7-Day Budget Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Itinerary
Quick answer: the seven days below are seven mountain trekking days. Pre-climb briefing, hotel nights and airport services are outside the seven trekking days unless your written quotation states otherwise.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate and Lemosho Trailhead to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast and a pre-climb check, drive toward the western side of Kilimanjaro for park registration at Londorossi. Continue to the Lemosho trailhead and begin the trek through rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp. The first day is deliberately paced as you settle into the mountain routine.
- Approximate hiking: about 6 km, normally 3–4 hours depending on trail conditions and pace
- Terrain: rainforest
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Leave the forest and climb into heath and moorland as the trail reaches the broad Shira Plateau. This is a longer trekking day and the change in elevation is noticeable. Your guide controls the pace and rest stops as you continue toward Shira 2 Camp.
- Approximate hiking: a full trekking day, commonly around 6–8 hours
- Terrain: heath and moorland
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Trek east toward Lava Tower, which is around 4,600 m, before descending to Barranco Camp. Going higher during the day and sleeping lower is a useful acclimatization pattern, although altitude symptoms can still occur and should be reported to your guide immediately.
- Approximate hiking: about 5–7 hours, depending on route conditions and pace
- Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Start with the Barranco Wall, a steep scramble that requires careful movement but is not a technical rock climb on the standard trekking line. Continue across a series of ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp. The separate Karanga overnight is one of the defining features of this seven-day schedule.
- Approximate hiking: about 5 km, normally 3–5 hours
- Terrain: high-altitude rocky and alpine-desert terrain
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Climb gradually from Karanga toward Barafu, the high camp used before the summit attempt. Arriving earlier gives time to eat, hydrate, prepare clothing and equipment, and rest before the night ascent.
- Approximate hiking: about 4 km, normally 3–4 hours
- Overnight: Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, Then Descend to Mweka Camp
The summit attempt normally starts late at night or around midnight. Climb toward Stella Point and continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m if weather, acclimatization and the guide's safety assessment allow. After the summit attempt, descend to Barafu for a rest and continue lower to Mweka Camp.
- Approximate distance: about 5 km ascent plus 12–13 km descent
- Challenge: this is the longest and most demanding day of the itinerary
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Descend through the forest to Mweka Gate, complete the park exit process and meet the transfer vehicle. Your onward transfer and any post-climb hotel stay should match the services stated in your written quotation.
- Approximate hiking: around 10 km, normally 3–4 hours
- Finish: Mweka Gate