07 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Today crosses the full breadth of the Shira Plateau — a unique feature of the Lemosho route. While the Machame route merely intersects the plateau, Lemosho traverses it entirely from west to east in a relatively flat, pleasant hike with magnificent open views across the plateau to Kibo's summit cone.

The route passes via Shira Cathedral — a dramatic rock formation on the plateau's ridge — before arriving at the Shira Huts camp. This full crossing of the plateau is one of the most enjoyable and visually rewarding days on any Kilimanjaro route. Dinner and overnight at Shira Huts.

Depart the Shira Plateau climbing east past the iconic Lava Tower at 4,640m — a dramatic volcanic plug rising from the alpine desert landscape. Here the Lemosho route merges with the Machame route for the remainder of the ascent. The high point at Lava Tower is critical for acclimatisation before descending to Barranco.

Descend to the Barranco Huts camp — although you end the day close to the elevation at which you started, the acclimatisation gain from reaching 4,640m is significant for your summit preparation. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Huts.

A shorter day beginning with the famous Barranco Wall scramble — the most dramatic section of the southern circuit. The wall looks intimidating but is not technically difficult; your certified guides assist at every step. The views from the top are extraordinary.

Continue across the Karanga Valley to the Karanga Camp, passing through the increasingly arid alpine zone. The summit cone now dominates the skyline. A shorter distance today allows the body to rest and continue acclimatising before the final high-camp push tomorrow. Dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp.

A shorter but steep climb to Barafu Huts — the high camp and final resting point before tomorrow's summit push. The landscape is now fully alpine desert; vegetation is minimal, the air is noticeably thin, and both the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks are dramatically visible.

Arrive at Barafu in the afternoon, make camp, eat an early dinner and rest as much as possible. Summit night begins at midnight — sleep, hydrate well and prepare your summit gear carefully. Overnight at Barafu Huts.

Summit night begins at midnight. The ascent to Stella Point (5,752m) via the crater rim is the most physically and mentally demanding section of the entire route — climbing through loose scree in the dark at extreme altitude. At Stella Point, rest briefly and witness the most extraordinary sunrise imaginable, with the Tanzanian plains spread thousands of metres below in every direction.

From Stella Point, continue 1–2 hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point on the African continent, and the highest free-standing mountain on earth. From the summit, descend to Millennium Camp (3,820m) or Mweka Hut, stopping at Barafu for lunch on the way down. Dinner and overnight at Millennium Camp.

After breakfast, begin the final descent through the montane forest back to Lemosho Gate — receiving your summit certificate at the gate on arrival. A vehicle meets you at Mweka Village for the transfer back to Arusha or Moshi for a final dinner and overnight.

Congratulations — you have completed one of the world's most spectacular mountain climbs via its most scenic route. An achievement that will stay with you for a lifetime.

After breakfast, depart to your next destination — or combine this Kilimanjaro climb with one of our Kenya wildlife safaris. The Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Samburu are all accessible within a day from Arusha. Ask Dawn Safaris about adding a 3–7 day safari extension to complete your East Africa adventure.