9 Days / 8 Nights Londorossi Route
Your adventure begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our driver will warmly greet you and transfer you to Springlands Hotel. After a delightful meal and a pre-trekking briefing from your guide and mountain coordinators, you can enjoy the hotel’s amenities, including the swimming pool, garden, and restaurant. The following day, you’ll drive to Londorossi Park Gate and start your hike to Shira 1 Camp. Over the next few days, you’ll trek through stunning landscapes, including ascending the Barranco Wall and the Lava Tower, before reaching the Barafu Camp, where you’ll prepare for the summit attempt.
As you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our dedicated driver will be eagerly anticipating your arrival at the airport holding a sign with your name on it, ready to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome. From there, a seamless and comfortable transfer service will whisk you away to our enchanting Springlands Hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be served a delicious meal. Later on, our experienced mountain coordinators and your Guide will give you a pre-trekking briefing, an exciting opportunity to learn about the wonders that await you in your upcoming expedition.
On this day, after breakfast and receiving essential instructions from your guide at Springlands Hotel, you’ll be driven to Londorossi Park Gate (2250m), a 1.5-hour drive. Following the guide’s advice is crucial to avoid altitude sickness as you will be climbing to significant elevations, with your first night at Shira 1 Camp. At Londorossi Gate, you’ll briefly complete registration before entering the national park. Next, you’ll have a short drive along Shira Road to the Moram Picnic Site, about 45 minutes. From there, you’ll begin the 7 km hike to Shira 1 Camp, typically taking 3 to 4 hours depending on your pace. You’ll rest overnight at Shira 1, preparing for the next day’s trek to Shira 2 Camp.
Altitude: 2,200 m – 2,780 m890 meters (2,920 feet) – 3,505 meters (11,500 feet) above sea level.
On this day, you will wake up early for breakfast and commence the brief hike from Shira 1 to Shira 2 camp. This usually takes no more than 5-6 hours. The trek is relatively easy, allowing you to relish breathtaking views of Africa. Upon reaching the Shira 2 campsite, our dedicated porters will take care of all the arrangements, such as pitching tents, while our chef prepares your lunch. After enjoying your meal, you will have a chance to unwind and rest until dinnertime. In the evening, following dinner, our experienced guide will brief you about the trekking plans for the next day.
Altitude: 3,500m – 3,840 m
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Start the day with an early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast to fuel your trek. Today’s route includes a climb to the Lava Tower at 4,630m, passing through a semi-desert, rocky landscape. After a 5-hour hike, enjoy lunch before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower. This demanding day might test your endurance as you adjust to the higher altitude. After lunch, descend 680m to the Barranco campsite, where the true benefit of acclimatization becomes clear. The 2-hour descent offers stunning photo opportunities of the Western Breach. End the day with a memorable sunset and dinner at Barranco camp.
Altitude: 3,840 m – 3,960 m
Hiking distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 7–8 hours
Start your day early with a wake-up call and a nourishing breakfast to fuel your trek. The journey may involve ascending the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but rewarding section. After conquering the Wall, you’ll descend into the scenic Karanga Valley, known for its lush vegetation and breathtaking landscapes. Upon reaching the Karanga campsite, the porters will set up tents while our chef prepares lunch. After your meal, you’ll embark on an acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp, ascending 200 meters before returning to camp. In the evening, enjoy a hot meal prepared by the chef. Following dinner, your experienced guide will brief you on the next day’s trek, discussing the route, challenges, and key details.
Altitude: 3,960 m – 4,035 m
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 5 hours
Start your day with an early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast to fuel your trek toward Barafu campsite. The trail features varied terrain, including rocky sections and gradual slopes, offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude landscapes. As you ascend, focus on acclimatization to avoid altitude-related issues. Upon reaching Barafu, our porters will handle camp setup while the chef prepares lunch. After eating, rest until dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the upcoming summit attempt, covering the route, challenges, safety measures, and preparations. Try to rest well, as the summit ascent begins late in the evening.
Altitude: 4,035 m – 4,640 m
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 5 hours
You’ll rise around 11:30 PM and start the ascent after some tea and biscuits. Heading northwest, you’ll climb through scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The 6-hour trek to Stella Point (5685m) is often the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. After a brief rest at Stella Point, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise, weather permitting. From there, it’s a 2-hour snow-covered ascent to Uhuru Peak. Your time at the summit will depend on the weather, so don’t linger too long due to the cold and fatigue. The descent to Barafu takes about 3 hours for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.
Altitude: 4,640 m – 5, 895 m – 3,090 m
Hiking distance: 17 km
Hiking time: 15+ hours
After breakfast at Mweka Camp, you’ll descend to Mweka Gate and be driven back to Springlands Hotel, where a hot lunch and refreshing shower awaits. At the end of the trip, tipping the team is encouraged and appreciated; special envelopes for this purpose are available at the hotel. If you wish to extend your adventure with a safari, you can meet with our safari coordinator at the hotel. After some rest, the coordinator will provide a briefing on the various safari options available. We highly recommend booking a safari with us to experience Tanzania’s stunning wildlife and natural beauty, making your journey truly unforgettable.
Altitude:3,090 m – 1,650 m
Hiking distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. If you wish to extend your adventure, you may choose to add a day trip to your itinerary, exploring nearby attractions or immersing yourself in local culture. For more details, we invite you to visit our Day Trip page. Alternatively, you can continue your journey with a visit to the stunning island of Zanzibar. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine beaches or delving into the island’s rich culture, Zanzibar offers something for everyone. Explore our Zanzibar page to discover the perfect package for your next excursion. If you’re interested in adding a safari experience, please visit our Safari page for more information on our exciting safari options.
The Londorossi Route, commonly known as the Lemosho Route, is one of the most scenic and less crowded paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers a gradual ascent, improving acclimatization and increasing the chance of reaching Uhuru Peak successfully.
The standard trek along the Lemosho Route takes 7–8 days, depending on the itinerary chosen. The extra day improves acclimatization and overall success rates.
The trek begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100m), located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. A drive through lush forested areas leads to the starting point.
The best months for trekking are during the dry seasons:
- January to mid-March (clear skies and mild temperatures).
- June to October (peak season with cooler weather).
Avoid the rainy seasons in April, May, and November for a better trekking experience.
Yes, the Lemosho Route is beginner-friendly due to its gradual ascent and multiple acclimatization days. However, trekkers should have a reasonable level of fitness and be prepared for high-altitude conditions.
The Lemosho Route has one of the highest success rates, ranging from 90%–95% for 8-day itineraries, thanks to its longer duration and better acclimatization opportunities.
Trekkers sleep in tents provided by the trekking team. Campsites are set up at designated locations along the route.
Nutritious and energy-rich meals are prepared by the trekking cooks. Typical meals include soups, rice, pasta, vegetables, fruits, and tea/coffee. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice.
Essential gear includes:
- Sturdy hiking boots.
- Warm clothing (layers, down jacket, gloves, etc.).
- Sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures.
- Trekking poles, headlamp, and a daypack.
A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.
Yes, professional guides, porters, and cooks are included in the package. Porters carry most of your gear, while you carry a small daypack with essentials.
