Lemosho Route 7 Days Itinerary Prices & Hiking Dates

The Lemosho route 7 Days Itinerary is preferable than the six-day version because it allows for better acclimatization and a more gradual ascent by splitting day two into two days.

In recent years, Lemosho’s classic trail status has skyrocketed. Justifiably so, as it has among of the best summit success rates of any route, spectacular views, and an excellent acclimatization profile. The Lemosho route offers three different itineraries, each lasting 6, 7, or 8 days on the mountain, and begins on the western slope of Kilimanjaro. The Cathedral Peak, at 3872 meters, is one of the highest elevations in Lemosho and the Shira Volcano. Acclimatization hikes to Cathedral Peak, where you may take in some of Kilimanjaro’s most breathtaking views, are available to you. Huge, otherworldly plants called Dendrosenecio kilimanjari are another famous sight on Lemosho. Along with Kilimanjaro Trekking Services Company, 86-year-old Angela Vorobieva reached the peak of Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route, becoming the oldest person to ever do so and setting a Guinness World Record in the process.

Detailed Lemosho Route 7 Days Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a representative from Kilimanjaro Trekking Services Company will be waiting to drive you to your hotel at no additional cost. All the necessities for a pleasant stay will be provided by the hotel: warm rooms, running water, friendly personnel, a pool, and Internet connection. You will be briefed by our management in the evening, and they will also ensure that you are prepared to start the ascent.

Transfers from and to the airport are part of most private trip packages. Adding more than one person to a transfer will incur additional fees. Get everyone in your company to agree on the same arrival and departure hours to save money.

Day 2: High-Altitude Drop Off Destination And Trekking To Shira 1 Camp

You will be met at your accommodation in the morning by a guide and mountain support crew who will provide a briefing. Then, you will travel to the western gate of Kilimanjaro National Park, Londorossi Gate, which is approximately three to four hours away, by car. The party uses off-road vehicles to ascend to their drop-off site, which is 3,600 m /11,482 f, after the short formalities of obtaining climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service. At this point, you will get your first glimpse of the breathtaking Shira Plateau.

From your starting position to Shira 1, your first high-altitude camp, there is a short but physically demanding ascent. Because of this, you can start acclimatization the right way. Our expert mountaineers will have set up the tents, done all the necessary preparations, and started cooking dinner before you even get to camp.

PLEASE NOTE: You should pay close attention to the following instructions from now on because this is your first day at this altitude:

Throughout the day, slowly yet steadily consume more than four liters of bottled water;

You might want to think about taking a high-altitude assistance medication as a preventative step in case you have symptoms of altitude sickness. Before setting out on their climb, many mountaineers take these medications to alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness. Along with your vacation plans, our managers will give you additional particular information. We advise that you address any possible allergies or health issues with your doctor before the trip.

Because your breathing pattern slows down at night, your body receives less oxygen than during the day, which might lead to pain as you acclimate to the high altitude. Because of the high altitude, you can feel nauseous and have a headache. If you experience any signs of altitude sickness, it is important to listen to your body and inform your guide immediately.

Trekking time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 5 km

Day 3: Trekking From Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Starting early in the morning, you will make your way to Shira 2 Camp, the second high-altitude camp on this day. Enjoy breathtaking vistas of African savannahs and the distinctive vegetation of Kilimanjaro on this easy climb. Mount Meru, the second-highest peak in Tanzania and the fifth-highest in Africa, may be best be seen from Shira 2 Camp, weather permitting.

Ascent to Cathedral Peak, one of the highest summits of the extinct Shira volcano at 3872 meters (12,703 ft), will be offered by our guides during the trip between campgrounds. In addition to the fascinating hike itself, on a clear day, the vista from Cathedral Peak’s peak into the valley is quite breathtaking. The valley below, which looks like a lost world, is one of our favorite sights from our ten years of working on the mountain. This hike is easy and doesn’t present any technical difficulties. On cloudier days, you can still find a stella that will make for a stunning photo of the top. You can go straight to Shira 2 if you’d rather not do this climb or if you’re in bad weather. Since Cathedral Peak and Shira 2 are at around the same elevation, this decision has no bearing on acclimatization. Regardless, we highly recommend the hike to Cathedral Peak and think it is well worth the effort.

following a two-hour nap, everyone will go on an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower Camp, which includes a 200 m/656 f ascent, following which you will have lunch at the camp.

PLEASE NOTE: In order to hasten the process of acclimatization, the acclimatization hike is a leisurely walk that involves a small ascent in elevation. The ascents to acclimate should be a top priority for you. They mitigate the effects of altitude sickness and improve your odds of reaching the peak of Kilimanjaro.

Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m /12,631 f)
Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,270 m /14,009 f)
Hiking distance: 2 km
Hiking time: 1-2 hours
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7 km

Day 4: Trekking From Shira 2 Camp To The Lava Tower and Descent To Barranco Camp

Your journey to Lava Tower, a major landmark along the way, will begin after breakfast as you depart Shira 2 Camp. There are several climbs and descents along this portion of the trail, but it finally ends at a camp more than 4,600 m (15,088 f) above sea level. Spending at least one or two hours here will help you adjust to the altitude, albeit it may be challenging and you may experience some discomfort. Therefore, to aid in your acclimatization, your group will have lunch on Lava Tower.

