11-day trip: climbing Kilimanjaro via the successful 8-day Lemosho Route

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport our Tanzania Specialist guide is there waiting for you. He then drops you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight.
Preparation for your climb: You meet your guide before the start of your climb, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible.

Our guide meets you at your hotel in the morning to take you to Londorossi Gate, on the west side, where your unforgettable Kilimanjaro climb begins! After completing registration and the necessary ascent permit formalities, you head to the first camp on the route: Big Tree Camp. Be sure to bring your rain jacket, as you have to cross a part of rainforest. After lunch, enjoy an acclimatization hike to Shira 1 Camp, gaining 300 meters in elevation, before returning to Big Tree Camp for dinner.

An early morning wake-up call, followed by breakfast, sets the stage for a gradual ascent to 3,505 meters, offering a breathtaking first view of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano. The hike to Shira 1 high mountain camp is relatively easy, taking about 5-6 hours, which aids in the crucial acclimatization process, a key aspect of successful trekking. Upon reaching the camp, lunch is served, with the option to either rest in your tent or take a walk in the surrounding area.

Today you trek from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp. This walk is not difficult and you can enjoy the amazing landscapes and the unique flora of Kilimanjaro's surroundings as you climb higher. On a clear day, Shira 2 Camp is the perfect location to see Mount Meru (the fifth peak of Africa). After lunch, take an acclimatization walk to Lava Tower Camp (elevation gain of 200m) to increase the chances to summit and reduce the chances of altitude sickness.

The Lemosho route joins the Machame route today. The hike leads from Shira Camp 2 to the beautiful Lava Tower at 4,630 m (15,190 ft). This part of the climb has many ascents and descents, but offers magnificent views along the way. It is a long hike and you may start to feel a bit uncomfortable because of the height. It is therefore important to find the right pace in order for your body to adjust to the altitude. After lunch, you descend to Barranco Camp at the foot of Barranco Wall.

After breakfast you depart from Barranco Camp to the Barranco Wall. For many people, this is their favorite part of the climb. Once at the top of the Barranco Wall, you have a spectacular view of the Kibo Volcano and Mount Meru.

Afterwards, a more difficult hike starts to reach Karanga Camp. This route has many ascents and descents, so keep the right pace. You have lunch at the camp and after a rest you can take an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp.

Today, you hike to Barafu Camp (once breakfast is done, of course!). This camp is the starting point for your ascent to Uhuru Peak - the top of Kilimanjaro! You arrive at the camp around lunch. Have a rest and after you regain your strength, take an acclimatization hike to Kosovo Summit Camp (4,870 m) and back. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and experience the thrill of high-altitude camping as you prepare for the final push to the summit around midnight.

The big day is finally here! Around midnight, the ascent from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak begins. The climb leads over good trails and the most challenging part is the high altitude. Once you reach the summit you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height! After a quick celebration at the top (because, hey, you just conquered Kilimanjaro!), you start a slow descent to the scenic Millennium Camp.

The Millenium camp is located in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up today, you feel a sense of relief from the reduced altitude and satisfaction from reaching the summit. After breakfast, you take an easy walk to Mweka Gate, the exit of Kilimanjaro National Park.

Your driver then brings you back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. Unforgettable memories, breathtaking views, and a true sense of accomplishment await and will stay forever with you!

Sadly, this is the end of your holiday and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!