7-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Trek

Kilimanjaro Airport → Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi.

A pre-trek briefing will be held at the hotel, where your guide will walk you through the trek, answer any questions and review your personal trekking equipment. Any essential equipment that you may be missing can be arranged before the trek begins.

We recommend arriving in Tanzania at least one day before the trek to allow time to rest and prepare.

Overnight: Moshi
Meals: -
Transfer: Kilimanjaro Airport → Moshi

Into the Lemosho Rainforest

We depart Moshi at approximately 8:00 AM and drive to Londorossi Gate, a journey of around two hours. After completing the park entry formalities, we continue by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead.

After lunch, the trek begins through the pristine rainforest. The trail winds beneath towering trees and through lush vegetation as we gradually gain elevation toward Forest Camp.

The western forests of Kilimanjaro are home to a variety of wildlife, including buffalo and elephants. Depending on current park regulations and wildlife conditions, groups may be accompanied by an armed ranger on this section of the route.

Elevation: 7,800 ft → 9,500 ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Overnight: Forest Camp

From Rainforest to the Shira Plateau

After breakfast, we leave the rainforest behind as the landscape transforms into open moorland and heath.

The trail climbs through rolling terrain covered with tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped in lichen. We cross several streams and continue toward the Shira Ridge before descending gently onto the spectacular Shira Plateau.

From Shira Camp 1, views across the plateau toward Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s highest volcanic cone, begin to open up.

Elevation: 9,500 ft → 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Overnight: Shira Camp 1

Exploring the Shira Plateau

Today is designed to give your body valuable time to adjust to the increasing altitude while exploring one of Kilimanjaro’s most remarkable landscapes.

We cross the expansive Shira Plateau toward Shira 2 Camp, walking through open moorland meadows and along streams with impressive views toward Kibo.

From Shira 2, we continue toward Moir Hut, a quieter campsite located near the base of the Lent Hills. The surrounding area offers opportunities for short acclimatization walks, making this an important stage of the journey.

Elevation: 11,500 ft → 13,800 ft
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Overnight: Moir Hut

High-Altitude Acclimatization

Leaving the Shira Plateau, we continue eastward toward Kibo. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged as we approach Lava Tower, a striking volcanic formation often referred to as the “Shark’s Tooth.”

We climb to a high point of approximately 15,000 ft before beginning our descent toward Barranco Camp.

Although we finish the day at a lower elevation than our highest point, this “climb high, sleep low” profile provides valuable acclimatization before the summit push.

At Barranco Camp, we rest, enjoy dinner and take in spectacular views of the surrounding mountain landscape.

Elevation: 13,800 ft → 13,000 ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Overnight: Barranco Camp

The Southern Circuit

After breakfast, we tackle the famous Barranco Wall. The trail climbs steadily along the dramatic ridge before descending into the Karanga Valley.

From Karanga, we continue toward the junction connecting with the Mweka Route before making our final ascent to Barafu Camp.

By reaching Barafu, you have completed the Southern Circuit and gained spectacular views of both Kibo and Mawenzi.

This is your final camp before the summit attempt. After an early dinner, you will rest and prepare for the demanding summit climb ahead.

Elevation: 13,000 ft → 15,300 ft
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 8–10 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Overnight: Barafu Camp

SUMMIT DAY - THE ROOF OF AFRICA

The summit attempt begins around midnight to 2:00 AM.

We ascend slowly through the darkness toward Stella Point on the crater rim, navigating steep scree and rocky terrain. This is the most physically and mentally demanding section of the trek, but the reward is extraordinary.

At Stella Point (18,600 ft), we pause briefly before continuing along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak.

At Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft / 5,895 m), you will stand at the highest point in Tanzania and on the African continent. Weather permitting, you may witness sunrise over the vast African landscape from the summit.

After celebrating your achievement and taking photographs, we begin the long descent toward Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for a short rest and lunch.

The descent through loose volcanic gravel can be demanding, so trekking poles and gaiters are particularly useful.

Elevation: 15,300 ft → 19,341 ft → 10,000 ft
Distance: Approx. 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours ascent / 4–6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic → Rainforest
Overnight: Mweka Camp

Farewell to Kilimanjaro

After breakfast, we begin our final descent through the lush rainforest toward Mweka Gate.

The lower sections of the trail can be wet and muddy, particularly during the rainy seasons, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended.

At Mweka Gate, you will complete the park exit formalities and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate in recognition of your achievement.

Our vehicle will then meet you at the gate and transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a well-earned shower, meal and rest.

Elevation: 10,000 ft → 5,400 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Transfer: Mweka Gate → Moshi