Lemosho Route
- Climbing Kilimanjaro
- 7–8 days
The Lemosho Route is among the most scenic and enjoyable trails up Mount Kilimanjaro, with its diverse landscapes and rich beauty. It is well regarded for its strong acclimatization profile, giving climbers a higher chance of summit success. Beginning on the western slopes, the trail curves around the mountain’s southern side before reaching the summit from the east, then descends the southeastern slope. This route is an outstanding choice for reaching Africa’s highest peak.
From
2,950
per person
- Detailed Itinerary
- Inclusion
- Accommodation
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Kilimanjaro
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Meet your expert guides for a detailed briefing on the Northern Circuit trek. Use the day to rest, check your gear, and prepare mentally and physically for the adventure ahead. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Rainforest Trek
Your journey begins at the Londorossi Gate, where you’re officially registered with Kilimanjaro National Park. From here, a short drive takes you to Lemosho Gate (2,100 m), the starting point of your trek. The trail leads you on a gentle three-hour walk through lush rainforest, alive with birdsong and towering trees, before reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,895 m), also known as Big Tree Camp. Tonight, you’ll experience your first night camping beneath the African skies.
Day 3: Trek into Moorland
After an early breakfast, the trail leaves behind the dense rainforest and enters the heather and moorland zone. The path winds across several small streams and open landscapes as you make your way toward Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m). The next two days showcase some of the most spectacular scenery of the entire climb. Today’s hike takes about five to six hours before you settle in for the night.
Day 4: Cross the Shira Plateau
The trek continues across the wide-open Shira Plateau, where stunning views of the Western Breach and the surrounding glaciers unfold. This section of the climb is rich in unique alpine vegetation, including towering lobelias, senecios, and giant groundsels. After six to seven hours of steady hiking, you arrive at Moir Hut (4,206 m) for the night. The dramatic landscapes make this one of the most memorable days on the route.
Day 5: Lunch at Lava Tower
After breakfast, the trail ascends steadily toward Lava Tower (4,630 m), a striking volcanic rock formation where you stop to enjoy lunch. From here, the route descends to Barranco Camp (3,967 m), dramatically located at the base of the iconic Barranco Wall. This “climb high, sleep low” day is excellent for acclimatization. Expect a hiking time of six to nine hours before settling in for the night.
Day 6: Conquer Barranco Wall
After an early breakfast, you set off to scale the Barranco Wall, a steep and rugged rock face that often appears more daunting than it truly is. Most trekkers find the climb both fun and rewarding. Reaching the top places you above the clouds, with sweeping views of the southern ice fields and Kilimanjaro’s summit. The trail then undulates before arriving at Karanga Camp (3,995 m). Today’s hike takes around four to five hours.
Day 7: Trek into the Alpine Desert
The summit feels close now as you make your way through the stark alpine desert. Today’s hike is a steady three-hour ascent to Barafu Camp (4,600 m), where you rest before the final push. The views of the mountain from this high vantage point are truly spectacular. You’ll have an early dinner and head to bed soon after, as the summit attempt begins around midnight to catch the sunrise and allow enough time for the long climb ahead.
Day 8: Crossing the Alpine Desert
Trek from Third Cave to School Hut through Kilimanjaro’s stark alpine desert. Rocky terrain and scattered high-altitude plants dominate the landscape, signaling your approach to the summit zone. Take a steady pace to conserve energy, enjoying dramatic vistas of the crater rim. Overnight at School Hut, preparing for the final night climb to Uhuru Peak.
Day 9: Summit Day!
This is the ultimate challenge and reward of your Kilimanjaro adventure. Setting off before dawn, you climb steadily for six to eight hours toward Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. Standing beside the famous summit sign is a moment of triumph that crowns all your effort and determination. After celebrating at the top, you descend for another six to eight hours, reaching Mweka Camp (3,068 m) for a well-earned night of rest.
Day 10: Departure Day
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Kilimanjaro. Depending on your plans, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight home or onward to Zanzibar for a relaxing beach escape. For those continuing the adventure, we set off toward Tanzania’s world-famous safari parks, where the Big Five and countless other wildlife encounters await.
Inclusion
- Arrival and departure transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel.
- 9 nights of accommodation: 2 nights in hotel (arrival/departure) and 7 nights on the mountain in tents.
- All meals on the mountain: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Professional Kili Legends and Safaris mountain guides, porters, and cooks.
- Park fees, camping fees, and rescue/evacuation fees.
- Trekking equipment on the mountain: tents, sleeping mats, and dining facilities.
- Summit certificates upon reaching Uhuru Peak.
- Bottled water on the trek (1–2 liters per day per person).
- Kilimanjaro route briefing and itinerary preparation.
Not Included
- International flights to/from Tanzania.
- Visa fees for Tanzania.
- Travel and personal insurance (highly recommended, must include mountain rescue coverage).
- Tips for guides, porters, and support staff.
- Personal trekking gear (warm clothing, boots, sleeping bags, trekking poles).
- Drinks and snacks not provided on the trek.
- Optional hotel extras (laundry, bar, or spa services).
- Any additional activities outside the Kilimanjaro trek.
Where you'll stay
Lindrin Lodge
Lindrin Lodge in the town of Moshi offers chalet accommodation in a pretty and well-maintained garden setting.
