This 10-day guided adventure follows the Lemosho route up Kilimanjaro, one of the mountain's most scenic and rewarding paths, amounting to 8 days trekking. We climb the western slope, cross the Shira Plateau, conquer the Barranco Wall, and push through alpine desert to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m (19,341 ft). Two nights at Lindrin Lodge in Moshi bookend eight nights under canvas on the mountain, with all meals, gear, and support provided throughout.
We arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to Lindrin Lodge in the town of Moshi. The afternoon is spent settling in, meeting fellow climbers, and attending a pre-climb briefing where our lead guide walks us through the route, gear, and everything to expect in the days ahead. It’s a relaxed start—dinner together, a comfortable bed, and the mountain waiting just outside.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Lindrin Lodge, Moshi
We drive to Lemosho Gate (2,100 m / 6,890 ft), where we’re officially entered into Kilimanjaro National Park’s records, and begin the trek. A three-hour hike through dense, beautiful rainforest brings us to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,895 m / 9,498 ft)—also known as Big Tree Camp—and our first night sleeping under canvas on the mountain.
Hiking: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Tents, Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,895 m / 9,498 ft)
After an early breakfast, we climb out of the rainforest and into the heather and moorland zone. The trail crosses several streams en route to Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m / 11,500 ft), with some of the best scenery of the entire trek opening up around us. Today and tomorrow are highlights for views—make sure the camera is charged.
Hiking: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Tents, Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m / 11,500 ft)
We continue across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in Africa, with fantastic views of the Western Breach—a gap in the Kibo crater formed by ancient lava flow—and the glaciers above. Giant lobelias, senecios, and groundsels line the trail as we make our way to Moir Hut (4,206 m / 13,800 ft) after a long and rewarding day on the mountain.
Hiking: 6–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Tents, Moir Hut (4,206 m / 13,800 ft)
We climb up to Lava Tower (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), an imposing volcanic rock formation where we stop for lunch, before descending to Barranco Camp (3,967 m / 13,012 ft) at the base of the famous Barranco Wall. Today is a classic “climb high, sleep low” acclimatisation day—one of the most effective ways to prepare for the summit push ahead. It’s a long one, but a memorable one.
Hiking: 6–9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Tents, Barranco Camp (3,967 m / 13,012 ft)
This morning we tackle the Barranco Wall—a steep, rocky scramble that looks far more intimidating than it turns out to be. Most trekkers are pleasantly surprised. At the top, we break above the clouds to superb views of the southern ice fields and the summit. The trail then winds up and down to Karanga Camp (3,995 m / 13,107 ft), where we rest and recover.
Hiking: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Tents, Karanga Camp (3,995 m / 13,107 ft)
We’re getting close now. A three-hour ascent through dramatic alpine desert—with sweeping views of the mountain all around—brings us to Barafu Camp (4,600 m / 15,090 ft), our high camp and launch pad for the summit. We eat early, get into our sleeping bags, and try to rest. The alarm for summit night is set for midnight.
Hiking: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Tents, Barafu Camp (4,600 m / 15,090 ft)
The big push. We leave Barafu at midnight, headlamps cutting through the darkness, moving slowly and steadily up the crater rim. It’s a 6 to 8-hour climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft)—the highest point in Africa. We celebrate at the summit sign, take in views that stretch across a continent, and then begin the long 6 to 8-hour descent to Mweka Camp (3,068 m / 10,065 ft). One of the most demanding and unforgettable days of your life.
Hiking: 6–8 hours ascent, 6–8 hours descent
MMeals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Tents, Mweka Camp (3,068 m / 10,065 ft)
A final three-hour descent through lush rainforest brings us to Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,380 ft), where our driver is waiting. Achievement of a lifetime: done. We celebrate with the tipping ceremony, cold beers, and well-earned laughs, before transferring back to Lindrin Lodge for a proper dinner and a very comfortable bed.
Hiking: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Lindrin Lodge, Moshi
After breakfast at the lodge, it’s time to head home—or onward to the next adventure. Transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) can be arranged for USD 40 per person, or ask about continuing to Zanzibar or a Tanzania safari.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons (can be arranged, leave a note at checkout if interested):
Not included:
The Lemosho route covers 70 km (43 miles) across 8 days on the mountain, making it a mid-length option that strikes a good balance between acclimatisation time and total trek duration. It’s not the shortest route on Kilimanjaro, but it’s far from the longest, and that middle ground is a big part of what makes it so popular.
Because of its gradual ascent profile and the “climb high, sleep low” day built into the itinerary, the 8-day Lemosho has one of the highest summit success rates on the mountain—most operators report 85–95%. If you’re debating between the 7- and 8-day version, the 8-day is the safer bet. The extra acclimatisation day makes a real difference.
One thing to know going in: Lemosho includes the Barranco Wall—a steep, rocky scramble that looks more intimidating than it actually is. Most trekkers are pleasantly surprised once they’re on it, but if exposed scrambling isn’t for you, it’s worth considering the Northern Circuit instead.
Beyond acclimatisation, Lemosho has a lot going for it:
Bottom line: if you want a well-rounded route with great scenery, strong acclimatisation, and one of the best summit success rates on the mountain, Lemosho is an excellent choice.
To join this Kilimanjaro Lemosho route trek, great fitness is required. This is a non-technical climb, but you’ll be trekking for several hours a day on steep, uneven terrain at high altitude—including a scramble up the Barranco Wall and a 6 to 8-hour midnight summit push to 5,895 m (19,341 ft).
The full route covers approximately 70 km (43 mi) over eight days on the mountain.
Your guides recommend training for 2 to 3 months before the trip, focusing on cardio (hiking, running, cycling), leg strength, and regular long hikes with elevation gain while carrying a daypack. Endurance and consistency are key.
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Yes, porters are fully included in the price. Your guides are committed to ethical travel and hold KPAP certification—meaning every porter is treated and paid fairly, with working conditions that meet the highest standards on the mountain.
Your guides provide a high-quality four-season sleeping bag, tent, and sleeping mat. Here’s what you’ll need to bring:
Equipment:
Clothing:
Kilimanjaro takes you through five distinct climate zones, from tropical rainforest to arctic summit. Layering is essential.
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Yes, absolutely—there are more departure dates available than what’s listed here.
The best times to climb are during the dry seasons: January to early March, and June to October, when you can expect clearer skies, more stable weather, and better trail conditions. The wetter months (April–May and November) are possible but less predictable and more strenuous.
Reach out to us directly and we’ll find something that works. Whether you’d love to join an existing group, have your own group, or are looking to go solo, we’ll do our best to arrange what suits you best.
Group sizes and pricing
Lemosho Routes on Kilimanjaro can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
You will spend 2 nights at a lodge with double occupancy rooms, the rest of the trip is spent camping in tents. A single occupancy room for these 2 nights can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
The starting point of your Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro trek is Moshi, Tanzania. Most climbers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is approximately 45 minutes from Moshi by road.
We can arrange airport transfers for you, you’ll be able to add it to your booking at checkout. If you opt for this, you’ll be met at the airport on arrival. Otherwise, the exact lodge address will be shared after booking.
Your guides highly recommend arriving a day or two early to rest and acclimatize before the climb begins.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.