7 Days Lemosho Route
Experience one of the most scenic and rewarding ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro on the 7 Days Lemosho Route. Approaching the mountain from the western side, the Lemosho Route offers a beautiful combination of rainforest, open moorland, dramatic volcanic landscapes and high-altitude adventure.
The journey begins with a scenic approach through Kilimanjaro’s western rainforest before climbing onto the spectacular Shira Plateau, one of the mountain’s most remarkable landscapes. As the route continues along the Southern Circuit, climbers experience some of Kilimanjaro’s most iconic highlights, including Lava Tower, Barranco Valley, the famous Barranco Wall and the dramatic landscapes surrounding the summit.
The seven-day itinerary offers a well-paced adventure with valuable altitude exposure along the way. The route follows the important climb high, sleep low principle, particularly during the journey toward Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp. This gives your body additional opportunities to adapt to the increasing altitude.
Supported by experienced mountain guides and a dedicated crew, the 7 Days Lemosho Route provides an unforgettable balance of scenic beauty, adventure and achievement, culminating in an overnight summit attempt to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft) — the highest point in Africa.
Route Highlights
- 🏔️ Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via one of its most scenic routes
- 🌿 Begin your adventure through the beautiful western rainforest
- 🏞️ Explore the spectacular Shira Plateau
- 🪨 Experience the dramatic volcanic landscapes around Lava Tower
- 🧭 Follow the climb high, sleep low acclimatization principle
- 🌄 Trek through the spectacular Barranco Valley
- 🧗 Conquer the iconic Barranco Wall
- 🌙 Make an unforgettable overnight summit attempt to Uhuru Peak
- 🏆 Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa
7 Days Lemosho Route Itinerary
Experience one of the most scenic and rewarding ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro on the 7 Days Lemosho Route. Approaching the mountain from the western side, the Lemosho Route offers a beautiful combination of rainforest, open moorland, dramatic volcanic landscapes and high-altitude adventure.
The journey begins with a scenic approach through Kilimanjaro's western rainforest before climbing onto the spectacular Shira Plateau, one of the mountain's most remarkable landscapes. As the route continues along the Southern Circuit, climbers experience some of Kilimanjaro's most iconic highlights, including Lava Tower, Barranco Valley, the famous Barranco Wall and the dramatic landscapes surrounding the summit.
The seven-day itinerary offers a well-paced adventure with valuable altitude exposure along the way. The route follows the important climb high, sleep low principle, particularly during the journey toward Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp. This gives your body additional opportunities to adapt to the increasing altitude.
Supported by experienced mountain guides and a dedicated crew, the 7 Days Lemosho Route provides an unforgettable balance of scenic beauty, adventure and achievement, culminating in an overnight summit attempt to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft) — the highest point in Africa.
Elevation: Approximately 2,100 m to 2,750 m
Distance: Approximately 6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast and a detailed briefing with your mountain guide, you will travel to Londorossi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro for registration and final preparations.
After completing the necessary formalities, you will continue toward the starting point of the Lemosho Route and begin your trek through the lush rainforest. The trail takes you through a beautiful and relatively quiet section of Kilimanjaro National Park, surrounded by towering trees and rich vegetation.
Keep an eye out for wildlife as you make your way toward Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as the Big Tree Camp. Upon arrival, settle in, enjoy dinner and rest for your first night on the mountain.
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: Approximately 2,750 m to 3,505 m
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest to Moorland
After breakfast, continue your ascent through the rainforest as the vegetation gradually changes and the landscape begins to open.
The trail climbs steadily toward the Shira Plateau, one of the largest and most beautiful high-altitude plateaus on Mount Kilimanjaro. As you reach higher elevations, enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes and the mountain's western slopes.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, where you can relax and enjoy the open scenery while allowing your body to begin adjusting to the altitude.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 3,505 m to approximately 4,630 m to 3,960 m
Distance: Approximately 13 km
Hiking Time: 7–9 hours
Habitat: Moorland to Alpine Desert
Today's trek is an important part of your acclimatization journey. After breakfast, continue across the spectacular Shira Plateau and gradually make your way toward the impressive Lava Tower.
Reaching a higher elevation before descending to Barranco Camp follows the important climb high, sleep low principle, helping your body adjust to the increasing altitude while allowing you to sleep at a lower elevation.
