The 7-day Lemosho route is a scenic and popular Mount Kilimanjaro trekking route known for its high summit success rate (around 80-85%) and excellent acclimatization profile. It approaches the mountain from the west, offering diverse landscapes and less crowded trails initially, before joining the Machame route.
The trek typically involves six nights on the mountain, plus arrival and departure days. The daily schedule is designed around the “climb high, sleep low” principle to help your body adjust to the altitude.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Moshi Bristol cottages. Here, you’ll have a comprehensive briefing with your guide, ensuring your gear is suitable and answering any last-minute questions. Rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Dinner
Bristol Cottages Kilimanjaro
After breakfast, depart from your hotel for a scenic drive to Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After registration and formalities, you’ll drive further into the forest to the Lemosho trailhead. Begin your trek through the dense, lush Afromontane rainforest. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including black and white Colobus monkeys. The trail is relatively gentle, allowing for a relaxed start and initial acclimatization. You’ll arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp in the late afternoon.
3 - 4 hours
~ 535m (1,758ft)
Montane Forest
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mti Mkubwa Camp
Today is a longer day with a significant elevation gain. You’ll continue through the forest before emerging into the moorland zone. The landscape opens up, offering increasingly spectacular views of Kibo (Kilimanjaro’s summit cone). You’ll cross the Shira Ridge and traverse the expansive Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert formed from a collapsed volcanic crater. Your camp for the night is Shira Camp 2, which offers breathtaking sunset views over the plateau. This day is crucial for acclimatization.
6 - 8 hours
~ 955m (3,100ft)
Moorland
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shira 2 Camp
This day is a prime example of the “climb high, sleep low” principle, vital for acclimatization. You’ll trek across the rocky, barren landscape of the alpine desert, ascending to the iconic Lava Tower. At 4,630 meters, some trekkers may start to feel the effects of the altitude more acutely. After lunch at Lava Tower, you’ll descend steeply into the beautiful Barranco Valley, passing the unique “Garden of the Senecios” with its giant groundsels. Barranco Camp is nestled below the magnificent Barranco Wall.
6-7 hours
~780m (2,590ft) ascent, ~680m (2,240ft) descent.
Alpine Desert
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Barranco Camp
Today begins with the exhilarating scramble up the infamous Barranco Wall. While it looks imposing, it’s more of a fun rock scramble than a technical climb, and your guides will assist you. From the top, you’ll traverse a series of ridges and valleys, offering incredible views of Kibo and the surrounding glaciers. This short day allows for further acclimatization and rest, setting you up for the days ahead. Karanga Camp offers stunning views and a chance to prepare for the final push.
4-5 hours
~85m (275ft)
Alpine Desert
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Karanga Camp
A relatively short but challenging ascent marks your final approach to Barafu Camp, the staging point for your summit bid. The landscape becomes increasingly stark and rocky. Barafu Camp is exposed and often windy, offering panoramic views of Mawenzi Peak. You’ll spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing your gear for the midnight summit attempt. An early dinner and an early night are essential.
3-4 hours
~ 638m (2,095ft)
Alpine Desert
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Barafu Camp
The most demanding day of the trek begins just after midnight. You’ll start your ascent in the darkness, trekking slowly but steadily upwards on scree slopes. The aim is to reach Stella Point (5,756m/18,885ft) on the crater rim by sunrise, offering a spectacular view of the sun rising over Mawenzi Peak. From Stella Point, it’s a relatively gentle 1-hour traverse along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! Celebrate your achievement, take photos, and soak in the incredible panoramic views.
The descent from Uhuru Peak back to Barafu Camp is rapid, often sliding down scree. After a short rest and brunch at Barafu, you’ll continue your long descent through the moorland and into the forest to Mweka Camp. This long day is a test of endurance, but the sense of accomplishment is immense.
