The Lemosho Route in summary
A well-known path that has seen significant growth in popularity recently is Lemosho. And rightfully so: it provides breathtaking vistas, an excellent profile for acclimatization, and among the greatest summit success percentages of any route. There are three options for the Lemosho path, which begins on Kilimanjaro’s western slope and lasts for six, seven, or eight days on the summit.
The Cathedral Peak, one of the highest elevations of the Shira Volcano (3,872 m), is one of Lemosho’s attractions. You’ll get the opportunity to trek Cathedral Peak for acclimatization and take in the greatest vistas Kilimanjaro has to offer. The enormous, alien-looking plants known as Dendrosenecio kilimanjari, which are unique to this mountain, are another recognizable aspect of Lemosho.
As the oldest person to ever climb Kilimanjaro, Angela Vorobieva, at 86 years old, achieved a Guinness World Record by using the Lemosho route to the summit with Jairos Adventure.
Lemosho Route: Professional Guidance
The staff at Jairos Adventure and our customers both love the Lemosho path. For a few reasons, it sticks out. Lemosho’s 7-day route begins at 3414 meters, so you will be at the altitude for longer and only have to trek modest distances on the first two days. With the greatest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro, this allows for excellent acclimatization. For experienced trekkers or those who have already acclimated, the 6-day version is the sole option; nevertheless, the 7-day plan is appropriate even for novices.
8 Days Lemosho Route - Summit Success Rate
Over the years, Jairos Adventure has amassed comprehensive data on every route. Based on information from thousands of our climbers, here are the success statistics for climbing Uhuru Peak and the Crater Rim on the Lemosho 7, and 8-day itineraries: Lemosho 8 – Crater Rim: 96.0%, Uhuru Peak: 92.7%
Safari Overview
The 8-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic trails on the west of Kilimanjaro, and it is a virtual climate expedition. The shallow mountain stream wanders peacefully through the Barranco Valley’s bottom amid the clouds. Frosting shields the valleys, whilst the azure glaciers extravagantly scatter across the landscape of the ice fields.
Immature trees flourish amongst the towering emerald canopies, and the lush vegetation conceals the moist floors. Thick shadows cast down from the bright sun. Faint buffalo trails are carved into the smooth grounds of the Shira Plateau, and milky white mist clings to and enrobes everything it can.
You will encounter the stunning sights of the Lava Tower and scramble up the impressive Barranco wall. There is a slight chance of spotting some magnificent wildlife along the leisurely trail. The 8-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route provides optimal conditions for acclimatisation, which increases your chance of reaching the glorious summit.
Day 1 | Moshi to Starting point (2,300m) to Mti Mkubwa (2,750m) Walking Time: 3 hours Distance: 7 km Altitude Gain: 450m
You will enjoy an enticing breakfast at the hotel before proceeding from Moshi to Londorossi Gate (1,800m). The three-hour drive travels on an unpaved stretch of bumpy road through the town of Boma N’gombe and the Sanya Juu village offers motorists an intimate encounter with the natives. After completing the necessary park registration, you will be transported to the initial point of your trek at 2,350m. The glory of the forest is revealed in the illuminating radiance of the sun. Almond-brown trees stand serenely, brimming with a tender glow. Gems of amber encrust the bark exterior. Green canopies deliver shelter for the exotic blue monkeys. The short trek through the rainforest leads to the Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750m).
Day 2 | Mti Mkubwa (2,750m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,550m) Walking Time: 6-7 hours Distance: 10 km Altitude Gain: 800m
As the trail begins to move towards Shira Camp 1, the scenery transforms dramatically from the lush rainforest to the barren heather moorland zone. The parched landscape is speckled with enormous lobelias, contrasting white fauna and flora and dusty sand dunes. We will journey up the steep ridges leading to the Shira Plateau, featuring the glorious views of the looming Kilimanjaro and the raging bloodshot orb of light slowly sinks beneath the horizon of Mount Meru in the west. We will cross several tranquil streams as we continue over the Shira Ridge (3,600m) and on a declining slop to Shira Camp 1.
Day 3 | Shira Camp 1 (3,550m) to Shira Camp 2 (3,840m) Walking Time: 3-4hours Distance: 8km Altitude Gain: 290m
You will begin the day with a delicious breakfast and trek on an exposed moorland zone. This route is less frequented making it tranquil and untouched. Reaching Shira Plateau will reveal the stunning views of the peak of Kilimanjaro. The exhilarating sensation of witnessing the summit is magical. A hot lunch will be served at Shira Camp 2 (3,810m). Your guide will lead brief excursions for acclimatization, afterwards you are free to relax.
Day 4 | Shira Camp 2 (3,840m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m) via Lava Tower Walking Time: 6-7 hours Distance: 11km Altitude Gain: 110m
The Lemosho Route connects with the Machame Route before approaching the molten Lava Tower. The gentle incline leading to the Barranco Camp is encompassed in beautiful scenery and encrusted in vivid desert shrubberies (6-7-hour hike). Shark’s Tooth is an enormous, serrated rock that a volcano discharged thousands of years ago; it is also an indication that we must travel south and cross the light valleys to the immense Lava Tower (4,600m).
