7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route

This 7-day Lemosho variation is preferred over the 6-day option because it breaks up day two into two days, providing better acclimatization and…

Trip Type

Hiking
Activities

Trekking
Group Size

No size limit - No size limit
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Locations

Mountain Kilimanjaro
Trip Duration

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Trip Enquiry

Keywords kilimanajro , trekking

Trip code WT-CODE 197

This 7-day Lemosho variation is preferred over the 6-day option because it breaks up day two into two days, providing better acclimatization and a more gradual ascent. On the 7-day route, we walk from Forest Camp to Shira Camp One on day two, a reasonable altitude gain of 2000 feet. Then on day three, we continue from Shira Camp 2 to the little-used Moir Hut, at 13800 feet. Exposure to this altitude will help prepare the body for higher altitudes coming in the following days.

A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Itineraries

Day 1

Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp

Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

We'll depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, taking about 4 hours. Here you will complete entry formalities. Then you'll drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we'll eat lunch, and then commence through the undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite.

Day 2

Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1

Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1
Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
We'll continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we will reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

Day 3

Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut

Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut
Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we'll continue to Moir Hut, a little-used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Day 4

Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we'll continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth. Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We'll now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we will rest, enjoy dinner, and our overnight stay. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Day 5

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we'll leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley Campsite. Then, we will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects to the Mweka Trail. We'll continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we'll make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Day 6

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent

Early morning, we'll continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point 18,600 ft you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Then descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut Campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening, enjoy your dinner and a well-earned sleep.

Day 7

Mweka Camp to Moshi

Mweka Camp to Moshi
Elevation ft: 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, we'll continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
From the gate, you'll continue with another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.