Kilimanjaro — Lemosho Route, 7 Days

Lemosho's remote start and excellent height profile, condensed into seven days by combining the two Shira days. Quieter than Machame for the first two days and still one of the better-acclimatising routes.

Highlights

• A remote western approach through forest
• Crossing the Shira Plateau
• The Barranco Wall and the southern circuit
• Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) at sunrise

The itinerary, day by day

1. 01

   Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

   2,780 m · 3–4 hours

   The long drive around the mountain to the western gate, then a short walk into rainforest.

2. 02

   Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2

   3,850 m · 7–8 hours

   Out of the forest and across the plateau in one go, with Kibo ahead all afternoon.

3. 03

   Shira 2 to Lava Tower, down to Barranco

   3,960 m · 6–8 hours

   The classic climb-high, sleep-low day, ending among the giant senecio.

4. 04

   Barranco to Karanga

   3,995 m · 4–5 hours

   The Barranco Wall, then across a series of valleys to Karanga.

5. 05

   Karanga to Barafu

   4,673 m · 4–5 hours

   A short day across alpine desert to base camp. Early dinner, early bed.

6. 06

   Summit day — Uhuru Peak, down to Mweka

   5,895 m · 12–14 hours

   Stella Point around dawn, Uhuru in the early light, then down to Mweka.

7. 07

   Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

   1,640 m · 3–4 hours

   Back through the forest to the gate.