After that, you’ll make your way to Barranco Camp. The world-famous Barranco Wall, staggering in both scale and steepness, is seen from that vantage point. It has a pretty easy hiking path and is not scary at all; however, the next day you will be climbing it.

Trekking time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 12 km

Day 5: Trekking From Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Starting early in the morning after a hearty meal, your group will begin the ascent of Barranco Wall. If you want to beat the other groups, you should get out of camp as early as possible because the crowds will slow you down. It takes about an hour to hike up the gorge wall, and it’s not hard at all. Take a break and snap some shots in front of Kibo after your ascent.

The next day, you’ll set off on a more challenging journey to Karanga Camp. The trail is riddled with multiple climbs and descents, but fear not—our guides are masters at determining the best group pace. Warm lunch will be provided to you once you reach the camp.

Acclimatization hiking toward Barafu Camp, which involves an ascent of 200 m/656 f, and a subsequent descent to the camp, is required after a couple of hours.

Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (3,960 m /13,107 f)
Destination point en route to Barafu Camp (4,270 m /14,009 f)
Hiking distance: 2.5 km
Hiking time: 1-2 hours
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km

Day 6: Trekking From Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Your ascent to Barafu Summit Camp will commence first thing in the morning following a hot and filling breakfast. Your last ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f), your ultimate objective, begins at this camp. When you get to Barafu Summit Camp, your sleeping bags and tents will already be put up by our crew, so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your stay. Prior to the night summit, it is recommended to spend the rest of the day sleeping and relaxing.

Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 6 km

Day 7: Ascent To Uhuru Peak And Descent To Millennium Camp

At night, your group will set out from Barafu Camp to begin the ascent to Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak, which stands at 5,895 meters (19,336 feet). Although the climb is not very difficult from a technical standpoint, being at such a high altitude makes even light exercise feel like a major challenge. Because of the need of continuously monitoring your physical and mental well-being, climbers will be paired with a personal guide for the whole ascent. If you so like, you can descend to the closest glacier once you’ve successfully ascended Uhuru Peak. After a two-hour break, you’ll head back to Barafu Camp and resume your descent to Millennium Camp.

PLEASE NOTE: Keep in mind that the majority of injuries, including broken bones, happen on the way down. The danger of injuring your toenails is great, so be careful with your feet.

Trekking time: 8-12 hours
Distance: 15 km

Day 8: Descent From Millennium Camp To Mweka Gate

In the middle of a tropical rainforest is Millennium Camp. when awakening, you will experience a sense of relaxation as the height decreases and a sense of accomplishment when reaching the peak. Your journey to the Mweka Gate, the park’s exit, will begin after a hearty meal. Everyone will be there to congratulate you as you descend, and then they’ll give you an opportunity to write down your thoughts about the climb in a guestbook. Your commemorative certificates will be presented to you in our office, and a transfer back to the hotel will be arranged as a final service.

Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 12 km

Day 9: Departure

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

PLEASE NOTE: Time to check out of the hotel is 11:00 AM. You can choose to prolong your hotel stay for an additional cost if you require a late check-out due to an evening flight.

End of the Lemosho Route 7 Days Itinerary

Lemosho Route – Summit Success Rate

Over the years, Kilimanjaro Trekking Services Company has collected extensive data on every Kilimanjaro route. Based on statistics from thousands of our climbers, below are the success rates for reaching the Crater Rim and Uhuru Peak on the 6, 7, and 8-day itineraries of Lemosho:

Lemosho 6 – Uhuru Peak: 94.1%, Crater Rim: 95.5%

Lemosho 7 – Crater Rim: 96.5%, Uhuru Peak: 94.9%

Lemosho 8 – Uhuru Peak: 91.7%, Crater Rim: 95.0%

You may be curious as to why the success percentage is marginally lower for the lengthier 8-day schedule. Despite the increased difficulties, many seasoned high-altitude hikers choose the 6-day route and still manage to reach the peak. Furthermore, the 8-day route starts at 2100m and demands climbers to reach 3610m in 24 hours, which can be quite challenging. For this reason, novices are advised to stick to the 7-day plan, as it increases the likelihood of reaching the peak. We also mark it as two failed efforts if one individual goes back and their companion follows. Therefore, your chances of reaching the peak may be higher than what the numbers suggest.

Unlike many operators, Kilimanjaro Trekking Services Company can actually achieve such outstanding summit success rates in practice for a number of important reasons. To begin with, we bring in the top guides, mountain crews, and operations experts by providing them with the greatest working conditions and wages in the Kilimanjaro region. Second, the happiness of our clientele is our first priority. To aid with acclimatization and alleviate altitude sickness symptoms, Kilimanjaro Trekking Services Company makes use of its more oxygen systems than any other operator put together. To ensure that your acclimatization is progressing without a hitch, our guides perform two comprehensive medical checks daily. Last but not least, all Kilimanjaro Trekking Services adventures have comprehensive medical supplies, and our guides are highly skilled in mountain first aid.