Kilimanjaro & treks
Arusha, Londorossi Gate, Mti Mkubwa, Shira 1, Shira Plateau, Moir Hut, Lava Tower, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu, Uhuru Peak, Mweka
your journey
Lemosho starts on the quiet western side of Kilimanjaro. From Londorossi Gate you walk through rainforest to Mti Mkubwa, climb onto the Shira Ridge and cross the Shira Plateau to Moir Hut, with Kibo growing larger ahead of you each day.
With eight days on the mountain, the ascent is gradual. You climb to Lava Tower at about 4,630 m and drop down to Barranco to sleep, then join the Southern Circuit over the Great Barranco Wall to Karanga and Barafu. The summit attempt leaves around midnight for Stella Point and Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Lemosho is a camping route. You sleep in tents at the mountain camps, and our mountain guide, crew and porters set up camp and cook for you. We drive you from Arusha to Londorossi Gate and back from Mweka Gate.
First-time climbers and experienced hikers alike who want a scenic route and more time on the mountain. No technical experience is needed, but you should be well prepared for long days and high altitude.
Parks visited
Mount Kilimanjaro
what makes it special
day by day
After breakfast we drive you from Arusha to Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro. Once registration and the park formalities are done, you continue to the Lemosho trailhead. The walk starts in lush rainforest, climbing gradually through dense vegetation, and it is a short first day to let you settle in. You reach Mti Mkubwa Camp for dinner and the night. From 2,360 m to 2,895 m, about 6 km, 3–4 hours.
You leave the rainforest behind and climb into the heath and moorland zone, where the country opens out into grasses, heather and volcanic ground. The trail continues up to the Shira Ridge before dropping slightly to Shira 1 Camp on the plateau. On a clear evening you may get your first proper view of Kibo from here. From 2,895 m to 3,505 m, about 8 km, 5–6 hours.
Today you explore the Shira Plateau as you gradually gain height. The trail crosses open moorland and volcanic landscapes before heading on to Moir Hut near the Lent Hills, where you camp for the night. Depending on conditions, your guide may take you on short acclimatisation walks around the camp in the afternoon. From 3,505 m to about 4,200 m, about 11 km, 5–7 hours.
The trail climbs to Lava Tower, one of Kilimanjaro's most distinctive volcanic formations, at about 4,630 m, well above where you slept. From there you descend to Barranco Camp through a striking landscape of giant senecios and alpine plants. Spending part of the day high and then sleeping lower is a key part of the route's acclimatisation. About 10 km including the descent, 6–8 hours.
The day begins with the Great Barranco Wall. It is steep in places, but it is a trekking trail rather than a technical climb, and your crew helps you through the trickier steps. Above the wall you cross a series of ridges and valleys, with Kibo's glaciers close above, before reaching Karanga Camp in time for a rest. From about 3,960 m to 4,035 m, about 5 km, 4–5 hours.
A shorter day, but one that takes you into the high alpine desert. The trail climbs to Barafu Camp, the main staging point for the summit attempt, over rocky and increasingly barren ground. After reaching camp you have an early meal and rest while your guide prepares you for the midnight departure. Lay out your warm layers and headtorch before you sleep. From about 4,035 m to 4,665 m, about 4 km, 4–5 hours.
The summit attempt begins around midnight. You climb slowly in the dark to Stella Point on the crater rim, then follow the rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, the highest point on Kilimanjaro. After time at the summit you descend to Barafu and continue down to Mweka Camp. Altitude, cold, long hours and little sleep make this the hardest day of the trek. About 5 km up in 7–8 hours, then 12 km down in 4–6 hours.
After breakfast you make the final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, watching for colobus monkeys in the trees. At the gate your guide completes the park procedures, you say goodbye to the crew, and our vehicle meets you for the drive back to Arusha, where your eight-day Lemosho climb ends. From about 3,100 m to 1,640 m, about 10 km, 3–4 hours.
the price
Price on request
before you ask
Kilimanjaro needs no ropes or technical climbing skills, but it is a serious high-altitude trek. You walk for several hours a day on uneven ground, nights are cold, and summit night starts around midnight in thin air. Walking regularly on hills before you come, with a loaded daypack, is the best preparation.
We choose routes and itineraries with enough days on the mountain, and we follow the principle of climbing high and sleeping low. On the Machame route, for example, you take short walks above camp at Shira, Lava Tower, Karanga and Barafu before returning to sleep lower. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide straight away about any headache, nausea or dizziness.
Many climbers use acetazolamide (Diamox) to help with acclimatisation, but it is a prescription medicine and not right for everyone. Talk to your own doctor before the trip, especially about allergies and side effects, and tell your guide if you are taking it.
Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year, but the driest months are mid-January to mid-March and late June to October, which are also the busiest. The long rains from late March to early June bring wet trails and cloud, and we generally advise against climbing then unless you are experienced in those conditions. November brings short rains, often in the afternoon.
On our Kilimanjaro packages with hotel nights, you stay at our partner hotel, Weru Weru River Lodge near Moshi, or a similar hotel, on the night before and the night after the climb. Your guide holds the pre-climb briefing and gear check there.
You need good broken-in hiking boots, warm layers including a down jacket, waterproof jacket and trousers, gloves, a warm hat, a headtorch and a daypack. Tents, mats and all group and cooking equipment are provided. Your specialist will confirm what can be rented locally, including sleeping bags, and send you a full packing list.
On the western side of Kilimanjaro. You register at Londorossi Gate and drive on to the Lemosho trailhead, then walk through the forest before crossing the Shira Plateau.
In tents at the mountain camps: Mti Mkubwa, Shira 1, Moir Hut, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu and Mweka. Moir Hut is a campsite name; only the Marangu route uses huts to sleep in.
Enquire
Every AAA Express Adventure trip can be changed to suit you: the pace, the lodges, the number of days. Tell us your dates and who is travelling, and our team in Arusha will come back to you with a plan and a price.
Your journey
Price on request
8 days · 7 nights
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Call us on +255 784 281316, email sales@aaaexpressadventure.com or send an enquiry. Our team in Arusha will get back to you.
Price on request
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