10 Days/ 9 Nights Lemosho Route Trekking
Embark on a remarkable adventure climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, beginning with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport and a smooth transfer to Springlands Hotel. Here, you’ll receive a detailed briefing from our experienced guides, setting the stage for your trek. Enjoy the hotel’s amenities, including a pool, garden, bar, and restaurant, ensuring a comfortable start to your journey.
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.
Enjoy the relaxing environment of Springland Hotel with a swimming pool, a beautiful garden with a bar and a restaurant.
On the first day, after breakfast and a briefing from your guide at Springlands Hotel, you’ll be transferred to Lemosho Park Gate ( 2,100m), a 1.5-hour drive. At Londorossi Gate, you’ll complete the registration before starting your trek along scenic forest trails to Mti Mkubwa Campsite (2750m), a 3-hour hike. Upon arrival, the porters will set up the tents and our chef will prepare lunch. After enjoying your meal, you’ll have time to relax until dinner. In the evening, your guide will provide a briefing about the next day’s trek.
Altitude: 2,200 m – 2,780 m
Hiking distance: 7 km
Hiking time: 5 hours time
On the second day, you’ll start early with breakfast before embarking on a short hike from Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp, which typically takes up to 5 hours. As you trek, you’ll be treated to views of the west face of Kibo Volcano, often referred to as Kilimanjaro. The trail traverses lower moonland, showcasing large shrubs and vibrant wildflowers. Upon arrival at Shira 1 Camp, our porters will set up your tents while our chef prepares lunch. After your meal, you’ll have time to relax until dinner. In the evening, your guide will provide a briefing on the plans for the following day’s trek.
Altitude: 2,780 m – 3,500 m
Hiking distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Altitude: 3,500m – 3,840 m
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 3-4 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 Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and less crowded routes to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit, offering gradual acclimatization, diverse landscapes, and a higher success rate for reaching Uhuru Peak.
The Lemosho Route typically takes 7 to 8 days. The extended duration helps with acclimatization, increasing the chances of a successful summit.
January to March: Cooler weather, fewer crowds, and lush landscapes.June to October: Dry season with clear skies and excellent views.
The Lemosho Route is considered moderate to challenging. While no technical climbing skills are required, trekkers should have a good level of physical fitness and mental resilience.
You may see colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a variety of birds in the rainforest. Larger animals like elephants and buffaloes are rare but can be spotted near the trailhead.
Yes, the Lemosho Route is beginner-friendly due to its gradual ascent and multiple acclimatization opportunities. However, preparation and fitness training are recommended.
- Hiking boots, warm clothing, rain gear, gloves, and a hat.
- Sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures.
- Trekking poles and a daypack.
A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.
Park fees and permits.Professional guides, porters, and cooks.Meals and drinking water during the trek.Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats).Transfers to and from the trailhead.
The success rate is approximately 90% for 8-day itineraries due to better acclimatization opportunities.
Some trekkers may experience mild symptoms such as headaches or nausea. The Lemosho Route’s gradual ascent helps reduce the risk, and guides are trained to monitor your condition.
