7-Day Lemosho Route

Elevation: 2,100m to 2,750m

Hiking: 2-3 hours.

Vegetation zone: Rainforest

After breakfast the drive will pick up you and start the journey to lemosho gate which is located on western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. After completing the park Registration, the journey begins. The trail starts in the lush rainforest where tall trees, thick vegetation, and the sounds of tropical birds create a beautiful natural environment. This area is also home to wildlife such as colobus monkeys and blue monkeys, which are sometimes seen along the trail.

The hike is gentle and gradual, allowing you to slowly adjust to the altitude while enjoying the peaceful forest surroundings. After several hours of trekking, you will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as BIG TREE CAMP, where your will have dinner and overnight at the camp.

Elevation:2,750m to3,850m

Hiking: 7–8 hours

Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast at Mti Mkubwa you will continue through the forest as the trails open into heathland and moorland. The trail climbs steadily through open landscapes with stunning views of the mountain and surrounding valleys. As you gain altitude, the vegetation begins to change, with giant heather and unique alpine plants appearing along the trail. On a clear day, you will also begin to see impressive views of Kibo Peak, the highest summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy expansive views of the surrounding landscape while gradually ascending towards the Shira plateaus.

Arrive at Shira Camp for dinner and overnight.

Elevation: 3,750m to 3,900m

Hiking: 8 hours

Habitat: moorland and alpine

After breakfast at Shira 2 Camp, you will begin trekking east across the high alpine landscape of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail gradually climbs through rocky terrain and sparse vegetation as you move into the alpine desert zone.

Today is an important acclimatization day following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. The trail ascends steadily toward Lava Tower (4,600 m), a dramatic volcanic rock formation also known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” This is the highest point of the day and a great place to stop for lunch while enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery.

After spending some time at Lava Tower, the route descends gradually into the beautiful Barranco Valley. This area is famous for its giant senecio plants and stunning views of the Western Breach and Kibo Peak. The descent helps your body adjust to the altitude while offering incredible photographic opportunities.

You will arrive at Barranco Camp (3,900 m) in the afternoon, located at the base of the impressive Barranco Wall. From the camp, you can enjoy breath-taking sunset views of the mountain. You will have dinner and overnight here. This a scenic campsite is one of the highlights of the Lemosho Route before continuing higher up the mountain the following day.

Elevation:3,900m to 3,995m

Hiking: 4 -5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast at Barranco Camp, the day begins with the exciting climb of the famous Barranco Wall. Although it looks steep at first, the climb is manageable and very rewarding. As you ascend, you will enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the towering peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Once you reach the top of the wall, the trail continues through a series of ridges and small valleys, offering beautiful panoramic views of the southern glaciers and the rugged mountain landscape. The path then descends gradually into the Karanga Valley.

Trek across the alpine desert towards lava Tower, an important acclimatization point. After lunch and rest, descend towards Barranco camp beneath the impressive Barranco wall. This climb-high, sleep-low approach helps prepare you for the higher elevation ahead.

Elevation: 3,995m to 4,673m

Hiking: 3-4 hours

Habitat: alpine desert

After breakfast at Karanga Camp, the trek continues with a steady climb toward Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt on Mount Kilimanjaro.

The trail passes through an alpine desert landscape with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. As you gain altitude, the views become more dramatic, with clear sights of Kibo Peak and the surrounding mountain slopes. Although the distance is relatively short, the high altitude makes the hike feel more challenging, so a slow and steady pace is important.

On arrival at Barafu camp enjoy your warm meal and rest while you prepare for your summit gears ready for the summit night. Get rest before the challenging midnight ascent.

Elevation:4,673m, 5,895m, 3,100

Habitat: Arctic summit zone to upper forest

Hiking: 5-6 hours

Your summit attempt on Mount Kilimanjaro begins around midnight. With headlamps lighting the way, you will slowly ascend through steep scree slopes toward Stella Point (5,756 m) on the crater rims. After a short rest and, weather permitting, witnessing a spectacular sunrise, you will continue for about two more hours to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the highest point in Africa.

After reaching the summit descend carefully via Barafu towards Mweka camp for dinner and overnight rest.

Hiking: approximately 3-5 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Enjoy your last breakfast at the mountain before descending through the lush’s rainforest to Mweka gate. Complete the park exit formalities and receive your certificate if you have successfully reached at the required summit point.

have lunch at the gate with the crew. Your driver will then transfer you to your hotel in MOSHI or ARUSHA.