Specks of snow will gradually scatter themselves on the scenery, and as we descend to Barranco Camp, the frosted landscapes of the Western Breach will begin to sprout. The ashen Barranco Wall is engraved with extraordinary indents, and olive foliage is strewn across the ‘Breakfast Wall.’
Day 5 | Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (3,930m) Walking Time: 4 – 5 hours Distance: 5km Altitude Gain: 200m Altitude Loss: 220m
The day commences with a simple trek up the astonishing Barranco (200m high). For a short period, you will need to use your hands and feet to scramble up the wall and upon reaching the surface you will have an opportunity to marvel at the scenic splendour of the vistas of Kibo. The trail traverses up and down with various shallow streams leading to the flickering, glittery streams of the Karanga River. An appetising lunch will be served at the Karanga campsite (3,930m). The short trekking will assist your acclimatisation.
Day 6 | Karanga Camp (3,930m) to Barafu Camp (4,700m) Walking Time: 2- 4 hours Distance: 4km Altitude Gain: 770m
The rocky zone provides an uphill path that features landscapes battered in the crystal glow of the Southern Glaciers. Intersecting with the Mweka route allows us to witness the splendid vistas. A sixty-minute climb up a steep, rock-strewn Lava Ridge is your ticket to the Barafu Camp (4,681m).
Reaching the camp signifies that you have dominated the Southern Circuit of the mountain, and the enchanting, sky-piercing view of the summit is submerged in an ocean of clouds. The terrain at the campsite resembles an unfinished painting. The landscape is blanketed in a thin layer of snow with sparse vegetation.
A substantial, warm meal will be served, and we suggest that you jump into your sleeping bag as soon as possible. We will embark on our journey to the summit at midnight.
Day 7 | Barafu Camp (4,700m) to Summit (5,895m) (midnight start) descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m) Walking Time: 14 – 16 hours Distance: 19km Altitude Gain: 1195m
You will be awoken at 11:00 pm, and we will provide you with a light snack and a steaming cup of tea before you begin your 5km trek to the summit. This is an extended hike that lasts approximately 16 hours, making this the most challenging day on the 8-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route. Temperatures typically range between -5°C and -10°C.
The gradually increasing incline of the valley, located near the eerily tranquil scree fields, traverses among the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers—the view is so astounding that the freezing temperatures will be forgotten. At Stella’s Point (5,672m), brilliant gold and orange hues bleed like fire over the rocks. The first slither of the sun peeks over the skyline in a radiant, white form, and the snow turns liquid gold and silver.
After sixty minutes, you will reach the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak (5,895m). You will have an opportunity to take some photos and marvel at the surrounding scenery, glinting ice cliffs, and the jagged Mawenzi Peak. Our descent requires us to turn around and embark on the trail to Barafu Camp, where we will have a brief resting period.
The spectacular, vast plains of Kilimanjaro are so enchanting that the 9km route to Mweka Camp (3,100m) feels rapid. The route is moderate and lasts four to five hours. As you venture on the declining rocky scree trail, the scenery will start to sprout, and the ice will melt away.
The barren landscapes of the moorland will be the first milestone; dense vegetation and exotic wildlife will begin to radiate as we approach the forest habitat. We will proceed to the campsite, where you can scoff down a scrumptious, piping-hot dinner while seizing the last opportunity to observe the Milky Way.
Day 8 | Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,800m) to Moshi Walking Time: 4 – 5 hours Distance: 10km Altitude Loss: 1300m
The melodies of your porters celebrating will fill the air whilst you enjoy an appetizing breakfast. The 1,300m descent to the Mweka gate is classified as an easy trek and will only last a few hours. Gold Summit Certificates will be awarded to every member of your group as a small souvenir.
Our drivers are one relaxed stroll to the Mweka village away, and they will transport you to the hotel where an invigorating hot shower, plush mattress, and clean clothes await you. Our driver will bring you to the airport, from where you will take your flight back home. If you’ve decided to go on a safari—well, that’s a different adventure, and we’ll take care of that for you!
8 Days Lemosho Route Trekking
1 Pax
2 Pax
3 Pax
4 Pax
5 Pax
$ 2,405
$ 2,081
$ 1,898
$ 1,831
$ 1,771
All payments are in USD only ( the prices quoted are per person).
8 Days Lemosho Route Trekking
1 Pax
2 Pax
3 Pax
4 Pax
5 Pax
$ 2,405
$ 1,919
$ 1,755
$ 1,668
$ 1,609
Embark on an exhilarating adventure with our seasoned guides as they reveal the natural wonders of Mount Meru. Let them lead you to experience the breathtaking landscapes and encounter the unique beauty of this iconic mountain. A warm invitation beckons you to explore the captivating heights of Mount Meru!
Included in Cost
- All applicable park entry fees as per the program.
- Government taxes VAT & local levies.
