8-Day Kilimanjaro Expedition via the Lemosho Route
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationTanzania / Kilimanjaro
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AgeFrom 10 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions77.13 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
French
Spanish
In a few words
Experience a unique 8-day trek on the slopes of Kilimanjaro , following the magnificent Lemosho route , one of the most beautiful and wildest in the massif. This itinerary offers ideal acclimatization , significantly increasing your chances of reaching the legendary Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) , the highest point in Africa.
From lush rainforests to the lunar landscapes of the high-altitude desert , each day unveils a new atmosphere, punctuated by breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Less frequented than other routes, the Lemosho guarantees total immersion in nature , with a gradual and balanced ascent .
Accompanied by an experienced local team , you'll benefit from professional guidance , comfortable tents , hot meals prepared daily , and constant support. This trip is for travelers seeking a personal challenge , breathtaking landscapes , and an authentic human adventure , in the heart of one of Africa's most beautiful routes.
The highlights
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Local professional guidance, hot meals and comfortable tents for 8 days
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Gradual ascent via the Lemosho route, the wildest route on Kilimanjaro
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Ideal progression for acclimatization and maximizing the chances of reaching the summit
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 502 m
- Average daily descent: 610 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
English
French
Spanish
Dickson is a highly experienced mountain guide with extensive knowledge of Mount Kilimanjaro and the main trekking routes in Tanzania. With many years of experience, he is known for his professionalism, calm demeanor, and unwavering commitment to client safety. Dickson has successfully led trekkers of all abilities to the summit, providing motivation, clear communication, and expert altitude management throughout the ascent.
Warm, friendly, and very attentive, he always ensures that each traveler feels supported and confident. His passion for nature, combined with his guiding skills, makes him one of the most reliable and respected guides on Kilimanjaro.
Noah is a dedicated and deeply reliable member of our mountain support team. Known for his calm demeanor and excellent teamwork skills, he ensures that every trekker feels supported throughout the expedition. He is highly skilled in camp preparation, gear organization, and assisting trekkers on the most challenging sections of the route. His positive energy, helpfulness, and attention to detail make him an indispensable part of every Kilimanjaro ascent. Whether managing logistics or offering encouragement, Noah always contributes to a safe, smooth, and enjoyable trekking experience.
Program
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Arrival in Tanzania
- Transportation Minibus - 14h - 48km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our team will greet you and arrange your transfer to the Summit Safari Lodge. You'll settle in comfortably and enjoy some well-deserved rest. The lodge is the perfect place to relax and mentally prepare for the climb. You'll have dinner there, followed by a good night's sleep to ensure you're ready for your Kilimanjaro trek . This is the start of your adventure.
Day 1 -
Lemosho Gate (2,385 m) → Big Tree Camp (2,780 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 08h - 78km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 395 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Your trek begins with a short transfer to Lemosho Gate, where you will complete the registration formalities. Once these are finished, you will enter the dense rainforest . The trail, gradual and pleasant, immerses you in lush vegetation, dominated by giant trees and mosses. This first stage is relatively short, allowing for a gentle warm-up . You will walk for approximately 3 to 4 hours over a distance of 6 km, with an elevation gain of about 395 meters. This gradual ascent will lead you to Big Tree Camp , where you will spend the night.
Day 2 -
Big Tree Camp (2,780 m) → Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 1120 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You leave the dense forest behind and enter a moorland and heathland area. This change in vegetation marks a new stage in your ascent. The climb continues, offering magnificent panoramas of Kilimanjaro's west flank. You'll have the opportunity to observe unique volcanic formations sculpted by time. The stage ends with your arrival at Shira 2 Camp . This camp is situated on a wide plateau renowned for its spectacular sunsets . It's a perfect moment to appreciate the landscape.
Day 3 -
Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) → Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 60 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The trail crosses the Shira Plateau , offering exceptional views of the surrounding peaks. You then approach the famous Barranco Wall , an imposing cliff that you will climb the following day. Overnight at Barranco Camp , ideal for acclimatization.
