7-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb

• Elevation: 2,650m to 3,610m
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Distance: 8 km

Today, you’ll leave the rainforest and ascend into the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper as you climb up the Shira Ridge and eventually descend slightly to Shira 1 Camp.

• Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
• Highlight: First panoramic views of Kibo Peak
• What to Expect: Steeper terrain, moorland vegetation, cooler temperatures

• Elevation: 3,610m to 3,850m
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Distance: 7 km

A shorter hike across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. This day helps your body acclimatize while you enjoy fantastic views of Mount Meru and the surrounding landscape.

• Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
• Highlight: Expansive views and acclimatization day
• What to Expect: Gentle hike, altitude adjustment, windy camp

• Elevation: 3,850m to 4,600m to 3,960m
• Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
• Distance: 10 km

You’ll ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) for acclimatization and then descend to Barranco Camp. This climb-high, sleep-low strategy is key to successful acclimatization.

• Overnight: Barranco Camp
• Highlight: Lava Tower and stunning valley views
• What to Expect: Rocky terrain, possible altitude symptoms, breathtaking scenery

• Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Distance: 5 km

Begin the day with a challenging climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but rewarding section. The path then undulates through valleys and ridges to Karanga Camp.

• Overnight: Karanga Camp
• Highlight: Climbing the Barranco Wall
• What to Expect: Short day, more rest, preparation for summit push

• Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Distance: 4 km

The trail heads steadily uphill to Barafu Camp, the final base before summit night. You’ll rest early to prepare for the midnight climb to the summit.

• Overnight: Barafu Camp
• Highlight: Pre-summit rest and final prep
• What to Expect: Cold temperatures, mental readiness for summit

• Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m to 3,100m
• Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
• Distance: 17 km

Start the summit attempt around midnight, reaching Stella Point (5,756m) at sunrise and continuing to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, descend to Mweka Camp for rest and continue to Mweka Gate. Your driver will meet you and transfer you back to Arusha for a well-deserved rest.

• Overnight: Hotel in Arusha (can be added on request)
• Highlight: Reaching the Roof of Africa
• What to Expect: Coldest, toughest day; emotional triumph; long descent

• Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m to 3,100m
• Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
• Distance: 17 km

Start the summit attempt around midnight, reaching Stella Point (5,756m) at sunrise and continuing to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, descend to Mweka Camp for rest and continue to Mweka Gate. Your driver will meet you and transfer you back to Arusha for a well-deserved rest.

• Overnight: Hotel in Arusha (can be added on request)
• Highlight: Reaching the Roof of Africa
• What to Expect: Coldest, toughest day; emotional triumph; long descent