7 Days Lemosho Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.

Once settled, you will receive a comprehensive briefing, including an introduction to your Kilimanjaro trek and a review of your packing list, ensuring you are fully prepared for the climb ahead.

Depart from Arusha and travel to Londorosi Gate to complete park entry formalities. From there, continue by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead.

Upon arrival at the trailhead, you will begin your hike through pristine, undisturbed forest. The trail winds gently through lush vegetation before reaching your first campsite, Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you will settle in for the night.

After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone.

After several streams are crossed, we continue over the Shira Ridge past the Shira 1 camp and on to the Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the Southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft).

Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

After breakfast, you will depart from Barranco and begin the steep ascent up the Barranco Wall. Once at the top, the trail continues along a ridge before descending into the Karanga Valley, where you reach the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.

Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

Very early in the morning, around midnight, you will begin the final push to the summit—undoubtedly the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek. At this altitude and time of day, the wind and cold can be extreme. You will ascend in darkness for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks to conserve energy.

Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise rising over Mawenzi Peak, one of the most memorable moments of the climb. From here, you continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and on the African continent.

After celebrating your achievement at the summit, you will begin your descent, continuing straight down toward Mweka Camp, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be tough on the knees, making trekking poles especially helpful. Mweka Camp lies within the upper forest zone, where mist or rain is common in the late afternoon.

Later in the evening, you will enjoy your final dinner on the mountain, followed by a well-earned night’s rest.

After breakfast, you will continue your descent to Mweka Park Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates in recognition of your achievement. At the lower elevations, the trail can be wet and muddy, so care is required.

Gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended, and lighter clothing such as shorts and T-shirts are usually sufficient, though rain gear and warmer layers should be kept easily accessible.

A Kilimanjaro Bucketlist vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Gate to transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha, bringing your unforgettable mountain adventure to a comfortable close.