8 DAYS KILIMANJARO LEMOSHO ROUTE
The Lemosho route is one of the newer routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. The route begins in the west and rather than simply intersecting Shira Plateau (like Machame), Lemosho crosses it from Shira Ridge to Shira Camp. Climbers encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit.
The 8 day Lemosho route is highly recommended and used by most prominent Kilimanjaro operators
Detailed Itinerary Lemosho – 8 days
Day 0: Arrival
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met with our ground handling team and after greetings and introduction you will be transferred to your delightful accommodation in Arusha/Moshi for evening rest and overnight.
Day 1: Transfer to Lemosho gate + Trek from Lemosho gate to Big Tree Camp
Wake up early and after breakfast and briefings board a transfer car to the start point of your hike which will take us around 3hrs. After completing the necessary registration formalities at Londorossi gate, we drive through varied farmland with open views over the plains to reach the Lemosho road-head. We often have our lunch before starting to walk. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through beautiful and bush forest. We camp at Lemosho Big Tree Camp (2,650 m); [2-3 hours walking]
Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira One Camp
We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a tangible sense of wilderness, especially if afternoon mists come in! We camp in the centre of the plateau at “Shira One” (3,550 m). [6-7 hours walking]
Day 3: Shira One Camp to Shira Two Camp
We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral before reaching the next camp at Shira 2 camp (3,840 m). This campsite has stunning views, close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. The views from here of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. [3-6 hours walking]
Day 4: Shira 2 to Barranco camp
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch at the Lava Tower (4,600 m) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking]
Day 5: Barranco camp to Karanga camp
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vis5tas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga (4,000 m), the last water point on the way to the summit. [4-5 hours walking]
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu camp
We follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach the Barafu campsite (4,600 m) for lunch. There is a short acclimatisation walk to the plateau at the bottom of the South-East valley (4,800 m). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. [3-5 hours walking]
Day 7: Uhuru peak summit + Descend to Millennium/Mweka camp
We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5,735 m), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (3,800 m) Millennium. [11-15 hours walking]
Day 8: Descend from Millenium Camp to Mweka gate + Transfer back to hotel
A sustained descent on a well-constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1,650 m). Here we sign out from the national park before walking on for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where our vehicle awaits ready to transfer you back to your hotel. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalisingly close! [4-6 hours walking]
The Lemosho route is possibly the least used initial climb route on Kilimanjaro, because to its remoteness and the challenging roads connecting to the trailhead. The route to the trailhead is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles, and it can become inaccessible during inclement weather. Because the trailhead is at a rather high elevation, we begin this trek slowly and gently. The first day of walking through the forest may provide sights of buffalo and elephants, and the track is frequently overgrown due to lack of use.
The path is one of the the longest to climb Kilimanjaro, thus fitness is essential for fun and success. The Lemosho (Shira) path involves 7 days and 6 nights on the mountain. Overall, the distance covered and the effort of the final several days make this walk suitable only for experienced hikers. The numerous variations in landscape and the beautiful journey through the Shira Plateau make this excursion absolutely unique. There are no shelters along this path, so you must sleep in mountain tents.
Price Per Person in US Dollars
- $3,500 per person when Solo trekker
- $2,800 per person when 2 people treks together
- $2,700 per person when 3 people treks together
- $2,600 per person when 4 people treks together
- $2,500 per person when 5 people treks together
- $2,400 per person when 6+ people treks together
What’s Includes
- Transport from/to park gate & airport transfer
- Pre and post climb accommodation (B&B) in Moshi
- Park, camping & rescue fees
- Mountain tent & mattress
- Professional English speaking guide(s), porters & chef
- breakfasts, lunches and dinners
- Water; tea and coffee with meals
What’s not included
- Flights
- Lunch & dinner in Moshi
- Travel insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Increases in park fees where applicable
- Personal equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Tips for guide(s), porters & cook
- Soda and Alcoholic beverage
Book the Tour
7 DAYS KILIMANJARO MACHAME ROUTE
The seven day Machame variation is the ideal schedule for this route. On the 7 day Machame route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt. This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleep deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain. By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested.
The 7 day Machame route is highly recommended and used by most prominent Kilimanjaro operators.
