7 Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb

Highlights

• Arrival and Preparation - Upon Arrival: Our guide will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel, where you can relax after your journey and acclimate to the African environment. We recommend an acclimatization day at the hotel on day two, though you may choose to begin the climb the next day.
• Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp - (Elevation Gain: 820 m/2,690 ft, Distance: 6 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Difficulty: Medium ,Zone: Rainforest ). After breakfast and a briefing, enjoy a scenic drive to Lemosho Gate, followed by a short forest trail requiring a 4WD vehicle to reach Lemosho Glades. The hike leads through a dense, lush rainforest to the Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant flora and fauna of Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes.
• Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira II Camp- (Elevation Gain: 1,200 m /3,937 ft, Distance: 16.5 km, Hiking Time: 9-10 hours ,Difficulty: Medium, Zone: Moorland). The trail transitions from rainforest to expansive moorlands, featuring volcanic rock formations and patches of heather. Trek through Shira 1 Camp, with views of Kibo Peak floating above the clouds, and continue towards Shira II Camp. This long yet steady climb across the Shira Plateau aids in acclimatization while offering panoramic vistas, including the Northern Ice Fields.
• Day 3: Shira II Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp - (Elevation Gain: 780 m /2,559 ft, Elevation Loss: 700 m /2,296 ft, Distance: 12 km, Hiking Time: 6-8 hours, Difficulty: Medium, Zone: Moorland). Begin the ascent to Lava Tower, a significant milestone for acclimatization at 4,630 m. After spending 1-2 hours at Lava Tower for rest and lunch, descend to Barranco Camp, located at the foot of the towering Barranco Wall. This route offers stunning landscapes and the chance to observe unique flora, such as giant flowering plants up to 5 meters tall.
• Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp - (Elevation Gain: 120 m /394 ft, Distance: 5.5 km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Difficulty: Medium, Zone: Moorland). Start by descending into the Great Barranco Valley before ascending the Barranco Wall. Though steep and challenging, this climb is not technical and rewards you with incredible glacier views. Continue past the Karanga Valley before reaching Karanga Camp, where an optional acclimatization trek to 4,200 m is available.
• Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (Elevation Gain: 620 m /2,034 ft, Distance: 5 km, Hiking Time: 3 hours, Difficulty: Medium, Zone: Alpine Desert). Traverse barren scree slopes to Barafu Camp, where the high altitude and stark landscape set the stage for the final ascent. Rest and hydrate while preparing for the summit attempt, which begins shortly after midnight.
• Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp – (Elevation Gain: 1,225 m /4,019 ft, Elevation Loss: 2,795 m /9,169 ft, Distance: 17 km, Hiking Time: 8-14 hours, Difficulty: High, Zone: Arctic. Depart Barafu Camp under the stars for the summit climb. The trail is challenging due to the high altitude, but reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise is a breathtaking and rewarding experience. After a brief celebration at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for rest before continuing to Mweka Camp.Note: Climbers feeling fatigued may opt to rest overnight at Millennium Camp instead of continuing to Mweka Camp.
• Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – (Elevation Loss: 1,450 m /4,757 ft, Distance: 12 km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Difficulty: Easy, Zone: Rainforest). Enjoy a pleasant descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll reunite with the team to celebrate your accomplishment. Return to the hotel for rest and relaxation.
• Post-Climb Options - Unwind at the lodge or explore nearby areas. Enhance your adventure with: A safari or cultural tour or A visit to Zanzibar Island or another exotic beach destination.