9 Days Lemosho Route + Crater Stay
The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, garanting 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.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative of Mbiya Adventure 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.
Day 2: Lemosho Glades (2385m) to Big Tree Camp (2780m)
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.
Day 3: Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3500m)
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.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp (3500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)
Elevation gain: 400m Hiking hours: 3-4 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will trek across the Shira Plateau and through the rocky landscape to Shira 2 Camp. This is a shorter trek, allowing us to acclimatize to the altitude and enjoy the views of the surrounding peaks.
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Lava Tower (4640m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)
Elevation gain: 740m (to Lava Tower), elevation loss: 680m (to Barranco Camp) Hiking hours: 7-8 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s trek takes us to the Lava Tower, a massive volcanic plug at an elevation of 4640m. This is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the incredible views. We will then descend to the Barranco Camp, located in a beautiful valley below the imposing Barranco Wall.
Day 6: 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.
Day 7: 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.
Day 8: 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.
Day 9: 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.
Day 10: 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.
Day 11: Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.
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
- Stethoscope
- 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