7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
~1,222m (4,011ft) ascent, ~2,075m (6,808ft) descent
Alpine Desert
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mweka Camp
Your final day on the mountain is a relaxed descent through the lush rainforest. The air feels thick with oxygen, and your body will be grateful for the lower altitude. At Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates – green for those who reached Stella Point and gold for Uhuru Peak conquerors! After bidding farewell to your incredible support team, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi Bristol cootages for a well-deserved shower, celebratory dinner, and a good night’s sleep.
3-4 hours
~1,460m (4,790ft)
Montane Forest
Dinner
Bristol Cottages Kilimanjaro
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward flight or continue your Tanzanian adventure with a safari.
Price per person based on group size. All prices in USD
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Bristol Cottages Kilimanjaro is a comfortable accommodation property located in Moshi, offering travelers a convenient stay close to Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes and safari departure points. The property provides a calm environment suitable for both short and extended stays.
The cottages are surrounded by greenery and peaceful outdoor spaces that create a relaxing atmosphere for guests preparing for adventures in northern Tanzania. Its location allows easy access to Moshi town, local attractions, and transportation services.
Accommodation includes private cottages and guest rooms equipped with modern amenities for comfort and convenience. Guests can enjoy friendly hospitality, dining services, and restful surroundings during their stay.
Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, is the first overnight stop on the popular Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Located at approximately 2,650 meters (8,694 feet) above sea level, the camp sits within the lush montane rainforest zone on the western slopes of the mountain. It is one of the quietest and most peaceful camps on Kilimanjaro, offering climbers a comfortable introduction to their trekking adventure.
The name “Mti Mkubwa” means “Big Tree” in Swahili, reflecting the dense forest environment that surrounds the camp. The area is filled with giant trees, moss-covered branches, colorful flowers, and tropical vegetation, creating a completely different atmosphere from the higher alpine areas of the mountain. Trekkers often hear birds singing and may even spot black-and-white colobus monkeys moving through the forest canopy during the hike to camp.
The journey to Mti Mkubwa Camp begins at Londorossi Gate, where climbers complete park registration before entering the rainforest. The hike to the camp is generally gentle and allows trekkers to settle into the climb while enjoying the natural beauty of Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. The cool forest air and shaded trails make the first trekking day relatively comfortable compared to the more demanding days ahead.
Accommodation at Mti Mkubwa Camp is tent-based, with trekkers sleeping in mountain tents arranged within forest clearings. The camp includes basic facilities such as toilets and ranger stations, while meals are prepared by the trekking crew. Due to its lower altitude and sheltered location, temperatures at the camp are usually milder than those experienced higher on the mountain.
Shira 2 Camp is a high-altitude campsite located on the expansive Shira Plateau on Mount Kilimanjaro at approximately 3,850 meters (12,631 feet) above sea level. The camp is commonly used by climbers on the Lemosho, Shira, and Northern Circuit routes and serves as an important acclimatization stop before trekking toward Lava Tower and the southern circuit of the mountain.
The landscape around Shira 2 Camp is dramatically different from the rainforest and moorland zones lower on the mountain. The area is dominated by open alpine desert terrain, volcanic rock formations, and sparse high-altitude vegetation. The camp offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kibo Peak, Mount Meru, and the vast Shira Plateau stretching across Kilimanjaro’s western slopes.
Trekkers reaching Shira 2 Camp often begin to feel the effects of altitude more noticeably due to the thinner air. For this reason, the camp plays a major role in helping climbers acclimatize gradually before moving to higher elevations. The hiking trails leading to the camp are generally gentle, allowing climbers to enjoy the scenery while steadily gaining altitude.
Accommodation at Shira 2 Camp is entirely tent-based, with designated camping areas spread across the rocky plateau. Nights are cold and temperatures can drop below freezing, especially during clear weather conditions. Despite the harsh environment, the camp remains one of the most scenic overnight stops on Kilimanjaro.
Barranco Camp is one of the most scenic and memorable camps on Mount Kilimanjaro, located at an altitude of approximately 3,960 meters (13,000 feet). Positioned on the southern slopes of the mountain, the camp is commonly used by climbers trekking through the Machame, Lemosho, Shira, and Umbwe routes. Surrounded by towering volcanic landscapes and unique alpine vegetation, Barranco Camp offers trekkers a beautiful resting point before continuing toward the summit.
