Quick facts
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Location
- Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Summit
- Not guaranteed
Overview
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via The Lemosho Route
As a newer route, it is more remote and arguably more beautiful, but a bit longer and slightly more expensive. It starts on the Western side of the mountain at the Londorossi Gate which is a further drive from town, and was introduced as an alternative to the Shira route. After beautiful forests and moorlands it crosses the Shira Plateau on day 3 to connect with the Machame Route at Lava Tower and down towards Barranco Valley via the Southern Circuit. You may be lucky enough to see buffalo, elephant and other game. The extra time on this route is used for acclimatization. Reaching the summit is not guaranteed.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel 4 stars B&B. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing, gear check and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Londrossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
4.8KM /3MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFOREST. Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft (altitude gained: 396m). Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 2 Camp
17KM/5MI | 6-8HRS | MOORLAND. Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3895m/12,779ft (altitude gained: 1110m). After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Day 3
Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
10.1KM/6MI | 5-7HRS | SEMI-DESERT. Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft (altitude gained: 91m). Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day 4
Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
5.2KM/3MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT. Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,253ft (altitude gained: 48m). After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Day 5
Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
3.3KM /2 MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT. Elevation: 4034m/13,253ft to 4662m/15,295ft (altitude gained: 628m). We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day 6
Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp
5KM /3MI UP | 5-7HRS | – MWEKA CAMP: 11.5KM /8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT. Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft (altitude gained: 1233m). Descent to 3090m/10,150ft (altitude lost: 2789m). Early start between midnight and 2 a.m. Ascend between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers through heavy scree towards Stella Point, then continue about 1 hour to Uhuru Peak. After photos and celebrations, steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Overnight Mweka Camp.
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 7
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
9.1KM/5.7MI |3-4HRS | RAINFOREST. Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft (altitude lost: 1473m). After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation with your crew, continue the descent to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Overnight Kilimanjaro Wonders hotel 4stars B&B.
Included
- Park fees, camping fees, Hut fees & rescue fees
- Twice a day medical health checkup, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope with basic first kit
- Oxygen Cylinder
- Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
- 18% Value Added Tax on tour fees & services
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mat, camp chairs, camp tables, mess tent & cutlery for meals) and 3 Season mountain tents
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Medically qualified mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 Meals while on the mountain + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
- Hot water for washing up daily and treated water for drink while climbing.
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation in Moshi. Bed & Breakfast Basis with storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- 4-5 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
- Kilimanjaro certificate for your successful summit attempt.
Excluded
- Flights ( International)
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- Gamow Bag
- Medication
- Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room
Need a custom itinerary?
Tell us your travel dates, group size and interests, and our Moshi team can help plan a tailored Kilimanjaro and/or safari itinerary.
- Standard trip: choose a published itinerary, request it, confirm the details with the team, then pay the confirmed deposit.
- Custom trip: share dates, group size and interests. The team plans the itinerary, sends a quotation, and confirms it before any deposit.
