9-Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho trek

Q: How difficult is the Lemosho Route?

The Lemosho Route is considered moderate to challenging. The trek is longer than some other routes, which helps with acclimatization, but the summit night is tough due to the long hours and high altitude. The trek’s difficulty mainly comes from the altitude and the long, steep final summit push. Good for beginners: With proper training, you don’t need to be an expert hiker to complete the trek. However, you do need to be in good physical condition and mentally prepared for the altitude and long days. Altitude sickness risk: Since Lemosho is a longer route, it’s easier to acclimatize, but altitude sickness can still be a risk.

Q: What is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

The best months to trek Kilimanjaro are generally from June to October and January to March, during the dry seasons. These months offer the best weather with clear skies and little rain, but they can also be more crowded. Avoid rainy season (April-May): The trail is slippery, and visibility can be poor. January-February: Slightly less crowded than the peak season.

Q: What are the chances of reaching the summit?

The success rate for summiting Kilimanjaro is about 60-70% for all routes. With the 8-day Lemosho route, your chances are higher because it allows for better acclimatization compared to shorter routes like Marangu or Machame. Good acclimatization: Spending more time on the mountain and ascending gradually significantly improves your chances of summiting safely.

Q: Do I need to be super fit to climb Kilimanjaro?

While you don’t need to be an elite athlete, basic fitness is important. The trek is physically demanding, but it’s more about endurance and stamina than raw strength. Train with cardio exercises: Walking, hiking, or stair climbing can prepare you for the long days. Prepare for altitude: Ensure you're ready for the effects of altitude by getting some practice at higher altitudes or doing training hikes with a pack.

Q: Can I rent gear for the trek?

Yes, most trekking operators offer rental gear like sleeping bags, trekking poles, boots, jackets, and even waterproof clothing. Essential gear to bring: Boots, good quality gloves, and a headlamp are a must. Pre-trek briefing: Most operators will provide a list of essential gear that you need to have, and will rent or sell you the missing items.

Transportation
Bus, Airlines
Accomodation
3 Stars Hotels
Maximum Altitude
5,895 metres
Departure from
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Best season
Feb, Mar, Apr & May
Tour type
Eco-Tour, Hiking
Meals
All meals during the trek
Language
English, Spanish, French
Fitness level
Easy to Moderate
Group Size
2-15
Minimum Age
12
Maximum Age
65

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and less crowded routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, taking hikers through diverse ecosystems and offering a gradual ascent that improves acclimatization.

An 8-day Lemosho trek is typically considered the ideal duration for reaching the summit because it gives you enough time for proper acclimatization, which is crucial for reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

Highlights

Excellent acclimatization for higher summit success
Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) at sunrise
Ultimate 9-Day Lemosho Trek to Uhuru Peak
Traverse rainforest, heath, moorland & alpine desert

Day 1 :

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Arrive in Tanzania.
Transfer to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Pre-trek briefing and gear check.

Day 2 :

Moshi to Lemosho Gate (2,100 m) to Big Tree Camp (2,700 m)

Drive from the hotel to the Lemosho Gate.
After registration, begin the trek through the lush forest, which is rich in wildlife like monkeys, birds, and other native species.
Overnight at Big Tree Camp.

Day 3 :

Big Tree Camp (2,700 m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m)

Continue through forest and moorland zones as you ascend gradually to Shira 1 Camp.
Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape.
Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

Day 4 :

Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m)

This is a relatively short day to aid in acclimatization.
Walk across the Shira Plateau, with stunning views of the mountain and surrounding plains.
Reach Shira 2 Camp for an overnight stay.

Day 5 :

Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) to Lava Tower (4,600 m) to Barranco Camp (3,950 m)

Begin by hiking up to Lava Tower for a good altitude gain (acclimatization hike).
Afterward, descend to Barranco Camp, which is located at a lower altitude to help with acclimatization.
Overnight at Barranco Camp, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Barranco Wall.

Day 6 :

Barranco Camp (3,950 m) to Karanga Camp (4,035 m)

Ascend the famous Barranco Wall (a non-technical but challenging scramble).
Continue to Karanga Valley and camp there.
This day offers fantastic views and is another important acclimatization day.

Day 7 :

Karanga Camp (4,035 m) to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)

A relatively short hike to Barafu Camp, where you’ll rest before your summit bid.
The evening is spent resting and preparing for the summit attempt.

Day 08 :

Barafu Camp (4,640 m) to Summit (Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m) to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)

Midnight to early morning: Start the final ascent to Uhuru Peak (summit) via the Stella Point on the crater rim.

Reach the summit at sunrise or early morning.

After a short time at the summit for photos and celebration, descend to Mweka Camp.

This day involves a long trek, but it's the culmination of the journey to the summit!

Day 09 :

Mweka Camp (3,100 m) to Mweka Gate (1,640 m)

Descend to Mweka Gate.

Celebrate your success and receive your certificate.

