Itinerary Summary
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights (2 Nights in Arusha + 10 Days on the Mountain)
Accommodation: Mountain Camping
Itinerary Overview
The 8-day Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and successful ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting on the remote western side of the mountain, this route offers a quiet beginning and excellent acclimatization due to its longer duration. The trail crosses diverse landscapes, including rainforest, open moorland, alpine desert, and dramatic high-altitude terrain. It joins the Machame Route along the way and follows a “climb high, sleep low” profile, which greatly improves summit success rates.
Overview
The 8-day Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and successful ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting on the remote western side of the mountain, this route offers a quiet beginning and excellent acclimatization due to its longer duration. The trail crosses diverse landscapes, including rainforest, open moorland, alpine desert, and dramatic high-altitude terrain. It joins the Machame Route along the way and follows a “climb high, sleep low” profile, which greatly improves summit success rates.
Itinerary
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where our friendly representative will be waiting to welcome you. After clearing immigration and customs, you’ll be transferred in a private vehicle to your hotel in Arusha Town.
After check-in, you’ll meet your Head Guide for a detailed pre-climb briefing covering the route, safety guidelines, altitude tips, and equipment check. This session is a great opportunity to ask questions and ensure you’re fully prepared for your trek.
Accommodation: Venus Premier Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
Drive time: Approx. 1.5 hours from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha
- Elevation: 1,200 m – 2,100 m – 2,750
- Distance: Approx. 11 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hrs
- Habitat: Montane Forest
After an early breakfast, depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate (approx. 2-hour drive). The final 45 minutes of the drive take you along a scenic forest track to the park gate.
At the gate, your team will register with park authorities and organize supplies before starting the trek.
The trail winds gently through lush rainforest, home to blue and colobus monkeys. A packed lunch will be served en route. Arrive at MtiMkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) in the late afternoon to find your tents set up and hot water prepared by the porters.
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Note: Mountain temperatures can drop to freezing at night. Be sure to stay warm.
- Elevation: 2,750 m – 3,840 m
- Distance: Approx. 15 km
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hrs
- Habitat: Moorland
Today, the trail climbs out of the forest and into heather and moorland. You’ll pass through rolling hills and streams before ascending the Shira Ridge, offering magnificent views of KiboPeak. Descend slightly to Shira 1 Camp, located on the Shira Plateau one of the world’s highest plateaus.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation: 3,540 m – 3,840 m
- Distance: Approx. 15 km
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hrs
- Habitat: Moorland
A gentle walk east across the plateau leads you toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, with sweeping views of the mountain’s upper slopes. You’ll reach Shira 2 Camp, a scenic site located beside a mountain stream, ideal for acclimatization.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation: 3,840 m – 4,600 m – 3,950 m
- Distance: Approx. 15 km
- Hiking Time: 7 hrs
- Habitat: Semi-Desert
After breakfast, trek through a rocky semi-desert landscape toward Lava Tower (4,600 m) — a striking volcanic formation known as “The Shark’s Tooth.” This is an excellent acclimatization hike.
Lunch is served at Lava Tower, and those feeling strong can climb the formation (weather permitting). Afterward, descend to Barranco Camp (3,950 m), situated in a beautiful valley below the Great Barranco Wall.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Tip: Although you end the day at a similar altitude to the start, this up-and-down route is crucial for acclimatization.
- Elevation: 3,950 m – 3,959 m
- Distance: Approx. 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hrs
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, tackle the Great Barranco Wall, an exhilarating yet non-technical climb offering spectacular views of glaciers and the valleys below. Continue with a series of ascents and descents across ridges and valleys to reach Karanga Camp.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 3,959 m – 4,600 m
- Distance: Approx. 4 km
- Hiking Time: 2–3 hrs
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
This short but steep ascent takes you to Barafu Camp, located on a rocky ridge above the clouds. “Barafu” means ice in Swahili, and the camp can be quite cold and windy.
Spend the afternoon resting and familiarizing yourself with the terrain before nightfall.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
A well-deserved rest and acclimatization day. Enjoy the panoramic views and use this day to hydrate, eat well, and prepare for your final push to the summit.
Overnight: Barafu Camp (DBL)
- Elevation: 4,600 m – 5,780 m
- Distance: Approx. 4 km
- Hiking Time: 5 hrs
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Unlike most routes that summit at night, this itinerary features a daytime ascent to Kibo Crater. The climb is slow and steady, offering breathtaking views of the glaciers.
Once you reach the rim, descend slightly into the caldera to set up camp at Crater Camp (5,780 m) one of the most extraordinary camping spots on Kilimanjaro.
Overnight: Crater Camp – Dinner included
- Elevation: 5,780 m – 5,895 m – 3,100 m
- Distance: 7 km ascent / 23 km descent
- Hiking Time: 8 hrs ascent / 7–8 hrs descent
- Habitat: Stone Scree & Ice-Capped Summit
After an early breakfast, begin your summit attempt at around 8:00 AM. The trail ascends over stone scree and snow, leading to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the highest point in Africa!
Celebrate your incredible achievement and take time for photographs before descending to Barafu Camp for lunch. Continue down to Mweka Camp through alpine and rainforest zones.
Overnight: Mweka Camp – Dinner included
- Elevation: 3,100 m – 1,980 m – 1,200 m
- Distance: Approx. 15 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hrs
- Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, enjoy a cheerful celebration with your mountain team before descending through the forest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates.
After a hot lunch at Mweka Village, transfer back to Arusha Town for a relaxing evening at your hotel.
Overnight: Venus Premier Hotel (BB)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by leisure time before check-out at 11:00 AM. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees and rescue fees (inclusive of taxes)
- Return transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha / Moshi and to/from climb gate
- Hotel accommodation in Arusha (first and last night, Bed & Breakfast basis)
- Fresh, nutritious meals and hot drinks throughout the climb
- Qualified mountain team: guides, assistant guides, porters, and cook(s)
- Camping equipment: tents, tables, and chairs
- Daily water for drinking and washing
- First aid kit (for emergency use)
- Porter service for up to 15 kg (per climber)
- Kilimanjaro Certificate for successful summit
Exclusions
- International flights
- Items of personal nature (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
- Tipping (recommended per participant: USD $250–$300 total for the team — guides, porters, and cook)
- Visa Fees
- Personal gear rentals (Sleeping bags, hiking shoes, trekking poles, etc)
- Portable toilet
- Travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation up to 6,000 meters above sea level and any associated medical treatment.
Essential Kilimanjaro FAQs
While you don’t need to be an elite athlete, a good level of cardiovascular fitness is required. Training with hikes and stair-climbing for 2–3 months before your Arusha arrival is highly recommended.
The best climbing windows are the dry seasons: January–March and June–October. Your Rongai Route is particularly good during the slight rainy seasons because the northern side of the mountain receives less precipitation.
