Mount Kilimanjaro Climb 7 Days Lemosho Route
The Kilimanjaro climb 7 days Lemosho is the best for acclimatisation. The remote is less used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are inhabited by buffalo, elephant and other wildlife.
The minimum duration for the Lemosho route is 6 days, however we strongly recommend hiking the route in 7 days. The additional 7th day will give your body more time to acclimatize, reducing the effects of altitude sickness and give you more time to rest before attempting the summit.
Day 1: Lemosho Gate, Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Lemosho Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: LD
Budget Camp: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2: Hike Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp
After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge past the Shira 1 camp and on to the Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream..
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3850m/12,600ft
• Distance: 16km/10mi • Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Moorland • Meals: BLD
• Budget Camp: Shira 2 Camp
Day 3: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft • Distance: 8km/5mi
• Walking Time: 5-6 hours • Habitat: Semi-desert
• Meals: BLD
• Budget Camp: Barranco Camp
Day 4: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 34 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Camp: Karanga Valley Camp
Day 5: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
• Distance: 4km/2mi • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: BLD
• Budget Lodging: Barafu Camp
Day 6: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
• Down to 3090m/10,150ft
• Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
• Meals: BLD
• Budget Camp: Mweka Cam
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and then drive to Arusha or Moshi
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village.
Bestday Safaris vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
• Distance: 10km/6mi • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Forest
• Meals: B
Tour Location
History Of Lemosho Route
Lemosho Route has a success rate of almost 95% as it has a longer itinerary for Kilimanjaro Climbing. The Lemosho route starts from the West at the Londorossi Gate at a height of 2360 meters from sea level. The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is an improved version of the old Shira route.
This route will take you through the rainforest beautiful and remote rainforest. It also increases the chances of spotting wildlife. The route gives you more time to sleep on the lower elevations and spend more time on the mountains compared to other routes like the Marangu route.
This route usually a longer trek used for proper acclimatization. You can take the Lemosho route 7 days which is standard and Lemosho route 8 days which is recommended.
Lemosho Route Climate
The Lemosho route starts through the fertile rainforest and you may feel the humid temperature at the beginning. The heath and moorland region or zone gives you a bit of drizzle of rain or snow. The summit attempt is made from Barafu in the early morning hours, often during the full moon day. This is the coldest and windiest section of your climb. The best time to climb is the dry season.
Price Included
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation
- Professional guides, cooks and porters
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Park fees, Camping fees & rescue fees
- VAT fees and Charges
- Double layered Sleeping Mats
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- Pick up and drop off at the airport.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
Price Not Included
- International flights.
- Bank charges
- Personal Expenses
- Tips to Crew (highly recommended).
- Visa, Travel Insurance (we can help arrange of them).
- Expenditures of personal nature like drinks, telephone, laundry, Internet etc.
Hayate H
January 25, 2025
Amazing trip Kilimanjaro hike
We had an amazing trip with Tanzania Seasons.Guide and his crew was excellent and really appreciate their efforts . We had a great time. Highly recommend!!