10 Days | 9 Nights

Lemosho Route

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for overnight accommodation. This day is dedicated to rest, gear checks, and a briefing on the upcoming trek. You’ll meet your fellow climbers and your guides, who will go over the Lemosho Route itinerary, health tips, and safety measures.

Take this time to relax, hydrate, and mentally prepare for the climb. The altitude in Moshi is around 900 meters (2,953 feet), offering a peaceful environment to rest before the trek begins. Enjoy a delicious dinner and rest up for the adventure ahead.

LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS
Kili Season Hotel/coffee Lodge Arusha
Kahawa House Lodge Arusha/lake Duluti Lodge
Villa Maua Hotel/africa Safari Arusha

Your trek begins with a transfer to Lemosho Gate (2,100 m/6,889 ft) for registration and a briefing. From here, the trail winds through dense rainforest, with a steady ascent that’s perfect for acclimatization. Along the way, you may spot monkeys, vibrant birds, and other wildlife as you make your way through the lush forest.

The trail opens up to large trees and verdant vegetation, making this section a serene start to your adventure. After 4-5 hours, you will arrive at Big Tree Camp, located at 2,780 meters (9,120 ft), where you’ll camp for the night, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature.

  • Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
  • Time: 4–5 hours
PUBLIC CAMPS
Mti Mkubwa Camp

Today, the trail takes you out of the forest and into the savannah zone as you climb towards Shira 1 Camp. The landscape gradually changes, offering breathtaking views of the Kilimanjaro massif. As you ascend, you’ll notice the vegetation thinning, and the terrain becoming rockier and more open.

The hike is steady, allowing you time to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. At around 3,510 meters (11,515 ft), you’ll arrive at Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll rest and enjoy incredible views of the mountain. The camp offers a fantastic vantage point of the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most picturesque areas.

  • Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Time: 5–6 hours
PUBLIC CAMPS
Shira 1 Camp

On this day, the trail ascends gently to Shira 2 Camp, located at 3,890 meters (12,762 ft). As you hike, the landscape becomes more arid and rockier, with a vast, open expanse stretching out in all directions. The route offers stunning panoramic views of the Shira Plateau and the southern face of Kilimanjaro.

The path is generally easy to follow, and the steady pace allows for better acclimatization. At Shira 2, you’ll be surrounded by alpine desert vegetation, with the camp positioned in a spectacular location on the edge of the plateau. Take time to enjoy the views and relax in this tranquil environment.

  • Distance: 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Time: 4–5 hours
PUBLIC CAMPS
Shira 2 Camp

Today, you’ll experience a more challenging day as you trek towards Lava Tower, situated at 4,630 meters (15,190 ft). The climb to Lava Tower is steep, and you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the surrounding landscape.

The tower itself is a large rock formation that rises dramatically from the plateau. After a brief stop at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters (12,959 ft). The descent helps with acclimatization and provides stunning views of the Barranco Wall, a prominent feature on Kilimanjaro’s southern slopes. Barranco Camp is nestled at the base of this famous wall, where you’ll spend the night under the stars.

  • Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Time: 6–7 hours
PUBLIC CAMPS
Barranco Camp

The day begins with a challenging but short ascent of the Barranco Wall, a rocky scramble that is one of the highlights of the climb. The trail then continues through the alpine desert zone, with stunning views of the surrounding valleys and glaciers.

The terrain is rocky, and you may spot small groups of wildlife such as mountain antelopes or birds. After about 4-5 hours, you’ll reach Karanga Camp at 4,040 meters (13,254 ft). The camp sits on a ridge, offering fantastic views of the mountain’s southern slopes and the distant summit. It’s a great place for some rest and acclimatization before heading higher tomorrow.

  • Distance: 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Time: 4–5 hours
PUBLIC CAMPS
Karanga Camp

The trek today is short but steep, as you ascend from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, located at 4,645 meters (15,239 ft). Barafu Camp is the base camp for the final summit push, so it’s a critical stop for rest and preparation. As you ascend, you’ll notice the terrain becoming more barren, with a rocky and desolate landscape surrounding you.

At Barafu Camp, you’ll enjoy stunning views of both the southern and eastern ice fields. This is an important day to rest, hydrate, and mentally prepare for the challenging summit attempt. After an early dinner, you’ll rest before your midnight departure to the summit.

  • Distance: 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Time: 3–4 hours
PUBLIC CAMPS
Barafu Camp

The summit attempt begins around midnight, as you make your way up the steep slopes of Kilimanjaro. The trek to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,340 ft), will take 6-8 hours, depending on the pace. The ascent is challenging, with cold temperatures and thin air, but reaching the summit is a life-changing experience.

After celebrating at the top, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft). The descent is long but less strenuous, and the camp offers a peaceful atmosphere to relax and reflect on your accomplishment.

  • Distance: 13 km (8 mi)
  • Time: 12–14 hours
PUBLIC CAMPS
Millennium Camp

After breakfast, you’ll begin your final descent to Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft). The trail descends through lush forest, where you may encounter wildlife such as monkeys and colorful birds.

The descent is steep but manageable, offering beautiful views of the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. At Mweka Gate, you’ll complete the official registration and receive your summit certificates. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel for a hot shower and a celebratory meal. This is a time to rest and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment, having successfully summited Kilimanjaro.

  • Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Time: 5–7 hours
LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS
Kili Season Hotel/coffee Lodge Arusha
Kahawa House Lodge Arusha/lake Duluti Lodge
Villa Maua Hotel/africa Safari Arusha

Today, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. You may also have time for a brief safari or visit to nearby cultural sites if desired. Take one last look at Kilimanjaro’s towering peak as you board your flight home, reflecting on the journey that

challenged your body and spirit. The memories of your incredible accomplishment will stay with you forever. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again on future adventures!

Price Per Person

Low Season (April, May & November)

Quote for 7 Days Gurumeti River Great Migration Crossing

GS PP
2
USD 5000
3
USD 5000
4
USD 5000
5
USD 5000
6
USD 5000

High Season (Rest of the Year)

Quote for 7 Days Gurumeti River Great Migration Crossing

GS PP
2
USD 5000
3
USD 5000
4
USD 5000
5
USD 5000
6
USD 5000
  • Transport as described in the itinerary

  • Safari activities-unlimited day game drives, nature walks, hiking and walks with local people (where specified), English-speaking driver-guide, expert local guides where necessary

  • All National Park and Conservancy fees

  • Accommodation as described in the itinerary (double/twin or triple rooms)

  • All meals while on safari-breakfasts, lunches (picnic lunch boxes when necessary) and dinners

  • Bottled drinking water during game drives

  • Flying Doctor emergency evacuation cover

  • Entry Visas
  • Airport transfers
  • Activities cited as “optional” in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
  • Single Room Supplements.
  • Personal spending-services or meals not mentioned as included, beverages in hotels, telephone calls and laundry etc.
  • Tips/Gratuities (Kenya policy)
  • Extra costs incurred as a result of alterations to the original tour plan e.g. different accommodations and services
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