10-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via the Lemosho Route

Your journey

Journey Overview

Experience the complete Kilimanjaro adventure on the scenic Lemosho Route, beginning on the mountain’s western side and crossing the remarkable Shira Plateau before joining the Machame route. This 10-day itinerary combines two nights in Arusha with an eight-day ascent and descent on Africa’s highest mountain.

The route passes through Afromontane rainforest, heathland, moorland, alpine desert and high-altitude glacial landscapes. A gradual ascent supports acclimatisation, while the summit attempt approaches Uhuru Peak via Stella Point. The descent follows the Mweka route.

Before the climb, enjoy a game drive and walking safari in Arusha National Park, located beneath Mount Meru. After the descent, return to Gran Meliá Arusha for a day room and hot lunch before your international departure.

Tour Highlights

• Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.
• Follow the remote western trailhead of the Lemosho Route.
• Explore the expansive Shira Plateau.
• Cross high-altitude landscapes near Lava Tower.
• Scramble up the Barranco Wall.
• Enjoy views of Mawenzi, glaciers and the alpine desert.
• Reach Uhuru Peak via Stella Point.
• Descend through the Mweka route and rainforest.
• Enjoy a game drive and walking safari in Arusha National Park.
• Stay at Gran Meliá Arusha before the climb and after the descent.

At a Glance

Day by day

Detailed Itinerary

Your journey begins in Arusha, continues through the mountain’s varied ecological zones, and culminates at Uhuru Peak before descending through Mweka rainforest.

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by a company representative who will assist with your luggage and transfer you to Gran Meliá Arusha.

Settle into your Deluxe Room and take time to relax after your journey. The hotel offers landscaped gardens, an outdoor pool, spa and fitness centre. From the terrace, enjoy views towards Mount Meru as you prepare for your upcoming climb.

After breakfast, meet your driver at the hotel reception and travel to Arusha National Park for a game drive and walking safari. Explore the park’s varied landscapes, with opportunities to visit the Momella Lakes and view the Ngurdoto Crater.

The park’s scenery includes Mount Meru, montane forest and open grassland. After your activities, return to Gran Meliá Arusha to freshen up and enjoy dinner.

After breakfast, meet your mountain guide in the hotel lobby for a climbing briefing. Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park’s Londorossi Gate to complete registration formalities, then continue by vehicle to the Lemosho trail starting point.

Meet the mountain crew and begin trekking at a steady pace through Afromontane forest. Lunch is taken on the trail, and you reach Forest Camp in the afternoon.

Leave the forested slopes behind as you ascend through Podocarpus and juniper forest. The trail eventually emerges into the heath zone and opens onto the broad Shira Plateau. Enjoy lunch along the trail before continuing to camp, arriving in the afternoon.

Cross the Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic parts of the route. Trek for approximately three to four hours to the lunch point, then ascend to Moir Camp at around 4,100 metres (13,451 feet), arriving in the afternoon. If you have energy and conditions allow, an optional late-afternoon walk may be possible.

Traverse the slopes of Kibo, where the harsh conditions and wide temperature range support relatively little flora or fauna. Lunch is usually taken near Lava Tower at approximately 4,600 metres (15,092 feet). Strong trekkers may have the option of ascending Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp in the afternoon.

An early start is recommended for the climb up the Barranco Wall. After reaching the top, continue across glacial valleys towards Karanga Camp at approximately 4,100 metres (13,451 feet). The camp offers dramatic views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields above.

Continue the ascent to Barafu Camp at approximately 4,600 metres (15,092 feet). This is a shorter trekking day, with lunch at camp and time to rest before the summit attempt. The landscape is stark and exposed, and strong winds can occur. In the evening, enjoy views of Mawenzi Volcano when conditions are clear.

The summit attempt usually begins shortly before midnight. Trek patiently through the night towards Stella Point at approximately 5,750 metres (18,865 feet). As dawn approaches, continue to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres (19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa. Summit access and views depend on weather, trail and individual condition.

After time at the summit, begin the descent. Your goal is Mweka Camp at approximately 3,100 metres (10,171 feet), where you will spend the night after this demanding day.

Wake at Mweka Camp and begin the final descent after breakfast. Say goodbye to your mountain crew and hike for approximately four hours to Mweka Gate, where you will be welcomed with a celebratory bottle of champagne to mark your achievement.

Your driver will transfer you approximately 105 km back to Gran Meliá Arusha. Use the hotel day room to shower and relax, and enjoy a hot lunch. Later, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international flight home.

Your stay

Accommodation

Gran Meliá Arusha

Deluxe Room · Arusha

Included for the two pre-climb nights, with a day room on the final day after the descent. The hotel offers landscaped gardens, an outdoor pool, spa, fitness centre and views towards Mount Meru.

Mountain accommodation: Camping tents at Forest Camp, Shira 1 Camp, Moir Camp / Moir Hut, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp and Mweka Camp.

Package price

Tour Pricing

VIP Mountain Camping Upgrade

The VIP specification includes larger standing-room tents, additional porters, a shower system, private portable toilets, raised beds, a larger mess tent, 3-inch foam mattresses, pillows, sleeping bags and hot water bottles. The additional VIP cost was not specified.

Included in your journey

Tour Includes

• All Kilimanjaro National Park fees and rescue fees.
• Mountain guides and porters; guides are described as NOLS qualified.
• Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport and Kilimanjaro National Park trailheads.
• Pre-hiking acclimatisation day at Arusha National Park.
• All food on the mountain with a dedicated cook.
• Filtered water while on the mountain.
• All camping equipment.
• Communication equipment, including radio, satellite phones and cell phones.
• Porterage of two bags per person.
• Two pre-nights at Gran Meliá Arusha on a half-board basis.
• Day room at Gran Meliá Arusha on the last day.
• Sleeping bags, mattresses and tents.

Not included

Tour Excludes

• International airfares.
• Personal items and expenses.
• Laundry services and drinks at Gran Meliá Arusha.
• Gratuities for transfer drivers, mountain guides, cooks and porters.
• Travel insurance covering altitudes of 6,000 metres above sea level.
• Excess baggage fees.
• Departure taxes and other applicable airport taxes.
• Meals or sightseeing not included in the itinerary.
• Optional activities.
• Tanzania visa.
• Personal health insurance.
• Charges resulting from an early descent, including additional hotels or transfers.

Prepare for the climb

Important Climbing Information

The Lemosho Route crosses several ecological zones and reaches high altitude. Follow your mountain guide’s instructions, maintain a steady pace and communicate any symptoms or concerns during the climb. Weather and mountain conditions can affect the itinerary and summit attempt.

The itinerary describes a route distance of approximately 64 km / 37 miles. Distance and elevation figures vary slightly between sections of the supplied itinerary.