelias. After six to seven hours, you should arrive at the most beautiful camp on the mountain —the Barranco Camp. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960 m) – Karanga Camp (4035 m)
Today, you will start with the daunting Barranco Wall. Soon, you will realize it looks worse than it is, but there are tricky sections where you will need to hold on tight. Admire the views from the top. The rest of the route follows along the mountain ridge into the Karanga valley and out. You’ll reach Karanga Camp after lunch. You will have fantastic views of the southern glacier of Kibo as well as of the Kibo summit. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6: Karanga Camp (4035 m) – Barafu Camp (4640 m)
A few hours of hiking through a desolate and rocky moon-like landscape lies ahead. It will be a relatively easy day, leading steadily uphill. The goal for today is the Barafu campsite on a narrow ridge in full view of Mawenzi Peak. You will walk along a trail that passes through the afro-alpine dessert until you reach your destination for today —Barafu Camp at 4640 m. Use the rest of the day to relax and pack your daypack for tonight’s summit attempt. Supper will be served early; drink and eat enough if you can and try to sleep. You will be woken up around midnight to start your walk to the summit. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Mweka Camp (3080 m)
It is dark and cold as you set off just after midnight. You will climb the frozen volcanic dust by headlamp, going towards Stella Point on the crater rim for about six hours. The sun should be rising when you arrive here. Just an hour or two more and you will be standing on the highest point of the crater: Uhuru Peak. On top of the world! Take a short break for pictures and celebratory hugs before you tackle the steep and dusty descent. By now, the volcanic ash will have thawed. You will stop for a short tea break at Barafu. Then, you’ll continue downhill for about three hours to Mweka Camp (3080 m). This is your overnight stop. You’ll refuel by drinking lots of fluids and have a good helping at supper time. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
A traditional farewell ceremony from the porters begins the day. After about three hours of comfortably descending through the greenness of the forest, you should reach Mweka gate, where the driver will be waiting. Then drive back to Moshi.
Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or your preferred drop-off point for your onward journey. If time allows, you may enjoy a short town tour or relax at the hotel before departure. This marks the end of your unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure. We wish you a safe trip home and hope to welcome you back for another experience in Tanzania.
Feel free to ask us your question directly.
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