| Detailed Itinerary Machame – 7 days | |
DAY 1 |
The climb starts from Machame Gate (1,800 m.) and follows a ridge through dense montane forest. This is the richest forested area on the mountain, and also the zone from where 96 % of the water on Kilimanjaro originates. On sunny days, and especially in the dry season, this section is very lush and beautiful; it can also be a very muddy experience, particularly if it has rained recently! We have lunch at ‘Halfway Clearing’, a small opening in the trees, and continue climbing steadily. The gradient becomes gentler as the forest slowly merges into giant heather close to the next camp near the ruins of Machame Hut (3,000 m.). We may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit. [6-8 hours walking] |
DAY 2 |
A shorter day that begins by climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock. There are excellent views of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau from here,and it is a good rest point too! The trail continues less steeply to reach the Shira Plateau. We camp near Shira Hut (3,840m.) which has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro; close to the huge volcanic cone of Kibo, the spectacular rock formations of Shira Plateau, and looking across to Mt. Meru floating on the clouds. [4-6 hours walking] |
DAY 3 |
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4,550 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m.), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking] |
DAY 4 |
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga (4,000 m.), the last water point on the approach to Barafu, in a narrow valley. There is plenty of time to rest, or for a short optional acclimatisation walk in the afternoon up the valley above the camp. [4-5 hours walking] |
DAY 5 |
A short but steep climb out of Karanga, and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views to reach Mweka Junction (4,150 m.). We then climb steadily to reach the Barafu campsite (4,600 m.) and continue to the plateau at the bottom of the South-East valley (4,800 m.). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before an early night. [4-5 hours walking] |
DAY 6 |
We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5,735 m.), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (3,800 m.) Millenium. Most of us will be too tired to notice the beauty of the forest surrounding the crowded campsite. [11-15 hours walking] |
DAY 7 |
A sustained descent on a well constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1,650 m). Here we sign out from the national park before walking on for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where our vehicle awaits. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalisingly close! [4-6 hours walking] |
Machame Route: It is the most popular route at mountain Kilimanjaro and it is located at the southern part of the mountain. This route is very scenic and it has gradual ascent. You can climb it in 6days, 7days or 8 days depend with your time and budget it is camping route and one of the two ‘whisky’ routes in mount Kilimanjaro. 7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route
Getting there: The drive to Machame gate is a about 45 minutes from Moshi and it crosses the cultivation zone. You can see numerous of villages, coffee and banana farms on your way to the gate. Once you arrive at the gate we do registration in Kilimanjaro national park log book, pay the entrance fee and get validly permit, after which hiking can start at 1800m.
Price Per Person in US Dollars
- $2,900 per person when Solo trekker
- $2,600 per person when 2 people treks together
- $2,500 per person when 3 people treks together
- $2,400 per person when 4 people treks together
- $2,300 per person when 5 people treks together
- $2,200 per person when 6+ people treks together
What’s Includes
- Transport from/to park gate & airport transfer
- Pre and post climb accommodation (B&B) in Moshi
- Park, camping & rescue fees
- Mountain tent & mattress
- Professional English speaking guide(s), porters & chef
- breakfasts, lunches and dinners
- Water; tea and coffee with meals
What’s not included
- Flights
- Lunch & dinner in Moshi
- Travel insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Increases in park fees where applicable
- Personal equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Tips for guide(s), porters & cook
- Soda and Alcoholic beverage
Book the Tour
Related Kilimanjaro Tours
- From: $.3200
- From: $.2400
- From: $.2,600
- From: $.2800
- From: $.3,200
- From: $.2800
- From: $.2800
- From: $.3,200
- From: $.2000
Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes
When it comes to embarking on a Kilimanjaro climbing expedition, choosing the right route is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience. With several routes to choose from, each with its own characteristics and challenges, it’s important to consider various factors before making your decision. There are various routes to choose from when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, each offering different landscapes, challenges, and experiences.
The Marangu Route is one of the most popular routes for those who want to trek to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it is the only route that offers hut accommodations and is considered the easiest route. However, this also means that it can be crowded during peak season.
The Machame Route is also known as the “Whiskey Route” and is the most popular trekking route in Tanzania. It is a challenging route but also the most scenic due to the panoramic views of the Shira Plateau and the Western Breach. With its rocky terrain, trekking poles are highly recommended.
Rongai route ascends Mount Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. The rongai route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness. The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north.
The Lemosho Route is the best way to climb Kilimanjaro and experience the breathtaking beauty of the mountain. With its numerous advantages, including scenic views, diverse flora and fauna, and a higher success rate, you can be sure of an unforgettable experience.
Kilimanjaro’s Northern Circuit Route is a remote and beautiful trail, but it’s a challenging trek that requires careful planning and preparation. It is the longest route on Kilimanjaro. It offers amazing scenery, excellent acclimatization, and a quiet trek. This is the reasons we love this Kilimanjaro route!
Proper acclimatization and physical preparation are crucial to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the challenging Umbwe Route. The route includes several acclimatization days, and proper preparation will enable climbers to tackle the final ascent towards Stella Point.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge. The vehicle bypasses the rain forest zone and the hiking trail begins on Shira Ridge. The Shira route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike.
Kilimanjaro mountain bike trail itinerary is the new service for summiting Mt Kilimanjaro for active and adventure lovers. The Kilema route is the only route that you can reach to the summit by mountain bike. Our experienced guides have done a sufficient number of successful bike trails to the summit.
Mount Meru(4,566 m) is an active stratovolcano and forms the centrepiece of Arusha National Park in Tanzania. Although the mountain is not as high as Kilimanjaro, it is just as challenging. Known for its beautiful green surroundings and abundant wildlife, Mount Meru is the second highest in Tanzania.