Our favourite way up Kilimanjaro: quiet western rainforest, two nights on the Shira Plateau and the most time to adapt to the altitude.
Lemosho starts on the remote western side of Kilimanjaro, where the rainforest is quiet and wildlife is easier to spot. Over eight days you cross the whole Shira Plateau before joining the southern circuit to Barranco, Karanga and Barafu.
The slow, steady climb gives your body the most time to adjust, which is why this is the itinerary we recommend if you want the best chance of standing on Uhuru Peak. A hotel night before and after the climb is included.
A scenic drive around the western side of the mountain to Londorossi Gate for registration, then on to the trailhead. Walk through quiet, untouched rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (“Big Tree”) Camp, watching for colobus monkeys and turacos. About 6 km, 3–4 hours.
Climb out of the forest into giant heather and up onto the rim of the Shira Plateau, an ancient collapsed volcano, with your first big views of Kibo. About 8 km, 5–6 hours.
An easy walk across the plateau, with an optional detour to Shira Cathedral, a rocky peak with wide views. The gentle day helps your body adjust before the higher camps. About 7 km, 4–5 hours.
The most important acclimatisation day. Climb to the 4,630 m Lava Tower for lunch, then walk down into the Barranco Valley, past forests of giant groundsels, to sleep almost 700 m lower. Climbing high and sleeping low prepares your body for summit night. About 10 km, 6–8 hours.
Start the day on the Barranco Wall, a short hands-on scramble that looks harder than it is: your guides show you every step. Then follow the ridges and valleys below the southern glaciers to Karanga Camp, with a quiet afternoon to rest. About 5 km, 4–5 hours.
A short climb over rocky ground to Barafu, the base camp for the summit. Arrive by lunchtime, check your gear with your guide, have an early dinner and sleep for a few hours before the summit attempt. About 4 km, 3–4 hours.
Wake around 11 pm for tea and biscuits and start climbing by headlamp at midnight. After 6–7 hours you reach Stella Point on the crater rim as the sun rises, then walk about an hour more to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa. After photos at the summit sign, walk down to Barafu for a rest and a meal, then on to Mweka Camp. About 17 km, 12–15 hours.
An easy walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate and say goodbye to your crew. We drive you back to your hotel for a hot shower and a celebration. About 10 km, 3–4 hours.
Two people share a four-season mountain tent with sleeping mats. Your crew carries and sets up camp, and you eat in a mess tent with a table and chairs. Hot water for washing is brought to your tent each morning and evening.
Per person, it costs $2,150 for 1 person, $2,105 each for 2–4 people, $1,895 each for 5–7 people and $1,795 each for 8 or more people. The final price depends on your travel dates, so ask us for an exact quote.
2 nights in a hotel in Arusha or Moshi, before and after the climb, All nights on the mountain, with tents and camping equipment, Professional, experienced mountain guides, Guides', porters' and cook's salaries, All park fees and rescue fees, All meals on the mountain: large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food, Clean, purified drinking water, Arrival and departure transfers and Fair and ethical treatment of porters.
International flights, Tanzania visa fees, Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000 m and helicopter evacuation, Tips for your guides, cook and porters, Personal climbing gear (sleeping bags, poles and warm jackets can be rented) and Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses.
January to mid-March and June to October, the driest months. Climbs run all year.
It starts and ends in Moshi or Arusha.
Yes. Every itinerary can be adjusted to your pace and interests: add a night, swap a lodge, or combine it with Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar. Just ask.
The longest and quietest route, circling the remote northern slopes: the most time to adapt to the altitude and 360° views.
Kilimanjaro's most popular route, with the extra night that gives you a much better chance of reaching the summit: rainforest, the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall.
The scenic western Lemosho route in seven days: quiet rainforest, the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall.
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