7 Days Lemosho Route: Group Joining Kilimanjaro Trek 2027

Overview

The 7-day Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic trails on Kilimanjaro, offering panoramic views from different sides of the mountain. As a newer route, it’s an excellent choice for climbers, with its combination of beautiful scenery, low crowds, and a high summit success rate. This route is ideal for moderate climbers as it allows ample time for acclimatization. However, for beginners, we recommend the 8-day Lemosho route for additional acclimatization and a more gradual ascent.

The Lemosho Route begins on the western side of Kilimanjaro at Londorossi Gate, with the trek winding through lush rainforests to the Shira Plateau over the first two days. The route continues east to the Lava Tower before descending towards Barranco Valley via the Southern Circuit, ultimately summiting from Barafu.

What to Expect

The adventure starts with a 4-hour drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, where you’ll begin your trek on the western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, heading towards the iconic Shira Plateau. Along the way, you’ll pass through various climate zones, from alpine meadows to permanent ice. The climb is gradual, with excellent acclimatization opportunities and the highest success rate of all Kilimanjaro routes.

With stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and a relatively low number of climbers, the Lemosho Route is a favorite among Pamoja Kilimanjaro & Safaris for those seeking to reach the Roof of Africa.

Tour Plan

Day 0 (October 23, 2027): Arrival in Tanzania - Transfer from Airport to Moshi
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Moshi town. You will meet our Kilimanjaro trekking expert who will brief you on your upcoming Kilimanjaro trekking, then rest until the next day morning.

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Day 1 (October 24, 2027): Moshi/Arusha to Londorossi Gate to Lemosho Glades to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation (m): 915 m/1387 to 2,250 m to 2,000 m to 2,750 m
Distance: 18 km | Time: 3 hrs
Drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Londorossi Park Gate. From here follow a forest track in a 4WD vehicle for about 11 km/7 mi (45 minutes) to Lemosho Glades and a possible campsite. From the Glades, walk for 3 hours along beautiful forest trails to the Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

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Day 2 (October 25, 2027): Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp 1
Elevation (m): 2,750 m to 3,500 m (9,020 ft to 11,485 ft)
Distance: 12 km | Hiking Time: 5 hours | Habitat: Moorland
The trail gradually steepens, enters the giant heather moorland zone, then crosses the Shira Ridge at 3,600 m/11,810 ft and drops gently to Shira Camp 1 located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

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Day 3 (October 26, 2027): Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
Elevation (m): 3,500 m to 3,840 m (11,485 ft to 12,600 ft)
Distance: 6 km | Hiking Time: 2 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira camp 2 on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on the plateau making this an excellent acclimatization day.

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Day 4 (October 27, 2027): Shira Camp 2 through Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 12,600 ft to 15,190 ft to 13,000 ft
Distance: 15 km | Hiking Time: 7 hours | Habitat: Semi-Desert
After breakfast, you will hike east up a steepening path above the highest vegetation toward Kilimanjaro looming mass. After several hours, you walk through a rocky landscape to reach the prominent landmark called Lava Tower at 4,630 m/15,190 ft. Descend for 2 hours below the lower cliffs of the Western Breach to Barranco Camp at 13,000 ft.

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Day 5 (October 28, 2027): Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,000 ft to 15,000 ft
Distance: 9 km | Hiking time: 8-9 hrs | Habitat: Alpine desert
Leave slowly crossing the floor of the great Barranco Valley and up the Barranco wall; continue the trek on the South Circuit path through the Karanga Valley. Then slowly trek to Barafu Hut (4,600m).

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Day 6 (October 29, 2027): Summit Day! Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 15,000 ft to 19,345 ft (down to 10,000 ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent & 13 km descent | Hiking time: 7-8 hrs ascent & 4-5 hrs descent | Habitat: Arctic
Scree and seasonal snow you will raise around 11:30 PM, and after some steaming tea and biscuits, you shuffle off into the night. Climb up through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point (5,685 m/18,650 ft) and on to Uhuru Peak. Descend to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft).

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Day 7 (October 30, 2027): Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi
Elevation: 10,000 ft to 5,400 ft
Distance: 10 km | Descent time: 3-4 hrs | Habitat: Rain forest
After a well-deserved breakfast, hike back to the park gate where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. From Mweka Gate, you will be driven back to Moshi for an overdue hot shower.

The Pamoja Kilimanjaro & Safaris team will ensure that your dream of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro becomes a reality.