After spending time near Lava Tower, descend into the dramatic Barranco Valley, surrounded by volcanic cliffs and unique high-altitude vegetation. You will arrive at Barranco Camp, one of the most scenic camps on the mountain.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: Approximately 3,960 m to 4,035 m
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, begin the day with the exciting climb up the famous Barranco Wall, one of the most memorable highlights of the Lemosho Route.
Although the wall can look intimidating from below, the climb is manageable with the guidance and support of your experienced mountain guides. Once at the top, continue through dramatic high-altitude terrain with beautiful views of the mountain and surrounding valleys.
The trail includes several ascents and descents before reaching Karanga Camp. The shorter trekking day provides valuable time to rest and acclimatize before continuing toward the summit zone.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: Approximately 4,035 m to 4,673 m
Distance: Approximately 4 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, continue your journey toward Barafu Camp, the final camp before your summit attempt. Although the distance is relatively short, the increasing altitude makes the trek physically demanding.
As you approach Barafu Camp, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and exposed, offering dramatic views of Kilimanjaro's high-altitude environment.
Upon arrival, you will have time to rest, enjoy an early dinner and prepare your equipment for the summit climb. Your guides will provide a final briefing before you rest for a few hours ahead of the overnight ascent.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinn
Elevation: 4,673 m to 5,895 m to 3,100 m
Distance: Approximately 17 km
Hiking Time: 11–14 hours
Habitat: Arctic Zone to Rainforest
Your summit attempt begins shortly after midnight. Moving slowly and steadily through the darkness, you will begin the most demanding and rewarding stage of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
The trail climbs toward Stella Point on the crater rim before continuing along the final stretch toward Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
Reaching the summit is an extraordinary moment and a reward for the determination and effort you have invested throughout the journey. Take time for photographs and celebrate your achievement before beginning your descent.
You will descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp, where the lower altitude provides welcome relief after the challenging summit day.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinn
Elevation: Approximately 3,100 m to 1,640 m
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, begin your final descent through Kilimanjaro's beautiful rainforest toward Mweka Gate.
The trail can be wet and slippery in places, but the lush vegetation and fresh mountain air provide a peaceful conclusion to your adventure. Upon reaching the gate, successful climbers will receive their Kilimanjaro summit certificates and celebrate the completion of their journey to the Roof of Africa.
You will then be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can relax and reflect on your unforgettable achievement.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Route Includes & Excludes
What's Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park entrance and conservation fees
- Camping fees and applicable mountain fees
- Professional and experienced mountain guides
- Dedicated mountain crew, including cooks and porters
- Tents and camping equipment during the climb
- All meals while on the mountain
- Drinking water during the trek
- Government taxes and applicable fees
- Emergency rescue fees
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate for successful climbers
- Transfers to and from the Kilimanjaro gate, as specified in the itinerary
What's Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Accommodation before and after the climb
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Tips for guides, porters and mountain crew
- Personal expenses and items of a personal nature
- Alcoholic and soft drinks not included in the itinerary
- Additional costs caused by changes to the itinerary beyond our control
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Yes. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is physically demanding and takes place at high altitude. However, the Lemosho Route provides a scenic and relatively well-paced approach, and the seven-day itinerary offers valuable acclimatization opportunities along the way.
Lemosho is known for its beautiful scenery, diverse landscapes and quieter western approach during the early stages of the trek. It also follows an excellent route across the mountain's Southern Circuit, allowing climbers to experience several of Kilimanjaro's most iconic locations.
Yes. The route includes valuable altitude exposure, particularly through the climb high, sleep low section around Lava Tower and Barranco Camp. However, longer itineraries can provide even more time for acclimatization and may be preferred by climbers who want a slower pace.
Yes. The Lemosho Route is a camping route, and climbers stay in tents at designated campsites. A dedicated mountain crew carries and sets up the camping equipment and prepares meals throughout the climb.
Yes, beginners with good physical fitness and proper preparation can climb the Lemosho Route. No technical climbing experience is required, but climbers should be prepared for several consecutive days of trekking and the challenges of high altitude.
The most popular climbing periods are generally January to early March and June to October, when weather conditions are often drier. However, Mount Kilimanjaro weather can change quickly at any time of year.
Preparation should include cardiovascular training, strength exercises, regular long walks or hikes and, ideally, practice hiking on hilly terrain. Building endurance and spending several hours on your feet will help prepare you for consecutive trekking days.
Your safety is always the priority. Your guides will monitor your health and condition throughout the climb. If altitude sickness or another health concern makes it unsafe to continue, your guide will arrange the safest possible descent with support from the mountain crew.
