7-Day Lemosho Trek – tarryadventuresandsafaris

7-Day Lemosho Trek: The Grand View Challenge

Welcome to the Lemosho Route, widely hailed as the most scenic and stunning path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro! This trek begins on the quieter, western side of the mountain and offers a more remote and pristine experience in the early days. Over seven days, you’ll hike through five distinct climate zones and take on the ultimate challenge with a strategic, well-paced climb designed for success. If you’re looking for the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure, this is your route.

The Challenge Plan: Day-by-Day

Day 1: The Ascent to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Your journey begins with a drive to the Londorossi Gate on the western side of the mountain. After registering, you will begin your hike through the lush rainforest. Your first destination is the “Big Tree” Camp (Mti Mkubwa), a peaceful and remote camp where you’ll settle in for the night.

Day 2: Into the Heath and Moorland

You will continue your hike, leaving the forest behind and entering the open moorland. The trail becomes steeper as you ascend to the Shira Plateau. You’ll arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,500m), where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the snow-capped summit of Kibo.

Day 3: Across the Shira Plateau

Today is a more gentle and panoramic day as you cross the vast Shira Plateau. The landscape is dotted with unique plants and volcanic rock formations. The views are incredible. You will hike to Shira 2 Camp (3,900m), which has a spectacular view of the mountain’s glaciers.

Day 4: The Acclimatization Climb

Today is crucial for your success. You will hike high to Lava Tower (4,630m), a key point in your acclimatization strategy. After a rest at this high point, you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,950m) for the night. You’ll end the day at a similar elevation to where you started, but your body will have worked to adapt to the higher altitude. This is where the Lemosho route merges with the Machame.

Day 5: The Great Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp

Your day begins with an exhilarating scramble up the Great Barranco Wall. This non-technical but steep rock face is a memorable challenge. After conquering the wall, you’ll continue hiking up and down through hills and valleys, eventually reaching Karanga Camp (4,035m). This shorter day allows you to rest and further acclimatize.

Day 6: The Final Push to Barafu Camp

Today is another half-day hike, continuing your steady ascent. The landscape becomes more barren as you make your way to Barafu Camp (4,600m), your base camp for the summit. You’ll have a hearty lunch and then spend the rest of the day resting and preparing your gear for the midnight summit push.

Day 7: Summit Day! The Ultimate Victory

Your final, most challenging stage begins just after midnight. You will climb through the night, pushing on the scree slopes to reach Stella Point on the crater rim. As the sun rises, you’ll make the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa! After celebrating your victory, you will begin the long descent to Mweka Camp (3,090m) for a well-deserved night’s rest.

Day 8: The Final Descent

After breakfast, you will begin your celebratory descent through the lush rainforest. You’ll arrive at Mweka Gate, where you will receive your official summit certificate. From there, a vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved celebration and a hot shower.