7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Via lemosho Route

7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Via lemosho Route

Trekking Overview

The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and successful routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from the remote western side of the mountain, this route offers excellent acclimatization, diverse landscapes, and fewer crowds in the early days, making it ideal for climbers seeking a higher summit success rate.

Day 1: Arusha – Lemosho Gate – Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp

After breakfast, depart Arusha and drive to the western entrance of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park at Lemosho Gate. After registration, begin your trek through lush montane rainforest. The trail is rich in wildlife and birdlife, and you may spot colobus monkeys along the way.
Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp for dinner and overnight.

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Overnight Altitude: 2,650 m / 8,692 ft

  • Habitat: Rainforest


Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp

Leave the rainforest behind and ascend onto the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. The landscape opens up with wide views and unique vegetation. Walk slowly to allow your body to adapt to the altitude.
Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

  • Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

  • Overnight Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,483 ft

  • Habitat: Heath / Moorland


Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

A gentle trek across the Shira Plateau, offering panoramic views of Mount Meru in the distance and the glaciers of Kibo Peak ahead. This day allows further acclimatization as you continue gaining altitude gradually.
Overnight at Shira 2 Camp.

  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

  • Overnight Altitude: 3,850 m / 12,631 ft

  • Habitat: Moorland


Day 4: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

This is a key acclimatization day. Hike up to Lava Tower (4,600 m / 15,092 ft) for altitude exposure, then descend to Barranco Camp. The dramatic Barranco Wall and sweeping valley views make this one of the most scenic days on the mountain.

  • Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

  • Overnight Altitude: 3,950 m / 12,959 ft

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert


Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

Begin the day by climbing the Barranco Wall, a fun and non-technical scramble rewarded with spectacular views. Continue trekking across ridges and valleys toward Karanga Camp, a shorter day designed to aid acclimatization.

  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

  • Overnight Altitude: 4,035 m / 13,238 ft

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert


Day 6: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

Ascend gradually to Barafu Camp, your base camp for the summit attempt. The terrain becomes rocky and barren. After arriving, rest, hydrate, and prepare your summit gear before an early dinner and sleep.

  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

  • Overnight Altitude: 4,673 m / 15,331 ft

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert


Day 7: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Wake around midnight for the summit push. Climb steadily to Stella Point, then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft), the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement and take photos before descending to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

  • Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

  • Overnight Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert / Rainforest


Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha

Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you sign out of the park and say farewell to your mountain crew. Transfer back to Arusha for a hot shower and celebratory dinner.

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Ending Altitude: 1,640 m / 5,380 ft

  • Habitat: Rainforest

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INCLUSION

* All transfers

* Accommodation
* all trekking fees,
* All meals while on the Mountain
* Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
* Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
* English speaking guide
* Sleeping bags
* Porters salary
• 3 meals in a day
• Mineral drinking water.

EXCLUSION

 Tips,
* medical insurance cover
* all trekking personal gears
* alcohol
* all things of personal nature

Frequently asked questions

How Difficult is the Marangu Route?

This route is attempted by many novice hikers every year as it offers comfortable hut accommodations, as opposed to other routes that require you to sleep in mountain tents. Many people attest that this route is less difficult compared to other hikes to the top of Kilimanjaro.

Marangu route common misconception for trekkers is perceive a 5-day hike to be easier than a 6-day hike. However, the 5-day options can be very difficult as it does not allow for much time to acclimate to the altitude.

The 6-day option is much easier, but a good level of fitness is still required.

What is the distance of the Marangu Route and how many days does it take to complete?

The exact distance on the Marangu Route is 82km or 50 miles. The shortest number of days required for the Marangu Route is 5 days, however, when you take into consideration the arrival and departure days, it is 9-10 days. As the Marangu Route is the shortest route on the mountain, it is best to complete the journey over 6 days to increase your chances of success.

What is the Maragu Route Summit Success Rate?

As it is one of the shortest routes on the mountain, the Marangu Route has the lowest summit success rates. This is mainly because of the unprofessional local tour guides who take groups up the mountain on the shorter 5-day hike. Because of this, the 5-day average success rate is 50%! We advise our hikers with this in mind, so we only take the 6-day option which increases the success rate to over 90%!

What scenery will I see on the Marangu Route?

The Marangu route ascends through the rainforest, moorlands, and alpine areas before ending in the glacial zone. This trek is very beautiful and is the only route that allows you to descend the same way you ascended.

Are there showers in the Marangu route?

Yes, there are showers and flushing toilets available at some of the huts in the Marangu route. However, the showers are cold and are available at Mandara hut and Horombo hut.

What is the best time to journey through the Marangu Route?

Between July and September is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. The weather is the most stable during this period and encountering rain is less likely. Since it is close to the equator, it is possible to climb the mountain at any time during the year. Be cautious, April and May are the wettest months, so this period is best avoided.

 

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