7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Itinerary – Lemosho Route

• Distance: ~6 km
• Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Your adventure begins with a drive to the western side of Kilimanjaro. After registration at Londorossi Gate, you'll hike through thick, green rainforest. It’s a lush, moody world with hanging moss, rich soil, and the chance to spot blue monkeys or even colobus monkeys. You’ll reach your first camp — Mti Mkubwa, or "Big Tree Camp" — nestled among giant ferns and ancient trees. It’s your first night under the stars, and the air is filled with quiet anticipation.

• Distance: ~8 km
• Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

You’ll climb out of the forest today and into a completely different world — the moorland zone. The trees thin out, replaced by wide-open spaces, rolling hills, and views of Kilimanjaro’s western glaciers. Shira 1 Camp sits on the Shira Plateau, an ancient lava flow that stretches out beneath the mountain. This is the first day you might start to “feel the altitude” — take it slow and drink plenty of water.

• Distance: ~7 km
• Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Today’s hike is gentler and gives your body a bit more time to acclimatize. You’ll traverse the plateau, soaking in sweeping views and feeling the mountain’s presence grow stronger. You may start to feel a little light-headed, but that’s normal — it’s part of the adjustment process. Shira 2 offers a front-row seat to epic sunsets and, on clear nights, the Milky Way. The altitude is real, but so is your resolve.

• Distance: ~10 km
• Time: 6–8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert

This is your acclimatization day. You’ll ascend high to the haunting Lava Tower, then descend back down to sleep — a proven technique for helping your body adjust to altitude. The scenery turns raw and volcanic, almost lunar. The final stretch drops into the Barranco Valley, home to surreal giant groundsel trees and steep cliffs. You may feel tired or even headache — that’s okay. This is the mountain training you for summit night.

• Distance: ~5 km
• Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert

The day starts with the Barranco Wall, a steep scramble that looks more intimidating than it is. It’s actually a fun and memorable section — a highlight for many. Once you’re at the top, the trail rolls gently toward Karanga Camp, a peaceful spot where you can rest, hydrate, and prepare mentally for what’s ahead. The summit is drawing closer. You’re stronger than you were just a few days ago.

• Distance: ~4 km
• Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert

A short, steady climb to Barafu, your base camp for the summit push. The air is thin, the landscape stark, and the mood focused. You'll eat early, sort your summit gear, and try to rest — because around midnight, you begin your ascent to the top of Africa.

Final prep: Lay out your gear, keep your summit snacks handy, and layer up — it’s going to be cold, but unforgettable.

• Distance: ~17 km
• Time: 12–16 hours’ total
• Habitat: Arctic to rainforest

You'll start hiking under a blanket of stars. Step by step, with your guide’s voice cutting through the dark, you climb past Stella Point and push through fatigue, cold, and altitude. Then, just as the sun rises, you'll stand at Uhuru Peak — the highest point on the African continent.

There’s nothing quite like it. The effort, the silence, the clarity of being so high and so alive.

After a few photos and deep breaths, you begin your descent. You’ll head all the way down to Mweka Camp, where the oxygen feels thick and your tent feels like a luxury hotel.