Tour Price
Prices are based on two adults sharing. Solo travelers and private groups, please contact us for a personalized quote.
Trip Info
Overview
The Lemosho route is a popular and scenic trail that offers stunning views, excellent acclimatization, and high summit success rates. Starting on the western slope of Kilimanjaro, it provides a quieter, less crowded approach compared to other routes. The trek passes through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, offering trekkers the chance to experience the mountain’s varied ecosystems. The route is available in 7- and 8-day itineraries, with the 8-day option recommended for better acclimatization.
A key highlight of Lemosho is Cathedral Peak (3,872 m), one of the highest points of the Shira Volcano, where climbers can enjoy an acclimatization hike and take in spectacular views of the surrounding areas. Another iconic feature of the route is the Dendrosenecio kilimanjari, an alien-like plant species found only on Kilimanjaro. With its great acclimatization profile and breathtaking landscapes, the Lemosho route offers an unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.
Destinations:
Itinerary Highligts
Day 1: Lemosho Trailhead – Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp - Shira 2 Camp
Day 3: Shira Camp 2 - Barranco Camp Via Lava Tower
Day 4: Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Hut - Mweka Gate
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Lemosho Trailhead – Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to Londrosi Gate (which is approximately 3.5 hours from Moshi). After registration, you will then drive a further 12km on a forest track that leads to the Lemosho starting point. From here you will enter the beautiful and undisturbed rainforest to begin your ascent up the mountain. This is by no means a difficult trek, but it will give you plenty of time to adjust and witness some of Tanzania’s wildlife. Sightings of Black and White Colobus monkeys and small antelopes are quite common, and you may even be lucky enough to spot buffalos and elephants too. After 3 to 4 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp because of the large conifer trees that provide shade over the campsite.
- Transport: Private transfer 4 hours, 80 km
- Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours (5 km)
- Ascent: 2800 m
- altitude: 2895 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp - Shira 2 Camp
On the second day, you’ll rise early for breakfast and begin climbing a slightly steeper gradient through the moorland vegetation zone. Here you will start to get fantastic views of Kibo, the summit cone of Mt. Kilimanjaro while continuing along a rocky ridge to Shira Plateau. Shira is a collapsed volcanic crater and was the first of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones to expire. You will then continue to hike across the rocky ridge onto Shira Plateau, where you will be able to see the easterly side and the western breach with its dramatic glaciers. You are now on the west of Kibo Peak and it will take another short walk before reaching the Shira Two Campsite.
- Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours (10 km)
- Ascent: 1000 m
- altitude: 3800 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3: Shira Camp 2 - Barranco Camp Via Lava Tower
The route now takes you into semi-desert and rocky landscapes surrounding Lava Tower, a 300ft high volcanic rock formation. You’ll then ascend the rocky scree path to Lava Tower for great panoramic views, before a steep descent into the Barranco Valley. You may find this trek a little tougher than the previous days as some hikers usually start to experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Although you will finish today’s climb at almost the same elevation as you started, this is very good practice for acclimatization and will help prepare your body for summit day. Barranco Camp lies below the imposing Barranco Wall in a beautiful, sheltered valley.
- Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours (12 km)
- Ascent: 3800 m
- altitude: 4550 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp
This will be a shorter day of hiking to allow for acclimatization. After breakfast, you will begin to ascend the Barranco Wall and hike glacial valleys – but don’t worry, it is easier than it looks! From the top of the wall, you will then cross a series of hills and valleys before descending into Karanga Valley. After one steeper climb, you’ll reach Karanga Camp where you will relax for the afternoon before dinner and overnight rest.
- Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours (5 km)
- Ascent: 200 m
- altitude: 4000 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5: Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp
After breakfast, you will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects to the famous Mweka Trail. You will then continue along the rocky ridge for 1 to 2 hours before reaching Barafu Camp, which offers stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit from various angles. Your tents will be pitched along a narrow and rocky ridge with high winds. It’s therefore worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings before it gets dark. Rest for the night at Barafu Camp and prepare for the upcoming hike to the summit.
- Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours (6 km)
- Ascent: 605 m
- altitude: 4700 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6: Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp
This is where the going gets tough! Just before midnight, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Head northwest through the heavy stone scree following multiple switchbacks between Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,685m). This section is probably the most challenging part of the route and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue to move slowly, always listening to your guide.
After a short rest at Stella Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal – Uhuru Peak! Congratulations! You have now made it to the “Roof of Africa”.
Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend there, but it is important to start your descent within good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Barafu Camp. After your rest, you’ll gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Mweka Hut (3,100m) where you’ll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep!
