7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Lemosho Route

Day 0: Arrival in Arusha (1,400m/4,593ft)

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by our staff from Mytrip Connector Safaris and transferred to your hotel in Arusha for relaxation. Here, you can unwind and adjust to the high altitude of Arusha (around 1,400 meters/4,593 feet). In the evening, your Safari Consultant will meet you at the hotel for a pre-briefing about your upcoming Kilimanjaro adventure. They’ll outline the Lemosho Trail route and what to expect in the coming days.

Day 1: Lemosho Trailhead (2,000m/6,600ft) to Big Tree Camp (2,800m/9,100ft)

This morning, get ready to embark on your exciting trek! We’ll drive for about 3 hours from Moshi to the Londorossi Gate (2,360 meters/7,743 feet), where you’ll complete park entry formalities. From there, it’s another hour drive along a 4WD track to the official Lemosho Trailhead (2,000 meters/6,600 feet). After a delicious lunch, you’ll set off on your first hike through lush, undisturbed forest. Keep your eyes peeled for Colobus monkeys as you make your way uphill on the sometimes-steep path. After 3-4 hours of trekking, you’ll reach your first campsite, Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa Camp), situated at 2,800 meters (9,100 feet).

Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2,800m/9,100ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,800m/12,500ft)

Today’s trek starts in the forest before transitioning into a spectacular landscape of giant heather and volcanic rock. You’ll steadily ascend through the rolling hills below the Shira Plateau (3,417 meters/11,243 feet), the third highest volcanic cone on Kilimanjaro. Formed by ancient lava flows from Kibo, the Shira Plateau’s rim has been eroded by weather and volcanic activity over time. After a full day of hiking, you’ll reach your destination, Shira 2 Camp, located at 3,800 meters (12,500 feet). This challenging day, potentially taking 7-8 hours, will further prepare your body for the higher altitudes to come.

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp (3,800m/12,500ft) to Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,650ft) via Lava Tower (4,550m/14,900ft)

Get ready for a day with contrasting landscapes! Today’s climb takes you steadily up and over the expansive ridgelines of high desert to Lava Tower (4,550 meters/14,900 feet). The trek to the base of this 300-foot-tall volcanic plug takes about 4 hours. Weather and energy permitting, you can scramble to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From Lava Tower, you’ll begin your steep descent into the Barranco Valley (3,800 meters/12,467 feet), passing large flowering plants called scenecios. This descent will take 1-2 hours and serves as good practice for your summit day trek in a few days. Although ending the day at nearly the same elevation you started, this trek is crucial for acclimatization, helping your body adjust to higher altitudes. Barranco Camp is nestled in a beautiful, sheltered valley below the imposing Barranco Wall.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,650ft) to Karanga Camp (3,950m/13,000ft) via Barranco Wall (4,200m/13,800ft)

Today’s adventure involves an exciting scramble! After breakfast, you’ll tackle the impressive Barranco Wall (4,200 meters/13,800 feet). This challenging section offers fantastic views back towards Barranco Camp and a chance to witness the impressive porters climbing the wall. From the top, you’ll follow an undulating path along the mountainside, enjoying spectacular views of Kibo to your left and Mount Meru to your right on a clear day. After descending into the Karanga Valley, a short, steep path leads you to your next campsite, Karanga Camp (3,950 meters/13,000 feet). The walking time for this day is approximately 3-4 hours.

Day 5: Karanga Camp (3,950m/13,000ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)

This morning, you’ll embark on a steady climb towards Barafu Camp, which translates to “ice” in Swahili. This camp sits on a ridge below the summit cone, marking your completion of the South Circuit, offering various perspectives of the summit. The trek takes roughly 3 hours, allowing you to arrive at Barafu in time for an afternoon of rest and an early dinner to prepare for your summit push. From this vantage point, you can admire the twin peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,300ft) then descending to Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft)

In the pre-dawn hours, you’ll begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru Peak. This challenging climb can take anywhere from 6-8 hours. Be prepared for frigid nighttime temperatures, but also anticipate warmer conditions as the day progresses. Pack layers to accommodate these extremes. As darkness gives way to light, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise painting the sky a vibrant red over Mawenzi. Stella Point (5,750m/18,865ft) marks the point where you join the crater rim. From here, the climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, becomes more gradual. Your descent from the summit leads directly to Mweka Camp, with lunch served along the way. This downhill trek takes approximately 6 hours. In the evening, enjoy your last delicious meal on the mountain and a well-deserved night’s sleep.

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft) to Mweka Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)

Today, you’ll descend directly to the gate through a lush forest for 2-3 hours, keeping your eyes peeled for monkeys along the way. Upon reaching Mweka Village, you’ll be transferred back to Arusha.

Day 8: Departure

On this day, our staff will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha and transport you to Kilimanjaro International Airport in plenty of time for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure.