7 Days Lemosho Route

Who Is This Route For?

Climbers who want the best possible summit chance in 7 days, travelers who want to see elephants and buffalo in the lower forest zone (unique to Lemosho), and anyone who's done other altitude activities and wants the most acclimatization-focused route.

What to Expect

A 7-day traverse from the remote western Shira Plateau, crossing virtually the entire southern face of Kilimanjaro. Wildlife is possible in the lower Lemosho forests before the route joins Machame near the summit zone.

Best Time to Climb

June–October is the most trafficked and reliable. The western approach can be cloudier than the southeast, but summit conditions are similar to all routes.

Starting Point

Londorossi Gate (2,250m) on the western slope — further and more remote than Machame Gate. Transfer from Moshi: 2–3 hours. Route ends at Mweka Gate on the southeast.

Why Choose This Route?

Lemosho starts lower and ascends more gradually than any other standard route, giving more days at intermediate altitude before the summit push. This is why it consistently reports the highest summit success rates.

Day-by-Day Summary

Day 1: Londorossi → Forest Camp (2,800m). Day 2: Shira 1 (3,500m). Day 3: Shira 2 (3,840m). Day 4: Lava Tower (4,600m) → Barranco (3,900m). Day 5: Barranco → Karanga (4,035m). Day 6: Barafu (4,640m). Day 7: Summit → Mweka.

Lemosho Route Overview

starts from$1577Per Person

Day-by-Day Itinerary: 7 Days Lemosho Route

Kilimanjaro climbing photo from 7 Days Lemosho Route

Day 1 - Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp


We will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi and head to the Lemosho Park Gate, where necessary entry formalities will be completed. Subsequently, you'll proceed to the Lemosho trailhead, marking the beginning of your trek. You will traverse the enchanting rainforest on your way to the Mti Mkubwa Camp (9,300ft/2,835m), where you'll spend the night.

Accommodation
- Budget camping
Meal & Drinks
- Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kilimanjaro climbing photo from 7 Days Lemosho Route

Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp


Following breakfast, you will press onward with your trek, advancing towards the majestic Shira Plateau. You will traverse through the captivating heath and moorland zones, experiencing the changing landscape. Your journey culminates at the Shira 2 Camp (11,500ft/3,505m), where the night will be spent amidst the dramatic surroundings of this elevated terrain.

Accommodation
- Budget camping
Meal & Drinks
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kilimanjaro climbing photo from 7 Days Lemosho Route

Day 3 - Shira 2 to Barranco Camp


You will embark on today's trek as you make your way toward the formidable Lava Tower, reaching an elevation of 15,190 ft/4,630 m. Following this challenging ascent, you will descend to the picturesque Barranco Camp (12,950ft/3,950m) for an overnight stay. This route not only provides a scenic journey but also presents captivating views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall, adding a sense of awe to your mountain adventure.

Accommodation
- Budget camping
Meal & Drinks
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kilimanjaro climbing photo from 7 Days Lemosho Route

Day 4 - Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp


Today, you will embark on the challenging climb of the Barranco Wall. After conquering the wall, you will continue your trek toward the Karanga Camp (13,100ft/3,995m).
You’ll spend the night at Karanga Camp, enjoying a relatively short day that provides an opportunity to rest and acclimatize before the summit push.

Accommodation
- Budget camping
Meal & Drinks
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kilimanjaro climbing photo from 7 Days Lemosho Route

Day 5 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp


You will embark on today's trek toward the Barafu Camp, situated at an elevation of 15,200 ft/4,630 m, serving as the crucial base camp for your impending summit attempt. You will delight in a comparatively shorter trek today, affording you valuable time for rest and meticulous preparation ahead of the imminent summit push. This strategic pause ensures you are well-rested and ready for the challenges that lie ahead as you approach the pinnacle of your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Accommodation
- Budget camping
Meal & Drinks
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kilimanjaro climbing photo from 7 Days Lemosho Route

Day 6 - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp


Today is the summit day! You will begin your ascent to the summit around midnight. You will reach the Uhuru Peak (19,341ft/5,895m) at sunrise, take photos, and savor the dramatic views.
Afterward, you'll descend back to the Barafu Camp for some rest and then continue your descent to the Mweka Camp (10,000ft/3,050m), where you’ll spend the night.

Accommodation
- Budget camping
Meal & Drinks
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kilimanjaro climbing photo from 7 Days Lemosho Route

Day 7 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate


Today marks the final day of the trek.
After breakfast, you will begin your descent to the Mweka Gate (5,400ft/1,640m), where you’ll receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to your trekking team. A vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.

Accommodation
- End of Tour
Meal & Drinks
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

7 Days Lemosho Route — Photo Gallery

Kilimanjaro climbing photo from 7 Days Lemosho Route

What's Included in This Package

Porterage

Rescue fee

Park fees

All activities

All accommodation

A professional driver / guide

All transportation

All Taxes / VAT

Roundtrip airport transfer

Meals

Drinking water

What's Not Included

Climbing gear

International flights

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Tips

Personal items

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

Why Choose This 7 Day Tour

Remote and Scenic Start

The Lemosho Route begins on the western side of Kilimanjaro, offering a more remote and less crowded trail. The route passes through dense rainforests, with the possibility of encountering wildlife such as colobus monkeys and buffalo.

Shira Plateau

A vast, flat expanse of land offering panoramic views of Mount Meru and Kibo Peak, the Shira Plateau is one of the most scenic sections of the climb, with dramatic sunsets.

Mawenzi and Kibo Views

Trekking past Horombo Hut, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s twin peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo, with rugged and scenic landscapes stretching out before you.

Barranco Wall

A challenging yet exhilarating ascent, the Barranco Wall offers both excitement and spectacular views. Although steep, it is not technical, and the reward is the panoramic vistas at the top.

Lava Tower

This 4,600-meter-high volcanic rock formation offers trekkers a great acclimatization opportunity. Standing beneath the Lava Tower is a surreal experience amidst the alpine desert landscape.

Extended Acclimatization

The Lemosho Route is known for its longer itinerary (7-8 days), allowing trekkers to acclimatize better, which improves the chances of successfully reaching the summit of Uhuru Peak.

Summiting Uhuru Peak

The most comprehensive highlight is reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The final push begins before dawn, allowing climbers to witness the sunrise from the roof of Africa, creating an memorable moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

You don't need mountaineering experience, but you should be able to walk 5-8 hours on consecutive days. General aerobic fitness (running, hiking, cycling regularly) improves your chances. Altitude is the main factor, not strength — the key is pacing and proper acclimatization.

Park fees, national park camping or hut fees, a registered lead guide, assistant guides and porters (ratio of roughly 1:1 porter to climber), tents and camping equipment (if not a hut route), and all meals during the climb. Excluded: personal gear, tips, and pre/post-climb accommodation.

Sleeping bag, trekking poles, warm layers, waterproofs, and boots are personal items you should bring or rent locally in Moshi/Arusha. Good boots are critical — rental gear quality varies so we generally recommend bringing your own footwear if possible.

Longer routes give better acclimatization and higher success rates. The 7-day Machame or 8-day Lemosho are our top recommendations for most climbers. The 5-day Marangu is shorter but has a lower summit success rate because of the compressed schedule.

January–March and June–October are the main climbing seasons. January–March is drier in the lower zones though cold at altitude. June–October is dry and clear but cold at the summit (-15°C to -25°C at night is possible). Avoid April–May (heavy rain) if possible.

Book This Tour

7 days Lemosho Route

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