The camp lies within the dramatic Barranco Valley, beneath the famous Barranco Wall and with excellent views of Kibo Peak. The surrounding environment is characterized by giant groundsels, everlasting flowers, and rugged mountain terrain that creates one of the most photographed locations on Kilimanjaro. Due to its position between the moorland and alpine desert zones, the scenery changes dramatically compared to lower camps, giving climbers a true sense of the mountain’s diverse ecosystems.
Barranco Camp is also an important acclimatization stop during the climb. Many itineraries reach the camp after ascending to higher elevations such as Lava Tower before descending again to sleep at Barranco. This “climb high, sleep low” approach helps the body gradually adapt to altitude and increases the chances of a successful summit attempt. Trekkers often spend the afternoon resting, enjoying mountain views, and preparing for the next day’s hike.
Accommodation at Barranco Camp is entirely tent-based, with climbers sleeping in mountain tents provided by their trekking operators. The camp includes basic facilities such as ranger stations and simple toilets, while meals are usually prepared by the mountain crew. Even with its remote setting, Barranco Camp remains one of the liveliest and most social camps on Kilimanjaro because several routes meet there before continuing toward the summit.
Karanga Camp is a scenic campsite on Mount Kilimanjaro located at approximately 3,995 meters (13,106 feet) above sea level. The camp is commonly used by climbers on the Machame, Lemosho, and Umbwe routes as they continue toward Barafu Camp and the summit.
The camp sits in a valley surrounded by rocky ridges, alpine vegetation, and dramatic mountain scenery. Trekkers reaching Karanga Camp often descend from Barranco Camp after climbing the famous Barranco Wall. The camp provides an important acclimatization stop before ascending to higher elevations.
Accommodation at Karanga Camp consists of mountain tents arranged across rocky camping grounds. The area offers clear views of glaciers, valleys, and surrounding peaks, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Barafu Camp is one of the main summit camps on Mount Kilimanjaro, located at approximately 4,673 meters (15,331 feet) above sea level. The camp is used by climbers on the Machame, Lemosho, Umbwe, and Southern Circuit routes before their final ascent to Uhuru Peak.
The camp is situated in a harsh alpine desert environment with rocky terrain, steep slopes, and strong winds. The name “Barafu” means “ice” in Swahili, reflecting the cold conditions experienced at this altitude. Climbers usually arrive in the afternoon, rest briefly, and begin their summit attempt around midnight.
Accommodation at Barafu Camp consists of mountain tents placed on rocky ground. Despite the challenging environment, the camp provides spectacular views of glaciers, surrounding peaks, and dramatic mountain landscapes.
Mweka Camp is a forest campsite located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro at approximately 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) above sea level. It is commonly used as the final overnight stop for climbers descending the mountain after successful summit attempts.
The camp is situated within the rainforest zone, surrounded by dense vegetation, giant trees, and rich mountain forest scenery. After the cold alpine conditions higher on the mountain, many climbers enjoy the warmer temperatures and oxygen-rich environment found at Mweka Camp.
Accommodation at Mweka Camp is tent-based, with designated camping areas and basic mountain facilities. The camp provides a comfortable resting point before the final descent to Mweka Gate.
Bristol Cottages Kilimanjaro is a comfortable accommodation property located in Moshi, offering travelers a convenient stay close to Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes and safari departure points. The property provides a calm environment suitable for both short and extended stays.
The cottages are surrounded by greenery and peaceful outdoor spaces that create a relaxing atmosphere for guests preparing for adventures in northern Tanzania. Its location allows easy access to Moshi town, local attractions, and transportation services.
Accommodation includes private cottages and guest rooms equipped with modern amenities for comfort and convenience. Guests can enjoy friendly hospitality, dining services, and restful surroundings during their stay.
