Best 7 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climbing - 7 days
Tanzania - Trekking Tours
Tour Itinerary
Wild Horizon Tours’ Expert Advice on the 7-Day Lemosho Route
At Wild Horizon Tours, our Kilimanjaro specialists recommend the 7-day Lemosho route for trekkers seeking a balanced combination of challenge, scenery, and a strong chance of summit success. Known for its scenic beauty and lower crowds, this route offers a gradual ascent that supports proper acclimatization.
To prepare, we advise focusing on cardiovascular and strength training, as the trek involves long hiking days and steep climbs like the Barranco Wall. Follow the “climb high, sleep low” principle, stay hydrated, and pack essential gear: layered clothing, waterproof boots, a sub-zero rated sleeping bag, and trekking poles for stability on descent. A personal first-aid kit and understanding of altitude sickness symptoms are also crucial.
Our experienced guides at Wild Horizon Tours provide full pre-trek briefings, safety support, and logistical excellence to help you tackle the physical and technical demands of Kilimanjaro with confidence.
7-Day vs 6-Day Lemosho Route
Choosing between the 6 and 7-day Lemosho routes depends on your fitness level and acclimatization needs. The 7-day option includes an extra day, typically at Shira 2 Camp or Karanga Camp, giving your body more time to adapt to high altitude. This significantly improves summit success rates and reduces altitude-related risks.
In contrast, the 6-day route compresses the itinerary into fewer days with longer daily hikes and less rest. While still scenic and rewarding, it’s best suited for experienced hikers comfortable with a quicker pace and less acclimatization time.
7-Day vs 8-Day Lemosho Route
The 8-day Lemosho route adds another acclimatization day compared to the 7-day trek, often spent at Karanga Camp. This makes daily hikes shorter and gives you more time to rest and take in the stunning scenery. It’s ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed pace and want to maximize their summit success.
The 7-day route, while popular, requires slightly longer daily treks and demands a higher level of endurance. It’s best for reasonably fit hikers who want to balance time on the mountain with good acclimatization.
7-Day Lemosho Route vs 7-Day Machame Route
Both the Lemosho and Machame routes offer a 7-day itinerary with excellent acclimatization profiles, scenic beauty, and high summit success rates. However, they differ in starting points and acclimatization approaches.
Lemosho Route starts at a higher elevation (2100m) at Lemosho Gate, offering a head-start on acclimatization. Some may feel early discomfort, but this usually fades with continued trekking.
Machame Route begins at 1800m, allowing for a more gradual adjustment in the first few days. It also offers stunning views of Mount Meru from Machame Camp and Shira Cave.
Both routes are great choices, but Wild Horizon Tours recommends the Lemosho Route for those seeking a quieter, more remote trail with diverse landscapes and wildlife.
7 days Lemosho route itinerary offers the ultimate Kilimanjaro climbing experience, allowing you to conquer this majestic peak while immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Tanzania's landscape.
Day by day, you'll traverse the iconic Lemosho Route, known for its stunning scenery and gradual acclimatization. As you ascend through lush rainforests, traverse moorlands, and cross vast alpine deserts, you'll be captivated by the ever-changing landscapes that surround you.
Day 1
Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Distance covered : 7km / 4.3mi,
Approx. time taken : 4 hours,
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Today afer breakfast, we drive from Moshi town to Lemosho gate (2,385m/7,825ft), then hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m/9,252ft). upon your arrival at the Lemosho Gate in the west, you will register and begin your climb. You will hike through the rainforest to Mti Mkubwa, your first campsite for overight.
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 to Shira 2
Distance covered : 17km / 10.3mi,
Approx. time taken : 11 hrs,
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
you start hiking in the morning from Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m/9,252ft) to Shira Camp 1 (3,505m/11,500ft) and finally to Shira Camp 2 (3,810m/12,500ft). It takes approximately 10-11 hours to complete the today's entire climb. The toay's trek will take you through the heather and moorland zones.You will reach Shira 1 campsite in the afternoon where you will have hot lunch and continue to climb up towards the Shira Cathedral and Shira Plateau. You will have stunning views of the Kibo peak and the Western Breach. You will reach the Shira 2 campsite in the evening for dinner and overnight
Day 3
Shira 2 to Barranco
Distance covered : 10km / 6.2mi,
Approx. time taken : 6 hours.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After breakfast, you will hike from Shira Camp 2 (3,810m/12,500ft). You cross the junction which connects the Lemosho Route and Machame Route at Shira Cave trail then head to Barranco Camp (3,960m/12,992ft) This trek takes you through the Lava Tower, which is at an altitude of 4,640 meters. You will then descend to Barranco Camp located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley, where you will spend the night.
