MOUNT KILIMANJARO

LEMOSHO ROUTE 8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS

Dates: 03/01/2026 - 13/01/2026

The Lemosho Route is the longest of the standard routes on Kilimanjaro, and is without doubt the most beautiful. It is a superb choice for the climb, offering an ideal balance of low traffic, beautiful scenery, and a high summit success rate. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge, where we will see exotic plants and animals, and enjoy stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. Unlike the popular Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route crosses the entirety of the plain from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. An added bonus is that we will encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco, and Barafu, known as the southern circuit. Descent is made via the Mweka route. The Lemosho Route is considered the most scenic route on Kilimanjaro, and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. Thus, Lemosho is highly recommended for climbers who want to experience the best of Kilimanjaro's natural beauty. 

Day 0 (03/01): Travel

We leave London on the 3rd January and take our flight to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)

Day 1 (04/01): Arrival and Briefing

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), we will be greeted by a representative and transferred to the Panama Garden Resort in Moshi. The resort offers comfortable rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and internet access, providing a relaxing and convenient stay.

In the evening, we will meet with our experienced guides who will provide a comprehensive briefing on your trek, including an overview of the route, safety procedures, and what to expect during the climb. This is also an opportunity to review and check our trekking gear to ensure we are fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

Dinner and overnight will be at the Panama Garden Resort in Moshi

Day 2 (05/01): Moshi to Londorossi Gate and MtiMkubwa Camp

After a 1.5 hour drive from Moshi, we will arrive at the Londorossi Gate, where we will check in and begin our trek. The first day is a relatively easy 3-4 hour hike to MtiMkubwa Camp, with an elevation gain of 650m/2,132ft. The trail takes us through a lush forest, and we will have the opportunity to spot some of the local wildlife. We will cover a 

Day 3 (06/01): MtiMkubwa Camp to Shira One Camp

On the second day, we will depart from MtiMkubwa Camp and hike for 5-6 hours to reach Shira One Camp, with an elevation gain of 950m/3,116ft. The trail takes us through a heather forest, and we will have stunning views of the surrounding landscape. As we climb higher, we will reach the edge of the Shira Caldera, a scenic and unique geological feature. We will cover a distance of approximately 12km/7.5 miles and reach a final elevation of 3,609m/11,841ft. The Shira One Camp is a beautiful and scenic spot, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

ains.

Day 4 (07/01): Shira One Camp to Shira Two Camp

Today, we will embark on a gentle 5-6 hour hike across the Shira Plateau, with possible side trips to Shira Cathedral. We will cover a distance of approximately 5km/3.1 miles and gain an elevation of 240m/787ft, reaching a final elevation of 3,849m/12,628ft. Camp will be set up at the first high camp of Shira Two. Note that from Shira Two Camp, the trail links with the Machame Route.

Day 5 (08/01): Shira Two Camp to Barranco Hut

The real work of climbing Kilimanjaro begins today. We will start with a slow climb to Lava Camp, followed by a descent to the beautiful Barranco Camp. This is an example of the Climb-High-Sleep-Low principle of altitude adjustment. The hike will take approximately 5 hours, covering a distance of 6km/3.7 miles, with an elevation gain of 100m/328ft, reaching a final elevation of 3,948m/12,956ft.

Day 6 (09/01): Barranco Hut to Karanga Valley

After a climb of the Great Barranco Wall (this is the best part of the trip), we will continue around the southern circuit trail until we reach the scenic Karanga Camp. The hike will take approximately 3.5 hours, covering a distance of 4km/2.5 miles, with an elevation gain of 100m/328ft, reaching a final elevation of 3,963m/13,000ft.

Day 7 (10/01): Karanga Valley to Barafu Hut

The trail from Karanga to Barafu reaches the bleak high desert of Kilimanjaro. Barafu Camp is a high-altitude camp that serves as a staging point for the final push to the summit, offering basic amenities and services. The hike will take approximately 3.5 hours, covering a distance of 4km/2.5 miles, with an elevation gain of 600m/1,968ft, reaching a final elevation of 4,600m/15,091ft.

Day 8 (11/01): Barafu Camp to the Summit and Mweka Camp

This is a midnight Alpine Summit, where we will attempt to reach the summit by dawn. The hike to the summit will take approximately 7 hours, covering a distance of 5km/3.2 miles, with an elevation gain of 1,300m/4,265ft, reaching a final elevation of 5,896m/19,343ft. After reaching the summit, we will descend to Mweka Camp, covering a distance of 12km/7.5 miles, with an elevation loss of 2,800m/9,186ft, reaching a final elevation of 3,100m/10,170ft.

Day 9 (12/01): Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

After a well-deserved breakfast, we will embark on a short, scenic 4-hour descent to Mweka Gate. At Mweka Gate, we sign our names and add details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Climbers who reached Stella Point are issued green certificates, and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate, we will be driven back to Moshi for an overdue hot shower and comfortable night in a hotel. Dinner and overnight will be at the Panama Garden Resort in Moshi.

Day 9 (13/01): Drop Off to Kilimanjaro Airport to catch up flight back home.

PRICE USD $ 2,500 PER PERSON (approx £1900)

INCLUDED:

• Private transport to the park's gate (starting point for the climb) and transport back to the hotel after the climb
• Pickup and drop off to the airport (note: if we all are arriving on the same flight, the airport transfer will be included in the price. If someone arrives on different flights/time an extra cost will be incurred, but this will be determined based on the numbers and flights)
• 2 nights hotel accommodation (the night before and the night after the climb) with breakfast included
• Qualified medical guides to ensure our safety and well-being during the climb
• Salaries for guides, cook, and porters to ensure that they are fairly compensated for their work
• All national park entry fees
• All camping fees 
• Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for successful summit attempt 
• Rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Park rescue team fees) 
• Government taxes 
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain 
• Evacuation services 
• Friendly and competent Trained Mountain Guides, assistant guides, porters and professional cook. 
• 3 full fresh meals daily. Fresh food on the mountain prepared by skilled professional cook (Vegetarian options are available, please let me know in advance). Menu is specially designed for climbers. 
• Hot drinks on the mountain and Hot water for washing will be provide everyday on the mountain. 
• Quality specious tents, sleeping mattress, camping tables, camping chairs and Dining Tent. 
• Supplementary Portable Oxygen and Complete First Aid Kit (used in case of emergency only) 
• Pulse oxy-meter carried by all chief guides 
• 3-4 liters of mineral/treated water (per Climber) provided daily during the climb 
• Private Flash mobile toilet on the mountain (BELIEVE THIS IS LUXURY)!!!!!
• Lunch and one bottle of Kilimanjaro beer/ soda after summit at the gate. 

NOT INCLUDED

• Items of a personal nature

• Tips for guides, porters and cook (average tip is anything from US$ 300 to US$ 350 per hiker) OR Tip to your guides, porters and cook. The recommended for this is $ 20 head guide per day, $ 20 per assistant guide per day, $ 15 per cook per day & $ 10 per porter per day.
• Personal Hiking/Trekking gears (Some Gears are available for Rent) 
• Snacks & personal medicine
• Drinks and dinner at the hotel 

• Flights around £500 -£800

• Tanzania Visa £50 

• Optional tours (Short safari after climb can be arranged with extra cost
• Insurance with Helicopter Rescue around £80 - don’t forget this is important

Costs of additional services: 

• Extra porter, for excess gear, per day $15