The 7-day Lemosho itinerary begins on Kilimanjaro's quiet western side, trekking through pristine rainforest where colobus monkeys crash through the canopy, before crossing the Shira Plateau and joining the southern summit circuit.
With two gentle plateau days and the climb-high-sleep-low Lava Tower day, Lemosho acclimatizes better than Machame over the same number of days — and the scenery is unmatched.
Day by Day
Altitude-focused daily plan with distances, hiking times, habitats and overnight camps.
After registration at Londorossi Gate, a short, gentle walk through dense rainforest brings you to Mti Mkubwa ('Big Tree') Camp. Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys in the canopy.
Start
2,360m
End
2,820m
Highest point
2,820m
Climb steadily out of the forest into the heather and moorland zone, emerging onto the rim of the Shira Plateau — the collapsed remains of Kilimanjaro's oldest volcanic crater.
Start
2,820m
End
3,610m
Highest point
3,610m
A gentle day crossing the Shira Plateau with Kibo's glaciers drawing ever closer. The short walking day is deliberate — it aids acclimatization before the higher camps.
Start
3,610m
End
3,850m
Highest point
3,850m
Climb to the Lava Tower at 4,630m — your first taste of serious altitude — then descend to Barranco Camp beneath the great wall you'll climb tomorrow.
Start
3,850m
End
3,960m
Highest point
4,630m
Scale the Barranco Wall at first light, pause at Karanga for lunch, then push on to Barafu Camp — your launch pad for the summit.
Start
3,960m
End
4,673m
Highest point
4,673m
Midnight departure for the crater rim: Stella Point at dawn, then Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa. Descend to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Start
4,673m
End
3,100m
Highest point
5,895m
A celebratory descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, summit certificates, and a transfer back to your hotel.
Start
3,100m
End
1,640m
Highest point
3,100m
Questions
The 8-day version adds a Karanga night before Barafu and pushes success above 90%. If time allows, take the 8-day; the 7-day remains an excellent climb.
Our mountain team climbs these routes every month — ask us anything about fitness, gear, altitude or dates.
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