Tour Overview
The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Most of the clients climb Kilimanjaro using lemosho route and their feedback on this route is excellent.
We highly recommend the Lemosho route to our clients. The climb begins at Londorossi Gate at an altitude of 2360 metres, with an approach far to the west of the mountain. It then circles around Kilimanjaro to the south, passing through the majestic rainforest where some of the region’s most unique wildlife can often be seen. The route continues up to the mountain’s third summit at Shira Ridge.
About Crater Camp on Kilimanjaro
Crater camp is not a route in its own right but a challenging extension which in principle can be added to any route. It involves sleeping overnight in the bowl of the crater. An amazing experience enjoyed by only a few of the most adventurous climbers. The time period depends on the route. Camping at the crater is a bit expensive since it’s charged extra by park authority and also the crew wages are paid in extra.
Arrive in Tanzania
Welcome to Tanzania!
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi, where you will meet your guide for a briefing and gear check.
Relax and acclimatize for the rest of the day.
Lemosho Glades to Big Tree Camp
- Elevation gain: 395m
- Hiking hours: 4-5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will drive to the starting point of the Lemosho Route, the Lemosho Glades. We will trek through lush forest and cross several streams before reaching the Big Tree Camp, our campsite for the night.
Big Tree Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation gain: 720m
- Hiking hours: 6-7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s trek takes us through the heather and moorland zone, and we will enjoy stunning views of the Shira Plateau along the way. We will camp at Shira 1, with views of the surrounding mountains and the vast expanse of the plateau.
Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut
We leave the forest behind now and the trail gets steeper as it enters the moorland zone. A gentle grade walk takes you across the high altitude Shira Caldera to Moir Hut with fabulous views of Arrow glacier. We will camp here for the night at 4200m.
- Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
- Ascent: 700 m
- Max. altitude: 4200 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
MOIR HUT TO BARRANCO CAMP VIA LAVA TOWER
Today we will climb up to 4600m to the base of Lava Tower for lunch and acclimatization. This will be our toughest day so far and you may, for the first time, feel the altitude. After lunch we will descend again by almost 650m to Barranco Camp, following the “walk high, sleep low” golden rule of acclimatisation. Our descent to Barranco Camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall.
- Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
- Ascent: 400 m
- Descent: 650 m
- Max. altitude: 4600 m
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (4035m)
- Elevation gain: 75m
- Hiking hours: 3-4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s trek involves climbing the Barranco Wall, a challenging but exhilarating scramble to the top. We will then traverse the southern flank of Kibo, crossing several ridges and valleys before reaching the Karanga Camp.
Karanga Camp (4035m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
- Elevation gain: 605m
- Hiking hours: 3-4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s trek takes us to Barafu Camp, our base camp for the summit attempt. We will cross the rocky terrain of the alpine desert and enjoy stunning views of the glaciers on the summit.
Barafu Camp (4640m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Crater Camp (5720m)
- Elevation gain: 1255m (to Uhuru Peak), elevation loss: 175m (to Crater Camp)
- Hiking hours: 10-12 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will start our summit attempt in the early hours of the morning, aiming to reach the summit of Uhuru Peak at sunrise. This will be the most challenging part of the trek, as we climb steep scree slopes and navigate switchbacks to reach the crater rim. From there, it\’s a short but steep ascent to the summit, where we will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. After taking in the views, we will descend to the Crater Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Crater Camp (5720m) to Mweka Camp (3100m)
- Elevation loss: 2620m
- Hiking hours: 7-9 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will descend to the Mweka Camp, passing through the stunning alpine desert and lush rainforest. We will take our time to enjoy the scenery and spot some of the unique flora and fauna found only on Kilimanjaro. In the evening, we will celebrate our achievement with a farewell dinner.
Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1980m)
Elevation loss: 1120m
Hiking hours: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast
Our final day on the mountain involves a short hike through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate, where we will receive our summit certificates and say goodbye to our crew. We will then transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower and some rest before departing Tanzania.
We hope you join us for this incredible adventure up Mount Kilimanjaro. With our experienced guides and high-quality equipment, we will ensure that you have a safe and unforgettable experience on Africa’s highest peak.
Departure Day
On your departure day, Esikar Tour and Safaris organizes a timely transfer from your lodge to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Reflect on your unforgettable safari as you bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes of Tanzania.
Depart with cherished memories and a heart full of the African spirit, marking the conclusion of your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure.
INCLUDED
- Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
- 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi in FULL BOARD (FB). (WERUWERU RIVER LODGE OR PARK VIEW HOTEL)
- Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
- Park entry fees,
- Camping fees
- Crater fee (if any)
- Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- 4 Season mountain tents
- Double layered Sleeping Mats 4 inches (10cm) thick
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Hot water for washing
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Government taxes
- Portable oxygen tanks
- Ox meter
- Emergency first-aid kit
- Portable flush toilet with a toilet and tent
- Mountain climbing certificates
EXCLUDED
- Drinks at your hotel before and after the climb.
- Travel Insurance
- Flights
- Laundry (Available at the hotel)
- Personal items and toiletries
- Tips for guides, porters and cook