Transfer back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Cost

The Cost Includes

Park Fees and Permits:
Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees.
Camping fees.
Rescue fees (mandatory for safety).
Environmental fees.
Trekking Team:
Professional, English-speaking guides.
Porters to carry your gear (typically 2 porters per trekker).
Cook and support staff.
Accommodation:
All camping accommodations during the trek (tents, sleeping pads, and dining tents).
Accommodation before and after the trek (usually 1 night before the trek and 1 night after the trek in a hotel).
Meals:
Full board meals while on the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks).
Water (usually provided on the trek, but it's always a good idea to carry extra if you're unsure).
Transportation:
Transfer to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport (typically from the hotel or lodge).
Transfers to/from the Lemosho Gate.
Summit Certificates:
A certificate for reaching Uhuru Peak (summit certificate).
Emergency Support:
Emergency evacuation insurance (in case of severe illness or injury) – this is required for most reputable companies.
Camping Gear:
High-quality tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and a dining tent.
Gear such as stove, cooking utensils, and tableware.

The Cost Excludes

International Flights:
Airfare to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Visa Fees:
The Tanzanian visa (if required) for entry into the country.
Travel Insurance:
Medical and travel insurance (highly recommended, and you may need to cover the cost of evacuation and medical treatments in case of an emergency).
Personal Equipment:
Personal hiking gear (clothing, boots, trekking poles, rain gear, etc.). Most operators can rent some gear, but it's better to bring your own.
Sleeping bag (depending on the operator, they may provide it, but it's common to bring your own for hygiene reasons).
Tips for Guides and Crew:
It's customary to tip the guides, porters, and cooks at the end of the trek. The total amount will vary depending on the size of the group, but typical tipping is around $200-$300 USD per person for the entire team.
Drinks and Snacks:
Soft drinks, bottled water, alcohol, and any personal snacks outside of the provided meals.
Souvenirs:
Any souvenirs or additional purchases made in Tanzania (such as local crafts or Kilimanjaro-related items).
Additional Services:
Any optional activities before or after the trek (e.g., safari tours, city tours, additional nights in the hotel, etc.).
Covid-related Testing (if applicable):
If Covid-19 testing is required for travel, that would be an additional cost.

FAQs

Expand all

How difficult is the Lemosho Route?

The Lemosho Route is considered moderate to challenging. The trek is longer than some other routes, which helps with acclimatization, but the summit night is tough due to the long hours and high altitude. The trek’s difficulty mainly comes from the altitude and the long, steep final summit push.

Good for beginners: With proper training, you don’t need to be an expert hiker to complete the trek. However, you do need to be in good physical condition and mentally prepared for the altitude and long days.
Altitude sickness risk: Since Lemosho is a longer route, it’s easier to acclimatize, but altitude sickness can still be a risk.

What is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

The best months to trek Kilimanjaro are generally from June to October and January to March, during the dry seasons. These months offer the best weather with clear skies and little rain, but they can also be more crowded.

Avoid rainy season (April-May): The trail is slippery, and visibility can be poor.
January-February: Slightly less crowded than the peak season.

How much should I tip the guides and porters?

Tipping is a significant part of a Kilimanjaro trek’s cost, and it’s expected to be distributed among the team (guides, porters, and cooks).

Typical tip amount: Around $200 – $300 per person for the entire team, depending on group size and quality of service.
It’s often better to tip in Tanzanian Shillings or US dollars.
The tip is typically handed out on the last day of the trek.

What are the chances of reaching the summit?

The success rate for summiting Kilimanjaro is about 60-70% for all routes. With the 8-day Lemosho route, your chances are higher because it allows for better acclimatization compared to shorter routes like Marangu or Machame.

Good acclimatization: Spending more time on the mountain and ascending gradually significantly improves your chances of summiting safely.

Do I need to be super fit to climb Kilimanjaro?

While you don’t need to be an elite athlete, basic fitness is important. The trek is physically demanding, but it’s more about endurance and stamina than raw strength.

Train with cardio exercises: Walking, hiking, or stair climbing can prepare you for the long days.
Prepare for altitude: Ensure you’re ready for the effects of altitude by getting some practice at higher altitudes or doing training hikes with a pack.

What type of accommodation is provided?

On the 8-day Lemosho trek, you’ll be camping at different campsites along the route.

Camping style: Tent-based camping with professional guides and porters setting up the camps for you.
Facilities: Expect basic amenities like shared toilets (sometimes outhouses) at camps, and the campsites themselves are often in remote areas.
Tents: Your trek operator typically provides 2-person tents, though some companies offer more luxurious or private tents for an additional fee.

Can I rent gear for the trek?

Yes, most trekking operators offer rental gear like sleeping bags, trekking poles, boots, jackets, and even waterproof clothing.

Essential gear to bring: Boots, good quality gloves, and a headlamp are a must.
Pre-trek briefing: Most operators will provide a list of essential gear that you need to have, and will rent or sell you the missing items.

What kind of food is provided?

Food is an important part of your trek experience, and meals are designed to provide energy and nutrition.

Meals: Expect three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) made from locally sourced ingredients.
Types of meals: These may include things like porridge, rice, pasta, vegetables, soups, and protein like chicken or beans. Snacks like nuts, biscuits, and fruits are usually available between meals.
Vegetarian/Vegan: You can request a vegetarian, vegan, or special dietary plan in advance, but make sure to inform the operator ahead of time.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map