Lemosho route

Our favorite trail.
Beginning on the picturesque western side of the Mountain.
Offering stunning views on Shira plateau.
7 day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $2290

Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route - 7 day trek

Featuring captivating scenic vistas, pristine wildlife, excellent acclimatization opportunities and low traffic of climbers, Lemosho is one of the best kilimanjaro routes. Besides it is our personal favorite one for reaching the roof of Africa.

After a 4-hour long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate you'll find yourself on the western slope of Mt Kilimanjaro, from there the route will take you to the world-famous Shira Plateau. That's where you'll embark on your adventure through all climate zones - from alpine meadows to eternal ice. The climb is smooth and gradual. Lemosho route success rate is the highest among all of the routes on Kilimanjaro.

Six, seven and eight-day programs are available, so you can choose depending on the amount of time at your disposal. Longer programs are always recommended over the shorter ones for better acclimatization.

6 and 7-day Lemosho programs start from a high-altitude drop-off: you’ll be transferred to the elevation of 3,500 m/ 11,500 f by an off-road vehicle and start the hike from there. This is meant to maximize acclimatization transition - the higher you start, the easier your adaptation will be.

DAY 1: Arrival

Pick up from the airport & Briefing

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will a member of out team that will transfer you to your hotel. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

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

A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel. Then you will travel by vehicle (roughly 3–4 hours) to Kilimanjaro National Park's western entrance: Londorossi Gate. After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group continues upwards towards their drop-off point by off-road vehicles (reaching 3,500 meters or 11482 feet). Here you can see stunning views of the Shira Plateau for the first time.

The route from your drop-off point to your first high-altitude camp, Shira 2, features a moderate gain in altitude and is not too physically challenging. Due to this, you will be able to properly begin the process of acclimatization. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will have already prepared everything necessary, put up the tents, and begun preparing dinner.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine;
Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently);
Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip to discuss potential allergies.

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Elevation: 3,500 m to 3,900 m
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 11 km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Meadows

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

On this day you will depart from Shira 1 Camp in the morning and complete a light trek toward the second high-altitude camp: Shira 2 Camp. This trek is not difficult and you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of African savannahs and the unique flora of Kilimanjaro. Shira 2 Camp is the best place on the trip to see Mount Meru (the fifth summit of Africa and second-highest in Tanzania), weather permitting.

When you arrive at the camp you will have lunch, and after a two-hour rest, everyone will complete an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp that features a 200-meter (656-foot) gain in altitude.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.

Elevation: 3,505 m to 3,900 m
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7 km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Moorland

DAY 6: Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

In the morning, after a warm and hearty breakfast, you will begin your hike to Barafu Summit Camp. This camp is the starting point for the final night summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19340f) - your end goal. Our team will set up camp ahead of time, so when you arrive your tents and sleeping bags will already be prepared, meaning you can just relax and rest when you reach Barafu Summit Camp.

IMPORTANT NOTE: After regaining strength, you will have to complete an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800m/15748f) and then back to Barafu Camp, where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before the night summit.

Elevation: 4,035 m to 4,640 m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 6 km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Alpine desert

DAY 8: Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

Millennium Camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate. After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to your hotel.

Elevation: 3,820 m to 1,640 m
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 12 km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Rainforest

DAY 7: Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp

You will depart from Barafu Camp at night and start the final summit to Uhuru Peak of Kilimanjaro (5,895m/19340f). Technically speaking, the climb is relatively simple; however, at this high altitude, even regular physical activity can feel strenuous. Therefore, every two climbers will be paired with a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor their physical and mental well-being more closely. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier, if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including most broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.

Elevation: 4,640 m to 5,895 m / 5,895 m to 3,820 m
Hiking Time: 8-12 hours
Distance: 15 km
Difficulty: High
Habitat: Arctic

DAY 5: Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

This day you will wake up early and enjoy a filling breakfast before starting to climb Barranco Wall. We recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups, which can slow you down. Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.

Then you will start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don't worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 300-meter (984-foot) gain in altitude and then descend back down to the camp.

Elevation: 3,960 m to 4,035 m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Moorland

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

After breakfast, you will leave Shira 2 Camp and start your hike to the key point of the route: Lava Tower. This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters (15091 feet). Portions of the trek may be difficult, and it is common to experience some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here, so this is where you will enjoy your lunch.

