7 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing – Lemosho Route
Are you ready to conquer Africa’s highest peak? The 7 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing via the Lemosho Route offers an unforgettable adventure, combining breathtaking scenery, diverse ecosystems, and a well-paced itinerary for optimal acclimatization. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a first-time climber, the Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and successful paths to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here’s everything you need to know about this incredible journey.
Why Choose the Lemosho Route for Your Kilimanjaro Climb?
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the best routes for climbing Kilimanjaro. Here’s why:
- Scenic Beauty: The route offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and glacial peaks.
- Low Crowds: Lemosho is less crowded than other routes like Machame or Marangu, providing a more serene and immersive experience.
- High Success Rate: With a 7-day itinerary, the route allows for better acclimatization, increasing your chances of reaching the summit.
- Diverse Wildlife: The trail begins in the remote western side of Kilimanjaro, where you might spot wildlife like colobus monkeys and exotic birds.
7 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing – Lemosho Route Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi.
- Attend a pre-climb briefing and gear check with your guide.
Day 2: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Drive to the Lemosho Gate (2,100m) and begin your trek through the rainforest.
- Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m) for your first night on the mountain.
Day 3: Barranco (3950m)
Day 3: Barranco (3950m) (Hiking time: 5hours, estimated distance: 6km)
Today is the last of the “easy days”. It is about a 7-hour superb hike. We pass the Lava Tower, around the southern flank of Kibo, and slowly descend into the spectacular Barranco Valley, interspersed with giant lobelia and senecia plants. After arriving at our most spectacular campsite, everyone stands in awe at the foot of Kibo Peak, looming high above, on our left. Our camp is only 465 feet higher than where we were last night, but during the day, we will have climbed to just over 14,000 feet. This is one of our most valuable days for acclimatization.
Day 4: Karanga Valley (4000m)
Day 4: Karanga Valley (4000m)(Hiking time: 4 hours, estimated distance: 4km)
On the eastern side of the valley, across the stream is the Barranco Wall – a 950 ft. barrier of volcanic rock. Although it is tall and looks steep, it is very easy to climb. This is our first challenge of the day. The views from the wall are nothing less than magnificent. The rest of the day is spent skirting the base of Kibo peak over our left shoulder. We descend down into the Karanga Valley, where we rest up for the night before the tough climb up to Barafu Camp.
Day 5: Barafu (4600m)
Day 5: Barafu (4600m) (Hiking time: 3.5 hours, estimated distance: 4km )
First thing, you will be making a steep hike out of the valley. The air starts getting quite thin, and you will be running short of breath. It is a tough, but rewarding uphill to the rocky, craggy slopes at the camp. Barafu means, ice in Swahili, and it is extremely cold at this altitude. So, go to bed early because we will be waking you at midnight for the final leg to Uhuru Peak.
Day 6: Summit Uhuru peak (5895m)
Day 6: Summit Uhuru peak (5895m) – Mweka camp (3100m) (Hiking time: 7 hours, estimated distance: 5km)
We will start our 7-day Lemosho Route on Kilimanjaro by torchlight around midnight so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5,735 m.), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (3,800 m.) Millennium. Most of us will be too tired to notice the beauty of the forest surrounding. We spend our last night on the mountain at Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp 3,100 m
Day 7: Mweka Camp 3,100 m/10,170 ft to Mweka Gate 1,980 m/6,500 ft to Arusha (890 m/2,920 ft) 15 km, 3 hours Forest
After a deserved strong breakfast via thia route of Climbing Kilimanjaro, it is a short scenic 3-hours hike back to the park gate. Please all tips to porters and guides is given once all crew and the clients gears reached the mweka gate safely, but remember to tip your staff at the gate. At Mweka Gate, you can sign your name and add details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Climbers who reached Stella Point are issued green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate, you will continue down to the Mweka Village, possibly a muddy, 3 km, 1 hour hike if the road is too muddy for vehicles. In Mweka Village a delicious hot lunch will be served after which you are driven back to Moshi for an overdue hot shower and comfortable night in a nice hotel in Moshi. Thanks for booking with us this 7-day Lemosho Route on Kilimanjaro.