Day 4 -
Barranco Camp (3,960 m) → Karanga Camp (3,963 m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 4 km
- Positive elevation gain 3 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day begins with the ascent of the Barranco Wall , a technical but highly rewarding section with spectacular views. After the descent, you cross the Karanga Valley before reaching Karanga Camp . This is a shorter stage to aid acclimatization.
Day 5 -
Karanga Camp (3,963 m) → Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 677 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The climb continues towards Barafu Camp , the last camp before the summit. The terrain becomes more arid, with striking views of glaciers and Kibo Peak. Upon arrival, rest, hydration, and preparation for the final ascent.
Day 6 -
Barafu Camp (4,640 m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Mweka Camp (3,790 m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 12h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 1255 m
- Negative elevation 2105 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The final ascent begins around midnight. The trail is steep and crosses areas of volcanic rock and ash to Gilman's Point (5,685 m) , then continues towards Uhuru Peak , the roof of Africa.
After taking photos at the summit, you descend back towards Barafu and then continue to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 7 -
Mweka Camp (3,790 m) → Mweka Gate (1,630 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 12h - 125km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 10 km
- Negative elevation 2160 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The final descent takes you through the pleasant, shaded Mweka Forest . At Mweka Gate , you will receive your climbing certificate and then meet your driver for the transfer back to your hotel or lodge.
Day 8
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Professional guides for climbing Kilimanjaro, porters and cook
- Accommodation: 1 night at Summit Safari Lodge + all bivouacs (tents with mattresses)
- All meals in the mountains
- Park entrance fees and permits
- Emergency and first aid costs
- Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro Airport
The price does not include
- International flights to and from Kilimanjaro Airport
- Tips for guides, porters and drivers
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, snacks)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Optional activities off the itinerary
- Mandatory NIC Inbound Travel Insurance: USD 44 (approx. €39) per adult
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Camping and sleeping
- Fully pitched tents at each camp (usually for 2 people)
- Floor mattress for insulation and comfort
- Dining tents and chairs at the camp
- Tables for meals
Meals and cooking
- Hot meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Tea, coffee and hot drinks throughout the day
- Snacks during hikes
Support and logistics
- Professional mountain guides
- Experienced porters carrying heavy luggage and camp equipment
- Cooks preparing meals at the camp
- Camp staff to set up and take down the tents every day
- First aid kit and basic medical assistance
Others
- Kitchen equipment (stoves, pots, utensils)
- Water treatment and purification in camps
- Waste collection and camp maintenance
Equipment to bring
Shoes and accessories
- Sturdy trekking shoes (flexible, with ankle support and good grip)
- Camp shoes or sandals for evenings at camp
- Trekking poles for balance and to reduce knee fatigue
Backpack and hydration
- Daypack (20–30 L) for carrying daily essentials
- Water bottles or water bladder (at least 2–3 liters)
- Water purification tablets or filter (optional, for added safety)
Sleep and bedding
- Sleeping bag (resistant to at least -10°C)
- Sleeping bag cover (optional, provides warmth and protects the bag)
- Headlamp or torch with spare batteries
Personal belongings and miscellaneous items
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Camera, phone, or GoPro for photos
- Passport, trekking permit and travel documents
- Additional zip-lock plastic bags to protect electronic and valuable items
- Notebook and pen (optional)
- Snacks / energy bars
Clothing to bring
To successfully climb Kilimanjaro in good conditions, travelers are advised to bring:
- Lightweight and breathable clothing for daytime walking (technical t-shirts, trekking pants)
- Warm layers for evenings and the summit (fleece, down jacket or thermal jacket)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket for rain and wind
- Good hiking shoes with grippy and durable soles
- Thick socks , gloves, hat and sunglasses
- Trekking poles to make walking on steep terrain easier
- Lightweight backpack for carrying water, snacks and a change of clothes
- Headlamp for night climbing
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm for sun protection at altitude
- Small bag for personal items and chargers if needed
All heavy luggage is carried by porters, so only the essentials and your daytime belongings remain in your bag.
