LEMOSHO ROUTE 7 DAYS HIGHLIGHTS
Mount Kilimanjaro lemosho route, Experience Signature Camping! Spacious tents, deluxe comfort, amazing meals and more!7-day Lemosho route itinerary for summiting Mount Kilimanjaro—an ideal balance between challenge and acclimatization:
- Summit Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the seven summits of the world at 19,340′
- Navigate Kilimanjaro’s Lemosho Route, the most scenic on the mountain
- Cross 6 ecological zones from lush rainforest to the harsh, beautiful arctic zone
- Follow expert African guides, full of knowledge of the mountain and its environs
The Lemosho Route is a scenic and less crowded route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its high success rate and varied landscapes. It typically takes 7-8 days, starting on the western side of the mountain and gradually ascending through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert before reaching the summit.
🏞️ Overview
The 7‑day Lemosho is a private‑group itinerary that begins on the less crowded west side. It’s scenic, spans multiple eco‑zones, and offers excellent acclimatization—with an 87–96 % summit success rate
📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa (Forest Camp)
- Start: Londonrossi Gate (~2,385 m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (~2,780 m)
- Duration: ~3–4 h through montane rainforest, wildlife views
Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation: ~2,820 m → ~3,610 m
- Duration: 5–6 h across heather & moorland; panoramic Kibo
Day 3 – Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation: ~3,610 m → ~3,850 m
- Duration: ~3–4 h; easy, flat acclimatization day
Day 4 – Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
- Climb to Lava Tower (~4,640 m), then descend to Barranco (~3,960 m) “walk-high, sleep-low”
- Distance: ~10–11 km, 6–8 h
Day 5 – Barranco → Karanga → Barafu Camp
- Ascend Barranco Wall, traverse to Karanga (~4,035 m), then up to Barafu (~4,640 m)
- Duration: 3–5 7
Day 6 – Summit Day: Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
- Depart ~midnight; summit (~5,895 m) via Stella Point (~5,739 m)
- Then descend to Barafu for lunch, continuing to Mweka (~3,080 m)
- Duration: 10–15 h, ~19 km
Day 7 – Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi
- Descend through rainforest (~1,450 m drop) over 2–3 h, exit gate ceremony, then transfer to Moshi
✅ Highlights & Considerations
- Acclimatization-focused: Built‑in rest and high‑low days raise success rates (~90 + %)
- Scenic variety: Lush forest → moorlands → volcanic desert → glaciers—widely regarded as one of the most beautiful routes
- Demanding summit/descent: Day 6 is the hardest, and the descent lasts 10–15 h—prepare physically
- Private-only: The 7-day version is typically offered only to private groups
✏️ Tips
- Train with long hikes and back-to-back days to mimic summit/decent strain.
- Support your knees for the steep downhill with poles or braces (many report knee pain)
- Pack layers, hydration, and high-calorie snacks—especially for summit night.
- Choose a reputable operator with well-trained guides—Reddit recommends ones like Ramblin Travel or Job’s crew