Lemosho Route 7-Day Kilimanjaro Itinerary: Day-by-Day Guide
Date Published
Day 1: Lemosho Starting Point to Big Tree Camp
Start: Lemosho Starting Point (2385m)
End: Big Tree Camp (2708m)
Distance: Approximately 4.8km
Hiking Time: About 2 hours
Your adventure begins with a 2-hour drive from Moshi town to the starting point of the Lemosho climb. Enjoy the scenic drive through rural Tanzanian landscapes, often humorously called an “African massage” due to the bumpy roads. After paying park fees at the Londorossi Gate, continue to the starting point at 2385m. Begin your hike through the forest, keeping an eye out for black and white colobus monkeys and possibly even buffalo or elephants. Tonight, you will camp at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp, named for its large conifer trees that provide shade.
Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Start: Big Tree Camp (2708m)
End: Shira 2 Camp (3840m)
Distance: Approximately 14km
Hiking Time: About 9 hours
This will be one of your longest hiking days, taking you from the forested glades to the moorland zone with stunning views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak. Your guide will ensure a slow pace to prevent altitude sickness. The trail features small ups and downs before climbing to a ridge, then eastward along the Ngare Nairobi River and emergency 4x4 track. After lunch, trek across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp, located by a moorland stream, where a hearty meal awaits.
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Start: Shira 2 Camp (3840m)
End: Barranco Camp (3950m)
Via: Lava Tower (4600m)
Distance: Approximately 10.5km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Your final morning on the quieter Lemosho route begins with a steady uphill walk through the alpine desert ecosystem. Join the Machame Route trekkers before taking a detour to Lava Tower Rock (4600m) for additional acclimatization. After a challenging morning, descend to Barranco Camp, where a warm cup of soup will welcome you at dinner.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Start: Barranco Camp (3980m)
End: Karanga Camp (4035m)
Distance: Approximately 6.6km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
This shorter day begins with a climb up to Breakfast Rock, offering beautiful views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru. You’ll trek through a series of ups and downs before reaching the valley, the last water point on the Machame Route. Then continue your ascent to Karanga Camp, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing afternoon before dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Start: Karanga Camp (4035m)
End: Barafu Camp (4640m)
Distance: Approximately 3.9km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
The trail becomes steeper as you approach Barafu Camp, passing volcanic rocks from previous
eruptions. Arrive at Barafu Camp around 1pm for a hot lunch and rest. Prepare for the summit
night with some sleep, as the camp gets quite cold after sunset.
Summit Night: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Start: Barafu Camp (4640m)
End: Uhuru Peak (5895m)
Distance: Approximately 10.8km (round trip)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 2-3 hours descent to Barafu Camp
At around 11pm, your guide will wake you for the final ascent to the summit. Proceed slowly to
allow your body to cope with the altitude. Upon reaching Stella Point (5735m), you will have a
short walk to Uhuru Peak, where you will witness a magnificent sunrise. Celebrate your
achievement with your guide before descending back to Barafu Camp.
Day 6: Summit to Mweka Camp
Start: Uhuru Peak (5895m)
End: Mweka Camp (3080m)
Distance: Approximately 10.8km
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours descent to Barafu Camp, 4-5 hours to Mweka Camp
After a short rest and breakfast at Barafu Camp, continue your descent through varying terrains to Mweka Camp, arriving around 5pm. Enjoy the celebratory atmosphere at camp before an early night.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Start: Mweka Camp (3080m)
End: Mweka Gate (1800m)
Distance: Approximately 8.5km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Descend through the montane forest, watching for monkeys and birds, until you reach Mweka
Gate. Sign out of the park and transfer back to our office in town for your certificate
presentation, then return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.