7 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climbing

Tour Overview

The Lemosho Route is renowned for its excellent acclimatization profile. As one of the less-traveled and most scenic paths, it offers a stunning ascent to the Shira Plateau.

Unique to this route, climbers may be accompanied by an armed ranger on the first day due to the presence of buffalo, elephants, and other wildlife in the forests surrounding the Lemosho Glades.

While the minimum duration for the Lemosho Route is 6 days, we strongly recommend extending the hike to 7 days or 8 days. This additional day allows for better acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude sickness, and provides more rest before the final summit push.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Int. Airport for your climb

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport our guide will be there waiting for you. He will will drop you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight. Preparation for your climb: You will meet your guide before the beginning of your climb. He will brief you and give you details, like what to wear, what to put in your backpack and other important tips to make the climb as comfortable as possible for you.

Day 2: Drop off (3500 m/ 11,483 ft) - Shira 1 (3505 m/ 11,499 ft)

Today you embark on your extraordinary journey via Lemosho Route. Your guide will pick you up in the morning and you will drive approximately 4 hours by car to the west entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park (2,200 m). The road leads through beautiful tropical rainforest. You arrive at the drop-off point at 3,500 meters where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Shira plateau. The walking route to the first camp is flat which allows you to get used to the high altitude.

Day 3: Shira 1 (3505 m/ 11,499 ft) - Shira 2 Camp (3900 m/ 12,795 ft)

In the morning you will depart from Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m). This walk is not difficult and you can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and the unique flora of Kilimanjaro’s surroundings as you climb higher. On a clear day, Shira 2 Camp is the perfect location to see Mount Meru (the fifth peak of Africa). After lunch, take an acclimatization walk to Lava Tower Camp (elevation gain of 200m) to increase the chances to summit and reduce the chances of altitude sickness.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3900 m/ 12,795 ft) - Lava Tower (4630 m/ 15,190 ft) - Barranco Camp (3960 m/ 12,992 ft)

Today the Lemosho route joins the Machame route. The hike leads from Shira Camp 2 to the beautiful Lava Tower at 4,630 m (15,190 ft). This part of the climb has many ascents and descents, but offers beautiful views along the way. It is a long hike and you may start to feel a bit uncomfortable because of the height. It is therefore important to find your right pace in order for your body to adjust to the altitude. After lunch, you descend to Barranco Camp at the foot of Barranco Wall.

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960 m/ 12,992 ft) - Karanga Camp (4035 m/ 13,238 ft)

After breakfast you depart from Barranco Camp to the Barranco Wall. For many people this is their favorite part of the climb. Once at the top of the Barranco Wall, you have a spectacular view to the Kibo Volcano and Mount Meru.

Afterwards a more difficult hike starts to reach Karanga Camp. This route has many ascents and descents, so keep the right pace. You have lunch at the camp and after a rest you can take an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp.

Day 6: Karanga Camp (4035 m/ 13,238 ft) - Barafu Camp (4640 m/ 15,223 ft)

After breakfast the hike to Barafu Camp starts. This is the starting point for your ascent to the Uhuru Peak – the top of Kilimanjaro! You will arrive at the camp around lunch. Have a rest and after you regain your strength, take an acclimatization hike to Kosovo Summit Camp (4800m) and back. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and experience the thrill of high altitude camping as you prepare for the final push to the summit around midnight.

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4640 m/ 15,223 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5895 m/ 19,340 ft) - Millennium Camp (3820 m/ 12,532 ft)

Today is the day! Around midnight you start from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak. The climb leads over good trails and the most challenging part is the high altitude. Once you reach the summit you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height! After a small time at the top, where you celebrate your ultimate triumph you descend slowly to the scenic Millennium Camp.

Day 8: Millennium Camp (3820 m/ 12,532 ft) - Mweka Gate (1650 m/ 5,413 ft) - Hotel

The Millennium camp is located in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up today, you will experience a pleasant feeling due to the reduction in altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After breakfast you take an easy walking to the park exit.

Your driver will bring you back to the hotel for a well deserved rest!