Lemosho Route – Kilimanjaro Trek

Day by Day Itinerary

Embark on an 8-day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic and serene Lemosho Route with Northern Masailand Safaris. Starting from the less-traveled western side of the mountain, this journey offers a blend of breathtaking vistas, diverse ecosystems, and a higher success rate for reaching the summit. Ideal for both seasoned hikers and first-time trekkers, the Lemosho Route provides a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of Africa’s highest peak while embracing the natural beauty and wildlife of Kilimanjaro National Park.

Discover Kilimanjaro with us

You're just one step away from realizing your dream of conquering Africa's highest peak. Immerse yourself in these expertly curated Kilimanjaro trekking itineraries crafted by our team of specialists, and embark on the journey of a lifetime. Whether you seek the thrill of the summit or the beauty of the journey, let us guide you to the roof of Africa.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Preparation

Arrive in Tanzania and settle into your chosen accommodation in Arusha, such as the Arusha Coffee Lodge or Rivertrees Country Inn. Spend the day preparing for the trek, with a briefing from Northern Masailand Safaris experts. Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring local Tanzanian cuisine.

Day 2: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

  • Altitude: 2,360m to 2,895m
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Begin your trek at Lemosho Gate, traversing through lush rainforests teeming with wildlife. This gentle start provides a fantastic opportunity for birdwatching and spotting monkeys. Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp, nestled amidst the forest.

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

  • Altitude: 2,895m to 3,505m
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Ascend through the heather and moorland zones, enjoying panoramic views of the Rift Valley and Mt. Meru. Learn about the local flora and fauna from your experienced guide. Rest at Shira 1 Camp, where the landscape opens up to reveal sweeping views.

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

  • Altitude: 3,505m to 3,850m
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

A leisurely trek across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth. This day is crucial for acclimatization and includes a visit to the Shira Cathedral, a striking rock formation. Camp at Shira 2 Camp, offering magnificent sunset views.

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

  • Altitude: 3,850m to 3,950m via 4,630m
  • Hiking Time: 6-7 hours

Trek to the Lava Tower for acclimatization, experiencing a change in vegetation to the alpine desert. Descend to Barranco Camp, situated in a valley below the Western Breach and Great Barranco Wall. This day is perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  • Altitude: 3,950m to 3,995m
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Climb the Great Barranco Wall, an exhilarating scramble that rewards you with spectacular views. The route then descends through the Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp, where you can engage in short walks for acclimatization.

Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

  • Altitude: 3,995m to 4,673m
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Ascend to Barafu Camp, the starting point for the summit attempt. Prepare for your night ascent by resting and enjoying early dinner. The camp offers an opportunity to witness the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, Down to Mweka Camp

  • Summit Altitude: 4,673m to 5,895m
  • Descent to Mweka: 5,895m to 3,100m
  • Total Time: 11-14 hours

The summit day starts at midnight. Trek to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Witness the sunrise from the summit, providing once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

  • Descent: 3,100m to 1,640m
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificates and say farewell to your trekking team. Transfer back to your accommodation in Arusha for a well-deserved rest.

Day 10: Departure

Depart from Tanzania, or extend your adventure with a safari or a visit to Zanzibar.

Packing and Preparation Tips
  • Pack warm layers, waterproof clothing, and comfortable hiking boots.
  • Bring sun protection, a hat, and sunglasses.
  • Essential: camera, binoculars, and a headlamp.
  • Hydration packs and energy snacks are recommended.
Price and Customization

The cost for the 8-day trek via the Lemosho Route typically ranges from approximately $2,500 to $3,500 per person. The variation in price depends on several factors including:

  • Season (with peak and off-peak rates).
  • Group size (private treks tend to be more expensive than joining a group).
  • Level of service and quality of accommodations on the mountain.
  • Additional services and amenities requested.
  • Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping/hut fees, and rescue fees.
  • Services of professional mountain guides, porters, and a cook.
  • Meals and water during the trek.
  • Accommodation in tents or huts along the route.
  • Transfers to and from the start/end point of the trek.
  • Flights to and from Tanzania.
  • Accommodation and meals before and after the trek in Arusha or Moshi.
  • Personal trekking equipment and gear.
  • Tips for the trekking crew.
  • Travel insurance that covers high altitude trekking.
  • Trek Duration: Opt for a longer itinerary (9 days) for better acclimatization.
  • Accommodation: Upgrade accommodation before and after the trek or choose higher-end camping gear.
  • Private vs. Group Trek: Choose between a private trek or joining a group trek.
  • Additional Acclimatization: Add an extra day on the mountain for acclimatization.
  • Add-on Experiences: Combine your trek with a wildlife safari in Tanzania’s national parks or a relaxing stay in Zanzibar.
  • Training and Preparation: Access to training programs or consultations for physical preparation.
  • Fitness Preparation: Tailored training plans can be arranged.
  • Dietary Requirements: Specific dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice.
  • Age and Experience: Customization based on the age and experience levels of the trekkers.
  • Advance Booking: It is advisable to book several months in advance, especially during peak seasons.
  • Expert Consultation: Many trekking companies offer pre-trip consultations to help tailor the trek to your needs and expectations.

