7 Days Lemosho Route – Kilimanjaro Trekking Itinerary

Overview: Why Choose the Lemosho Route?

The 7 Days Lemosho Route is one of the most beautiful and successful ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m / 19,341ft). Starting from the remote western side of the mountain, the trail passes through untouched rainforest, crosses the vast Shira Plateau, and joins the Machame Route at Shira Camp before heading to the summit.

With gradual acclimatization, breathtaking landscapes, and fewer crowds in the early days, this route is highly recommended for trekkers seeking both adventure and a higher summit success rate.

Highlights of the 7 Days Lemosho Route

Begin from the western side of Kilimanjaro, with fewer climbers at the start.
Cross the scenic Shira Plateau with panoramic views of Kibo Peak.
Climb via the Lava Tower and descend into Barranco Valley for acclimatization.
Tackle the famous Barranco Wall — a thrilling but safe climb.
Summit Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, at sunrise.
Diverse ecosystems: rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers.

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Detailed 7 Days Lemosho Route Itinerary

Day 1: Lemosho Glades to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)

The trek begins with a drive to Lemosho Gate (2,100m), where registration is completed. You start hiking through pristine rainforest, spotting monkeys and colorful birds, before arriving at Mti Mkubwa Camp (“Big Tree Camp”).

Trekking: 3–4 hours | 6 km
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp

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

Leaving the forest, the trail climbs into moorland with beautiful views. You trek across ridges and valleys before reaching the open expanse of the Shira Plateau, where you camp at Shira 1 Camp.

Trekking: 5–6 hours | 8 km
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp

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

A shorter, easier day allows for acclimatization as you cross the plateau, with dramatic views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers ahead and Mt. Meru in the distance. Camp is set at Shira 2 Camp, where trekkers from the Machame Route may join.

Trekking: 4–5 hours | 7 km
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower (3,950m)

A crucial acclimatization day. The route climbs steadily to the Lava Tower (4,630m), where you stop for lunch at high altitude, before descending into the lush Barranco Valley. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to altitude.

Trekking: 6–8 hours | 10 km
Overnight: Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,200m) to Barafu Camp (4,670m)

Today begins with the ascent of the Barranco Wall, a challenging yet exhilarating non-technical scramble with spectacular views. After traversing ridges and valleys, you arrive at Karanga Camp, an important stop for acclimatization.

Trekking: 4–5 hours | 6 km
Overnight: Karanga Camp

The trail leads through alpine desert landscapes to reach Barafu Camp, your summit base camp. The afternoon is spent resting, hydrating, and preparing for the midnight summit push.

Trekking: 3–4 hours | 4 km
Overnight: Barafu Camp

Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Your summit attempt begins just after midnight. Slowly, you ascend scree slopes under a starry sky, reaching Stella Point (5,739m) at sunrise. After a final push, you stand atop Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

After celebrating at the summit, descend back to Barafu Camp for rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp, where you spend your final night on the mountain.

Trekking: 10–14 hours | 15 km
Overnight: Mweka Camp

Day 7: (Optional Departure Morning): Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

Most 7-day itineraries include this descent on Day 8, but in many cases, it’s counted as part of Day 7. You descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate, then transfer to Moshi/Arusha.

Trekking: 3–4 hours | 10 km

FAQs – 7 Days Lemosho Route

1. Is the Lemosho Route harder than Machame?
The Lemosho Route is considered slightly easier because it allows more gradual acclimatization. It is also less crowded at the start.

2. How busy is the trail?
The Lemosho Route is quieter in the first few days but merges with the Machame Route, becoming busier near the summit.

3. What are the chances of reaching the summit?
With good preparation and the 7-day acclimatization schedule, summit success rates are among the highest on Kilimanjaro.

4. What’s the best time of year to trek?
January–March and June–October are the best climbing seasons, offering clear skies and safer trail conditions.

5. Can this route be extended to 8 days?
Yes, many trekkers choose an 8-day Lemosho itinerary, which includes an extra acclimatization day at Shira or Karanga Camp.

Important

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

✅ Inclusions

✔️ Accommodation during the tour (lodges, camps, hotels, or tents as per itinerary)
✔️ Meals as specified (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
✔️ Professional English-speaking guide/driver
✔️ 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
✔️ National park fees & government taxes
✔️ Unlimited bottled drinking water during safari/trekking
✔️ Airport transfers (arrival & departure as per itinerary)
✔️ Rescue fees & trekking support crew (for mountain treks)
✔️ Domestic transfers (by road or internal flight where mentioned)

❌ Exclusions

✖️ International flights to/from Tanzania
✖️ Tanzania visa fees & travel insurance
✖️ Tips & gratuities for guides, porters, and staff
✖️ Optional activities not mentioned (e.g., hot-air balloon, scuba diving)
✖️ Alcoholic & soft drinks (unless specified)
✖️ Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone, etc.)
✖️ Sleeping bags & trekking gear rental (for mountain tours)
✖️ Vaccinations & medical expenses
✖️ Early check-in/late check-out at hotels
✖️ Anything not listed under Inclusions

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