7 days Lemosho Route-Kilimanjaro Climbing
7 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing - Lemosho Route
The 7-day Lemosho Route begins on the western side of the mountain and is widely recognized as one of the quieter and more scenic Kilimanjaro trekking routes. It offers excellent acclimatization as it gradually crosses diverse ecosystems from lush rainforest to the vast Shira Plateau. Along the way, climbers pass iconic landmarks such as Lava Tower and the dramatic Barranco Wall before joining the popular Machame Route. The trek typically concludes with a summit attempt from Barafu Camp, leading to the ultimate goal Uhuru Peak.
- Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100 m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m)
- Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m)
- Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)
- Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m) to Barranco Camp (3,960 m) via Lava Tower (4,630 m)
- Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) to Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
- Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
- Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) then descend to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100 m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m)
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a drive from your hotel to Londorossi Gate where registration and entry formalities take place. From here you start trekking along a peaceful forest trail through dense montane rainforest. The trail is rich with wildlife and you may spot colobus monkeys while hearing birds echo through the trees. The gentle hike allows your body to start adjusting to the altitude as you walk beneath towering trees and thick vegetation. By late afternoon you arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as “Big Tree Camp,” where your crew prepares dinner and your first night on the mountain.
- Distance covered: ~6 km
- Height gained: ~550 m
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Walking time: 3–4 hours
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m)
After breakfast you leave the rainforest behind and begin climbing toward the open moorland zone. The vegetation gradually changes as the trees become smaller and the landscape opens up. The trail climbs steadily before reaching the vast Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth. Along the way you will see unique plants such as giant lobelias and senecios that thrive in this environment. As the clouds clear, impressive views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro’s western slopes appear. You arrive at Shira 1 Camp in the afternoon where you can relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
- Distance covered: ~8 km
- Height gained: ~855 m
- Habitat: Heath / Moorland
- Walking time: 5–6 hours
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)
Today’s trek is a gradual and scenic walk across the wide Shira Plateau. The trail is relatively gentle, allowing you to move slowly and continue acclimatizing to the increasing altitude. As you walk across the moorland landscape, you will enjoy magnificent views of Kibo Peak, the highest summit of Kilimanjaro. On clear days you may also see Mount Meru rising in the distance. This relaxed trekking day helps your body adapt while allowing plenty of time to appreciate the mountain scenery before arriving at Shira 2 Camp for the night.
- Distance covered: ~12 km
- Height gained: ~345 m
- Habitat: Moorland / Alpine desert
- Walking time: 4–5 hours
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m) to Barranco Camp (3,960 m) via Lava Tower (4,630 m)
This is an important acclimatization day on the mountain. The trail gradually climbs toward Lava Tower, a dramatic volcanic rock formation rising from the alpine desert landscape. Reaching this altitude helps your body adapt to the thinner air. After spending some time here for lunch and rest, the route descends into the beautiful Barranco Valley. This descent helps the body recover while maintaining good acclimatization. Barranco Camp sits beneath the towering Barranco Wall and offers one of the most scenic campsites on Kilimanjaro.
- Distance covered: ~10 km
- Height gained: ~780 m (to Lava Tower), net +110 m
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Walking time: 6–8 hours
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) to Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
Your day begins with the exciting climb up the famous Barranco Wall. Although it looks steep, it is a manageable scramble and one of the most enjoyable parts of the trek. Once at the top, you are rewarded with incredible views across the valleys and glaciers of Kilimanjaro. The trail then continues across ridges and small valleys before reaching Karanga Camp. This shorter trekking day allows time to rest and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.
- Distance covered: ~5–6 km
- Height gained: ~75 m
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Walking time: 4–5 hours
Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Today you trek steadily upward through a rocky alpine desert landscape toward Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. The trail becomes steeper as the altitude increases, but the distance is relatively short. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp you will have lunch and rest while your guides provide a detailed briefing for the summit climb. After an early dinner, climbers rest for a few hours before beginning the midnight ascent to the summit.
- Distance covered: ~4 km
- Height gained: ~605 m
- Habitat: Alpine desert / rock
- Walking time: 3–4 hours
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) then descend to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Your summit attempt begins around midnight. Using headlamps, you slowly climb through the cold alpine night toward Stella Point on the crater rim. From here, the final stretch leads to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. Reaching the summit at sunrise is an unforgettable moment with breathtaking views across glaciers and clouds below. After celebrating and taking photos, you descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp through changing landscapes as you leave the alpine desert and return toward the rainforest zone.
- Distance covered: ~5 km ascent + ~12–13 km descent
- Height gained: ~1,255 m (to summit)
- Habitat: Rock/scree → moorland → rainforest
- Walking time: 6–8 hrs up + 5–7 hrs down
7-Day Lemosho Route – Pricing & Details
The cost for the 7-day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro climbing tour starts at $2,250 per person on a private basis. This price typically includes experienced mountain guides, park fees, camping equipment, meals on the mountain, and full porter support to ensure a safe and comfortable trekking experience.
Approximate 2026 prices (mid-range operators). Park fees fixed ~$1,000–$1,200. Contact for exact quote.
Included
- Park fees, permits & rescue
- Professional guides & porters
- All meals & water
- Accommodation
- Camping equipment
- First aid & oxygen
- Airport transfers
Not Included
- International flights & Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal gear (boots, layers, sleeping bag)
- Porter tips (~$250–$400) & personal expenses
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Kilimanjaro Climbing Guides & Insights
Reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro through the scenic 7 Days Lemosho Route, known for its breathtaking landscapes, quiet trails, and excellent acclimatization. Our experienced mountain team will guide you every step of the journey, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable trek to the Roof of Africa.
Other Popular Kilimanjaro Climbs
6 Days Machame Route
Classic "Whiskey Route" with stunning views, Barranco Wall challenge, and high summit success rate.
6 Days Marangu Route
The only route with huts – known as the "Coca-Cola Route" – ideal for those preferring comfort over camping.
7 Days Machame Route
Extended Machame with extra acclimatization day – higher summit success rate and more time to enjoy the scenery.
8 Days Lemosho Route
Most scenic and wildlife-rich route with gradual ascent, Lava Tower acclimatization, and excellent summit success.