Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 7 Days Itinerary
Trek Kilimanjaro via the scenic and less-crowded Lemosho Route with this 7 Days Itinerary from Jayva African Adventures. Great for acclimatization and summit success.
Trek Kilimanjaro via the scenic and less-crowded Lemosho Route with this 7 Days Itinerary from Jayva African Adventures. Great for acclimatization and summit success.
The 7 Days Lemosho Route offers one of the most scenic and well-balanced treks to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route starts from the western side of the mountain and joins the Machame route later, giving climbers more time to acclimatize and explore diverse landscapes. With lower traffic and a gradual ascent profile, the Lemosho Route is ideal for those seeking high summit success rates and a less crowded trail.
After breakfast and briefing in Moshi/Arusha, drive approximately 3–4 hours to Londorossi Gate (2,250m) for registration. Then continue by vehicle to the Lemosho starting point. Begin your hike through the lush montane rainforest, watching for black-and-white colobus monkeys. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m) after 3–4 hours of trekking.
Climb out of the rainforest and into the heather and moorland zone. The trail steepens as you ascend the Shira Ridge and drop gently down to Shira 1 Camp (3,610m), located on the Shira Plateau. The day’s trek takes about 5–6 hours with rewarding views of Kibo Peak in the distance.
Today is a short and easy day allowing for further acclimatization. Traverse the Shira Plateau, with stunning views of volcanic formations and Mount Meru in the background. Reach Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) in 3–4 hours and rest in preparation for higher elevation tomorrow.
Ascend steadily to Lava Tower (4,630m), an important acclimatization point. After lunch and rest at Lava Tower, descend to Barranco Camp (3,950m). This day involves a “climb high, sleep low” approach, helping your body adjust to altitude. The hike takes 6–7 hours through alpine desert terrain and leads to one of the most scenic campsites beneath the Barranco Wall.
Begin your day by tackling the Barranco Wall, a challenging but non-technical scramble with magnificent views. Continue on undulating terrain through valleys and ridges to Karanga Camp (3,995m). This is a short 4–5 hour trek that allows more acclimatization before summit night.
A steady 3–4 hour climb takes you to Barafu Camp (4,673m), your base camp before the summit attempt. The environment becomes more desolate, and you’ll rest in the early evening after dinner. Prepare all gear and clothing for the cold ascent, as your summit push begins at midnight.
Wake up around midnight for your summit trek. Hike in the dark with headlamps up steep switchbacks to Stella Point (5,739m), where you’ll rest briefly before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement, take photos, and begin the descent. Return to Barafu for brunch and then descend further to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for overnight. Total trekking time: 12–15 hours.
After breakfast, complete your descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m). Receive your summit certificate and say goodbye to your crew before driving back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Trek time: 3–4 hours.
"Explore the untouched western slopes of Kilimanjaro — the 7-day Lemosho Route offers the perfect balance of beauty, challenge, and acclimatization."
It’s less crowded, more scenic, and offers a better acclimatization profile. It’s ideal for first-timers seeking a high success rate.
The route includes rainforest trails, alpine meadows, lava ridges, and high-altitude desert before reaching the icy summit zone.
Yes, especially with the extra day spent crossing Shira Plateau and the “climb high, sleep low” strategy at Lava Tower and Barranco.
Typically over 85%, thanks to the gradual ascent and well-planned acclimatization stops.
The 7 Days Lemosho Route is one of the most rewarding ways to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro, combining scenic beauty, solitude, and the best conditions for summit success.