7 Days Lemosho Route

Why the Lemosho Route: This is one of the longest and most remote route to the peak of Kilimanjaro, the Northern Route will take you through beautiful forests, moorlands and heather, alpine deserts and icy landscapes. This secluded route will also take you through areas rich in buffalo, elephant and other game so keep your eyes out! People choose this route because of its beauty and remoteness. It also promises not only an enjoyable hike, but a high success rate of reaching the summit!

The Route: This southern route takes you the southern Ice Fields, past the Barranco Hut then onto Barafu before you summit. You will descend via a different route, the Mweka Route.

Accommodation: On the mountain you will be staying overnight at tented campsites. Mauly Tours can organise accommodation for you the night before and after as well as transport to and from your accommodation both days.

Day 1

Lemosho Glades (2,100 m/6,890 ft) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m/9,121 ft)

Hiking Time: 7 km taking 3-4 hours

Terrain: Mountain forest

The trek will start at Londorossi Park Gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. At the gate, you will meet your guide, porters, and a game ranger who will accompany us, as you might encounter elephants and buffaloes during your trek

Your trek today will be along a little used track known as Chamber’s Route. This track takes you through dense rainforest, seemingly untouched by man as the vegetation grows wild across the paths.

You will stop for the night at your camp in the rain forest at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree).

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 2

Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m/9,121 ft) – Shira One Camp (3,500 m/11,483 ft)

Hiking Time: 8 km taking 4-5 hours

Terrain: Mountain forest, moorland and heather

After breakfast, you start the climb cross the remaining rain forest towards the giant moorland zone. After the forest clears you will see stunning views throughout the day.

Today you will reach Shira Camp 1, the third peak of Kilimanjaro located on the Western side, and catch your first close up glimpse of Kibo.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

Shira One Camp (3,500 m/11,483 ft) – Barranco Camp (3,960 m/12,992 ft)

Hiking Time: 10 km taking 6-8 hours

Terrain: Moorland and heather

Today you will see a lot on your journey upwards! You will start upwards towards the impressive peak of Kibo. Then you will pass the Lava tower, which will be the highest point reached today, before finally descending into the Barranco valley where your camp lies amongst giant lobelia and senecia plants.

This will be the most important day for acclimatization, as you will have climbed to over 14,000 feet!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

Barranco Camp (3,960 m/12,992 ft)   – Karanga Camp (4,035 m/13,238 ft)

Hiking Time: 6 km taking 3-4 hours

Terrain: Alpine desert

Today will be the most strenuous stage of your journey to the summit. Be sure to take full advantage of your breakfast as you will need all of your strength today! Just 30 minutes from your camp you will reach the “Great Barranco Wall,” also called the “Breakfast Wall,” which will take some effort to climb!

Of course like all difficult journeys, the view at the end it well worth the efforts! After this you will head to Karana Camp for an afternoon of rest and acclimatization.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

Karanga Camp (4,035 m/13,238 ft) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m/15,223 ft)

Hiking Time: 4 km taking 3-4 hours

Terrain: Alpine desert

Today you will head to Barafu Camp. The ascent begins on a narrow, rocky path with a slight uphill slope. A relatively easy climb, today will prepare you for your summit climb tomorrow!

The evening will be spent preparing for your summit. So, get to bed early because you will be up at midnight for the final leg to Uhuru Peak.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6

Barafu Camp (4,640 m/15,223 ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,341 ft) – Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft)

Hiking Time: 19 km taking 13-15 hours

Terrain: Alpine desert, snow, heather and moorland

Today is the day! You’ll awake before midnight to start your 6 hour assent. The climb will take you past the final waypoint, Hans Meyer Point, after which you will reach the summit of Uhuru Peak. You have finally done it! You have reached the highest point on in Africa. This achievement will be tough to top, that’s for sure.

After a moment of basking in your triumph you will start your descent down past Barafu Camp to to Mweka Camp. Here you will enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and some well-earned sleep.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7

Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,171 ft)  – Mweka Gate (1,680 m/5,512 ft)

Hiking Time: 10 km taking 3-4 hours

Terrain: Mountain forest

In the morning you will head to the road, an easy journey after the adventure you just had! Now it’s time to say ‘kwaheri’ to your guides and porters. You will be taken to your hotel for dinner and for what will probably feel like the best shower you have ever had!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch