7-Day Luxury Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Itinerary
The seven days below are mountain trekking days. Elevations, distances and hiking times are approximate because trail conditions, pace, weather and campsite operations can change.
Day 1 – Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast and the pre-climb briefing, drive toward Londorossi Gate for park formalities, then continue to the Lemosho trailhead. Begin trekking through montane rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp for the first night on the mountain.
Approximate elevation: 1,830 m to 2,650 m
Distance: about 6 km
Hiking time: about 2–3 hours
Habitat: Montane forest
Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Leave the forest and climb into heath and moorland. The route rises across the Shira landscape, passing the Shira 1 area before continuing to Shira 2 Camp. This is a longer trekking day and an important transition to higher altitude.
Approximate elevation: 2,650 m to 3,850 m
Distance: about 16 km
Hiking time: about 7–8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Day 3 – Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Trek east toward Lava Tower, around 4,600 m, before descending to Barranco Camp. Ending the day lower than the high point gives the itinerary a useful “climb high, sleep lower” pattern while introducing the alpine environment.
Approximate sleeping elevation: around 3,950–4,000 m
Distance: about 8 km
Hiking time: about 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland to alpine desert
Day 4 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Start with the Barranco Wall, a steep hands-on scrambling section that is non-technical under normal route conditions. Continue through the southern circuit toward Karanga Camp, with changing views of Kibo and the upper mountain.
Approximate elevation: 4,000 m to 4,050 m
Distance: about 5 km
Hiking time: about 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 5 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Climb from Karanga toward Barafu, the high camp used before the summit attempt. Arrive with time to eat, organize summit clothing and equipment, rest and follow the guide’s final health and weather assessment.
Approximate elevation: 4,050 m to 4,700 m
Distance: about 4 km
Hiking time: about 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 6 – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Begin the summit attempt around midnight or early morning and climb toward Stella Point on the crater rim. Continue to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m only if weather, acclimatization and the guide’s safety assessment allow. After the summit section, descend past Barafu and continue to Mweka Camp. This is the longest and most demanding day of the itinerary.
Approximate elevation: 4,700 m to 5,895 m, then down to about 3,090 m
Distance: about 5 km up and 13 km down
Typical time: about 5–7 hours up plus 5–6 hours down
Day 7 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Descend through the lower forest to Mweka Gate, complete exit formalities and meet the road-transfer team. Your onward transfer to Moshi, Arusha or another agreed location follows the services written in your quotation.