Day 4
Barranco to Karanga
Distance covered : 5km / 3.4mi,
Approx. time taken : 4 hours,
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Include.
Today hike 5km from Barranco Campsite (3,960m/12,992ft) to Karanga Campsite (3,995m/13,106ft) for overnight. This climb will take 4 hours to complete. To get at karanga camp, you will climb the Barranco Wall and continue through the Karanga Valley which will lead you up the Karanga campsite in the afternoon.
Day 5
Karanga to Barafu
Distance covered : 4km / 1.9mi,
Approx. time taken : 4 hours,
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hike for 4km from Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,106ft),crossing the Mweka trail to Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,331ft). This hike will take 4 hours to complete. The today's climb starts in the morning with 4 hours of demanding walking to Barafu, the final campsite before the summit. Here you will rest and prepare for the summit attempt in the midnight around 12:30pm.
Day 6
Summit Day - Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp.
Distance covered : 14km / 8.3mi,
Approx. time taken : 16 hours,
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Hike from Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,331ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft), then descend to Mweka Camp. This hike will take 16 hours to complete. You will start your summit attempt in the midnight and reach the summit at sunrise. You will climb up to Stella Point and then on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. After taking in the breathtaking views from the summit, you will descend back to Barafu for a short rest and then continue down to Mweka campsite for the night.
Day 7
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Distance covered : 13km / 7.5mi,
Approx. time taken : 7 hours,
Meals : Breakfast & Lunch Included.
After breakfast, you will continue your descent through the rainforest, from Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,171ft) to the Mweka Gate. You will receive your summit certificates and then be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest.
At Wild Horizon Tours, our Kilimanjaro specialists recommend the 7-day Lemosho route for trekkers seeking a balanced combination of challenge, scenery, and a strong chance of summit success. Known for its scenic beauty and lower crowds, this route offers a gradual ascent that supports proper acclimatization.
To prepare, we advise focusing on cardiovascular and strength training, as the trek involves long hiking days and steep climbs like the Barranco Wall. Follow the “climb high, sleep low” principle, stay hydrated, and pack essential gear: layered clothing, waterproof boots, a sub-zero rated sleeping bag, and trekking poles for stability on descent. A personal first-aid kit and understanding of altitude sickness symptoms are also crucial.
Our experienced guides at Wild Horizon Tours provide full pre-trek briefings, safety support, and logistical excellence to help you tackle the physical and technical demands of Kilimanjaro with confidence.
7-Day vs 6-Day Lemosho Route
Choosing between the 6 and 7-day Lemosho routes depends on your fitness level and acclimatization needs. The 7-day option includes an extra day, typically at Shira 2 Camp or Karanga Camp, giving your body more time to adapt to high altitude. This significantly improves summit success rates and reduces altitude-related risks.
In contrast, the 6-day route compresses the itinerary into fewer days with longer daily hikes and less rest. While still scenic and rewarding, it’s best suited for experienced hikers comfortable with a quicker pace and less acclimatization time.
7-Day vs 8-Day Lemosho Route
The 8-day Lemosho route adds another acclimatization day compared to the 7-day trek, often spent at Karanga Camp. This makes daily hikes shorter and gives you more time to rest and take in the stunning scenery. It’s ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed pace and want to maximize their summit success.
The 7-day route, while popular, requires slightly longer daily treks and demands a higher level of endurance. It’s best for reasonably fit hikers who want to balance time on the mountain with good acclimatization.
7-Day Lemosho Route vs 7-Day Machame Route
Both the Lemosho and Machame routes offer a 7-day itinerary with excellent acclimatization profiles, scenic beauty, and high summit success rates. However, they differ in starting points and acclimatization approaches.
Lemosho Route starts at a higher elevation (2100m) at Lemosho Gate, offering a head-start on acclimatization. Some may feel early discomfort, but this usually fades with continued trekking.
