7-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing via Lemosho Route

You’ll be picked up and transferred to Kilimanjaro National Park, entering through the Londorossi Gate on the mountain’s western side. The day’s trek follows a quiet, rarely used trail through dense montane forest, where vegetation often spills onto the path. Wildlife and plant life here are richer and more untouched than on the busier routes.

The day ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree), set deep within the rainforest.

Elevation: 3,000 ft to 9,170 ft

Distance: 4 km

After breakfast, leave the forest behind and begin climbing into the heath and moorland zone. After lunch, the trail opens up as you enter the Shira Caldera—a high-altitude desert plateau that feels worlds away from the rainforest. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, Shira is one of Kilimanjaro’s original volcanic cones and is scattered with lava flows from Kibo.

Today also brings your first close-up views of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s summit rising dramatically ahead.

Elevation: 9,170 ft to 13,650 ft

Distance: 10 km

After breakfast, begin the climb toward Lava Tower Lower Camp at 15,200 ft (4,633 m), where you stop for lunch and give your body time to acclimatize. Afterward, descend through the striking giant senecio forest to Barranco Camp, set on a scenic ridge below the Barranco Wall.

This is where the Lemosho and Machame routes meet, and you’ll start to see more climbers joining the ascent.

Highest altitude: approx. 12,950 ft

After breakfast, tackle the day’s main challenge: the climb up the Barranco Wall, a 500-ft lava flow. While not technical, it’s a steady and rewarding ascent. Once at the top, the trail becomes easier and opens to stunning views of Kibo’s jagged peaks, crags, and crevasses to your left.

The route then descends into the Karanga Valley before climbing again to reach your overnight camp. Sunset here is often spectacular.

Highest altitude: approx. 13,200 ft

Distance: 5.8 km

Today’s trek is shorter and more manageable. Following an early breakfast, you hike toward Barafu Summit Camp, located at 4,640 meters and serving as the base for the final night ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters).

On arrival, your camp will already be set up, allowing time to rest and recover. Later, you make a short acclimatization hike toward Kosovo Summit Camp before returning to Barafu. After a hot dinner, the focus is on rest and sleep as you prepare for the night summit attempt.

Highest altitude: approx. 14,950 ft

Distance: 3.4 km

Shortly after midnight, you begin the final ascent, climbing between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The route heads northwest, ascending steadily over loose scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most demanding part of the trek, both mentally and physically. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you take a short rest and, weather permitting, enjoy a spectacular sunrise.

A final push brings you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in all of Africa. Stronger climbers may witness sunrise directly from the summit.

After celebrating at the top, you descend to Mweka Hut, stopping at Barafu for lunch along the way. The day ends with your final dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.

Elevation: 15,300 ft to 19,345 ft (then down to 10,000 ft)

Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

After breakfast, continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate, where you receive your summit certificates. The lower sections of the trail can be wet and muddy, so trekking poles and gaiters are recommended.

At the gate, a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi for drop-off.

Elevation: 10,000 ft to 5,400 ft

Distance: 10 km