7 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Overview

The Lemosho Route, approaching Kilimanjaro from the western side via Londorossi Gate, is known for its scenic beauty and high summit success rate. This 7-day trek takes hikers through lush rainforest, expansive moorlands, rugged alpine desert, and glaciers before reaching Uhuru Peak. With gradual acclimatization, it offers a rewarding experience for both experienced and intermediate trekkers.

Highlights

• Lemosho Route, a scenic and less crowded western approach to Kilimanjaro.

• Varied habitats: rainforest, heath, moorlands, alpine desert, and glaciers.

• Summit Uhuru Peak at sunrise.

• Gradual acclimatization for higher summit success.

• Experienced guides, porters, and full mountain support.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Londorossi Gate – Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Depart Arusha early and drive to Londorossi Gate for park registration. Begin trekking through rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp, enjoying streams, lush vegetation, and the first night on the mountain.

Elevation: 2,100 m → 2,900 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation: Camping at Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 2 Camp
Trek through the rainforest before emerging onto the Shira Plateau. Hike across open moorlands, observing high-altitude vegetation and panoramic mountain views. Overnight at Shira 2 Camp.

Elevation: 2,900 m → 3,750 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Heath and Moorland

Accommodation: Camping at Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp – Barranco Camp
Continue trekking across the Shira Plateau and descend slightly into Barranco Valley. Pass through dramatic cliffs and alpine desert terrain before arriving at Barranco Camp.

Elevation: 3,750 m → 3,960 m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Climb out of Barranco Valley via the Barranco Wall, then continue to Karanga Camp. Enjoy excellent mountain views and prepare for the final acclimatization before the summit push.

Elevation: 3,960 m → 4,035 m
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Camping at Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Ascend to Barafu Camp, the base for the summit attempt. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight climb. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Elevation: 4,035 m → 4,640 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka/Millennium Camp
Begin the midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), witnessing sunrise from Africa’s highest point. Descend via Barafu to Millennium or Mweka Camp for recovery and overnight.

Elevation: 4,640 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert → Arctic → Rainforest

Accommodation: Camping at Millennium/Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Millennium/Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate, collect summit certificates, and transfer back to Arusha, concluding the adventure.

Elevation: 3,100 m → 1,600 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation: Not applicable (day of departure)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included

• Camping along the route

• Meals on the mountain (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

• Kilimanjaro park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees

• Professional guides, porters, and cook team

• Transfers from/to Arusha and Londorossi Gate

• Summit certificate

Excluded

• International flights

• Tanzania visa fees

• Travel insurance

• Personal trekking gear (boots, sleeping bags, poles)

• Tips and gratuities

• Optional excursions in Arusha