7-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro – Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your 7-day Lemosho Route climb is more than just a hike—it’s an expedition across Kilimanjaro’s incredible landscapes, carefully designed for acclimatization, safety, and summit success.
We’ve tailored each day’s pace to help you adjust to altitude while maximizing your experience. Our certified Tanzanian guides, porters, and cooks ensure every detail is handled—so you can focus on your journey to Uhuru Peak.
Day 1 – Londorossi Gate (2,100 m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 m)
Distance: ~6 km / 4 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Rainforest
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Londorossi Gate, where we handle registration and gear checks. After meeting your climbing crew, we enter Kilimanjaro National Park through the western approach.
The trail winds through lush rainforest, alive with birdsong and the rustle of black-and-white colobus monkeys. The air is warm and humid, the ground soft underfoot. It’s a gentle introduction, perfect for warming up your legs.
By late afternoon, we reach Mti Mkubwa Camp—Swahili for “Big Tree.” Here, you’ll enjoy your first hearty mountain dinner under the forest canopy.
Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa (2,820 m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m)
Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today we climb out of the rainforest into the moorland zone—a landscape of giant heathers, volcanic rock, and open skies. The air is cooler and drier here.
We ascend the Shira Ridge and drop gently onto the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. Views open up across rolling moorland to distant peaks.
We camp at Shira 1, where the night skies are crystal clear and the stars shine brighter than you’ve ever seen.
Day 3 – Shira 1 (3,500 m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)
Distance: ~7 km / 4.3 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
This is a shorter acclimatization day. The trek is gentle, crossing the plateau’s rolling landscape. We pass unique plant species like giant lobelias and senecios.
In the afternoon, we arrive at Shira 2 Camp—your base for the night. The open terrain offers panoramic views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru in the distance.
Pro Tip: This day’s gradual gain helps your body adjust for the higher altitudes ahead.
Day 4 – Shira 2 (3,850 m) to Lava Tower (4,630 m) to Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
Distance: ~10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
This is one of the most important acclimatization days. We climb steadily to Lava Tower—a striking volcanic formation at 4,630 m. Here, we pause for lunch and let our bodies adjust to the thinner air.
Then, we descend into the Barranco Valley, a lush, sheltered spot at 3,960 m. The drop in altitude after being high at Lava Tower gives your body a chance to adapt—an essential “climb high, sleep low” strategy.
Barranco Camp sits beneath the famous Barranco Wall, which you’ll conquer tomorrow.
Day 5 – Barranco Camp (3,960 m) to Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
Distance: ~5 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We start with the Barranco Wall—a thrilling, non-technical scramble with epic views from the top. From there, we traverse ridges and valleys, enjoying vast panoramas of the southern glaciers.
We arrive at Karanga Camp in time for a hot lunch. The rest of the day is spent resting and preparing for the push to high camp.
Day 6 – Karanga Camp (4,035 m) to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Distance: ~4 km / 2.5 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
A short but steep climb takes us to Barafu Camp, the final staging point before the summit. Here, the landscape is stark—rock, ice, and sky.
We rest in the afternoon, have an early dinner, and prepare our gear for summit night. You’ll need warm layers, headlamps, and determination.
Day 7 – Summit Day! Barafu (4,640 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Mweka Camp (3,080 m)
Distance: ~17 km / 10.5 miles (ascent +
descent)
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Habitat: Arctic summit zone to montane forest
We wake at midnight and begin the slow, steady climb to Stella Point (5,739 m) on the crater rim. From here, it’s a final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
As the sun rises over the glaciers, you’ll feel the triumph of reaching the Roof of Africa.
After celebrations and photos, we descend back to Barafu, then continue to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
Mo Kili
Adventures’ Advice:
If you’re healthy, fit, and prepared, the 7-day Lemosho route offers
outstanding scenery, great acclimatization, and an unforgettable summit
experience—without the extra day.
If you have more time and want an even gentler pace, the 8-day itinerary is
worth considering.
Summit Success Rates & Safety Protocols – Your Safety Comes First
At Mo
Kili Adventures, we’re proud to maintain an average summit success rate
of around 80% for our 7-day Lemosho climbs—well above many budget
operators.
But more importantly, we put safety before summits.
Here’s how we protect your health and give you the best shot at Uhuru Peak:
1. Certified Local Guides
Our guides are Wilderness First Responders (WFR) and certified Kilimanjaro mountain leaders. They’re trained in altitude sickness prevention, emergency response, and evacuation procedures.
2. Daily Health Checks
Twice daily, we monitor your oxygen saturation, heart rate, and overall well-being. This helps us spot and address any signs of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) early.
3. Small Group Sizes
We keep our groups small—usually 6–12 climbers—so every person gets personal attention, guidance, and support.
4. Emergency Equipment
Every trek
includes oxygen cylinders, hyperbaric bags (Gamow bags), and full first-aid
kits.
Our team knows exactly when to use them and when descent is the safest choice.
5. Ethical Climbing Practices
We strictly follow Leave No Trace principles, carry out all waste, and ensure fair treatment and pay for porters. A safe, happy team means a safe, happy climb.
6. Balanced Acclimatization Profile
The Lemosho 7-day route’s gradual ascent—with “climb high, sleep low” days like Lava Tower—gives your body time to adapt, increasing your chances of standing on Uhuru Peak.
Packing List for the 7-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb
Packing smart is critical for a successful and comfortable Kilimanjaro climb. Here’s our recommended Lemosho Route packing list, optimized for your 7-day trek’s varying climates from rainforest to arctic summit zones:
Essential Clothing:
- Waterproof hiking boots (broken in)
- Lightweight trekking shoes/sandals for camp
- Moisture-wicking base layers (tops & bottoms)
- Insulating fleece or down jacket (warm!)
- Waterproof windproof jacket and pants
- Warm hat and gloves (plus spare pairs)
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Buff or neck gaiter
Gear & Accessories:
- Daypack (20–30 liters) for summit day essentials
- Headlamp with extra batteries (for summit night)
- Sleeping bag (rated to at least -10°C/14°F; rental available)
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Water bottles or hydration system (3 liters capacity)
- Personal toiletries and quick-dry towel
- Sunscreen & lip balm (high SPF)
- Personal medications & small first aid kit
- Passport and photocopies
Optional but Recommended:
- Camera or smartphone with extra batteries
- Energy bars or snacks (we provide meals but extra snacks help)
- Ziplock bags for waterproofing
- Lightweight camp shoes
Why Mo Kili Adventures?
With us, you’re not just booking a climb — you’re booking expert support from start to summit. We handle every logistics detail, prioritize your safety, and respect the mountain and its people. Our transparent pricing means no surprises—what you see is what you get.