The Lemosho Route avoids the crowds on the early part of the Machame route and over 8 days, you have a fantastic journey and a great chance of summiting successfully. The climb begins at Londorossi Gate, at an altitude of 2360 meters, with an approach far to the west of the mountain. It passes through the majestic rainforest where some of the region’s most unique wildlife can often be seen. The route continues up to the mountain’s third summit at Shira Ridge. From there you will cross the famed Shira plateau and see the awe-inspiring Shira Cathedral before reaching Shira camp on the main Machame route on day three. This allows a few days of quiet climbing overlooking some amazing terrain before taking the more heavily traveled route to the summit. After reaching the summit, you will descend by the Mweka trail, rather than retracing your steps along the ascent route.
The Lemosho Route is a good eight-day hike for those who have not trekked much at high altitudes, with an effective extra day’s acclimatization, giving a better success rate. Experienced and already acclimatized mountaineers may opt for the more difficult 7-day ascent along the Lemosho route.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate - Forest Camp
Day 2: Forest Camp - Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp - Moir Hut
Day 4: Moir Hut - Barranco Camp Via Lava Tower
Day 5: Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp
Day 6: Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp
Day 7: Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp
Day 8: Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate
Every Pumbaa Expeditions trip is custom-created to your exact travel wishes – no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.
Situated in the Kenyan border in Northern Tanzania; Kilimanjaro is the highest peak of the African continent. Acquiring 5,895m height it’s also the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Being the topmost mountain in Africa, this is a dream for hikers. There are 30,000 trekkers including the experienced to the aspiring one visiting Tanzania for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro Climbing is one of the most incredible experiences for climbers. It's a genuine experience that brings remarkable highs and testing lows. The greatest aspect of Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – and what makes is so well known – is that it's available to nearly anybody. With the right planning, a solid ability, and an awesome support group around you, it's entirely possible to reach the summit.
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
A representative of Pumbaa Africa Expeditions will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and escort you to tonight’s accommodations in Moshi. As local Tanzania our guides know the country with unrivaled familiarity, so you’ll be in good hands from the moment you land to the moment you leave.
Note: Hotel check-in start at 02:00 PM. In case you need an early check-in we can arrange it for an extra fee.
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 3 to 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trail head). Upon arrival at trail head, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Our journey continues eastwards across the Shira Plateau with spectacular views of Shira Cathedral. We cross moorland meadow to reach Shira 1 Camp for dinner and overnight camping at 3500m. By now we will be able to see the stunning glaciers of the Western Breach. It will be colder tonight than the previous night with temperatures possibly falling below freezing.
We leave the forest behind now and the trail gets steeper as it enters the moorland zone. A gentle grade walk takes you across the high altitude Shira Caldera to Moir Hut with fabulous views of Arrow glacier. We will camp here for the night at 4200m.
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower up to 4600m – a 300 ft. tall volcanic rock formation for lunch and acclimatization. This will be our toughest day so far and you may, for the first time, feel the altitude. After lunch we will descend again by almost 650m to Barranco Camp, following the “walk high, sleep low” golden rule of acclimatization. Our descent to Barranco Camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall.
A short, but fun, day starting with a scramble to the top of the Great Barranco Wall. We then traverse over scree to the Karanga Valley (3930m) beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. We will stay overnight at Karanga campsite. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft.), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist, or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
You will be picked up from the hotel and be transferred to the airport to catch up your flight back home.
Note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay till 6:00 PM for an extra fee.
| GROUP SIZE | PRICE PER PERSON |
|---|---|
| 1 Pax | $ 2,924 |
| 2 Pax | $ 2,645 |
| 3 Pax | $ 2,424 |
| 4 Pax | $ 2,385 |
| 5 Pax | $ 2,372 |
| 6 Pax | $ 2,359 |
| 7 Pax | $ 2,346 |
| 8 Pax | $ 2,307 |
Group bookings: For groups of 20 or more please contact info@pumbaaexpeditions.com or call us on +255 (0) 784 759 796
Note: The quantity of each article of clothing can be adjusted to suit the preferences of each participant.
(Note: Guides carry medications and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are highly recommended.)
Once in Nepal, if you have the time, you can purchase supplies and gear for hiking. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, is home to many shops where you can get a variety of reasonably priced trekking equipment.
Airport pick-up and drop-off
2 nights hotel accommodation before and after you’re a climb on bed & breakfast basis
Transfers to and from the mountain
National Park entry, huts and climbing fees
Rescue fees
A fully supported climb (average ratio of support staff to climbers is 4:1)
All meals and drinking water on the mountain
Access to first aid kit and emergency oxygen
A certificate documenting your summit ascent
NB: Depending on the availability, hotels of the same standard can be substituted
International flights and visas
Tips for your guide and crew
Travel insurance (you must be insured for trekking up to 6000m)
Visa fees
Your personal trekking gears
Snacks on the mountain
Meals and drinks not on the mountain
Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.
We have been receiving reviews from our served clients and Pumbaa Expeditions is rated 5/5 by customers. This honor is given to us by customers because we always remain committed to all our customers to do whatever is needed by them to make their safari fully satisfied.
From majestic wildlife to out of this world natural wonders, enchanting beaches and intriguing cities, every bespoke Pumbaa Expeditions is thrilling. Unsure where to visit? Whether it’s a bucket-list adventure, a milestone celebration or simply a much-needed escape, experience the joy with this inspiring selection of favourites.
