9 Days Lemosho Route

6 Days Lemosho Route – Map

The 9 Days Lemosho Route is the most comprehensive, scenic, and safest way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This extended version of the Lemosho Route offers the highest summit success rate thanks to its slow ascent and generous time for acclimatization.

Beginning on the quieter western slopes, trekkers cross the Shira Plateau, climb high to Lava Tower, descend for rest at Barranco, and gradually ascend via Karanga and Barafu before summiting Uhuru Peak (5,895m). The ninth day allows for shorter daily treks, making this route ideal for those who want to minimize altitude sickness risk while fully enjoying the diverse beauty of the mountain.

This trail features rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit zones, with unforgettable landmarks like the Barranco Wall, Southern Icefields, and panoramic views of Mount Meru.

Ideal for:

  • Trekkers seeking maximum acclimatization and comfort

  • Those who want a stress-free pace to increase summit chances

  • Nature lovers who value variety and solitude

Standard Package Price For 09 Days Lemosho Route + 2 Nights in Hotel Staying In Crater

People in Group1-23-56-89+
Standard Package$2,890$2,790$2,600$2,400

All trekkers need to organize their own flight to Kilimanjaro international Airport [JRO]. From JRO you will be met by our staff and transferred to Moshi in the peaceful surrounds of our comfortable pre and post trek accommodation from where there are great views of the mountain. You can relax by the pool before your briefing with the Guides, who will provide the essential information for your trek to the roof of Africa.

The Hotel we are using is between these

Parkview Inn Hotel

Panama Garden Resort

Weruweru River Lodge

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

  • Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
  • Distance: 6 km
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest
  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner
  • Overnight: MtiMkubwa Camp

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

  • Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Hiking Time 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Health
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Overnight: Shira 1 Camp

We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

  • Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
  • Distance: 11 km
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: Heath
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Overnight: Moir Hut

We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

  • Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Overnight: Barranco camp

You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. You will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. For many climbers, this 6-hour walk to Stella point is mentally and physically the most challenging on the route. At Stella Point (5685m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.

The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your live. The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well-earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear. The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared.

  • Hiking time: 8h to reach Uhuru Peak, 7 – 8h to descend to Mweka

  • Distance: Approximately 7 kms ascent – 23 kms descent

  • Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

  • Accommodation: Camping

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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.

  • Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
  • Distance: 4 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Overnight: Barafu Camp

During normal morning hours, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We ascend for several hours at a slow but steady pace while taking frequent, but short, breaks. The trail turns into heavy scree as we make the steep climb to the crater rim. At Stella Point (18,900 ft), we see the summit sign in the distance. We continue the around the crater rim until finally we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

We then descend a short distance to Crater Camp, where the rest of the staff will join us to set up camp. There is an option to hike to Retch Crater and the ash pit, or simply explore the areas around Furtwangler Glacier. Sleeping at this high altitude can be dangerous. Serious AMS can develop if adequate altitude acclimatization has not been achieved so the guides will monitor you very closely.

  • Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
  • Distance: 5 km
  • Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
  • Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp

  • Elevation: 19,341 ft to 18,865 ft
  • Distance: 1 km
  • Hiking Time: 0.5-1 hours
  • Habitat: Artic
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Overnight: Crater Camp

From Crater Camp, 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.

  • Elevation: 18,865 ft to 10,065 ft
  • Distance: 12 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Artic
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Overnight: Mweka Camp

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.     Drive back to your hotel in Moshi. Hotel

  • Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest
  • Meal: Breakfast
  • Overnight: at Hotel

Depart Tanzania

This day left for your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.

Meals: Breakfast Included

Include

  • 09 Days 08 Nights Lemosho Route
  • Private transport from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
  • Private transport to Kilimanjaro International Airport after trek to catch your flight back home
  • Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
  • National Park entry fees, camping fees, rescue fees
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services
  • 4 Season Mountain tents with comfortable Sleeping Mattress
  • 2 nights of your hotel stay before and after trek in Moshi.
  • Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters [average ratio of support staff to climber is 4:1 in a group]
  • 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
  • Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
  • Hot water for washing
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
  • Government taxes
  • Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
  • Emergency firstaid kit

Exclude

  • Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.

  • Travel insurance

  • Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for extra charges $ 100 for the entire trek shared in a group.

  • Flights

  • Laundry (Available at hotel)

  • Personal items and toiletries

  • Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the

  • Mountain: http://www.kiliporters.org/tipping_recommendations.php

  • Guides: $20/day/guide

  • Cook: $15/day

  • Porter: $10/day/porter

Book This Tour

Tour Booking

Trekking Preparation

Altitude Sickness

Best Time To Climb

Climbing Gear For Hire

Kilimanjaro Climbing Checklist

Electronic Gadgets

Private Toilet Tents

Successful Climb Stories

Kilimanjaro Faq's

Climate Zones

Health Issues

Daypack on Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Equipment List

Kilimanjaro Foods

Kilimanjaro Visa