7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via the Lemosho Route: A Journey to the Roof of Africa

Your journey begins early on Day 1 as you drive from your hotel to the Lemosho Gate (2,100m). After completing the registration process, the trek starts with an easy walk through the lush rainforest. The trail winds through this vibrant ecosystem, where you’ll have a chance to spot monkeys, birds, and the occasional exotic plant. The trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780m) takes approximately 3-4 hours and covers 6 km (4 miles), gaining 680 meters in elevation. The air is cool and refreshing, and the rich greenery will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Once you reach camp, settle in, enjoy a warm meal, and rest for the next day's trek.

• Elevation Gain: +680m
• Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Meal plan: Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, the trail takes you into the moorland zone. You’ll leave the rainforest behind as you ascend through an open landscape of grasses, wildflowers, and striking volcanic rock formations. As you approach Shira 2 Camp (3,850m), the landscape becomes more barren, and the air begins to thin. The trek is about 8 km (5 miles) and will take 5-6 hours, with an elevation gain of 1,070 meters. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s summit and the vast plains surrounding you. Once you reach camp, you’ll be greeted by the cooler air of the alpine zone and a panoramic view of the majestic Shira Plateau. This is a great opportunity to acclimatize and prepare for the challenges ahead.

• Elevation Gain: +1,070m
• Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 is one of the most scenic days on the trek. You’ll begin the day by crossing the Shira Plateau, with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the towering Kilimanjaro glaciers in the distance. As you climb higher, you’ll reach Lava Tower (4,630m), a massive rock formation that offers awe-inspiring views. From here, the trail descends to Barranco Camp (3,960m), helping with acclimatization as you spend time at this slightly lower altitude before the summit push. The trek covers about 10 km (6 miles) and takes 6-7 hours, with an elevation gain of just 110 meters. The dramatic landscape and unique features of Lava Tower make this a truly memorable day on the mountain.

• Elevation Gain: +110m
• Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
• Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 is all about tackling the iconic Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb that will take you through a series of rocky sections and narrow paths. As you ascend the wall, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s summit and the surrounding valleys. Once you’ve conquered the wall, the trail flattens out as you continue toward Karanga Camp (4,035m). The trek covers approximately 5 km (3 miles) and takes 4-5 hours, with a small elevation gain of 75 meters. The landscape is alpine desert, with rocky terrain and striking views of the mountain. Once at camp, relax and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of this isolated site.

• Elevation Gain: +75m
• Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

On Day 5, you’ll trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640m), the final camp before your summit attempt. The trail is steep, but the views are absolutely breathtaking, with Kilimanjaro’s glaciers towering overhead. The hike to Barafu Camp is about 4 km (2.5 miles) and takes 4-5 hours, with an elevation gain of 605 meters. As you reach camp, the excitement will build as you prepare for your summit ascent. At Barafu Camp, you’ll rest and have an early dinner in preparation for your midnight departure toward Uhuru Peak the following day. This night at Barafu Camp is filled with anticipation, as the final stretch to the summit looms large.

• Elevation Gain: +605m
• Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The culmination of your journey! Day 6 is the summit day, and it begins at midnight when you start your ascent toward Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa. The trail is tough, with steep, rocky sections and the altitude making every step harder, but the sense of accomplishment grows with every meter gained. After 6-8 hours of hiking, you’ll reach the summit, where you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views and the immense satisfaction of standing at the highest point in Africa. After taking in the incredible views and snapping photos, you’ll begin your descent to Mweka Camp (3,080m). The journey down takes about 5-6 hours, covering 12 km (7.5 miles). As you descend through the alpine desert and rainforest zones, you’ll see the diverse vegetation that Kilimanjaro is famous for. Arriving at Mweka Camp, you can celebrate your achievement and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

• Elevation Gain: +1,255m to summit
• Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hrs summit and 5-6 hrs to mweka camp
• Habitat: Glacial, Alpine Desert

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

On the final day of your trek, you’ll make the descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, where your Kilimanjaro journey officially ends. The descent is gradual and takes you through lush rainforest, filled with vibrant flora and fauna. The trek is about 10 km (6 miles) and takes approximately 3-4 hours, with a descent of 1,440 meters. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll be greeted with certificates of achievement, recognizing your success in conquering Kilimanjaro. Afterward, you'll be transferred back to your hotel for a celebratory meal and a chance to reflect on the incredible experience you’ve just completed.

• Elevation Loss: -1,440m
• Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch