7 Day Kilimanjaro – Climbing Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Distance covered: 7 km

Approximate time taken: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

After an early breakfast at the hotel, you depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate (1,800 m), a scenic three-hour drive passing through Boma N’gombe and the rural village of Sanya Juu, offering a brief but authentic glimpse of local life. Upon completing park formalities, you are transferred to the trailhead at 2,350 m to begin the trek. The journey unfolds through a pristine rainforest, where towering trees, filtered sunlight, and playful blue monkeys define the landscape. A gentle hike leads to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp at 2,750 m for your overnight stay.

Distance covered: 17 km

Approximate time taken: 8-10 hours

Habitat: Heath and Moorland

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

This is a longer but rewarding day as the trek bypasses Shira I Camp and continues directly to Shira II Camp. The hike begins around 7:00 a.m., ascending steadily from Mti Mkubwa through the heath and moorland zone. Following the Shira Ridge, the landscape opens into a vast high-altitude plateau with sweeping views and your first clear, dramatic sight of Mount Kilimanjaro. The gradual ascent supports acclimatization while offering exceptional scenery. Dinner and overnight stay are at Shira II Camp (3,900 m).

Distance covered: 10 km

Approximate time taken: 6 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

The Lemosho Route merges with the Machame Route as the trail advances toward the Lava Tower area. A steady, gentle ascent leads through striking alpine scenery dotted with hardy desert shrubs on the way to Barranco Camp, a trek of approximately 6–7 hours. Along the route stands Shark’s Tooth, a dramatic volcanic formation signaling the southern traverse across open valleys to the imposing Lava Tower (4,600 m). As altitude increases, light traces of snow appear, followed by a gradual descent to Barranco Camp. Here, the rugged Western Breach comes into view, dominated by the impressive Barranco Wall, etched with natural features and softened by patches of olive-colored vegetation along the well-known “Breakfast Wall.”

Distance covered: 6 km

Approximate time taken: 4 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

The day begins with a short but engaging ascent of the impressive Barranco Wall, rising about 200 meters. This section involves light scrambling using both hands and feet, and upon reaching the top, you are rewarded with magnificent views of the Kibo massif. The trail then undulates gently, crossing several shallow streams before reaching the clear waters of the Karanga River. An appetizing lunch is served at Karanga Camp (3,930 m). The relatively short trek is intentionally designed to support acclimatization while allowing time to rest and enjoy the surroundings.

Distance covered: 4 km

Approximate time taken: 3 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

The ascent continues through a rugged, rocky zone illuminated by the crystalline presence of the Southern Glaciers. As the trail intersects with the Mweka Route, expansive and rewarding views unfold. A demanding one-hour climb up the steep; rock-strewn Lava Ridge leads to Barafu Camp (4,681 m). Reaching this camp marks the completion of the Southern Circuit, with dramatic summit views often rising above a sea of clouds. The stark landscape, lightly dusted with snow and minimal vegetation, underscores the altitude. After a nourishing hot meal, early rest is essential, as the final ascent to the summit begins around midnight.

Distance covered: 20 km

Approximate time taken: 14 hours

Habitat: Glacier/Moorland/Rainforest

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

You will be awakened around 11:00 p.m. and served a light snack with hot tea before beginning the final ascent to the summit. This demanding day involves a gradual 5 km climb in cold conditions, often between –5°C and –10°C, and is the most challenging stage of the Lemosho Route. The trail winds steadily through quiet scree slopes between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers, offering awe-inspiring views despite the freezing air. At Stella Point (5,672 m), sunrise paints the horizon in brilliant gold and orange tones. After about one more hour, you reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa, with sweeping views of ice cliffs and Mawenzi Peak. After photos, you descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue to Mweka Camp (3,100 m). As you descend, the terrain softens, vegetation returns, and wildlife reappears. A warm, well-earned dinner awaits under the night sky.

Distance covered: 10 km

Approximate time taken: 3 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Meal: Breakfast, and lunch included

The day begins with a cheerful breakfast, accompanied by celebratory songs from the porters. You then commence a gentle 1,300 m descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, an easy and pleasant walk lasting a few hours. Upon arrival, summit certificates are formally presented as a lasting memento of your achievement.

From Mweka Village, our drivers will transfer you to your hotel in Moshi, where a hot shower, comfortable bed, and clean clothes await. Later, you will be assisted with your transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Should you wish to continue with a safari, arrangements can be seamlessly made for the next chapter of your adventure.