- Hiking time: 12 – 14 hours (17 km)
- Ascent: 1295 m
- Descent: 2795 m
- altitude: 5895 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Hut - Mweka Gate
After eating breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via a scenic path through the forest to Mweka Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate. Then it’s time to drive back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner, and celebrations
- Transport: Private transfer (30 minutes, 17 km)
- Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours (10 km)
- Descent: 1300 m
- altitude: 3100 m
- Accommodation: Parkview Inn
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Departure
You will be picked up from the hotel and be transferred to the airport to catch up your flight back home.
- Meals: Breakfast
Note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay till 6:00 PM for an extra fee.
Good To Know
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an adventure open to anyone with determination and a reasonable level of fitness, regardless of prior mountaineering experience. From seasoned trekkers seeking their next challenge to first-time climbers eager to push their limits, this journey welcomes adventurers from all walks of life. With various routes tailored to different skill levels and timeframes, Kilimanjaro offers something for everyone, whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner. The key to success lies in proper preparation, including physical training, mental resilience, and acclimatization to altitude. Families, solo travelers, and even groups celebrating milestones often embark on this life-changing journey, supported by expert guides who ensure safety and an unforgettable experience.
Includes
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Mountain crew (cook, summit porter& porters)
- Overnight stays in tents
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs )
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water, tea & coffee
- Oxygen tank and oximeters
- All national park fees
- Transfer from the hotel to the National Park gate and back
Excludes
- International or Local Flights
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
Gallery
Most Frequently Asked Questions
There are seven main routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Umbwe. Each route varies in difficulty, scenery, and duration. The Marangu Route is known as the "Coca-Cola" route and is the only one offering hut accommodations, while the Machame Route, also called the "Whiskey" route, is popular for its diverse and scenic paths. The Lemosho and Shira routes offer beautiful vistas and lower traffic, making them ideal for those seeking a more solitary experience. Rongai is the only route starting from the north, and the Northern Circuit is the longest route, offering the most acclimatization time. Umbwe is the steepest and most challenging route, recommended for experienced climbers.
The duration of the climb depends on the route chosen. Typically, it takes between 5 to 10 days to reach the summit and descend. For instance, the Marangu Route can be completed in 5-6 days, while the Lemosho Route generally takes 7-8 days. The Northern Circuit, being the longest, can take 9-10 days. Additional acclimatization days can improve summit success rates and overall experience.
The best times to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are during the dry seasons: from January to early March and from June to October. These periods offer the best weather conditions, with less rain and clearer skies. Climbing during the wet seasons, from April to May and November to December, can be more challenging due to muddy trails and poor visibility.
No technical climbing skills are required to climb Kilimanjaro. It is a non-technical trek, meaning no ropes or special equipment are needed. However, it is a physically demanding hike due to the high altitude and varying terrain. Good physical fitness and proper acclimatization are essential for a successful climb.
Accommodations on Kilimanjaro vary by route. The Marangu Route offers hut accommodations with basic facilities such as beds, mattresses, and communal dining areas. Other routes, such as Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai, require camping in tents. Porters carry the camping equipment and set up the tents at designated campsites.
Physical preparation is crucial for a successful Kilimanjaro climb. It is recommended to start training at least 2-3 months before the climb. Focus on aerobic exercises such as hiking, running, and cycling to build endurance. Strength training for legs, core, and upper body will also be beneficial. Practice hiking with a backpack to simulate the conditions on the mountain.
Packing for Kilimanjaro requires careful consideration of the weather and terrain. Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing (layers), a good quality sleeping bag, a backpack, trekking poles, and a headlamp. Other important items are sun protection, a first aid kit, hydration systems, and high-energy snacks. A detailed packing list is usually provided by tour operators.
Yes, altitude sickness is common on Kilimanjaro due to the rapid ascent to high altitudes. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Proper acclimatization, such as following the "pole pole" (slowly, slowly) approach, staying hydrated, and taking acclimatization days, can help mitigate the effects. Some climbers may also take medication like Diamox to prevent altitude sickness.
Yes, it is mandatory to climb Kilimanjaro with a licensed guide and porters. The Tanzanian government requires all climbers to be accompanied by a registered tour operator. Guides are experienced in navigation, first aid, and handling altitude-related issues, ensuring the safety and success of your climb.
The cost of climbing Kilimanjaro can vary widely depending on the route, duration, and tour operator. On average, expect to pay between $1,500 and $4,000 per person. This cost typically includes park fees, guide and porter fees, food, and accommodations. Additional expenses may include flights, gear, tips, and personal expenses.
Summit success rates vary by route and individual preparation. On average, the overall success rate for reaching the summit is around 65-75%. Routes that allow for more acclimatization days, such as Lemosho and Northern Circuit, generally have higher success rates, often exceeding 85%.
The food provided on Kilimanjaro is typically high in carbohydrates and calories to meet the energy demands of the climb. Meals often include porridge, bread, fruits, vegetables, pasta, rice, and meat. Vegetarian and special dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with prior notice. Hydration is also crucial, and climbers are encouraged to drink plenty of water and hot beverages like tea.
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