Tanzania Beyond Safari
Kilimanjaro: Lemosho Route
The longest, quietest approach
Eight days on the mountain, nine days in total, on the Lemosho route: a quiet western start, a gentle pace and the most time to adjust of the main routes.
Trekkers From $315 pp / night From $2,520 pp (8 nights)
The story of this trip
Lemosho starts on the quiet western side of the mountain and joins the Machame path part-way up. The first days are gentle and often wildlife-rich, and the extra day on the Shira plateau gives your body more time to adjust than any shorter route. It is the one we suggest if you have the time and want the best chance of reaching the top. Game viewing is not part of this trip. A safari can follow after a rest night. Your crew: one guide for every two climbers on the trek, and one guide per climber on summit night. Porters are paid at least US$8 a day (cooks and assistant guides US$11, lead guides US$15), eat three meals a day, have proper gear and carry no more than 20 kg. Summit success: the industry average is about 90% for Lemosho over eight days on the mountain (these are not our own figures). Longer routes give better acclimatisation and a higher chance of reaching the summit.
What this safari is for
- A quiet western start through forest
- Two nights on the Shira plateau
- Climb high, sleep low through Lava Tower
- The longest acclimatisation of the main routes
- An attempt on Uhuru Peak at sunrise
Route map
Route
From Moshi / Arusha to Moshi / Arusha.
Start: Moshi / Arusha End: Moshi / Arusha
Tanzania
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Start Moshi / Arusha (Start)
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Mount Kilimanjaro (Day 2) Land Cruiser
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End Moshi / Arusha (Day 9) Land Cruiser
Day by day
This is a working route. We confirm the camps and pace on your quote, within 24 hours.
Arrive in Moshi or Arusha
This afternoon you can hire any missing kit. We do not start at the gate on the day you land from Europe.
Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After the drive to the gate, you walk through quiet rainforest, where buffalo, monkeys and birds are possible. Camp is among large trees.
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
The trees thin out and the views open across the Shira plateau. A steady day with plenty of time to rest at camp.
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
A deliberately short walk across the plateau. The extra time at altitude is what helps you later in the week.
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp
You climb to Lava Tower, then drop to Barranco for the night. Sleeping lower than you walked is how your body adjusts.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Start the morning with a steep scramble up the Barranco Wall. The rest of the day is easy, with time to recover.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
A short walk to the summit base camp. Eat early and rest before summit night.
Uhuru Peak, then Mweka Camp
This is the hardest day of the trek. Expect 12 to 15 hours of walking in the cold. Your guides watch how you are doing throughout, and turning back is a professional decision, not a failure.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
A walk down through forest to collect your summit certificate. A safari or Zanzibar can start after a rest night, but not tonight.
What’s included
- Mountain crew (guide, cook, porters)
- Kilimanjaro park fees
- Meals on the trek
- Transfers between Moshi or Arusha and the gate
- Lodge before and after the climb, as quoted
- Camp nights on the mountain
- Camping equipment and dining tent
What’s not included
- International flights
- Personal gear
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Travel insurance, which is required for the trek (high-altitude cover). You arrange it, or we can add a policy to your quote
- Extra hotel nights
- Gear hire if you need it, per trip: sleeping bag US$40, insulated summit jacket US$40, waterproof jacket US$20, duffel bag US$20 and trekking poles US$10
When to travel
January to March and June to October. Summit night is cold at any time of year.
Why this route
The from-rate covers the park fees, mountain crew and nights on the mountain. Route, season and group size set your final quote.
Request a quote
From $315 pp / night. Season, lodge class and group size determine the final price. Or book and pay a deposit.
Not sure this is the right trip?
Tell us your dates and who is travelling and we will adjust this route or suggest a better fit. We reply within 24 hours.
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MiGo Legacy Safaris · Nkoaranga Street, Arumeru, Arusha · +255 680 501 501 · [email protected] · MNRT 037503
