Is 7 days enough for the Lemosho Route?

Yes, 7 days is sufficient for many climbers with good fitness levels, though acclimatization time is slightly reduced compared to the 8-day itinerary.

Who should choose the 7-day Lemosho itinerary?

The 7-day itinerary is ideal for experienced hikers or travelers with limited time who still want to experience the scenic western approach of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Does the 7-day route skip any major highlights?

No, the route includes Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Barafu Camp, and the summit at Uhuru Peak.

How does 7 days compare to the 8-day Lemosho Route?

The primary difference is one less acclimatization day. The 8-day version offers slightly higher summit success rates, while the 7-day option is more time efficient.

7 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro | Scenic & Faster Summit Itinerary

Day 1

Lemosho Starting Point to Mti Mkubwa

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft

meters(2100m to 2700m)

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

Day 2

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft

meters(2700m to 3600m)

Distance: 8 km/ 5miles

Hiking Time 5-6 hours

Habitat: Health

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp for hot lunch and soon after hot lunch we will proceed with flat sport for 3 hours to shira camp 2.

Day 3

Shira 2 to Lava Tower

Shira 2 to Lava Tower

Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft

meters(3850m to 4600m)

Distance: 7 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft

meters(4600m to 3900m)

Distance: 3 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Day 4

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

meters(3900m to 4000m)

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Day 5

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft

meters(4000m to 4600m)

Distance: 4 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

Day 6

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft

meters(4600m to 5895m)

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft

meters(5895m to 3000m)

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 7

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

meters(3000m to 1650m)

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi

7 Days Lemosho Route – Scenic Western Approach to Mount Kilimanjaro

Lemosho Starting Point to Mti Mkubwa

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 Camp

Shira 2 to Lava Tower

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Is the 7 Days Lemosho Route Right for You?

Ideal for Fit Trekkers

Scenic Yet Time Efficient

Strong Summit Opportunity

7 Days Lemosho Route – Frequently Asked Questions

Is 7 days enough for the Lemosho Route?

Who should choose the 7-day Lemosho itinerary?

Does the 7-day route skip any major highlights?

How does 7 days compare to the 8-day Lemosho Route?

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