- Service of highly experienced English-speaking guide(s); porters & cook
- Camping equipment like mountain tent, mattress, chairs, etc. (Except for Marangu Route)
- Transport from the hotel to the park gate, as well as from the park gate to the hotel.
- Meals on Full board (Unless listed as upgrade) on trek as indicated on the program
- Unlimited drinking water (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Accommodation Type: Camping or hut in Marangu Route
- Rescue fees, Emergency oxygen, Pulse oximeter, and First aid kit
- Guides and porters' accommodations, meals and their entry fees on the mountain
- Fair wages to guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority
Not Included in Cost
- International flights (From/to home) and domestic Flight
- 2-night accommodation in Arusha Before and after trek
- Pick up and drop off at the airport
- Tips (Tipping guideline Guide $10-$20pp per day, Cooker & Porters $5-$10pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, Visa entry fees upon arrival at the airport or online $50-$100 per person per entry depending on nationality, etc.)
- Any extra orders at meals are not included. Set menu meals are part of the package.
- Government-imposed increase of taxes or park fees
- Medical/luggage Insurance.
- Portable flush toilet
- Sleeping bag
Payment Terms
Deposit Payment
- The deposit is 30% of the total booking amount.
- Deposit can be paid either via a bank transfer or an online card payment.
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charges), this is non-refundable.
- We offer bank accounts for bank transfers.
- Once you make the advance payment you will receive a booking confirmation.
Balance Payment
- Balance can be paid via bank transfer, or with cash.
- Bank payment can be made 15 days before the tour date (recommended 30 days prior).
- Card Payment can be done 1 day before the tour date (recommended 7 days prior).
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charge), this is non-refundable.
- Cash can be paid on arrival (USD printed in or after the year 2009)
Cancellation Policy
10 days and above departure
- Only bank charges will be considered as cancellation fees.
0 to 9 days before departure
- 50% of the total tour price will be charged as cancellation fees.
- Trek can be postponed to any new date without any extra cost at any point in time.
- The 5% surcharge paid for either or both advance and balance payments is non-refundable in case of cancellation of the trek.
Book a Memorable African Adventure
There’s a reason that more than 70% of Jairos Adventure travelers each year are repeat guests or were referred by a past Jairos traveler.
Professionalism
The most experienced and customer-focused guides & staff in the industry
Tailor-made Experiences
We believe in personal Experience, For each traveler we customize the trip to his/her exclusive needs
Responsible Travel
Our commitment to the environment & local communities is unmatched
Top Notch Accommodations
We have careful selected the Hotels, Lodges and Camps we use, We believe in a good rest during an adventure
Our Addon
Hotels Addons
We offer the following hotel options
Please note that if any hotel is booked out or is otherwise unavailable, we will book you in an alternate equivalent hotel.
Accommodation based on half body per person
Kili Seasons Hotel
- A single room is available for USD 165 per night.
- For those seeking more space, a double room costs USD 165 per night.
- If you need accommodations for three, a triple room is priced at USD 165 per night.
Kibo Palace Hotel
- Guests can enjoy a single room for USD 195 per night.
- A double room at this hotel is offered for USD 124 per night.
- The triple room option also comes at a rate of USD 91 per night.
Forest Hill Hotel
- A single room here is priced at USD 150 per night.
- For couples or friends, a double room is available for USD 109 per night.
- Those requiring more beds can opt for the triple room at USD 90 per night.
If you are booking a hotel directly, please check with us before booking, to make sure we can meet you and pick you up from the hotel.
Climbing Gear
We offer the following add-ons to your gear (all equipment are subject to availability):
Private Toilet – USD 150
Private Tent – USD 7 per day
Kailas X3 III Alpine Tent with Vestibule – USD 12 per day (Click here for specifications)
Thicker sleeping mattress – USD 10 per mattress
Thermarest – USD 17 per thermarest
Our packages by default include a foam sleeping mattress of 2-inch thickness, if you want a thicker alternative you can opt for a 4-inch foam mattress with above mentioned extra cost.
Transfers
We offer the following transfer options
Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Moshi / Arusha (one way) – USD 70 per vehicle
Moshi / Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) (one way) – USD 70 per vehicle
Arusha to Moshi (one way) – USD 100 per vehicle
Moshi to Arusha (one way) – USD 100 per vehicle
African Best Safari
An African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that immerses you in the breathtaking natural beauty and exceptional animals of the continent. An African safari provides a variety of environments that are home to the “Big Five”—lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, and buffaloes—aside from the famous savannas of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater Observing the Great Migration, a remarkable event showcasing the complex balance and sheer strength of nature involves millions of zebras and wildebeests crossing the plains. You may explore these enormous wildernesses securely and intimately while staying in opulent tented camps or well-equipped hotels with the assistance of knowledgeable guides. Whether it’s following gorillas in Uganda‘s deep jungles, an African safari ensures lifelong memories and incredible experiences.
Choose from the List of Our Compiled List of Travel and Customize to your Preferences
