7 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

A scenic and less crowded route with excellent success rates

Booking Overview Highlights Includes/Excludes Cancellation Faqs Services Reviews

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Overview

The 7 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is a beautifully scenic and popular route that offers a perfect balance of adventure and acclimatization. Starting on the western side of the mountain, trekkers pass through dense rainforest, open heath, and stunning moorlands while enjoying panoramic views of Kibo and the surrounding plains. Its longer itinerary allows for gradual altitude gain, increasing the chances of reaching Uhuru Peak successfully while minimizing the risk of altitude sickness. Known for its peaceful trails and fewer crowds, the Lemosho Route provides a memorable journey through diverse landscapes, culminating in a dramatic summit experience.

One of the most beautiful and less crowded routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a true wilderness experience
Excellent acclimatization profile with a gradual ascent, increasing summit success rate
Scenic trail starting from the remote western side with lush rainforest and rich biodiversity
Stunning views across Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and the dramatic Barranco Valley
Diverse ecosystems ranging from rainforest to alpine desert and arctic summit zone
High chance of wildlife sightings in the lower forest sections, including monkeys and antelope
Summit via Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa, followed by descent through the Mweka route

Includes/Excludes

Park fees (National Park entry, camping/hut fees, rescue fees).
Professional guides and porters (usually one guide per 2–3 trekkers).
Accommodation on the trek (tents at campsites).
Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trekking days.
Hot drinks and snacks during trekking.
Camping equipment (tents, dining tents, chairs, tables).
Emergency evacuation support if needed.
Transportation from your hotel or Arusha to the trailhead and back.

Tips for guides and porters.
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, jackets).
Travel insurance and medical evacuation coverage.
Flights to Tanzania.
Beverages outside provided meals, such as bottled water or soda.
Visa fees for entry into Tanzania.

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Londorossi Gate, Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (2-3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft

Distance: 6km/4mi

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals: L, D

Budget Camping: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Hike Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp

After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge past the Shira 1 camp and on to the Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 16km/10mi
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft

Distance: 8km/5mi

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals: B, L, D

Budget Camping: Barranco Camp

Day 4: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft

Distance: 5km/3mi

Hiking Time: 34 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: B, L, D

Budget Camping: Karanga Valley Camp

Day 5: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

Elevation: 4673m

Distance: 4km/2mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: B, L, D

Budget Camping: Barafu Camp

Day 6: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Day 7: Descend from Millennium Camp to Mweka Camp to Arusha

After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha (around 60 minutes).

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast