Kilimanjaro summit above the moorland
Kilimanjaro / 7-Day Lemosho Route / Camping

The western trail.
Seven mountain days.

From $1,970per person / 2-4 travellers

Begin in western forest, cross the Shira Plateau and follow the southern circuit towards Uhuru Peak. Plan with Sunset’s local team and guiding experience built over more than 15 years in tourism.

7 daysOn the mountain
CampingMountain overnight style
5,895 mUhuru Peak summit
Local teamBased in Moshi
Your mountain journey

Lemosho.
A route with rhythm.

Lemosho approaches Kilimanjaro from the west. Your first night is in the forest at Mti Mkubwa before the journey crosses the open Shira Plateau. The trail later joins the southern circuit via Lava Tower, Barranco and Karanga.

This seven-day version combines the crossing through Shira 1 to Shira 2 into one longer stage. The eight-day version spreads the early plateau journey over an additional night.

The summit attempt climbs towards Stella Point and, when conditions and your health permit, continues to Uhuru Peak. The descent returns through Mweka. Talk to our team about your hiking experience and the time you can allow before choosing.

A western forest start

Watch the vegetation and scenery change as the route gains height.

The southern circuit

Experience Lava Tower, the Barranco Valley and the climb over the Barranco Wall.

Your local mountain crew

Ask your questions directly and prepare for the journey with Sunset’s Moshi-based team.

The route at a glance

Your mountain stages.

DayWalking stageOvernight
1Lemosho trailhead to Mti MkubwaMti Mkubwa / Big Tree Camp
2Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 via Shira 1Shira 2 Camp
3Shira 2 to Lava Tower to BarrancoBarranco Camp
4Barranco to Karanga CampKaranga Camp
5Karanga to Barafu CampBarafu Camp
6Barafu to Uhuru Peak to MwekaMweka Camp
7Mweka Camp to Mweka GateReturn transfer
Day by day

Follow the journey.

Each stage brings a different landscape. The daily descriptions below follow your 7-day Lemosho mountain itinerary.

Mountain day 1

Lemosho trailhead to Mti Mkubwa

After gate formalities, begin the trek through forest on the western side of Kilimanjaro. Walk to Mti Mkubwa, also called Big Tree Camp, for your first mountain night.

Keep your daypack essentials accessible as you settle into the trail. Your guide sets the walking rhythm and helps you get familiar with the mountain routine.

Overnight: Mti Mkubwa / Big Tree Camp
Trekkers on a Kilimanjaro forest trail
The mountain’s rainforest trails.
Mountain day 2

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 via Shira 1

Climb out of the forest and cross the Shira Plateau, passing through Shira 1 before continuing to Shira 2. This is a longer walking day than in the eight-day itinerary.

This is a longer plateau stage than in the eight-day option. Take time to enjoy the open landscape as you make your way towards the next camp.

Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Tents at a Kilimanjaro mountain camp
Camping on Kilimanjaro.
Mountain day 3

Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco

Walk towards Lava Tower and then descend into the Barranco Valley. The higher daytime section and lower overnight camp form an important part of the ascent schedule.

You walk higher during the day before descending into the Barranco Valley for the night. The landscape becomes more sparse as the trail approaches Lava Tower.

Overnight: Barranco Camp
Sunset guests beside the Lava Tower Camp sign
Lava Tower in the high mountain landscape.
Mountain day 4

Barranco to Karanga Camp

Climb the Barranco Wall with your guide and cross a series of ridges and valleys towards Karanga. This shorter stage leaves time for rest before the next ascent.

Your guide helps you find your footing on the wall before the route continues across ridges and valleys. The mountain terrain is steep and calls for careful walking.

Overnight: Karanga Camp
Sunset trekking group in Kilimanjaro high mountain terrain
Shared mountain days with the Sunset team.
Mountain day 5

Karanga to Barafu Camp

Walk into the high alpine landscape and continue to Barafu. Have an early meal and rest before your summit attempt.

Use the time at camp to organise your warm layers and headtorch before resting. Summit night is the most demanding part of the itinerary.

Overnight: Barafu Camp
Sunset trekking group in Kilimanjaro high mountain terrain
Shared mountain days with the Sunset team.
Mountain day 6

Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka

Start around midnight for the ascent towards Stella Point and, if conditions and your health permit, Uhuru Peak. Descend to Barafu for a rest before continuing to Mweka Camp. This is the longest and most demanding day of the trek.

Expect cold conditions, darkness and a long walking day. The descent is an important part of the stage, and your guide assesses how the journey is progressing.

Overnight: Mweka Camp
Climbers beside the Uhuru Peak sign
A summit moment on a Sunset mountain journey.
Mountain day 7

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, complete the park exit formalities and meet your return transfer. Certificates are issued according to the point reached on the climb.

The rainforest returns as you descend towards the gate. After the park exit formalities, the transfer takes you back to town.

After the walk: Return transfer
Kilimanjaro rainforest boardwalk
Return to the forest on the descent.
Plan your party

Your trip price.

USD per person. Choose the rate for the number of people travelling together.

Your partyPrice per person
2-4 travellers$1,970
1 traveller$2,150
Your trek package

What comes
with the journey.

Included

  • Professional mountain guides
  • Park and rescue fees
  • Transfers to and from the trekking gates
  • Guide, porter and cook wages and park fees
  • Fresh meals during the trek
  • Purified drinking water
  • Sleeping mattress
  • Fair treatment of porters
  • All tent nights during the climb
  • Airport pickup
  • One hotel night before the climb

Not included

  • Tanzania visa
  • Personal expenses and additional beverages
  • Optional activities or a safari after your climb
  • Dinner on the first night in Moshi
Sunset mountain guide with trekking poles
Prepare with people who know the trail

Your climb.
A personal conversation.

Tell us about your walking experience, travel dates and the people coming with you. We will help you understand the route and organise the arrangements around your mountain days.

Share any dietary or equipment questions before departure. For high-altitude health concerns, speak with a healthcare professional before travelling.

Before you decide

Your questions,
answered.

Have something else on your mind? Tell us when you enquire.

Are these mountain days or total holiday days?

The itinerary has 7 mountain days from the trailhead to Mweka Gate. Arrival and onward travel are arranged around that schedule.

What is different about this itinerary?

This seven-day Lemosho schedule crosses Shira 1 and Shira 2 in one longer day. The eight-day itinerary gives the plateau crossing an additional overnight stop.

Where do I sleep?

This is a mountain camping itinerary. The daily schedule shows the overnight camps. Your proposal also sets out the town accommodation for your trip.

Is reaching Uhuru Peak guaranteed?

No. The summit attempt depends on the weather, trail conditions and how you feel at altitude. Your guide helps assess the climb, and a change of plan may be needed.

Can I add a safari afterwards?

Yes. Share your onward flight and the time available after trekking. We can discuss rest time, a private safari or a day trip with the local team.

A conversation with your local guide

Make it your journey.

Tell us a little about your 7-day Lemosho climb. We will help you explore the options and prepare a personal proposal for your party.

01 / Your journey
Leave blank if your dates are flexible.
02 / Where we can reach you

We’ll use your details to respond to your enquiry.