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Simba Pride Safaris

Kilimanjaro · Lemosho Route · 8 days

the lemoshoRoute

A quiet start in the western forest, two unhurried days across the Shira plateau, then the Lava Tower, the Barranco Wall and a midnight climb from Barafu to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres. The route we recommend for a first climb.

  • 8days
  • 7nights on the mountain
  • 5,895 mUhuru Peak
  • Fullcrew & guide
01 · Overview

The route, and why it runs this way

Lemosho takes the long way in. The extra day on the Shira plateau costs you nothing in scenery and gives your body more time at height, which is why it is our recommended first climb. The eight days are all on the mountain, gate to gate; the hotel night before you start is included on top.

You start at Londorossi Gate on the far western side and walk through forest that few climbers see. Two days take you across the Shira plateau, one of the highest plateaus in Africa, with Kibo growing ahead. From Shira 2 you join the southern circuit: up to the Lava Tower and down to sleep at Barranco, over the Barranco Wall to Karanga and Barafu, then summit night. The first three days are quiet; from day four you share the trail with climbers from Machame.

Starts

Londorossi Gate, day 1

We collect you from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where the night before the climb is included.

Ends

Mweka Gate, day 8

Off the mountain by early afternoon, then the drive back to Moshi or Arusha.

Style

Private climb, full crew

Licensed guide, assistant guides, cook and porters, mountain tents and a dining tent.

Summit rate

95% on this itinerary

The figure on our Kilimanjaro page. It is not a promise: weather and your body decide on the night.

01

Trek day · B L D

Into the western forest

After breakfast your guide checks your kit and you drive round the western side of the mountain to Londorossi Gate, through farmland and pine plantations. Permits take a while here, so lunch is at the gate before the walk begins.

The trail follows a ridge through quiet, mossy forest, where black-and-white colobus are often seen. Mti Mkubwa means big tree in Swahili, and camp sits in a clearing under them.

Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Walk
6 km, 3 to 4 hours
Sleep
Mti Mkubwa, 2,895 m in our tents
02

Trek day · B L D

Out of the forest onto the moorland

The forest gives way to giant heather and then open moorland as you climb onto the Shira ridge. On a clear day you see Kibo for the first time, much closer than it looked from the road.

You cross the rim onto the western edge of the Shira plateau and camp by a stream. Evenings are cold from here on, so the warm layers come out after dinner.

Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Walk
8 km, 5 to 6 hours
Sleep
Shira 1 Camp, 3,505 m in our tents
03

Trek day · B L D

Across the Shira plateau

An easy, open walk east across the plateau, with Kibo growing ahead and Mount Meru floating on the clouds behind. This is the extra day that sets Lemosho apart: gentle walking at a height that does your body good.

You reach Shira 2 by lunchtime, where the Machame climbers join the route. In the afternoon your guide may take you for a short walk higher up, then back down to sleep.

Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Walk
7 km, 4 to 5 hours
Sleep
Shira 2 Camp, 3,900 m in our tents
04

Acclimatisation day · B L D

Climb high to the Lava Tower, sleep low

You walk into alpine desert and climb to the Lava Tower, a volcanic plug at about 4,600 metres, for lunch. It is normal to feel the height here: a headache, a slow pace, not much appetite.

Then you drop into the Barranco valley among giant groundsels and sleep lower than you climbed. Most climbers feel better by evening, and that is the whole point of the day.

Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Walk
10 km, 6 to 8 hours
Sleep
Barranco Camp, 3,960 m in our tents
05

Trek day · B L D

The Barranco Wall and on to Karanga

The morning starts with the Barranco Wall, a scramble that looks harder from below than it is. You use your hands in places, never ropes, and the guides show you every step.

From the top the trail crosses ridges and valleys to Karanga, the last water point on the route. It is a short day on purpose, with the afternoon to rest.

Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Walk
5 km, 4 to 5 hours
Sleep
Karanga Camp, 3,995 m in our tents
06

Trek day · B L D

Up to Barafu, and rest for the night

A steady climb over rock and scree to Barafu, the base camp for the summit, on an exposed ridge below the summit cone. You arrive around lunchtime.

The afternoon is for resting, laying out your summit layers and eating well. Your guide runs through the night ahead and checks your oxygen saturation and pulse, and you sleep early.

Meals
Breakfast, lunch, early dinner
Walk
4 km, 3 to 4 hours
Sleep
Barafu Camp, 4,673 m until midnight
07

Summit night · B L D

Uhuru Peak at dawn

You leave around midnight and climb slowly in the dark for six to eight hours to Stella Point on the crater rim. It is well below freezing, and the slow pace is deliberate.

