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The Lemosho Route is widely considered the finest way up Kilimanjaro. Beginning on the remote western side of the mountain, it traverses the entire Shira Plateau before joining the southern circuit — delivering the most varied scenery of any route while following the climber’s golden rule: walk high, sleep low.
7 or 8 Days
90%
Moderate
$ 1,729
The Lemosho Route is widely considered the finest way up Kilimanjaro. Beginning on the remote western side of the mountain, it traverses the entire Shira Plateau before joining the southern circuit — delivering the most varied scenery of any route while following the climber’s golden rule: walk high, sleep low.
Its long profile gives your body time to acclimatise properly, which is why the 8-day version carries one of the highest summit success rates on the entire mountain at roughly 90%. The route is quieter in its early days than Machame, and the approach through the rainforest and across the Shira caldera is genuinely spectacular.
We run Lemosho as a fully private climb — your own guides, cook and porter team, your own pace. The 8-day itinerary adds a crucial acclimatisation day and is our top recommendation for climbers who want to give themselves the best possible chance of standing on Uhuru Peak.
The 8-day profile gives excellent acclimatisation — around 90% of our Lemosho climbers summit.
Rainforest, the Shira Plateau, the Lava Tower, the Barranco Wall and the southern glaciers — every day looks different.
The western approach sees far fewer climbers in the first three days than the Machame trailhead.
The route naturally follows 'climb high, sleep low', with the Lava Tower day at 4,600m before descending to sleep.
Touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where the warm Tanzanian air welcomes you. A private Komteshane vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel base in Moshi. Later in the evening, your lead Komteshane guide will conduct a thorough pre-climb briefing and comprehensive gear check, ensuring you are fully prepared and equipped for the epic journey ahead.
Departing from your hotel in Moshi, enjoy a scenic drive to Londorossi Gate for park registration. From here, the Komteshane crew handles the heavy logistics while you begin trekking through the lush, deep green canopy of the montane rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for rare Black-and-white Colobus monkeys jumping between the ancient, moss-draped trees. The day concludes at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp, where a hot meal prepared by your private chef awaits.
This is a challenging, extended push as you quickly ascend out of the forest zone. You will scale the steep outer rim of the Shira Caldera, transitioning into the striking low-alpine heather and moorland. The Komteshane team guides you at a measured, steady pace across the massive volcanic plateau, bypassing Shira 1 to fast-track directly to Shira 2 Camp. The open skies here offer your first sweeping, unobstructed views of Kibo Peak.
A cornerstone day for high-altitude conditioning following the time-tested "climb high, sleep low" philosophy. You will ascend into the barren Alpine Desert, aiming for the iconic, monolithic Lava Tower at 4,630m. Here, Komteshane sets up a warm lunch tent so your body can rest and adjust to the thinner air. Afterward, descend through the spectacular valleys populated by prehistoric Giant Senecio plants down into the deep, dramatic rock fortress of Barranco Camp.
Your morning starts with an exhilarating, non-technical scramble up the famous Barranco Wall. The expert Komteshane guiding crew will stand at the narrowest points to ensure your absolute safety and confidence. In this 7-day variation, you bypass an overnight stay at Karanga, pushing right through the dry Karanga Valley before taking on the steep ridge up to Barafu High Base Camp. Eat, hydrate, and try to rest early, as your summit push begins at midnight.
The ultimate test of mental and physical grit. Awakened at midnight by your Komteshane team, you push upwards through steep, loose volcanic scree in sub-zero arctic temperatures. Reach Stella Point (5,756m) just as the sun breaks over the horizon, then complete the final, rewarding ridge walk to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your victory with the team before beginning the long, knee-jarring descent to the relative warmth of Mweka Camp.
Your final morning on the mountain features a pleasant, steady descent through the rich, misty rainforest down to Mweka Gate. Here, you will enjoy a celebratory tipping ceremony with your dedicated Komteshane porters, chefs, and guides. Receive your hard-earned gold summit certificates, say goodbye to the crew, and board your comfortable private transfer back to your hotel in Moshi for a long-awaited hot shower, dinner, and a celebratory good night's rest.
After breakfast at your Moshi hotel, check out and prepare for your onward travel plans. A private Komteshane vehicle will collect you and provide a seamless transfer back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight home, or drop you off for your next planned safari adventure.
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon stepping out of Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a friendly Komteshane driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel accommodations in Moshi. Relax and unpack before your expert Komteshane lead guide meets you for an evening briefing, custom route orientation, and meticulous equipment check to make sure every gear item is mountain-ready.
Board the private Komteshane transport from your Moshi base for a scenic drive to the west, passing through local villages to Londorossi Gate. Once checked in, take your first steps onto the trail. Wander through a magical forest filled with moss, towering vines, and diverse wildlife. This introductory walk ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp, where the Komteshane camp crew has already set up your comfortable tents and prepared refreshing hot tea.
Leave the dense forest canopy behind as the trail steepens, taking you through giant heather zones and across the western edge of the expansive Shira Plateau. Unlike the compressed 7-day path, Komteshane takes you on a more deliberate route to the quieter Shira 1 Camp. This ensures a relaxed pace, lower physical exertion, and an extra night of crucial biological acclimatization.
A highly scenic, gentle trek across the ancient caldera floor of the Shira Plateau. Walking at a relaxed pace, you will pass distinct geological formations while looking out toward the snow-capped peak of Kibo. Arrive early at Shira 2 Camp, allowing you to spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and letting the Komteshane team guide you through light stretching exercises to prepare for the high altitudes ahead.
