7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route

This route variation is preferred over the six-day option because it breaks up day two into two days. Overall, the exposure to this altitude will help prepare the body for higher altitudes coming on the following days. The trek from Barranco to Barafu, followed by the summit day, is unchanged from the six-day Lemosho vari- ation. However, the extra day on the mountain on the seventh-day route will help climbers deal with the exhausting itinerary better than those who opted for the six-day route.

Day by Day

Day 1 :

Day 1: Londrosi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Elevation: 2,389m (7838ft) to 2,785m (9137ft)
Altitude gained: 396m

Departing from Moshi, a three-hour drive will take you through welcoming mountainside
villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be
issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the
journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells
you about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be
muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.

Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2 :

DAY 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1

Elevation: 2,785m (9,137ft) to 3,895m (12,779ft)
Altitude gained: 1,110m

After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and
continue on an ascending path. We leave the forest behind, and the trail climbs steadily
with expansive views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.

Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Meals & Drinks: All meals included

Day 3 :

DAY 3: Shira 1 to Moir Hut

Elevation: 3,895m (12,779ft) to 3,986m (13,077ft)
Altitude gained: 91m

Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is
essential for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing
the junction towards the Kibo Peak before continuing southeast towards the Lava
Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth”, with an elevation of 4,650m (15,250ft). Shortly after the
tower, we reach a second junction leading to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to
descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.

Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meals & Drinks: All meals included

Day 4 :

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3,986m (13,077ft) to 4,034m (13,253ft)
Altitude gained: 48m

After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to
the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the
most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this
wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Budget camping
Meals & Drinks: All meals included

Day 5 :

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu

Elevation: 4,034m (13,253ft) to 4,662m (15,295ft)
Altitude gained: 628m

We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached, you have now completed
the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many
different angles. We have an early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Over-
night at Barafu Camp.

Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meals & Drinks: All meals included

Day 6 :

Day 6: Barafu Summit to Mweka Hut

Elevation: 4,662m (15,295ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft)
Altitude gained: 1,233m
Descent to 3,090m (10,150ft)
Altitude lost: 2,789m

We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers,
trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that
lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, ascend
through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be reward-
ed with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers
may view the sunrise from the summit. From here, you will likely encounter snow
on your remaining one-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Congratulations, one step at a time, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the high-
est point on Mount Kilimanjaro!
We begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch
and a brief rest. We recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative
loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Overnight Mweka Camp.

Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals & Drinks: All meals included

Day 7 :

Day 7: Mweka to Moshi

Elevation: 3,090m (10,150ft) to 1,646m (5,400ft)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, we will descend 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, t-shirts, rain gear, and warmer clothing will be
handy.
From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will
meet you at Mweka Village to drive you back to Moshi.

Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)