Overview
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Travelers: 2 – 15 guests
- Language: English
The 7-day Lemosho Route is considered one of the most scenic approaches to Mount Kilimanjaro and offers excellent acclimatization, increasing the chances of a successful summit. This well-paced itinerary provides a balanced combination of breathtaking landscapes and steady altitude gain.
For those seeking a slightly different approach, the Shira Route offers a variation that starts at a higher altitude, making it a more challenging option from the outset.
The 7-day Lemosho Route remains a highly recommended choice for climbers looking for outstanding scenery, solid acclimatization, and a rewarding summit experience.
Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast we will drive straight to Kilimanjaro. Getting to the Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) takes approximately two hours from Arusha. At the gate you will register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities before being transported to your trek’s starting point, which is an additional 12km from Londorossi.
Day 2: Forest Camp – Shira 1 Camp
Today we will continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. We’ll ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams before reaching the Shira Ridge and dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
Day 3: Shira Camp 1 – Moir Hut
After breakfast, you will continue on your hike across and up the Shira plateau to Shira Camp 2 at 3,850 meters. Here you will join trekkers from the Machame Route whilst enjoying stunning views across the valley below and the western breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for strong winds and temperatures getting below zero in the early hours.
You’ll then continue up the Shira Caldera and onto an off-the-beaten path to Moir Hut.
Today is long and finishes at high altitude. You may start feeling altitude sickness symptoms. Make sure you monitor yourself closely. Sleeping high on this night will pay dividends on your trek going forward.
Day 4: Moir Hut – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
On day four you will continue trekking through a desert-like landscape as you approach Lava Tower and the Shark’s Tooth formation at 4,600 meters. You will have lunch at Lava Tower before joining the Southern Circuit trail, which descends to Barranco Camp (3,900 meters). You will spend the night at a very similar elevation as the night before.
Climbing high and sleeping low is a good way to acclimatize the body to altitude.
Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we’ll leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall towards the Karanga Valley campsite. From Karanga we’ll hit the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. Once we arrive at the Barafu Hut we’ll have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we will make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.
Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka
You will wake up around 11:30 pm, and after some tea and biscuits, start climbing to Uhuru Peak into the early morning. You will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. At Stella Point (5685m) you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with a sunrise.
You will walk back to Barafu from the summit, rest briefly, then descend to Mweka Hut (3100m). Be sure to enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your life.
Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
After breakfast, it is a short (three-hour) hike back to the park gate. Here you will sign the register and receive your summit certificates:
- Green certificate: Stella Point (5685m)
- Gold certificate: Uhuru Peak (5895m)
From Mweka Gate you continue down to Mweka village, a 3km walk. Upon arrival at the hotel you will freshen up.
Includes
- Porterage
- Rescue fee
- Park fees
- All activities (Trekking)
- All accommodation
- Camping equipment
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Excludes
- Climbing gear
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Sleeping bag
- Bath towels
- Tips
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees