Climbing Kilimanjaro in 9 days via the Lemosho route
In summary
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Sports
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Duration9 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationTanzania / Kilimanjaro
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AgeFrom 10 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions102.73 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
French
Spanish
In a few words
Embark on an unforgettable 9-day adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route , one of the most scenic and highly recommended routes for acclimatization. After arriving in Arusha, you will be transferred to Summit Lodge for a full briefing and equipment fitting. The trek begins at Lemosho Gate through the rainforest, then continues across the Shira Plateau, through volcanic valleys and along the spectacular Barranco Wall, before reaching Barafu Camp for the nighttime ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) . You will then descend to Millennium Camp and Mweka Gate. Each stage combines breathtaking scenery, local wildlife, and full support from our guides, cooks, and porters, ensuring safety, comfort, and success in reaching the summit of Africa.
The highlights
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Panoramic trekking experience and diverse landscapes
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A gradual acclimatization with an adapted pace
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Nights spent in tents, close to nature
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The Lemosho route is considered moderate to difficult , suitable for hikers with good physical fitness and trekking experience. The trek is long and gradual, with ascents reaching up to 5,895 meters to reach Uhuru Peak. Acclimatization is facilitated by the 9-day duration and overnight stays in various camps. Experienced guides and comprehensive support ensure safety, a suitable pace, and assistance for all participants, even when facing the challenges of altitude and varied terrain.
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 585 m
- Average daily descent: 501 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
English
French
Spanish
Noah – Mountain Guide
Noah is a highly experienced Kilimanjaro guide, intimately familiar with the Lemosho route as well as all other major routes. He is trained in mountain safety, first aid, and altitude acclimatization strategies. Known for his professionalism, patience, and motivating support, Noah helps hikers maintain a suitable pace while adjusting to the high altitudes. He also shares his knowledge of the local flora, fauna, and culture, making the climb both safe and enriching. His dedication guarantees a personalized and unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.
Bob is an experienced assistant guide and camp manager for Kilimanjaro expeditions. He supports the lead guide in group management, safety, and the daily organization of the trek. Known for his positive energy and kindness, Bob motivates the hikers and ensures everyone progresses at a comfortable pace. He oversees camp setup, tent comfort, and the logistics of meals prepared by the kitchen team. Thanks to his knowledge of the terrain and altitude, he ensures a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience, while sharing anecdotes and practical advice about the mountain and the surrounding nature.
Program
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Arrival in Tanzania
- Transportation Minibus - 16h - 48km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your mountain guide and transferred to The Summit Lodge in Arusha. The evening includes a detailed briefing on the Lemosho route, the daily itinerary, acclimatization, and safety instructions. Your equipment will be checked to ensure everything is ready for the climb. Dinner at the lodge, rest, and hydration will help you prepare physically and mentally for the adventure.
Day 1 -
Lemosho Gate (2385 m) → Big Tree Camp (2780 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 08h - 69km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 720 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, transfer to Lemosho Gate for check-in and permits. The trek begins in the lush rainforest, home to colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a variety of birds. The trail is gentle, ideal for acclimatization. Your guide will explain the pace and point out natural landmarks. After 3–4 hours of walking and 395 meters of elevation gain , you will reach Big Tree Camp , where your team will have set up the tents and prepared dinner.
Day 2 -
Big Tree Camp (2780 m) → Shira 2 Camp (3900 m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 680 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You leave the forest and enter the alpine moorland of the Shira Plateau. The landscapes open up to the Shira Ridge and Mount Meru. The hike is moderate but offers spectacular views of the plains and rock formations. The walk takes 6–7 hours with 1120 m of elevation gain . Upon arrival at Shira 2 Camp , relax and watch the sunset over the plateau before preparing for higher altitudes.
Day 3 -
Shira 2 Camp (3900 m) → Barranco Camp (3960 m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 10h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 760 m
- Negative elevation 670 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Acclimatization day following the “climb high, sleep low” strategy. Ascent to Lava Tower (4600 m) , lunch at the summit, then descent into the Barranco Valley. Volcanic terrain, valleys, and giant Senecio trees. 6–7 hour hike with +700 m / –640 m . The camp offers impressive views of the cliffs. Rest and hydration before climbing the Barranco Wall the following day.
Day 4 -
Barranco Camp (3960 m) → Karanga Camp (3963 m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 75 m
- Negative elevation 40 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Begin with the famous Barranco Wall , an easy but spectacular climb. Then, traverse valleys and ridges formed by lava. The hike takes 4–5 hours with very little elevation gain ( +3 m ). Arrive at Karanga Camp , rest, enjoy a hot meal, and acclimatize to prepare for the approach to Barafu Camp. Briefing for summit day.
Day 5 -
Karanga Camp (3963 m) → Barafu Camp (4640 m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 605 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Steady ascent to Barafu Camp , the base for the summit climb. Desert landscape, strong winds, and low temperatures. 3–4 hour hike with 677m of elevation gain . Arrive early to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight ascent. Your guide will explain the summit strategy and nutrition for a safe and successful climb.
Day 6 -
Barafu Camp (4640 m) → Uhuru Peak (5895 m) → Mweka Camp (3790 m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 12h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 1255 m
- Negative elevation 2795 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The final ascent begins around midnight . By the light of your headlamps, you slowly make your way up the steep slopes and through the arid, almost lunar, alpine landscapes typical of Kilimanjaro's heights. After several hours of effort, you reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise, the highest point on the African continent. A well-deserved break allows you to savor this unique moment before beginning the long descent to Barafu , then continuing on to Mweka Camp , nestled lower down in the vegetation. This day, intense both physically and emotionally, covers approximately 16 to 18 km and lasts between 10 and 14 hours . A well-deserved night at the camp awaits you after this memorable stage.
Day 7 -
Mweka Camp (3790 m) → Mweka Gate (1630 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 120km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 10 km
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate , a trek of approximately 3 to 4 hours with a descent of 2,160 meters. Presentation of the official summit certificate. Transfer to the lodge in Arusha for a shower, a celebratory dinner, and some well-deserved relaxation after this incredible adventure.
Day 8 -
Departure from Tanzania
- Transportation Minibus - 11h - 48km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of an unforgettable adventure on the Lemosho Route, combining spectacular scenery, physical challenges, and the accomplishment of reaching Africa's highest point.
Day 9
Note
Set off on an unforgettable 9-day adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route , one of the most scenic and recommended routes for acclimatization. After arriving in Arusha, you will be transferred to the Summit Lodge for a full briefing and preparation of your equipment. The trek starts at Lemosho Gate through the rainforest, then continues over the Shira Plateau, volcanic valleys and the spectacular Barranco Wall, before reaching Barafu Camp for the night departure to Uhuru Peak (5895 m). You will then descend to Millennium Camp and Mweka Gate. Each stage combines incredible scenery, local wildlife, and full support from our guides, cooks, and porters, ensuring safety, comfort, and success to reach the top of Africa.
Accommodation
During the trek, accommodation is in high-quality mountain tents, designed for comfort and durability at high altitudes. Each tent sleeps two people and is equipped with thick sleeping mats. A private tent for solo travelers can be arranged upon request, for an additional fee.
At the hotel in Arusha (before and after the climb), guests stay in comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, hot showers, mosquito nets, Wi-Fi, and breakfast included. The hotel offers a peaceful setting, ideal for rest and preparation before climbing Kilimanjaro.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Professional guides and porters for Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation: Lodges and mountain camps before the trek (tents with sleeping mattresses)
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Trekking permits, park entrance fees and rescue costs
- Return transfers between Kilimanjaro airport and the lodges
- Assistance and guidance at the summit
- Camping equipment (tents, restaurant tent)
The price does not include
- International and domestic flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips for guides and porters
- Drinks (water, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks)
- Personal equipment (sleeping bags, hiking poles, etc.)
- Optional activities outside of the trek
- Mandatory NIC Inbound Travel Insurance: USD 44 (approx. €39) per adult
Options
- Private toilets : CHF228.70 / person
- 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
Equipment provided on site:
- Tents: High-quality camping tents for 2 climbers per tent, set up by the mountain team.
- Floor mattress: thick insulating mattresses for added comfort and warmth during the night.
- Dining tents: spacious tents with tables and chairs for meals.
- Cooking equipment: all the cooking equipment necessary for preparing meals during the trek.
- Porter service: porters carry your personal equipment (usually up to 15 kg per client), so you only need to carry a backpack for the day.
- Hot meals and drinks: prepared daily by experienced mountain chefs, including breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Safety equipment: first aid kits and communication devices carried by the guides in case of emergency.
Equipment to bring
Personal hiking equipment:
- Backpack (20-30 liters): for carrying water, snacks, a camera and personal belongings during daily hikes.
- Sleeping bag: suitable for temperatures of -10°C or less for nights at high altitude.
- Trekking poles: recommended to reduce pressure on the knees during ascents and descents.
- Water bottles / hydration system: minimum 2 liters; remember to bring water purification tablets.
- Headlamp with spare batteries: essential for early morning departures and night travel.
- Sunglasses: high UV protection for exposure to snow and sun.
- Camera / smartphone: to capture breathtaking landscapes.
- Personal toiletries: biodegradable soap, toothbrush, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper.
- Small first aid kit: bandages, blister plasters, personal medications.
Clothing to bring
- Backpack (20-30 liters): for carrying water, snacks, a camera and personal belongings during daily hikes.
- Sleeping bag: suitable for temperatures of -10°C or less for nights at high altitude.
- Trekking poles: recommended to reduce pressure on the knees during ascents and descents.
- Water bottles / hydration system: minimum capacity of 2 liters; consider bringing water purification tablets.
- Headlamp with spare batteries: essential for early morning departures and night travel.
- Sunglasses: high UV protection for exposure to snow and sun.
- Camera / smartphone: to capture breathtaking landscapes.
- Personal toiletries: biodegradable soap, toothbrush, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper.
- Small first aid kit: plasters, blister pads, personal medications.
