7 days Lemosho route Climbing Mt.Kilimanjaro

After breakfast, depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate (approximately 4 hours’ drive) for registration and park formalities. You will then continue by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead. The trek begins through untouched montane rainforest, rich in birdlife and wildlife, gradually ascending to Forest Camp. Elevation: 7,800 ft to 9,500 ft Distance: 6 km Hiking Time: 3–4 hours Habitat: Rainforest Meals: Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Camping

The trail climbs steadily out of the forest into the moorland zone, where the vegetation opens into rolling hills covered with heather and volcanic rock. You cross several streams before reaching the Shira Ridge, then descend slightly to Shira Camp 1, with spectacular views of Kibo Peak. Elevation: 9,500 ft to 11,500 ft Distance: 8 km Hiking Time: 5–6 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Camping

This day is spent crossing the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth. The walk is gradual and scenic, passing Shira Camp 2 before continuing to Moir Hut, located at the base of the Lent Hills. Optional acclimatization hikes around the Lent Hills are available, making this an excellent day for altitude adaptation. Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft Distance: 14 km Hiking Time: 5–7 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Camping

The route continues eastward toward the Lava Tower (Shark’s Tooth), reaching approximately 15,200 ft before descending into the Barranco Valley. This “climb high, sleep low” day is critical for acclimatization. Barranco Camp is set beneath the imposing Barranco Wall, with dramatic views of glaciers and valleys. Elevation: 13,800 ft to 13,000 ft Distance: 7 km Hiking Time: 4–6 hours Habitat: Semi-desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Camping

After breakfast, you ascend the Barranco Wall, a non-technical but steep climb requiring careful footing. The trail then traverses ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp before continuing to Barafu Camp. Here, you complete the Southern Circuit and enjoy panoramic views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Early dinner and rest are essential in preparation for summit night. Elevation: 13,000 ft to 15,000 ft Distance: 9 km Hiking Time: 8–10 hours Habitat: Alpine desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Camping

Summit day begins between midnight and 2:00 am. You ascend slowly through scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most demanding section of the climb, both physically and mentally. From Stella Point, a final one-hour traverse leads to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), the highest point in Africa. After photos and a short celebration, descend to Barafu Camp for lunch, then continue to Mweka Camp. The descent is steep and gravelly; trekking poles and gaiters are highly recommended. Elevation: 15,300 ft to 19,345 ft, then down to 10,000 ft Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent Hiking Time: 7–8 hours ascent / 4–6 hours descent Habitat: Arctic to rainforest Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Camping

After breakfast, descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. Continue to Mweka Village, where your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest. Elevation: 10,000 ft to 5,400 ft Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 3–4 hours Habitat: Rainforest Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi