7 Days Lemosho Route

Better Acclimatization

The gradual ascent and longer route offer more time for acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and increasing summit success rates.

Fewer Crowds

Compared to other popular routes like Marangu and Machame, the Lemosho Route is less crowded, providing a more serene and private trekking experience.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,600m)

• Distance: 8 km
• Time: 5-6 hours
• Terrain: Moorland
• The trek begins with a steady ascent through the rainforest, then transitions into the moorland zone. As you move higher, the landscape changes to more open areas with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ll camp at Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll be able to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,600m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)

• Distance: 8 km
• Time: 4-5 hours
• Terrain: Moorland
• Today’s hike is short and relatively easy, helping with acclimatization. The terrain is rocky and open, offering expansive views of the Shira Plateau. You will camp at Shira 2 Camp, which offers stunning vistas and is a great place to rest for the night.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m) via Lava Tower (4,630m)

• Distance: 10 km
• Time: 6-7 hours
• Terrain: Alpine Desert
• This day features a more challenging ascent as you pass Lava Tower (4,630m), a dramatic rock formation. The hike is designed to help with acclimatization, as you reach a higher altitude before descending to Barranco Camp (3,960m) for the night. The Barranco Camp sits in a beautiful valley and offers excellent views of the towering Barranco Wall.

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)

• Distance: 5 km
• Time: 4-5 hours
• Terrain: Alpine Desert
• This day involves navigating the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb. After this short but challenging section, you’ll continue on a moderate hike across the alpine desert terrain. The rest of the day is a relatively easy walk to Karanga Camp (4,035m), where you can rest and acclimatize.

Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)

• Distance: 7 km
• Time: 4-5 hours
• Terrain: Alpine Desert
• The trek today involves a steady ascent through alpine desert terrain. You will reach Barafu Camp, which sits at an altitude of 4,640m and is the base camp for your summit attempt. This is a critical day for acclimatization, so it’s important to rest and prepare for the final push. You’ll have an early dinner and rest for the night before your summit attempt.

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and down to Mweka Camp (3,080m)

• Distance: 12 km (up) + 8 km (down)
• Time: 12-15 hours (round trip)
• Terrain: Alpine Desert, Summit
• The summit day begins around midnight. You’ll hike in the dark to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) in the early morning, aiming to arrive at sunrise. The climb is strenuous due to the high altitude, but the sense of achievement at the summit is incredible. After spending some time at the top, you’ll begin your descent to Mweka Camp (3,080m) for the night. The descent can be easier on the legs but still requires focus.

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,080m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

• Distance: 10 km
• Time: 3-4 hours
• Terrain: Rainforest
• On the final day, you’ll descend through the rainforest zone back to Mweka Gate. This is a pleasant and relatively easy descent, and upon reaching the gate, you’ll be awarded your summit certificate if you’ve successfully reached Uhuru Peak.

Summary of the 7-Day Lemosho Route Itinerary:

• Day 1: Lemosho Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp
• Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp → Shira 1 Camp
• Day 3: Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp
• Day 4: Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
• Day 5: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
• Day 6: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp
• Day 7: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
• Day 8: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate

Why Choose the 7-Day Lemosho Route:

• Acclimatization: The gradual ascent of the Lemosho route offers better acclimatization, which increases your chances of reaching the summit.
• Scenery: The route takes you through varied landscapes, including rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the summit’s stark beauty.
• Less Crowded: Compared to the Marangu Route or Machame Route, Lemosho tends to be quieter, which can provide a more peaceful experience.
• Increased Summit Success Rate: The extended trek allows your body more time to adjust to the altitude, leading to a higher summit success rate.