This day is essential for your body's adaptation. Trek up into the rocky Alpine Desert to reach the imposing Lava Tower at 4,630m. The Komteshane team provides a hot lunch at the base of the tower, encouraging a slower pace to maximize acclimatization. Afterward, descend through the beautiful Barranco Valley, navigating fields of unique Giant Senecio plants to arrive at your dramatic cliffside campsite.
Begin the morning with a fun scramble up the towering Barranco Wall, under the careful guidance and supervision of the Komteshane team. After taking photos at the top ridge, descend through a series of valleys into the scenic Karanga Camp. Having an isolated overnight stay here—rather than pushing straight through like the 7-day hikers—gives your body a vital recovery period before the final summit push.
Leave Karanga Camp behind to tackle a steady uphill climb through a stark, wind-swept landscape of rock and stone. The trail intersects with the Mweka descent route before bringing you to the high ridges of Barafu Base Camp. Once arrived, the Komteshane crew handles your tent setup while you focus on eating a hearty early dinner, hydrating well, and getting to sleep ahead of your midnight wakeup call.
Your ultimate mountain milestone begins at midnight. Accompanied by the motivating chants and steady guidance of your Komteshane crew, you will slowly ascend the steep, frozen scree switchbacks toward the crater rim. Reach Stella Point as dawn illuminates the plains below, followed by a final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). After celebrating your achievement at the roof of Africa, begin your steady descent down to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Wake up in the fresh, clean air of the lower slopes for a final descent through a beautiful rainforest path down to Mweka Gate. Share a joyful celebration and tipping ceremony with your dedicated Komteshane crew, and collect your official gold climbing certificate. Your private transport will be waiting to take you straight back to your hotel in Moshi for a deep bath, real bed, and a long-overdue celebration meal.
Enjoy a relaxing morning breakfast at the hotel in Moshi. Pack your bags and check out by midday. Your Komteshane airport transfer vehicle will arrive to drive you directly back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight out, marking the end of your incredible Tanzanian adventure.
Permits and Fees (The Largest Expense)
Kilimanjaro National Park Conservation Fees: Daily entry fees for the duration of your trek.
Camping Fees: Fees for utilizing the designated campsites along the Lemosho route (e.g., Mti Mkubwa, Shira, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu).
Rescue Fees: Mandatory national park fees for emergency rescue coordination.
Government Taxes: Standard Tanzanian VAT (18%) is usually baked into the package price.
The Mountain Crew & Logistics
Professional Guides: Licensed, English-speaking head guides and assistant guides (trained in wilderness first aid and altitude sickness management).
Porters: A dedicated team to carry all communal gear, food, and your personal duffel bag (usually restricted to 15 kg / 33 lbs).
Mountain Cook(s): A professional chef who prepares hot meals daily.
Transport: Ground transportation from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha to the Londorossi Gate (the start of the Lemosho route) and the return trip from Mweka Gate.
Food & Accommodation
Meals on the Mountain: Three hot, high-calorie meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner), plus hot drinks and snacks.
Water: Safe, purified, or boiled drinking water provided daily at the camps.
Pre- and Post-Climb Hotel: Typically, 2 nights of hotel accommodation (one night before the climb with a briefing, and one night after the climb) in Moshi or Arusha.
Group Camping Equipment: Premium 4-season sleeping tents (usually shared on a double-occupancy basis), a large mess/dining tent with tables and chairs, and cooking gear.
Private Toilet Tent: Many mid-to-high-end operators now include a private portable chemical toilet tent for the group, though budget operators might charge extra for this.
Safety Equipment
Pulse Oximeters: Used daily by guides to check your blood oxygen saturation and heart rate.
Emergency Oxygen: Bottled oxygen for medical emergencies (used for descent, not to help you climb).
First Aid Kit: Standard medical supplies carried by the head guide.
Crew Tips (Mandatory Industry Standard)
Tipping: Tips for the guides, cooks, and porters are culturally mandatory and not included in the upfront booking fee. You should budget roughly $250 to $350 USD total per climber for the tipping kitty, depending on group size and trek length.
Personal Gear & Clothing
Climbing Gear: Your personal clothing layers (thermal base layers, down jacket, waterproof shell, hiking pants), broken-in trekking boots, headlamps, and trekking poles.
Sleeping Gear: A high-quality, cold-weather sleeping bag (comfort rated down to at least $-10^\circ\text{C}$ / $14^\circ\text{F}$) and sometimes thick insulated sleeping pads (basic foam pads are often provided, but upgrades are not).
Note: Most of this gear can be rented locally in Moshi or Arusha if you don’t want to buy it.
Travel & Legal Expenses
Flights: International flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Tanzanian Tourist Visa: $50 USD for most nationalities ($100 USD for US citizens).
Travel/Medical Insurance: You must purchase insurance that explicitly covers high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters and emergency medical evacuation.
Personal Expenses & Upgrades
Single Supplements: If you want your own hotel room or a private tent on the mountain without a roommate, you will pay an extra fee.
Personal Medication: Altitude medication (like Diamox), painkillers, personal blister kits, and snacks (like energy bars or gels).
Pre/Post-Climb Meals: Lunches and dinners in town before and after the trek are usually on your own.
Alcohol & Soft Drinks: Any beverages purchased at the hotel or at the park gates.
*Prices listed above are per person in USD and include all mandatory national park fees, rescue fees, camping equipment, fresh meals prepared on the mountain, and comprehensive crew accommodations.
From / 2 Pax
From / 2 Pax
From / 2 Pax
From / 2 Pax
From / 2 Pax
From / 2 Pax
