Experience the scenic Lemosho Route in 7 days - perfect for experienced hikers. Beautiful western approach with excellent scenery but slightly less acclimatization time than our 8-day option.
The 7-day Lemosho Route is a shorter version of our popular 8-day option. This remote and beautiful route starts on the Western side of the mountain at Londorossi Gate. After beautiful forests and moorlands, it crosses the Shira Plateau to connect with the Machame Route at Lava Tower and down towards Barranco Valley via the Southern Circuit.
7 Days
Medium Difficulty
Western Approach
Londorossi Gate
Good Success
For Experienced Hikers
Excellent Views
Remote & Beautiful
The 7-day Lemosho Route offers the same spectacular scenery as our 8-day option but is designed for experienced hikers who prefer a more challenging pace. You'll still enjoy the beautiful western approach with less crowding than popular routes, while experiencing diverse ecosystems from rainforest to alpine desert. The route provides excellent views and opportunities to see wildlife including buffalo and elephants.
Navigate through your 7-day Lemosho route adventure with detailed day-by-day breakdown
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel 4 stars B&B. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing, gear check and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.
Distance: 4.8km / 3mi | Duration: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft | Altitude Gained: 396m
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Distance: 17km / 5mi | Duration: 6-8 hours | Habitat: Moorland
Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3895m/12,779ft | Altitude Gained: 1110m
After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. This is a longer day that takes you directly to Shira 2 Camp, bypassing Shira 1. Temperatures begin to drop significantly.
Distance: 10.1km / 6mi | Duration: 5-7 hours | Habitat: Semi Desert
Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft | Altitude Gained: 91m
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth" (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
Distance: 5.2km / 3mi | Duration: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,253ft | Altitude Gained: 48m
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
Distance: 3.3km / 2mi | Duration: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4034m/13,253ft to 4662m/15,295ft | Altitude Gained: 628m
We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Distance: 5km / 3mi up, 11.5km / 8mi down | Duration: 5-7hrs up, 5-6hrs down
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft | Altitude Gained: 1233m
Descent to: 3090m/10,150ft | Altitude Lost: 2789m
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations! One step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest.
Distance: 9.1km / 5.7mi | Duration: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft | Altitude Lost: 1473m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it's time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
Discover other excellent routes to conquer Africa's highest peak, each offering unique experiences and challenges.
Our experienced climbing guides can help you choose the perfect route based on your fitness level, experience, and preferences.