Everything you need to know about what makes this route special
The 7-day option provides a better, more gradual ascent than 6-day options, making it a preferred choice for better, but still challenging, acclimatization.
Passes through rainforest, heather/moorland, volcanic desert, and arctic zones, including panoramic views from the Shira Plateau.
While no technical climbing is involved, a good level of fitness is essential for this trek. Regular cardiovascular exercise and some hiking experience are recommended.
Proper gear is crucial for a successful and comfortable climb. This includes warm layers, waterproof and windproof outerwear, sturdy hiking boots, a good sleeping bag, a headlamp, and trekking poles.
You will be accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable local guides and a team of porters who will carry your camping equipment and supplies. Their expertise is invaluable for your safety and enjoyment.
Consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations and medications for travel to Tanzania and high altitude trekking.
Drinking plenty of water and eating well are vital for acclimatization and energy levels. Your cook will prepare nutritious meals throughout the trek.
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking up to at least 6,000 meters (approximately 19,700 feet) and medical emergencies.
Choose the best season for your Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing adventure
Clear & Warm
21–27°C base / -7 to -29°C summit
High
Premium
The warmest months on the mountain, with excellent visibility. Expect generally clear skies in the mornings and evenings; clouds may appear during the day with occasional brief showers.
Clear & Cold
15–20°C base / -10 to -20°C summit
Very High
Premium
The probability of rain is minimal, skies are mostly clear, and the visibility is unparalleled. July and August are the busiest months on the mountain, with crowds thinning in September and even more so in October.
Variable — occasional showers
18–25°C base / -10 to -20°C summit
Low to Moderate
Standard
Early October is still stable, but by November, less stable weather patterns can bring rain every day for a short period. March begins with a short dry window, but by mid-March the long rains begin.
Eat even if you aren't hungry: High altitude suppresses appetite, but you’ll be burning 4,000+ calories on summit day. Force down the porridge!
“Pole, Pole”: This is Swahili for “Slowly, slowly.” Even if you feel like an Olympic athlete, walk at a snail’s pace. It’s the only way to let your blood oxygen levels adjust.
The 8-Day Alternative: If you are nervous about the altitude or haven’t hiked much at height, consider adding one extra day (8-day Lemosho). It increases the success rate to over 95%.
On Summit Night (Day 6), keep your water bottle upside down in your pack. Water freezes from the top down, so this ensures the ice stays at the bottom and your cap doesn’t freeze shut.
It looks intimidating from afar, but it’s more of a “fun scramble” than a vertical climb. You will use your hands for balance in a few spots (the “Kissing Rock”), but no technical gear or climbing experience is required.
It is considered moderate-to-difficult. While no technical climbing (ropes/harnesses) is required, you will be hiking 5–8 hours a day on uneven terrain. The 7-day version is more physically demanding than the 8-day because you have less time to recover between camps.
The 7-day Lemosho boasts a success rate of roughly 80%–90%. This is significantly higher than the 5-day Marangu (60%) because the route follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, which is the gold standard for avoiding altitude sickness.
The Barranco Wall: A steep 257m scramble on Day 4. It looks intimidating but requires no special gear—just hands and feet.
Summit Night: You’ll start your ascent around midnight in sub-zero temperatures. This is the ultimate test of mental and physical grit.
January – March: Warmer and generally clear; a very popular window.
June – October: The “long dry season.” Cooler, but the most stable weather for trekking.
Avoid: April and May (long rains) and November (short rains), as trails become muddy and visibility drops.
Many climbers use Diamox (Acetazolamide) to aid acclimatization. You should consult your doctor before your trip to discuss this and other health precautions like yellow fever vaccinations.
From your first inquiry, Climbing Preparation, packing to your summit selfie at Uhuru Peak — we’ve got every step covered. Here’s why thousands of climbers trust Kilimanjaro Bound to conquer this majestic mountain.
Download our comprehensive Kilimanjaro Packing List PDF to ensure you have all the essential clothing, gear, and equipment needed for a safe and comfortable trek to the summit.
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