Route
7 Days Lemosho Route
Duration
7 Days
Trek Highlights
Experience the ultimate 7-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking adventure on the Lemosho Route, renowned for its stunning beauty and high success rates. This less-crowded trail offers breathtaking views as you journey through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and dramatic ridgelines. Designed for gradual acclimatization, the route provides the perfect balance of adventure and comfort, ensuring a rewarding climb to Uhuru Peak. Guided by experienced professionals, this trek promises unforgettable moments as you conquer Africa’s tallest mountain!
Itinerary
- Arrival Day: Arrive in JRO/ Transfer Arusha
- Day 1: Forest Camp 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft, 4 miles, approx. 3-4 hours From Arusha
- Day 2: Forest Camp to Moir Hut Camp 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft, 5 miles, approx. 5-6 hours
- Day 3: Moir Hut Camp to Barranco Camp 13,800 ft to 15,223 ft (Lava Tower), down to 13,044 ft, 7km, 4-6 hours
- Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp 13,044 ft to 13,123 ft, 3 miles, 4-5 hours
- Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp 15,288 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,467 ft, 3 miles ascent, 7 miles descent, 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
- Day 6: Barafu to the Summit to Mweka Camp 12,467 ft to 5,380 ft, 6 miles, 3-4 hours
- Day 7: Mweka Camp to Arusha
Day By Day Description
Arrival Day: Arrive in JRO / Transfer to Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and clearing customs, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Once there, you’ll have a detailed briefing with your climbing manager and guide. They will review the itinerary and conduct an equipment check to ensure you’re fully prepared. This session will ensure you’re ready for the upcoming climb.
Day 1: Forest Camp 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft, 4 miles, approx. 3-4 hours From Arusha
After breakfast, you’ll depart by vehicle for the scenic drive to the Londorossi Gate, the starting point of the Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro. This route begins in the lush Afromontane Rainforest, the first of Kilimanjaro’s four ecological zones, offering a great opportunity to spot wildlife along the way. You’ll meet your full crew and begin the trek at a relaxed pace, with a picnic lunch on the trail. By mid-afternoon, you’ll reach the camp, ready to rest and prepare for the next day’s adventure on your Kilimanjaro trekking journey.
Overnight at Forest Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 2: Forest Camp to Moir Hut Camp 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft, 5 miles, approx. 5-6 hours
As you ascend from the forested slopes of the Lemosho Route, you’ll pass through a podocarpus and juniper forest before emerging onto the heather-draped volcanic rocks of the Shira Plateau. This plateau, once Kilimanjaro’s third peak before it collapsed, offers stunning views of the majestic Kibo peak. You’ll enjoy a lunch on the trail, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive at camp, ready to rest and continue your unforgettable Kilimanjaro trekking adventure.
Overnight at Moir Hut. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 3: Moir Hut Camp to Barranco Camp 13,800 ft to 15,223 ft (Lava Tower), down to 13,044 ft, 7km, 4-6 hours
From Moir, you’ll traverse the slopes of Kibo, where the harsh conditions make it difficult for most flora and fauna to survive. A scenic lunch stop is usually made near the Lava Tower, a striking volcanic rock formation, with the option to climb its 300-foot height for stunning views. Afterward, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, passing through the unique ‘Garden of the Senecios,’ home to giant groundsel and lobelias. The Barranco Valley, with its breathtaking scenery, is one of the most picturesque sections of the Kilimanjaro trekking experience.
Overnight at Barranco Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp 13,044 ft to 13,123 ft, 3 miles, 4-5 hours
After tackling the challenging Barranco Wall, you’ll have a shorter day as you ascend to Karanga Camp, using all four limbs to climb the wall and reach the top of Karanga Valley. The trail then winds through a series of inclines and declines before reaching the camp in the late afternoon. Karanga Camp is strategically located for optimal acclimatization at high altitude, ensuring a safer trek. Enjoy a breathtaking sunset with panoramic views of the southern glacial valleys and towering ice fields, a highlight of your Kilimanjaro trekking journey.
Overnight at Karanga Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp 15,288 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,467 ft, 3 miles ascent, 7 miles descent, 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
Today’s trek is a shorter ascent to Barafu Camp, where you’ll enjoy lunch and ample time to rest before your summit attempt. Located in a desolate alpine desert, Barafu Camp is often buffeted by strong winds, but offers stunning evening views of Mawenzi Peak. After a relaxing break, you’ll have an early dinner to prepare for the upcoming summit challenge. This crucial rest day is essential for your Kilimanjaro trekking experience, ensuring you’re fully ready for the final ascent.
Overnight at Barafu Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 6: Barafu to the Summit to Mweka Camp 12,467 ft to 5,380 ft, 6 miles, 3-4 hours
Departing just before midnight, you begin your final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro, where patience and persistence are key in the cold, windy conditions. By dawn, you’ll reach Stella Point (18,652ft) on the crater rim, where you’ll be treated to a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. From Stella Point, it’s a relatively short, final push to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa, where you can celebrate your incredible achievement with photos. Afterward, enjoy a scenic descent through the rainforest to Mweka Camp, where you’ll arrive before dusk, feeling lighthearted despite your tired legs after an unforgettable Kilimanjaro trekking experience.
Overnight at Mweka Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Arusha
After a rewarding breakfast, you’ll begin your descent through the lush montane forest. By midday, after bidding farewell to your dedicated crew, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower. This marks the end of your epic Kilimanjaro trekking adventure, having completed a journey through varying landscapes and high altitudes. With 4-7 hours of trekking, it’s a perfect way to reflect on your summit achievement and enjoy the comforts of your hotel.
Departure Day
Pick up from the hotel and be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for your flight.
Included
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
- All Park fees Airport transfers Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Oximeter
- Medical Kit
- Emergency oxygen
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Accommodation in Arusha
- Portable toilet
Excluded
- Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending monies for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
