7 Days Thrilling Mount Kilimanjaro Hike Lemosho Route Climbing

Highlights

- Scenic start through Montane Forest at Mti Mkubwa
- Crossing the Shira Ridge with panoramic views
- Trekking across the Shira Plateau
- Acclimatization at Lava Tower (Shark’s Tooth)
- Overnight at Barranco Camp with giant Senecio plants
- Climbing the famous Barranco Wall

The 7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Hike via the Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and successful ways to climb Africa’s highest mountain. Starting from the quiet western side of Kilimanjaro, this route offers excellent acclimatization, fewer crowds in the early days, and a gradual ascent that greatly improves summit success.

This itinerary is ideal for trekkers who want a well-paced Kilimanjaro climbing experience without rushing the altitude gain. Over seven days, you’ll pass through dense montane forest, open moorland, high-altitude desert, and eventually reach the snow-capped summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

The Lemosho Route joins the southern circuit of the mountain, allowing your body more time to adapt while delivering sweeping views and varied landscapes. From my experience covering trekking routes across East Africa, this route consistently stands out for both safety and scenery.

Itineraries Expand all

Day 1: Arusha to Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Begin your Mount Kilimanjaro Hike with a drive to Lemosho Gate. Trek through lush montane forest to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m).

- Elevation: 1,830m to 2,650m

- Distance: 6 km

- Hiking Time: 2–3 hours

- Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Continue your Mount Kilimanjaro Hike into moorland, crossing streams and ridges before reaching Shira 2 Camp (3,850m).

- Elevation: 2,650m to 3,850m

- Distance: 16 km

- Hiking Time: 7–8 hours

- Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp.

Ascend towards Lava Tower (4,650m) for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp (4,000m). This day of the Mount Kilimanjaro Hike is crucial for altitude adjustment.

- Elevation: 3,850m to 4,000m

- Distance: 8 km

- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

- Habitat: Semi‑desert
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Climb the iconic Barranco Wall, then trek to Karanga Camp (4,050m). This section of the Mount Kilimanjaro Hike offers dramatic alpine desert scenery.

- Elevation: 4,000m to 4,050m

- Distance: 5 km

- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Complete the South Circuit and arrive at Barafu Camp (4,700m), the base for summit night. The Mount Kilimanjaro Hike here provides stunning summit views.

- Elevation: 4,050m to 4,700m

- Distance: 4 km

- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Summit day of the Mount Kilimanjaro Hike begins at midnight. Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa, then descend to Mweka Camp (3,090m).

- Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m, down to 3,090m

- Distance: 5 km up / 13 km down

- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours up / 5–6 hours down

- Habitat: Ice‑capped summit and stone scree
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Arusha.

Final descent of the Mount Kilimanjaro Hike through rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,680m). Collect your summit certificate before returning to Arusha.

- Elevation: 3,090m to 1,680m