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Kilimanjaro Packages

Trekking packages vary depending on the route, duration, and level of comfort. Most packages include park fees, accommodation (tents or huts), meals during the trek, guides, porters, and transport to and from the mountain. Customized packages can also include add-ons like safari trips or cultural tours.

nestorqa
nestorqa
2023-10-21
Excellent service, Since the beginning Henry was so firendly and responsible with all details, food in tours very good.. Excellent service, makes you feel good. Safe and confidentd, The safari experience is very proffesional and you will be able to ser what you look for
Carla Q
Carla Q
2023-10-11
Amazing destination and service! This tour was incredible. Henry did an amazing job of being meticulous, reliable, extremely pleasant, and interested in us and our trip. I contacted him from back home over WhatsApp, and he planned everything exactly according to my request. He was punctual and professional. Everything he promised, he carried out and was incredibly reliable. Not to mention the fact that the tour itself was beautiful. The Serengeti and the Ngorongoro crater were amazing and the animal experience is unlike any other anywhere else. We saw the “Big Five” plus many many more. A++++ . Would definitely recommend.!
TomaszS64
TomaszS64
2023-07-03
Excellent trip to Tanzania Dear Travelers, Lovers of Africa and African Expeditions! I would like to recommend you Northern Masailand Safaris. The office has been successfully operating on the tourism market in Tanzania for many years. The owner – Olanana - a young, ambitious man, open to people and perfectly understanding the needs of tourists. Why is it worth it? First of all, from the beginning, the Office was extremely helpful in planning trips, places to stay, excursion routes, flights, car transfers, etc. Internet or telephone communication, it has always been up to the task. Therefore, it was possible to transparently choose my first Tanzania itinerary. Starting from the arrival to Dar El Salaam, transfer by ferry to the island of Zanzibar, selection of comfortable hotel facilities, to the further trip to the Safari, everything was done to the proverbial "last button". Thanks to this, being a traveler individually implementing individual points of this trip, I had no problems with security, plane tickets, care of guides. There were also no problems with private off-road trips and overnight stays on a few-day Safari. All these images, videos from the trip and photos will remain in my memory, and I recommend you to realize and fulfill your own dreams with the Northern Masailand Safaris. You will not be disappointed! Tomasz Salata Poland
Goku k
Goku k
2022-08-27
Très bonne expérience Safari à petit budget !! 😊 Nous avons organisé un Safari de 3j de dernière minute avec Northern Masailand au parc de Tarenguire, Ngorongoro Cratere et Lac Manyara. Nous avions un petit budget. Le contact avec Henry a été excellent tout au long des trois jours. Il a été transparent sur les méthodes de paiements. Le programme a été respecté avec des adaptations car nous avions des impératifs au niveau des vols. Je ne peux que recommander cette agence pour vos voyages à Arusha ! Merci Henry et à une prochaine fois 😊😊😊
Tugba T
Tugba T
2022-08-01
Very unique and memoriable experience Me and my husband took a trip to Tanzania and I, by chance, found Henry on the net. He has been very very responsive from the begining and tailored the whole 8 days based on our wishes and budget. He assigned us a great guide, Mashek, who definitely has eagle eyes and great sense of humour. We went on a limited budget yet everything was fine and well organized. We also had 1.5 days in Zanzibar- due to tide- we could not enjoy blue waters as in pictures yet had very different experience walking on the sea at 6.00 am to watch fisherman and walk with ladies on the sea for catching crabs. We definitely suggest Henry and Mashek (our guide) for your trip to Tanzania and thank them. (We took some child clothes and toys, the children were happy to receive them, so why not some joy to local kids!)
Maria Fernanda Gomez
Maria Fernanda Gomez
2022-07-26
AMAZING EXPERIENCE - Machame Route to Kilimanjaro THIS TRIP WAS AMAZING! It's the best experience I've had in my life! I did a 6 day Machame route to Kilimanjaro, and Henry helped me create a tailored plan for achieving this dream. The tour exceeded my expectations, making it private and luxurious even in camping conditions. My guide Leo and porter Denis made the best team, taught me a lot, and made this trip unforgettable. The team is very friendly and experienced, which makes going to the top a once in a lifetime experience. Northern Masailand Safaris is definitely the best company for doing your Kilimanjaro trip.
Vicky Mantilla
Vicky Mantilla
2022-07-26
The Best! Henry is the best forever and ever. He has the best quality tours with the best price. He is vey organized and he has a beautiful soul. You can trust him your life . He organized everything perfect . I recommend him 100% Better imposible!❤️❤️❤️ If you want to travel to Tanzania you should choose him and his company .
Rene F
Rene F
2022-07-07
Best adventure holiday we've ever had! Henry put together this great trip for us. It was a private 14 day Safari for my wife and I. We had a great time and really enjoyed the whole safari. One of the highlights of our trip was the reception and stay at the Boma at the Osigilai Maasai lodge. The elder was a wonderful man and very informative about the Maasai culture. All the people were wonderful and treated us like royalty. We got to see all of the animals in the Serengeti and it was really fun to watch the many groups of wildebeest and zebras as they began their trip in the great migration. The lodges and tents exceeded our expectations.and our guides, Edward and Benjamin, were terrific. We enjoyed spending time with them. We love Tanzania and hope to visit again.
Laura S
Laura S
2022-03-19
You will be excited with premium service We had a great 6 days safari with Northern Masailand Safaris and I will recommend to my connections. I enjoyed working with Henry during the planning. He gave us premium advice about the safari and responded quickly to all my questions. Our guide, Elias, was really fun and knowledgeable on almost any matter. He spotted lots of birds for us and, even make us see very Closer , Our luxury tented camp in the Serengeti National Park was excellent! I'm so glad that we visited Tanzania through NorthernMasailand Safaris. We will organise bigger groups and come back again.
Preston G
Preston G
2022-01-25
African Taste!! Excellent Safari Our 5 days Safari in Tanzania through Northern Masailand Safaris had been with highly appreciated, Henry arranged us from beginning to the end of our Safari, We saw the bi five in Serengeti National with the Wildebeest Migration Safari. Our accommodation to the entire Safari was perfect, we had Swahili food at African Kitchen in Arusha before starting our safari, African Kitchen provides an excellent food Africa test, If you go Tanzania, Arusha you should as Northern Masailand Safaris team to take you at African Kitchen. I can recommend this company to everyone.
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