The 7-day Lemosho Route is an excellent option for those looking to summit Mount Kilimanjaro with a balance between optimal acclimatization and a more condensed schedule. The Lemosho Route is known for its beautiful landscapes and gradual ascent, and with the 7-day itinerary, you'll have enough time for acclimatization while still reaching the summit in a relatively short amount of time.
Why Choose the 7-Day Lemosho Route?
- Balanced Acclimatization: The 7-day itinerary is designed to give climbers adequate time to acclimatize, reducing the risk of altitude sickness while still completing the trek in a shorter amount of time than the 8-day route.
- Scenic Beauty: The route is one of the most scenic on the mountain, passing through diverse ecosystems, from rainforest to alpine desert and snow-capped peaks.
- Less Crowded: Compared to more popular routes like Machame or Marangu, Lemosho sees fewer climbers, offering a more peaceful and immersive experience.
- Good Success Rate: The extra day of acclimatization (compared to 6-day routes) significantly improves your chances of reaching the summit.
Considerations:
- Fitness: While the 7-day route is moderate, the summit day can be physically demanding, requiring good endurance.
- Weather: Weather on the mountain can vary, so pack accordingly for all conditions, including snow and rain.
The 7-day Lemosho Route offers a perfect combination of a scenic experience, manageable altitude gains, and the opportunity for acclimatization
Day 1 : Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our representative will be waiting for you. He will take you to the hotel in Arusha, where the rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening you will be briefed by our team on site in preparation of the upcoming trekking tour.
Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
We depart Arusha 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.
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 3:Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
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. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Health
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
Day 5:Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
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.
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6:Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Elevation: 13,000ft to 15,000ft
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7:Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
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.
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
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
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 8:Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
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 A vehicle will drive us back to the hotel in Arusha.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 9: Departure day
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Arusha town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
| Number of Pax | 1pax | 2 -3pax | 4-5pax | 6-7pax | 8-10pax |
| Price per person | $2,840 | $2,130 | $1,780 | $1,670 | $1,610 |