Machame Route begins at 1800m, allowing for a more gradual adjustment in the first few days. It also offers stunning views of Mount Meru from Machame Camp and Shira Cave.
Both routes are great choices, but Wild Horizon Tours recommends the Lemosho Route for those seeking a quieter, more remote trail with diverse landscapes and wildlife.
7 days Lemosho route itinerary offers the ultimate Kilimanjaro climbing experience, allowing you to conquer this majestic peak while immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Tanzania's landscape.
Day by day, you'll traverse the iconic Lemosho Route, known for its stunning scenery and gradual acclimatization. As you ascend through lush rainforests, traverse moorlands, and cross vast alpine deserts, you'll be captivated by the ever-changing landscapes that surround you.
Day 1
Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Distance covered : 7km / 4.3mi,
Approx. time taken : 4 hours,
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Today afer breakfast, we drive from Moshi town to Lemosho gate (2,385m/7,825ft), then hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m/9,252ft). upon your arrival at the Lemosho Gate in the west, you will register and begin your climb. You will hike through the rainforest to Mti Mkubwa, your first campsite for overight.
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 to Shira 2
Distance covered : 17km / 10.3mi,
Approx. time taken : 11 hrs,
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
you start hiking in the morning from Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m/9,252ft) to Shira Camp 1 (3,505m/11,500ft) and finally to Shira Camp 2 (3,810m/12,500ft). It takes approximately 10-11 hours to complete the today's entire climb. The toay's trek will take you through the heather and moorland zones.You will reach Shira 1 campsite in the afternoon where you will have hot lunch and continue to climb up towards the Shira Cathedral and Shira Plateau. You will have stunning views of the Kibo peak and the Western Breach. You will reach the Shira 2 campsite in the evening for dinner and overnight
Day 3
Shira 2 to Barranco
Distance covered : 10km / 6.2mi,
Approx. time taken : 6 hours.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After breakfast, you will hike from Shira Camp 2 (3,810m/12,500ft). You cross the junction which connects the Lemosho Route and Machame Route at Shira Cave trail then head to Barranco Camp (3,960m/12,992ft) This trek takes you through the Lava Tower, which is at an altitude of 4,640 meters. You will then descend to Barranco Camp located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley, where you will spend the night.
Day 4
Barranco to Karanga
Distance covered : 5km / 3.4mi,
Approx. time taken : 4 hours,
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Include.
Today hike 5km from Barranco Campsite (3,960m/12,992ft) to Karanga Campsite (3,995m/13,106ft) for overnight. This climb will take 4 hours to complete. To get at karanga camp, you will climb the Barranco Wall and continue through the Karanga Valley which will lead you up the Karanga campsite in the afternoon.
Day 5
Karanga to Barafu
Distance covered : 4km / 1.9mi,
Approx. time taken : 4 hours,
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hike for 4km from Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,106ft),crossing the Mweka trail to Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,331ft). This hike will take 4 hours to complete. The today's climb starts in the morning with 4 hours of demanding walking to Barafu, the final campsite before the summit. Here you will rest and prepare for the summit attempt in the midnight around 12:30pm.
Day 6
Summit Day - Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp.
Distance covered : 14km / 8.3mi,
Approx. time taken : 16 hours,
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Hike from Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,331ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft), then descend to Mweka Camp. This hike will take 16 hours to complete. You will start your summit attempt in the midnight and reach the summit at sunrise. You will climb up to Stella Point and then on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. After taking in the breathtaking views from the summit, you will descend back to Barafu for a short rest and then continue down to Mweka campsite for the night.
Day 7
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Distance covered : 13km / 7.5mi,
Approx. time taken : 7 hours,
Meals : Breakfast & Lunch Included.
After breakfast, you will continue your descent through the rainforest, from Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,171ft) to the Mweka Gate. You will receive your summit certificates and then be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest.
Wild Horizon Tours
Date posted:
2025-05-10Tour type:
Trekking ToursCountry:
TanzaniaIncludes:
Includes airport transfers, accommodation, all park fees, guides, porters, meals, gear, rescue fees, VAT, and summit certificate, everything for a safe, supported Kilimanjaro climb.Excludes:
Excludes visa, flights, personal gear (available to rent), tips, travel insurance, personal expenses, extra meals, and alcoholic or bottled beverages.Attachment:
N/AMore Tour packages in Tanzania
