Kilimanjaro Climb - 7-Days Lemosho Route
Lemosho 7 Days Trek Overview
The Lemosho route is gaining popularity for its fantastic views and good acclimatization.
If you are a beginning climber, we recommend customizing this itinerary for and additional acclimatization day. This will increase your chances for reaching the summit, and result in a more enjoyable trek, all-around, too.
If you have previous mountain trekking experience, the 7-day Lemosho trek is an excellent choice.
Overnights are camping in tents, with a mobile camp and dedicated crew that climbs the mountain with you.
For other Kilimanjaro Treks, check out:
Climb Details
No. of Days to Peak: 6
Altitude Start: 2100 m
Overnight in: Tents
Number of days to Descend: 1.5
A great climb for beginners or seasoned trekkers. This climb may be customized to add an additional acclimatization day.
Day by Day Itinerary
Pre-Trip Briefing
Before the official start of your trek, we will meet for a quick briefing and to ensure you have all the equipment needed for your trek. This briefing day could be a few days before your trek, if you are going on a safari or game drive, or the day before you start.
Please provide accommodation information so we can meet you at your hotel, or reach out and we can assist in planning your Moshi or Arusha accommodations.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2100- 2750 m)
Start off with a hearty breakfast, then transfer from your Arusha (or Moshi) hotel to Londorossi Gate.
This entry point is one of the higher altitudes for Kilimanjaro Treks, and takes approximately 3.5 hrs drive to reach the starting point. This first day, you will have an easy 6 km (8 mile trek) through a rich forest. It takes approximately 4 hours to reach the camp.
Dinner and overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp 2 (2750 m - 3840 m)
After breakfast, begin climbing out of the glades and rainforest toward moorlands. You may notice a change in the air from humid to cool and light. As you trek toward Shira Camp 2, you will enjoy views of the Summit Cone and the remains of the Shira Volcano and Shira Plateau.
The 12 km hike is expected to take around 6-7 hours, with plenty of time for rests and lunch as you hike. Dinner and overnight at Shira Camp 1.
Overnight at Shira Camp 1.
**Many climbers begin to feel the rise in elevation here. Consider taking Diamox to help relieve these symptoms and enjoy a more comfortable climb.
Day 3: Shira Camp 2 to Barranco Camp (3840 m - 3960)
This trekking day is an excellent example of ‘climb high, sleep low’; because during the course of the day you will climb to the top of Lava Tower, which stands at 4650 m, then descent back to a lower altitude for overnight.
This is optimal for your body to begin adjusting to the higher altitude. The overall trek covers just under 11 km and usually takes 6 or 7 hours to complete.
Lava Tower is a challenging climb, but the views and increase in elevation are definitely worth it. Pass along Arrow Glacier and sleep in Barranco Valley. Overnight at Barranco Camp.
Stay at Barranco Camp.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3960 m - 4035 m)
Wake to the formidable-looking Barranco Wall.
Although the trek looks steep from a distance, it is not technical. The closer you come to the Wall, you’ll find sure footing to climb up and over. Slow and steady should be your mantra to ascend the wall and continue to Karanga Valley Camp.
This Alpine desert valley is lovely and a perfect place to camp overnight. The trek usually takes 3-4 hours, with the option to add short hikes after lunch.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4035 m - 4660 m)
Another shorter day of slow and steady trekking toward the final camp before the summit.
Take it easy this day, as you’ll want to rest early for the night summit attempt.
It usually takes approximately 4-5 hrs to complete the mere 4 km trek, due to the high elevation.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
This is not a full ‘overnight’ at Barafu Camp, you’ll enjoy an early dinner and rest until approximately midnight, to begin the final summit.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Millennium Camp. (4660 m - 5895 m - 3900m )
This is the Summit Day, and it begins just after midnight. Your group will meet for a hot drink and a light snack before setting out for the final ascent. With the aid of headlamps, you will trek in the dark toward Stella Point. Upon reaching this point, you will likely notice the world brightening as the sun beings to rise.
Continue the last stretch to Uhuru Peak in time to witness the sun rise over Africa; a truly magnificent view from on top of the world.
Trekking time up is 6-7 hours, although the distance covered is only a mere 5 km.
Descend back to Barafu Camp (approximately 3 hours trekking) for a hot breakfast.
Then continue further down to Millennium Camp for dinner and much needed rest.
You did it!
Overall, expect 12 – 13 hours of trekking this day, covering a distance of 16 km.
Overnight at Millennium Camp.
Day 7: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate (3900 m - 1640 m)
This is the final trekking day. After breakfast, continue down to Mweka Gate.
Upon reaching the end of your climb, you will be awarded official park certificates, have another chance to celebrate with the entire climbing crew, including the cooks or porters who accompanied your trek. Then, you will transfer to your Moshi or Arusha-area hotel for overnight.
Breakfast and Lunch provided.
Please reach out if you would like us to arrange your accommodations before or after the trek.