From Stella Point the rim path leads to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, ideally as the sun lights the glaciers. You descend to Barafu for breakfast and a rest, then carry on down to Mweka Camp, where the air feels thick and warm again.

Meals
Snack, breakfast, lunch, dinner
Highlight
Dawn on the crater rim
Sleep
Mweka Camp, 3,100 m in our tents
08

Descent · B L

Down through the forest to Mweka Gate

A last walk down through the rainforest, easier on the lungs and harder on the knees. Walking poles help here.

At Mweka Gate you sign out and collect your summit certificate, then lunch and a thank-you to the crew. Your guide drives you back to Moshi or Arusha, or on to Kilimanjaro International.

Meals
Breakfast, lunch
Ends
Moshi, Arusha or JRO
Next
A safari or Zanzibar after the climb

When to climb

Clear skies or quiet trails?

You can climb all year, but the rains decide how muddy the forest is and how clear the summit is. Choose a season to see what the mountain is like.

  • Best for this trip
  • Good
  • Quiet season, fewer people

Summit night is cold in every month: expect well below freezing at the top whatever the season.

What it costs

Share the crew, pay less each

Park, camping and rescue fees, your full crew, tents, all meals on the mountain and a hotel night before you start, priced per person. The more of you share the crew, the less each of you pays. No booking fees.

Standard fromUS$2,480per person sharing

Important information

All prices are per person and exclude international flights. Final rates depend on your travel dates, seasonal park fees and availability; we confirm them in writing with your quote.

Your selection · click a group size2 guests · Standard1 tent

Get the exact price

Climbing with children

Kilimanjaro National Park sets a minimum age of 10 for summit climbs, and we recommend 16 and over. The extra day on Lemosho suits a keen younger walker better than a shorter route; we talk it through with you first.

in the price

  • Park, camping and rescue fees
  • Licensed guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
  • Mountain tents, dining tent, all meals and filtered water
  • Oxygen, pulse oximeter and first-aid kit
  • Health checks twice a day on the mountain
  • One hotel night before the climb, Moshi or Arusha
  • Transfers between your hotel and the gates

not in the price

  • International flights and visa
  • Travel insurance with altitude and evacuation cover
  • Sleeping bag and gear hire (available)
  • Tips for your crew
  • Hotel nights after the climb
  • Drinks and extras at the hotel

Join a group departure

Travelling solo or as two? Share the vehicle

Fixed dates, a shared crew and a maximum of 8 climbers. Travelling solo or as a couple? The group climb follows this same Lemosho itinerary, timed for a full-moon summit night, with good company on the trail.

  • Certified crew
  • Max 8 climbers
  • Gear hire available
  • Fixed dates, a shared climb

Next departure14–21 Feb 2027

Seats
4 of 8 seats left
Group
Maximum 8 climbers
Joining price
From US$2,380 per person
Reserve a seat

Seat numbers change as people book; we confirm yours when you enquire. All group departures

Make it yours

Add to the week

Tick anything you like the sound of. It goes straight into your enquiry, and we will price it with the trip.

Send my enquiry →

Before you go

The practical part

Questions

Yes. Our Kilimanjaro Group Climb follows this Lemosho itinerary from 14 to 21 February 2027, timed for a full-moon summit night. It has a certified crew, a maximum of 8 climbers and gear hire available; seat numbers change as people book, so ask us what is left.

The extra day on the Shira plateau gives your body more time to adjust before the Lava Tower, and the first three days are much quieter. If you have eight days, it is the route we recommend for a first climb.

Most climbers feel some effects above 4,000 metres: a headache, poor sleep, little appetite. That is normal and usually eases with rest and water. Your guide checks your oxygen saturation and pulse twice a day and carries oxygen; if symptoms become serious, the answer is to go down, and the guide makes that call.

No. The Barranco Wall needs your hands in a few places, but there are no ropes. Fitness, slow pacing and drinking enough matter far more; long hill walks with a daypack are the best training.

Cold, slow and long: six to eight hours up in the dark to Stella Point, then the rim to Uhuru Peak, then a long descent to Mweka Camp. Expect 12 to 16 hours on your feet in total.

ready when you are

Eight days, one crew, your dates

Tell us when you would like to climb and who is coming, or ask about a seat on the group climb. We reply with the day-by-day plan, an exact price and honest advice on the month.

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