Overview

The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and popular trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and a high summit success rate. The route approaches the mountain from the west, crossing the Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route at Lava Tower. From there, it follows the Southern Circuit before summiting via Barafu Camp and descending through the Mweka Route.• Distance: ~66 km (41 miles) • Duration: 6 to 9 days (8 days recommended for better acclimatization) • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, but manageable with proper acclimatization • Success Rate: ~60% (6 days), ~80% (7 days), ~90% (8 days) • Cost: $1,750 (7 days) – $1,940 (8 days) for group climbs Lemosho is ideal for those looking for a less crowded, scenic route with a high summit success rate.

Detailed itinerary

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by our driver and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Here, you will meet your head guide for a detailed briefing, gear check, and last-minute preparations. If you are missing any essential gear, rental options are available in Moshi.

Stay Meals

Optional Activities: If you arrive early, we can arrange: • A Moshi town tour • A visit to a local waterfall • A hot spring tour Extra Night in Moshi: If you prefer additional rest before the climb, extra accommodation can be arranged (additional cost applies).

After breakfast, we drive 3 hours from Moshi to Lemosho Gate for registration and permits. Lunch is served at the gate before we begin hiking through the lush rainforest, home to Colobus monkeys and other wildlife. Upon arrival at Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa), you will have a briefing, a health check, and dinner before resting for the night.

Elevation2,350m to 2,800m Distance5 km (3 miles) Hiking time5 km (3 miles) Vegetation Rainforest Difficultyeast Staycamp Meals

We start with a steep climb through the rainforest, transitioning into moorland as we gain altitude. The trail has some up-and-down sections before reaching Shira Ridge, where you get the first clear views of Kibo Peak. After a short descent, we arrive at Shira 1 Camp for lunch, then continue a mostly flat but long hike to Shira 2 Camp. We arrive in the evening for dinner, a briefing, and a health check, then rest for the next day's trek.

Elevation2,800m to 3,850m Distance18 km (11 miles) Hiking time18 km (11 miles) VegetationRainforest & Moorland Stay Meals

This is an important acclimatization day. We trek steadily to Lava Tower (4,600m), where we stop for lunch and altitude adjustment before descending to Barranco Camp. The descent takes 2 to 3 hours, passing through the unique Senecio Forest.

Elevation3,900m to 3,995m Distance6 km Hiking time4 hours Vegetation: Alpine Desert Difficultyeasy Stay Meals

This is a short but crucial hike to Barafu Camp, our base camp for the summit attempt. We arrive early, have dinner at 5 PM, and sleep for a few hours before the midnight summit push.

Elevation3,995m to 4,673m Distance4 km Hiking time3 hours VegetationAlpine Desert Difficultyeasy Staycamp Meals

At midnight, we begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). The climb is physically demanding, with freezing temperatures. We pass Stella Point (5,756m) around sunrise (6:30 AM) before reaching the highest point in Africa! After celebrating at the summit, we descend to Barafu Camp for rest and lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for the night.

Elevation: 4,673m → 5,895m Distance18 km Hiking time12 to 14 hours VegetationAlpine Desert & Moorland Difficultyeasy Staycamp Meals

After breakfast, we descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate. We then drive back to Moshi for a celebration at the hotel.

Elevation3,100m to 1,600m Distance10 km Hiking time3-4 hours Vegetation: Rainforest Difficultyeasy Staycamp Meals

Route map

Ascent Descent

Elevations and camp order are approximate — your booked itinerary is the one that governs.

Complete pricing

Group size	Park fees	Other costs	Total per person
1 person	$975	$1,224	$2,199
2 person	$969	$997	$1,966
3-4 person	$965	$823	$1,789
5+ person	$966	$743	$1,739

What's included

1. Park fees (as shown above), which contribute to Tanzania’s economy tourism makes up more than 27% of the national income
2. Airport pick-up and drop-off for your convenience.
3. Hotel accommodation in Moshi with bed and breakfast before and after the climb.
4. Camping equipment, including tents, chairs, and tables.
5. Salaries for professional guides, cooks, and porters
6. Company taxes and annual fees
7. Meals on the mountain for the duration of the trek.
8. Transportation to the climbing gate and return transport to the hotel after the climb.
8. Transportation to the climbing gate and return transport to the hotel after the climb.
10. Company operations and profit, ensuring quality service.

What's not included

1. International airfare to and from Tanzania.
2. Personal equipment, including bags, clothing, and hiking gear.
3. Food and drinks at the hotel (except for breakfast).
4. Visa fees for entering Tanzania.
5. Tips for guides, cooks, and porters (see tipping guidelines below).

Tipping guide

Crew member	Recommended tip per day
Porter	$6 - $10 per porter per day.
Cooks & Assistant Guides	$15 -$20 per day.
Lead Guide	$20 - $25 per guide per day

Tipping is not mandatory but is highly appreciated and depends on your satisfaction with the service.

Why book with Perfect Kilimanjaro

Tailor-made, not off the shelf

Every itinerary is adjusted to your dates, pace and budget — this page is a starting point, not a fixed package.

Tanzanian guides, on staff

Local guides who have worked these parks and routes for years, employed by us rather than subcontracted per trip.

Private departures

Your vehicle and your group. We never add strangers to fill seats or combine bookings to cut our costs.

Stays we've slept in

Camps and lodges chosen from first-hand stays, not booked blind off a wholesale list.

One thread, start to finish

The same WhatsApp conversation from your first question to the day you fly home — usually answered within the hour.

From

$1,000

per person sharing, excluding international flights

Price per person by group size

1 person $2,199

2 person $1,966

3-4 person $1,789

5+ person $1,739

Duration 7 Days · 6 Nights

Group size

Difficulty Moderate to challenging, but manageable

Best time

Starts & ends

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7-Day Lemosho 7Days