Tour Overview
The Mount Kilimanjaro L emosho Route difficulty level is relatively easy due to its great acclimatization profile. This Kilimanjaro Climbing Package offers the chance to climb high and sleep low and with the right amount of preparation, anyone can climb via this route. Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing via the Lemosho Route offers a scenic and less crowded experience, with stunning views and diverse landscapes. Thus, guaranteeing an adventurous climb!
Lemosho Route combines stunning scenery, diverse landscapes, and a greater chance of summiting Africa’s highest peak. The route’s longer duration allows for proper acclimatization, increasing the likelihood of a successful ascent. While challenging, the Lemosho Route offers a rewarding adventure for those seeking a journey to Uhuru Peak.
Tour Itinerary
Arrival & Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be transferred to your accommodation where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check.
Overnight: Simba Farm Lodge (Classic) or Ndarakwai Ranch (Premium)
Day 1: Lemosho Trailhead to Big Tree Camp
Elevation Gain: 400m/1,310ft
This morning you will drive to the Londorossi gate where you will complete entry formalities. From here your drive continues for around 1 hour to the Lemosho trailhead. Enjoy lunch before commencing your trek through lush undisturbed forest where you may be lucky enough to see Colobus monkeys. The path undulates, steeply in places, to arrive at the first camp after 2-3 hours of trekking.
Overnight: Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa)
Day 2: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation Gain: 750m/2,460ft
Your trek will begin in the forest; however, you will soon leave it behind, taking a steep track into a zone of giant heather and volcanic rock. This is a full day ascending the lush rolling hills below the Shira Plateau. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. The trail begins to ease as you reach the edge of the plateau, reaching camp after 5-6 hours. The view of Kibo across the plateau is incredible.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation Gain: 300m/1,000ft
Trek across the Shira Plateau with an optional climb to Shira Cathedral (3,880m). Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. The day finishes with a gradual climb to Shira 2 Camp. Trekking time without the optional excursion is approximately 3 hours. Including acclimatization to the peak of Shira Cathedral will add approximately 1 hour.
Overnight Shira 2 Camp
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
Elevation Gain: 750m/2,400ft
Elevation Loss: 700m/2,300ft
Your climb today will take you steadily up and over the expansive ridgelines of high desert to Lava Tower at 4,600m. The trek to the base of the tower, a 300-foot-high volcanic plug, takes around 4-5 hours. From here begin a steep descent into the Barranco Valley, passing exotic large flowering plants, Senecio Kilimanjaro. This descent will take 1-2 hours. Although you end your day at almost the same elevation as you started, today is important for acclimatization. Camp is in a beautiful, sheltered valley below the imposing Barranco Wall.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation Gain: 300m/1,000ft
Elevation Loss: 250m/820ft
Begin the day climbing the Barranco Wall, an impressive scramble that will reward you with fantastic views back towards camp. From the top, at 4,200m, follow an undulating path around the mountainside. On a clear day, there are spectacular views of Kibo to your left and Mount Meru to your right. After descending into the Karanga Valley your climb takes you up a short steep path to camp. .
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Kosovo Camp
Elevation Gain: 850m/2,790ft
Spend the morning climbing steadily up to Barafu Camp, which is Swahili for ice, and then continuing up a rocky slab to Kosovo. This small camp is located on the ridge below the summit cone. You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views from many different angles. The walk will take around 4-5 hours, meaning you will arrive at Kosovo in time for lunch and a full summit briefing, before spending the afternoon resting. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.
Overnight Kosovo Camp
Day 7: Kosovo Camp to Uhuru Peak – Descending to Mweka Camp
Elevation Gain: 1,095m/3,590ft
Elevation Loss: 2,785m/9,140ft
In the early hours of the morning begin your final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro, taking approximately 5-7 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be warm by the end of the hiking day and you need clothing for both extremes. Just when you think you’ve reached your limit, the sun will rise and you’ll be rewarded with a rich red sky framing Mawenzi.
At Stella Point (5,750m) join the crater rim. From here, climb less steeply to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. From the summit descend to Mweka Hut, with lunch served on the way, taking around 6 hours. Enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Overnight: Mweka Hut Camp
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation Loss: 1,280m/4,200ft
Descend to the gate through the lush forest (2-3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. You will be collected from Mweka Village and taken to your hotel in Moshi.
Overnight: Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel (Premium)
Trip Includes
Trip Excludes
- Park Fees
- Camping Fees
- Rescue Fees
- Head Guide
- Assistants Guides
- Cook, & Porters Salaries
- All Food & Drinking Water
- Tents
- Emergency Oxygen
- Transport To / From Park Entry
- & 18% VAT Tax
- Accommodation in Moshi including breakfast pre- climb and complimentary celebration dinner from Mallya Tours and lunch post climb
- Two airport transfers
- Hiring of personal equipment including clothing , sleeping mat, sleeping bag etc.
- Tipping to your crew. (The standard recommendation is USD$22 per day to the head guide , $20 per day per assistant guide, 20 per day to the cook and 10$ per day per porter)
- Private Toilet upon request
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Spending money
- Any drinks and lunches in Moshi