Then, you will descend to Barranco Camp. Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! The next day you will be climbing it, but don't worry: it features a very simple hiking trail and is not intimidating at all.

Elevation: 3,900 m to 4,630 m / 4,630 m to 3,960 m
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 12 km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Moorland

Our classic adventures are what the majority of climbers are looking for. The combination of great comfort and high safety standards makes our classic Kilimanjaro hikes enjoyable and memorable. This is the most popular option among our clients.

This climbing package includes everything that a climber may need for the hike - our experienced mountain crews, high-quality group equipment, nutritionist-designed meals. Our safety protocols, though, are the same for all our hiking adventures - only the guides with Wilderness First Responder certification are assigned to lead a party. Other safety measures include a supply of oxygen cylinders, complete medical kits and compulsory medical check-ups (two per day).

The progress of each trekking party is tracked with GPS device. You may share the link with your family and friends, who will be able to monitor your progress in a real-time mode.

Before and after the adventure you will stay in a good hotel with caring staff, hot water, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool.

The climb cost includes:

Transfers:
Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi;
Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.

Entry fees:
Park Fees: All park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others).

Accommodation:
Accommodation at 3* hotel (Aishi Machame Hotel or Brubru Lodge) one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay - friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool;
Accommodation in huts. An average hut fits in 6-8 people. Allocation of huts is ruled by rangers of the national park. We will do our best to arrange separate huts for our groups, but during busy months you’re likely to share huts with climbers from other groups. Marangu huts are fitted with bunk beds. Our comfortable 4-inch thick mats will be put on your bunk beds, and you’ll feel safe and snug in your sleeping bag. During the rainy season huts will provide extra shelter from rain and wind!

Meals:
Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).

Hiking and safety equipment:
4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
GPS-tracking service;
Complete medical kits.

Climbing crew:
Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience;
Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

Taxes:
18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy. We are an honest and responsible tour operator working in full compliance with the tax law of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The climb cost excludes:

International flights;
Tips (250-300 USD per climber for the whole mountain crew);
Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
Personal gear rentals;
Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb);
Portable toilets are not available on Marangu route;
Mountaineering insurance. You'll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m.

Package and Quote Details:

The quote will be in USD since all payments in Tanzania will be done in USD. The prices in EUR and GBP are given for indicative purposes only and may vary based on the exchange rate of the day.
Please take the time to read the side tabs of what is included and what is excluded from the quote that will be provided to you. We believe in total transparency and proper communication of all the particulars of your itinerary so orientation with the details of your quote will give you a clear understanding of all associating costs for your trips.

Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour

via Marangu route (5 day trek)

Superb Acclimatization

Our climbing itineraries are crafted in a way that ensures the smoothest acclimatization transition.

Overnight Stays in Huts

Marangu is the only route on Kilimanjaro with overnight stays in huts. Excellent for rainy season climbs.

Stunning Sceneries

Mesmerizing scenic vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro await you. Visual euphoria and amazing photos guaranteed.

Book with confidence

Lemosho route

Our favorite trail.
Beginning on the picturesque western side of the Mountain.
Offering stunning views on Shira plateau.
7 day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $2290

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

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

DAY 6: Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

DAY 9: Start your Safari, Depart for home or visit Zanzibar

Rest in the hotel, transfer to the airport to depart from home or continue your adventure by starting your safari or relaxing at the white shores of Zanzibar.

DAY 8: Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

DAY 7: Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp

DAY 5: Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

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

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Tanzania Office

1530, Sokoine Road, Arusha, Tanzania
P.O. Box 94158

European Office

2, Byzantium str, 1100 Nicosia, Cyprus

Lemosho route Our favorite trail. Beginning on the picturesque western side of the Mountain. Offering stunning views on Shira plateau. 7 day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $2290

Tanzania Office

1530, Sokoine Road, Arusha, Tanzania P.O. Box 94158

European Office

2, Byzantium str, 1100 Nicosia, Cyprus

Lemosho route

Our favorite trail.
Beginning on the picturesque western side of the Mountain.
Offering stunning views on Shira plateau.
7 day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $2290

1530, Sokoine Road, Arusha, Tanzania
P.O. Box 94158