Mt Kilimanjaro stands proudly above the African Continent, and reaching its summit is a formidable task for even the most seasoned of trekkers. The Lemosho Trek is considered one of the most scenic, balanced routes to the summit. As one of Kili's newer routes, Lemosho offers panoramic vistas, fewer crowds and high summit success rates, making it an ideal choice for trekkers. This route approaches from the west, winding upwards for 8 days through rainforest, ridge lines, and scenic plateaus. Stay in fully supported campsites each night, ensuring you are well-rested for the next day's challenges. Experience the Roof of Africa on this adventurous 11-day itinerary!
Highlights
Spend 8 days hiking through Mt Kilimanjaro National Park
Explore the rugged terrain of Africa's highest mountain
Requires the highest level of physical challenge and performance. Includes tours involving strenuous multi-day trekking or summit hikes. The majority of the hours in most days are physically active. Travelers will need intensive training in advance to meet the physical demands on these trips.
Arrive in Tanzania today at Kilimanjaro International Airport. After clearing customs and baggage claim, meet your transfer and drive into Moshi for your first night in Tanzania.
Today is a free day in Moshi to rest and prepare for your trek. Additional excursions can also be arranged, please inquire if you're interested in the following:
Arusha National Park - Introduction to game viewing with options for a canoe ride on Small Momela Lake or a walking safari.
Coffee Cooperative and Village Tour - Visit the village of Uru on the slopes of Kilimanjaro which produces some of the world's finest coffee. Get an understanding of village life for people living on Africa's highest mountain.
Mountain Biking - Day trips are available to stretch your legs and explore the backcountry.
In the evening, join a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide. Retire early for a good night's rest - Kilimanjaro awaits you!
Departing from Moshi, a 3-hour drive takes you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. As you wait for your permits, observe the hustle and bustle of crews preparing for their journeys. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and winding trails while your guide shares information about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.
Rainforest Elevation: 2,360 m/7,800 ft to 2,820 m/9,500 ft Distance: 6 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
After breakfast, start trekking slowly through the Giant Heather Moorland Zone. The path crosses valleys and a few streams before ascending the Shira Ridge. Enjoy superb views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru, an extinct volcano. The temperatures begin to drop at this point.
Moorland Elevation: 2,820 m/9,500 ft to 3,505 m/11,500 ft Distance: 8 km/5 miles Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Today, take a slow and gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciated peak. Continue past Moir Hut at the base of Lent Hills. This day is excellent for acclimatization, offering a variety of walks among these hills on one of the world’s highest plateaus.
Moorland Elevation: 3,505 m/11,500 ft to 3,810 m/12,500 ft Distance: 8 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Depart Shira 2 and follow the trail into the Alpine Desert, ascending to Lava Tower Camp, where you stop for lunch. Shortly after passing the tower, you reach a junction that leads to the Arrow Glacier. Continue descending to spend the night at Barranco Camp.
Semi Desert Elevation: 3,850 m/12,500 ft to 4,000 m/13,100 ft Distance: 10 km/6 miles Hiking Time: 7 hours
Slowly cross the floor of the great Barranco Valley and climb up the Barranco Wall. Continue trekking along the South Circuit path to Karanga Valley, where the camp is set up for dinner and an overnight stay. This is one of the most impressive days to witness the power, agility, and strength of your crew as they effortlessly scale the wall.
Alpine Desert Elevation: 4,000 m/13,100 ft to 4,050 m/13,250 ft Distance: 7 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 4 hours
Trek slowly up to Barafu Camp. Upon arrival, you complete the South Circuit, which offers stunning views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Barafu Camp is located on an exposed and dangerous ridge, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark. Rest and prepare for the summit night.
Alpine Desert Elevation: 4,050 m/13,250 ft to 4,700 m/15,400 ft Distance: 4 km /2 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Starting early between midnight and 2 a.m., this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. Head towards the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, staying warm and focused on the goal ahead. Ascend through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim, where you'll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise during your short rest. Faster hikers might see the sunrise from the summit.
From here, it's about a one-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, likely through snow. Step by step, you reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! Take a moment to enjoy this incredible achievement before beginning a steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. It is strongly recommended to use gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits you at Mweka Camp. Enjoy your last evening on the mountain.
Glaciers Elevation: 4,700 m/15,400 ft to 5895 m/19,340 ft - Descent to 3,090 m / 10,150 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles up - 12 km/8 miles down Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
After breakfast, continue descending to Mweka Gate to collect your certificates. A vehicle then takes you back to Moshi for a long-awaited, well-deserved hot shower and a soft bed at your hotel.
Rainforest Elevation: 3,090 m/10,150 ft to 1,680 m/5,500 ft Distance: 10 km/6 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Day 11: Departure
1 Breakfast
Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your onward flight home, or extend your vacation to the crystal blue waters of Zanzibar!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 25% ($400 minimum), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge. prior to departure
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
