Overview
Route: Lemosho | Duration: 8 Trekking Days + 1 Arrival Day
Trek Style: Fully Guided Camping Adventure | Success Rate: 95%
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
This 9-day Lemosho Route trek with GameDrive Africa Ltd is expertly crafted to give you the best chance of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro—safely, comfortably, and successfully.
Renowned for its scenic beauty, low traffic, and gradual ascent, the Lemosho Route is ideal for both first-time climbers and experienced trekkers. Key to its success is the strategic pacing and acclimatization, including a second overnight stay at Barafu Camp after summit day—a rare and effective addition that aids recovery and reduces altitude-related risks.
The route passes through five distinct climate zones, combining adventure with safety and expert guidance. Every detail, from high-quality gear to certified guides and nourishing meals, is designed to support your summit success.
Lemosho Route 9 Days
Your unforgettable journey with GameDrive Africa Ltd begins the moment you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). A cheerful member of our team will be waiting to greet you and escort you to your cozy lodge in Arusha, tucked peacefully beneath the slopes of Mount Meru.
Take the rest of the day to relax, enjoy a refreshing swim, or sip a cool drink as you unwind in the gardens. In the evening, you’ll meet your lead mountain guide for a comprehensive trek briefing, gear check, and Q&A session to ensure you’re fully prepared and confident for your ascent to the Roof of Africa.
Elevation: 7,800 ft to 9,500 ft | Distance: 6 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hrs
Zone: Rainforest
After an early breakfast, we drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, then continue to the Lemosho trailhead. Our journey begins through the lush, green canopy of Kilimanjaro’s rainforest, rich in biodiversity—look out for colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and colorful tropical birds.
We reach Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) in time for dinner and your first night sleeping in the forest under canvas—a gentle start to your adventure.
Elevation: 9,500 ft to 11,500 ft | Distance: 8 km | Hiking Time: 5–6 hrs
Zone: Moorland
We leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone, characterized by open grasslands, rolling hills, and volcanic rock formations. The trail leads us steadily uphill, offering sweeping views of the Shira Ridge and distant Mount Meru.
Tonight’s destination is Shira 1 Camp, perched on the western edge of the Shira Plateau. Watch the sky turn brilliant shades of orange and red as the sun dips behind the horizon.
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft | Distance: 14 km | Hiking Time: 5–7 hrs
Zone: Moorland
Today’s hike is a gradual but steady ascent across the wide and scenic Shira Plateau. This is a day for soaking in views, taking photos, and acclimatizing to the higher altitude.
We reach Shira 2 Camp, where we enjoy stunning views of Kibo Peak—the summit cone of Kilimanjaro. After a hearty dinner, your guides will review the importance of acclimatization as we prepare for the higher days ahead.
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,200 ft (Lava Tower), then down to 13,000 ft
Distance: 12 km | Hiking Time: 6–8 hrs
Zone: Alpine Desert
This is an essential acclimatization day. We ascend to the striking Lava Tower, a jagged rock formation that serves as a key landmark and lunch stop at 4,600 m. Afterward, we descend into the beautiful Barranco Valley, filled with giant groundsels and surreal high-altitude vegetation.
Our overnight stop is Barranco Camp, nestled beneath the dramatic Barranco Wall, which we’ll tackle tomorrow.
Elevation: 13,000 ft to 13,100 ft | Distance: 5 km | Hiking Time: 4–5 hrs
Zone: Alpine Desert
The morning kicks off with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall—a thrilling scramble offering spectacular views without the need for technical climbing.
We then trek through glacial valleys to Karanga Camp, where we rest, hydrate, and enjoy a hot meal. This shorter day helps you recover and build strength for the summit approach.
Elevation: 13,100 ft to 15,300 ft | Distance: 4 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hrs
Zone: Alpine Desert
A steady climb brings us to Barafu Camp, your base camp before the summit attempt. From here, enjoy stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and the summit of Kibo, standing tall above the clouds.
You’ll arrive early enough to rest, eat, and mentally prepare. After an early dinner, we turn in for the night—ready to begin the final push to Uhuru Peak just after midnight.
Elevation: 15,300 ft to 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak), return to 15,300 ft
Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 10–12 hrs total
Zones: Arctic & Alpine Desert
The big day is here! We rise around midnight for a hot drink and a light snack before starting the most challenging, yet most rewarding part of the journey. Ascending under a star-filled sky, we reach Stella Point (5,685 m) in time for a breathtaking sunrise. A final push leads us to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa (5,895 m)!
After celebrating and taking photos at the summit, we carefully descend back to Barafu Camp, where a warm meal and well-earned rest await. Instead of rushing down, we stay a second night at Barafu to rest and recover—an added safety and comfort measure that eases the impact on your body.
Elevation: 15,300 ft to 10,000 ft | Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 4–5 hrs
Zone: Alpine Desert to Rainforest
After a relaxing breakfast and a slow start, we begin our descent through the alpine desert and into the lush green rainforest. We reach Mweka Camp, your final night on the mountain. This camp offers a sense of quiet triumph and a well-earned rest beneath the trees.
Elevation: 10,000 ft to 6,500 ft | Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hrs
Zone: Rainforest
The final stretch of your Kilimanjaro adventure is a gentle downhill hike through the thick rainforest. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your official summit certificate—a lasting reminder of your achievement.
From there, we drive back to Arusha, where hot showers, a hearty meal, and a celebratory atmosphere await. You’ll overnight at the lodge, reminiscing about your climb and enjoying your last night in Tanzania.
Cost Includes
- Accommodation as per the itinerary
- Lodges on Full Board
- Road transportation in 4wd land Cruiser safari vehicle
- Game drives as per the itinerary
- Park entrance fees and crater service fees
- English Speaking guides available for the safari
Cost Exclusions
- Visit to Masai Cultural Village
- All International Flights/local Flights + Taxes
- Visa fees, Travel & Personal accident insurance
- Excursions, services and activities not mentioned in this program
- Personal expenses e.g. laundry, telephone calls, Drinks, Tips and gratuities
FAQs
The best time for a safari in Tanzania depends on your preferences. The dry season (June to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources, but it’s also the busiest time. The wet season (November to May) offers lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but wildlife may be harder to spot due to thick vegetation.
Essential items include lightweight and neutral-colored clothing, sturdy walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera with extra batteries and memory cards, and any necessary medications. It’s also advisable to pack layers as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
Most visitors to Tanzania require a visa, which can be obtained upon arrival at the airport or purchased online in advance. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, so it’s important to check the latest information before traveling.
Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, including safaris, but it’s important to take standard precautions such as staying updated on travel advisories, avoiding isolated areas at night, and following the guidance of your tour guides.
Accommodation options range from luxury lodges and tented camps to budget-friendly campsites. Luxury lodges typically offer comfortable amenities such as en-suite bathrooms, gourmet meals, and swimming pools, while tented camps provide a more authentic safari experience with canvas tents and communal dining areas.
