Kilimanjaro Trek | 9 Day Lemosho Route

Fitness level

This extended itinerary provides a more gradual ascent profile, meticulously designed to optimise your acclimatisation for a maximised chance of reaching the summit.

Mountaineering skills

Technical mountaineering skills or equipment are not required to attempt this challenge. Prior trekking experience or multi-day hiking would enhance the enjoyment of the mountain experience.

Accommodation

• 1 night in a comfortable hotel in Arusha - Tanzania's tourism hub
• The majority of nights will be spent in mountain huts
   

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro International Airport - KIA (JRO)
Kilimanjaro Airport Road
Makao Mapya
Tanzania

Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Arusha

  Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed by the team and transferred to your comfortable accommodations in Arusha. Take some time to rest, acclimate to the altitude, and prepare for your upcoming adventure. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and briefing from your expert guides, setting the stage for your Kilimanjaro trek.

• Day 2 | Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

  After breakfast, the group will drive to Londorossi Gate, the starting point of your Lemosho trek. The trail ascends through lush rainforests, where you'll encounter vibrant flora and diverse wildlife. After a few hours of hiking, you'll reach Mti Mkubwa Camp ("Big Tree Camp"), your first overnight stop.

• Day 3 | Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp 1

  Today's hike takes you through the changing landscape of Kilimanjaro, as you ascend from the rainforest to the moorland zone. The trail opens up to breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau. You'll reach Shira Camp 1 in the afternoon, enjoying dinner and a peaceful night's rest.

• Day 4 | Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

  This is an acclimatization day, with a gentle hike across the Shira Plateau. You'll have the opportunity to explore the unique landscape and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The afternoon will be spent relaxing at Shira Camp 2, preparing for the next day's challenges.

• Day 5 | Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

  Today's hike is a key acclimatization day, as you ascend to Lava Tower (15,000ft) before descending to Barranco Camp (13,000ft). This altitude fluctuation aids acclimatization and prepares you for the summit push. You'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Great Barranco Wall and the unique flora that thrives in this harsh environment.

• Day 6 | Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  Prepare for a thrilling climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but rewarding section of the trek. The trail then descends into the Karanga Valley, where you'll find Karanga Camp. Enjoy a well-deserved rest and take in the stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

• Day 7 | Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

  Today's hike takes you through alpine desert terrain, as you ascend towards Barafu Camp. The landscape becomes increasingly barren, but the views of the glaciers and ice fields are simply awe-inspiring. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, you'll have an early dinner and rest before your final push to the summit.

• Day 8 | Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

  Summit day begins before dawn, with a challenging climb to Uhuru Peak. As you ascend, you'll witness a breathtaking sunrise over the African plains. After celebrating your incredible achievement at the summit, you'll descend to Mweka Camp, where you'll enjoy a well-deserved rest.

• Day 9 | Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

  On your final day of trekking, you'll descend through the rainforest, retracing your steps to Mweka Gate. After saying goodbye to your porters and guides, you'll be transferred back to Arusha, where you can relax and reflect on your amazing journey.

Included

• Airport transfers at the start and end of the 9-day itinerary
• Accommodation in Arusha and on the mountain (huts)
• All meals on the mountain
• All National Park fees, entrance fees, taxes, permits
• English-speaking expert guides
• Porter service
• Pre-trek briefing and equipment check
• 24/7 support and advice

Not Included

• Flights to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Tips for guides and porters
• Visas
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
• Optional activities in Arusha

With a track record spanning two decades, this trip is committed to delivering an exceptional experience while preserving Africa’s natural beauty.

Positive impact travel

This Kilimanjaro Trek gives back to the communities per person, contributing to the Positive Future Fund that supports several local education, employment and conservation charities.

Age

Children aged 10 and over are welcome on this trek, providing they are with an adult over 18 years on a one-to-one basis.

Costs

Nothing short of amazing!

Ernest was the most responsive of all of the companies that reached out to me after making a generic online inquiry. Ernest furnished references who were also very responsive, answering various questions and testifying to his trustworthy character. Food and staff were excellent, made us feel very welcome and even sent us off with a cake and a mini celebration on our final night. The people we met were outstanding, our guide was very knowledgeable, lunch was fabulous.

Don’t doubt it for a second! Best trip ever

As a worldwide traveler I was skeptical about the outcome of this trip but Ernest set my mind at ease with his prompt communication. This was one of our bucket list's 'once-in-a-lifetime' trips - WRONG!! We will for sure be returning in less than 2 years with family and some friends to share with them this magnificent experience. 11 days of bliss. We were catered to like royalty [our guide] was with us all day making us feel secure... he made us laugh, shared culture and took us to amazing places.

Amazing and highly recommended!

Ernest was very flexible and offered great communication! We also requested some cultural experiences along the trip and we got exactly what we asked for! The itinerary was perfect, the lodges and bush camps were amazing! EVERYTHING was great. We have nothing negative to say. The food at the lodges and camp was amazing and the service was super friendly... do not hesitate, you will NOT be disappointed! We will definitely come back to Tanzania one day! THANK YOU AGAIN ERNEST AND LUKA! xxx

A Safari you can trust

...wherever you decide to go, it is the local experts that make the trip worthwhile. We spent nearly 2-weeks in the bush with the experts and never regretted a moment. All of their people were personable, friendly, fluent in English and had an obvious love for nature and sharing it with others. They had intimate knowledge of every animal type, knew even the Latin name of flora and fauna and were generous and precise with their knowledge. And quiet when you wanted that. Ernest has an intuitive sense of what his clients need and makes sure you are taken care of. Dietary need? Ernest and his guides got it done. I recommend this company without any hesitation and feel confident that you will experience - like we did - a trip of a lifetime.

Best safari

Our trip to Tanzania was such an amazing experience and truly life-changing. Our guides Ernest and Luka were incredible. They couldn't do enough for us and were so experienced and knowledgeable. We did so much and were so looked after. It was hard to leave Africa when it was all over. We fell in love with Africa and the people. Thank you Ernest and Luka.

Reviews thanks to TripAdvisor