7-days Lemosho route 2025/2027, There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north near Kenya. All routes except Marangu descend via Mweka.
Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via The Lemosho Route
As a newer route, it is more remote and arguably more beautiful, but a bit longer and slightly more expensive. It starts on the Western side of the mountain at the Londorossi Gate which is a further drive from town, and was introduced as an alternative to the Shira route.
7-days Lemosho route 2025/2027, After beautiful forests and moorlands it crosses the Shira Plateau on day 3 to connect with the Machame Route at Lava Tower and down towards Barranco Valley via the Southern Circuit. You may be lucky enough to see buffalo, elephant and other game. Because this route can be done over a longer period of time for acclimatization, it has a higher success rate of summit.
Day by day itinerary, 7-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp (2,780m), 7-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Elevation Gain: +680m
Time: 3-4 hours
Route: After a 2-hour drive from Moshi/Arusha to Londorossi Gate for registration, trek through lush montane forest. The trail is gentle, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys.
Highlights: Walk through the rainforest, surrounded by towering trees and diverse flora.
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (tents).
Meals: Lunch, dinner.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa (2,780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m), 7-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Elevation Gain: +720m
Time: 5-7 hours
Route: Leave the forest and enter the heather and moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper, offering views of the Shira Plateau and the surrounding valleys.
Highlights: Panoramic views of Mount Meru and the Shira Ridge.
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,840m), 7-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Elevation Gain: +340m
Time: 4-6 hours
Route: A gradual ascent across the plateau to Shira 2 Camp. You’ll trek through moorland with sparse vegetation.
Highlights: Clear views of Kibo Peak and the Shira Plateau’s volcanic landscape.
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,840m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m) via Lava Tower (4,630m), 7-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Elevation Gain/Loss: +790m/-670m
Time: 7-9 hours
Route: Trek to Lava Tower, a key acclimatization point, before descending to Barranco Camp.
Highlights: Lava Tower, a striking rock formation, and the principle of “climb high, sleep low” for acclimatization.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m), 7-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Elevation Gain: +75m
Time: 4-5 hours
Route: Start the day by tackling the Barranco Wall, a non-technical but exhilarating climb. Then traverse the ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp.
Highlights: Views of the Heim Glacier and Mount Meru, plus a shorter trekking day to aid acclimatization.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m), 7-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Elevation Gain: +605m
Time: 4-5 hours
Route: A gradual but steady ascent through alpine desert to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt.
Highlights: Rest and prepare mentally and physically for the final ascent.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,080m), 7-days Lemosho route 2025/2027
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,255m/-2,815m
Time: 12-16 hours
Route:
Start the summit attempt around midnight. Trek to Stella Point (5,730m) on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.
Descend back to Barafu Camp for rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp.
Highlights: Sunrise at Uhuru Peak and the joy of conquering the Roof of Africa!
Accommodation: Mweka Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Why Choose the 7-days Lemosho route 2025/2027?
Gradual Acclimatization: The route has a steady ascent profile and ample time to adjust to high altitudes.
Scenic Beauty: Traverse rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers, with incredible views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks.
Lower Crowds: The route starts at a quieter trailhead compared to Machame or Marangu.
Best Times to Climb
January to mid-March: Cooler, with a chance of snow on the summit.
June to October: Warmer, dry weather, with vibrant scenery and clear skies.
Package Inclusion & Exclusions
7-days Lemosho route 2025/2027 Tour Inclusions
- Guide, Porters
- Park Fees, Tax
- Gate transfer
- Crew wages
- Environment fees
- During the climb you will be camping throughout you climb!
- Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners
- Drinking water
- Cook
7-days Lemosho route 2025/2027 Tour Exclusions
- Flights
- Tipping the crew
- Visas