Overview:

The Lemosho Route is widely considered the most beautiful and well-balanced route on Mount Kilimanjaro. This 9-day itinerary offers trekkers a more gradual ascent, increasing the chances of a successful summit due to excellent acclimatization opportunities. Beginning at Londorossi Gate on the western side of the mountain, the route leads hikers through pristine rainforest, across the dramatic Shira Plateau, and onto the alpine desert before joining the Southern Circuit.
What sets the 9-day Lemosho Route apart is the additional acclimatization day at Moir Hut, which allows the body more time to adjust to high altitude, significantly improving summit success rates. The trail is both remote and scenic, with low foot traffic during the first few days, giving trekkers a more serene and immersive experience. It culminates with a night-time summit push from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, followed by a descent via the Mweka Route.

Details:

• Duration: 9 days, 8 nights on the mountain
• Starting Elevation: 7,742 ft (Londorossi Gate) - Summit Elevation: 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak)
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging - Best Season: January to March and June to October

ITINERARY :

Arrival Day
On arrival in Moshi, you will be greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel. Once settled, we will conduct a detailed orientation and gear check to ensure you are well-prepared for the climb. You’ll meet your guide, who will explain the itinerary, safety protocols, and answer any questions. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and rest for the adventure ahead.

Day 1: MOSHI – MTI MKUBWA (Big Tree)
10,600 ft / 2,972 m • 7.2 miles / 11 km • 3–4 hours
The adventure begins on the western slopes of Kilimanjaro at Londerossi Gate. Entering the lush Lemosho Glades, we trek through a vibrant montane forest where towering trees dominate the landscape. Colorful Hartlaub’s Turacos flash through the canopy, and the distant calls of Colobus monkeys echo overhead.
Our expert guides help us identify the diverse flora and fauna, bringing the forest to life with stories and scientific insight. After an invigorating few hours, we arrive at our first camp, nestled deep in the rainforest under the towering trees of Mti Mkubwa.

Day 2: MTI MKUBWA – SHIRA PLATEAU
12,480 ft / 3,804 m • 3.1 miles / 5 km • 7–8 hours
After breakfast, we leave the rainforest behind and climb steadily into a new ecosystem. The path winds upward toward the Shira Plateau, a vast caldera formed by the collapse of one of Kilimanjaro’s early volcanic cones.
We break for lunch, then continue climbing the ridge toward the caldera’s edge. The landscape opens into sweeping heath and moorland, and we catch our first sight of Kibo Peak standing proudly in the distance.

Day 3: SHIRA PLATEAU – MOIR CAMP
13,650 ft / 4,160 m • 6.2 miles / 10 km • 7–8 hours
Fuelled by a hearty breakfast, we cross the dramatic Shira Plateau, one of the most expansive and scenic sections of the trek. Around midday, we rest at Fisher Camp for a warm lunch before continuing.
The final stretch takes us into a deep gorge, flanked by the remnants of a massive lava flow. Moir Camp awaits, tucked away in a hidden valley with dramatic views and a feeling of solitude.

Day 4: MOIR CAMP – BARRANCO CAMP
12,950 ft / 3,950 m • 6.2 miles / 9.9 km • 6–7 hours
We begin with a climb into the Alpine zone, ascending toward the imposing Lava Tower at 15,200 ft. This key acclimatization stop gives us time to rest and adjust to the thinner air while enjoying lunch beneath the towering volcanic formation.
From there, we descend 2,000 feet into the Barranco Valley. The trail winds through a landscape dominated by towering Giant Senecios and Lobelias—plants found only at these altitudes. Camp is set at the base of the mighty Barranco Wall, a challenge that awaits us tomorrow.

Day 5: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP
13,200 ft / 4,033 m • 3.6 miles / 5.8 km • 4–5 hours
The day begins with a scramble up the legendary Barranco Wall, a thrilling test of agility and focus. As we ascend, panoramic views of the valley below and Kibo Peak above inspire us onward.
After descending into the Karanga Valley, we tackle a final uphill push to reach Karanga Camp. The sense of accomplishment is palpable as we rest beneath the looming presence of the summit.

Day 6: KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU HIGH CAMP
15,790 ft / 4,813 m • 2.6 miles / 4.18 km • 5 hours
Today we ascend steadily over rocky, windswept terrain toward Barafu High Camp. The thinning air challenges our pace, requiring frequent breaks and careful movement.
Barafu, meaning "ice" in Swahili, lives up to its name with its cold and exposed location. Yet the atmosphere buzzes with anticipation. As evening falls, the summit looms closer than ever.

Day 7: BARAFU – UHURU PEAK – BARAFU
Summit: 19,341 ft / 5,895 m • 2.55 miles / 4.1 km (ascent) • 6–7 hours
Before dawn, we begin the most demanding leg of the journey. The steep, switchback trail takes us slowly upward, lit only by headlamps and stars. Reaching the crater rim as the sun rises is unforgettable, with Mawenzi Peak behind us and glaciers glowing ahead.
The final hour to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa—is a triumph of determination. After savoring the summit moment, we descend back to Barafu Camp for a well-earned rest.

Day 8: BARAFU CAMP – MILLENNIUM CAMP
12,590 ft / 3,837 m • 6.3 miles / 10.1 km • 5–6 hours
The descent begins in earnest. We move rapidly down through loose scree, muscles working hard after days of climbing.
Stopping for lunch at Barafu, we continue downward to reach Millennium Camp, located among forested slopes. The air feels thicker, the temperature warmer, and the sense of accomplishment overwhelming as we prepare for our final descent.

Day 9: MILLENNIUM CAMP – MOSHI
Mweka Gate: 5,500 ft / 1,676 m • 7.5 miles / 12 km • 6 hours
The last stretch takes us through lush montane forest, teeming once again with birdsong and green canopy. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, we sign out and officially complete our trek.
A short drive returns us to Moshi, where a hot shower and cold drink await. In the evening, we gather to celebrate our incredible journey—a once-in-a-lifetime experience reaching the roof of Africa.

PRICE (USD)

PRICE INCLUDES

- Dedicated Customer Satisfaction Associate: Personalized assistance throughout your climb, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

- Airport Pickup and Drop-off: Convenient transport to and from the airport at the start and end of your journey.

- Hotel Accommodation: One night before and one night after the climb in a comfortable hotel.

- Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during, the climb, including water on the mountain.

- Park Fees and Taxes: All applicable national park entry fees and taxes are covered.

- Transportation: Transfers between the hotel and the trailhead for the start and end of your climb.

- Camping Equipment: High-quality, 3-person mountaineering tents, sleeping mats, and a private toilet tent for your comfort.

- Support Team: A professional team of certified guides, porters, and cooks to assist and support you throughout the trek.

- Kilimanjaro SAR Evacuation Insurance: Comprehensive search and rescue evacuation coverage for peace of mind during your climb.

PRICE EXCLUDES

• Airfare to and from Tanzania
• Personal travel insurance
• Visa
• Tips for the support team
• Sleeping bags and other personal gear
• Rental gear
• Lunch and dinner at the hotel
• Drinks and snacks