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Lemosho Route
7-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb
- 7 days / 6 nights on mountain
- Max altitude: 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak)
- Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Difficulty: Challenging
Overview:
The 7-day Lemosho Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, starting at a lower trailhead that adds initial forest days before joining the Shira Plateau. This approach provides more gradual altitude gain in the early stages compared to the Machame Route, and the full itinerary includes the Lava Tower acclimatisation point, the Barranco Wall traverse, and the Karanga-to-Barafu push. The longer western approach means the first two days are quieter and more remote than the southern routes. The 7-day Lemosho has one of the best acclimatisation profiles of any route at this duration.
Trip Facts:
| Route | Lemosho (west approach, Mweka descent) |
| Duration | 7 days / 6 nights on the mountain |
| Accommodation | Tented camping at all camps |
| Start | Lemosho Trailhead (2,100 m) |
| End | Mweka Gate (1,650 m) |
| Summit | Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Best months | January–February, July–September |
Price per person
Starting from $2,030 USD
Mid-range accommodation · price varies with group size
Day-by-Day Itinerary — 7-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb
01
Day 1: Lemosho Trailhead to Big Tree Camp
- Altitude: 2,100 m → 2,780 m Distance: 7 km Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Drive from Moshi (approximately 3 hours) to the Lemosho trailhead on the western side of Kilimanjaro. This trailhead is at a lower elevation than Machame or Marangu, and the first day is a gentle introduction through undisturbed montane forest. Fewer climbers use this approach, making it quieter and more wildlife-rich. Arrive at Big Tree Camp (2,780 m) for dinner and overnight.
02
Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Altitude: 2,780 m → 3,505 m Distance: 9 km Hiking time: 4–6 hours
Continue ascending through the forest and into the heather zone. The trail emerges from the tree line and the vast Shira Plateau comes into view. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) on the edge of the plateau for dinner and overnight.
03
Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
- Altitude: 3,505 m → 3,840 m Distance: 7 km Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Cross the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp (3,840 m). A shorter day that allows time for the body to adjust to altitude on the plateau. The wide-open landscape is dramatic — moorland stretching to the plateau edge with Kibo rising above. Afternoon acclimatisation walk to a slightly higher point if conditions allow.
04
Day 4: Shira 2 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
- Altitude: 3,840 m → 4,600 m → 3,976 m Distance: 14 km Hiking time: 7–9 hours
Ascend to Lava Tower (4,600 m) for the key acclimatisation exercise — reaching your highest point to date before descending to Barranco Camp (3,976 m). This climb-high-sleep-low day is critical to the route's strong acclimatisation profile. Giant groundsel forest lines the descent. Overnight at Barranco Camp.
05
Day 5: Barranco Camp over Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp
- Altitude: 3,976 m → 4,035 m Distance: 5 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Cross the Barranco Wall — a hands-on scramble that takes most groups 1–2 hours. Above the wall, traverse the southern face of the mountain to Karanga Camp (4,035 m). Shorter day allowing rest and continued acclimatisation at altitude.
06
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Altitude: 4,035 m → 4,673 m Distance: 4 km Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Steady ascent to Barafu Camp (4,673 m) — the summit high camp. Arrive early afternoon. Full meal, maximum hydration, complete rest. Summit briefing with your guide in the early evening. Bedtime before 7 pm is recommended — the wakeup call comes at 11 pm.
07
Day 7: Barafu Camp — Uhuru Peak — Mweka Camp
- Altitude: 4,673 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m Distance: 18 km Hiking time: 13–16 hours total
Midnight departure for the summit. The ascent to Stella Point (5,752 m) takes 5–7 hours on steep volcanic scree in cold, dark conditions. From Stella Point, follow the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). After summit time, descend to Barafu for hot drinks and rest, then continue all the way down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m) for overnight.
Included
Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees
Camping/hut fees for all nights on the mountain
Rescue fee contribution (mandatory TANAPA fee)
Licensed lead guide
Assistant guide (1 per 3 climbers)
Porters (1 porter per climber, plus cook team)
Cook and all meals on the mountain (3 meals + snacks daily)
Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, toilet tent, sleeping mats)
Emergency supplemental oxygen
Pulse oximeter health monitoring at camps
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Moshi
Pre-climb briefing in Moshi
Not Included
International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Personal travel and medical insurance (required)
Sleeping bag (available to rent in Moshi)
Trekking poles (available to rent in Moshi)
Personal clothing and equipment
Tips for guides, porters, and cook (expected — we advise on amounts)
Accommodation in Moshi before/after the climb
Drinks beyond drinking water (sodas, beer, etc.)
