7-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Itinerary
This is a true seven-day mountain itinerary. Distances, times and elevations below are approximate because camp placement, trail conditions, weather and individual pace can affect each day.
Day 1: Lemosho Trailhead to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After gate formalities and the drive to the western trailhead, begin through montane rainforest toward Mti Mkubwa. The forest can be wet and muddy, so waterproof boots and trekking poles are useful.
Approx.: 6 km · 2–3 hours · about 1,830 m to 2,650 m.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Leave the forest, climb through heath and moorland and continue across the Shira Plateau. This is a longer day with a substantial elevation gain and increasingly open views of Kibo.
Approx.: 16 km · 7–8 hours · about 2,650 m to 3,850 m.
Day 3: Shira 2 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Climb toward Lava Tower at roughly 4,600 m, then descend to Barranco Camp. Reaching a higher elevation and sleeping lower makes this one of the key acclimatization days on the route.
Approx.: 8 km · 5–6 hours · high point near 4,600 m, sleeping around 3,950–4,000 m.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Start with the Barranco Wall, where some sections require hands for balance but no technical climbing equipment. Continue across the southern circuit to Karanga Camp with views toward Kibo and the southern glaciers when weather is clear.
Approx.: 5 km · 3–4 hours · around 4,000 m to 4,050 m.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Continue through alpine desert toward Barafu, the base for the summit attempt. The afternoon is used for rest, hydration, an early meal and preparation of warm layers, headlamp, water and summit gear.
Approx.: 4 km · 3–4 hours · around 4,050 m to 4,700 m.
Day 6: Barafu to Uhuru Peak, then Descend to Mweka Camp
Begin around midnight for the steep ascent to Stella Point and, if health, weather and guide assessment allow, continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Descend to Barafu for a short break and then continue to Mweka Camp.
Approx.: 5 km ascent + 13 km descent · 5–7 hours up + 5–6 hours down.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Descend through the forest to Mweka Gate for park exit formalities. A vehicle transfer normally follows to Moshi or the accommodation specified in your written itinerary.
Approx.: 10 km · 3–5 hours, depending on trail conditions and pace.