Kilimanjaro – Lemosho Glades Route

  • 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
  • Tanzania
  • 10 days

Overview


Climb the highest peak in Africa on the Lemosho Route, one of our most loved and beautiful ways to reach Kilimanjaro’s summit. Beginning in remote rainforest, the trail opens to the vast Shira Plateau, alpine deserts, and dramatic glaciers on the way to Uhuru Peak. With its gradual ascent, breathtaking landscapes, and higher success rate, Lemosho is the perfect choice for those seeking both adventure and altitude.

 

The Lemosho Route

Elevation Profile

Itinerary


Day 1 – Arrival in Tanzania
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to hotel in Moshi (1,400 m / 4,600 ft). Briefing, dinner, and repacking before the trek begins.

Day 2 – Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa (2,800 m / 9,170 ft)
After a 3-hour drive to Londorossi Park Gate, registration, and meeting with guides and crew, the trek begins through untouched rainforest to reach Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.

Day 3 – Mti Mkubwa → Shira One Camp (3,500 m / 11,480 ft)
A full day’s trek with a significant altitude gain, crossing into the Shira Plateau. First close views of Kibo, the “Roof of Africa.”

Day 4 – Shira One → Shira Two Camp (3,800 m / 12,470 ft)
Hike across the stunning Shira Plateau towards Shira Cathedral and Shira Two Camp, with panoramic views across the plains.

Day 5 – Shira Two → Barranco Camp (3,900 m / 12,675 ft)
Climb via Lava Tower (4,640 m / 15,223 ft) for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp beneath the towering Breach Wall and southern icefields.

Day 6 – Barranco → Karanga Camp (4,050 m / 13,300 ft)
Morning ascent of the Barranco Wall (600 ft), followed by a scenic traverse beneath the glaciers before reaching Karanga Camp above the valley.

Day 7 – Karanga → Barafu Camp (4,650 m / 15,090 ft)
Short, steady climb to Barafu (“ice” in Swahili). Rest and acclimatize before the summit push. Early dinner and preparation for midnight start.

Day 8 – Summit Day: Barafu → Uhuru Peak (5,896 m / 19,340 ft) → Millennium Camp
Midnight ascent under the stars to Stella Point (5,739 m), then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend back to Barafu for brunch and continue down to Millennium Camp.

Day 9 – Millennium Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi
Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Return transfer to Moshi hotel for showers and celebration.

Day 10 – Departure or Extension
Transfer to the airport for departure, or continue with an optional safari or Zanzibar beach extension.

Services


  • Airport transfers on arrival & departure
  • Transportation to and from Kilimanjaro National Park
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (B&B basis, double occupancy)
  • Shared tents during the trek (single available at extra cost)
  • Experienced mountain guides, cooks, and porters
  • Three freshly prepared meals per day during trek
  • Purified drinking water
  • Conservation, camping, and rescue fees
  • First aid medical kit, oxygen (emergency use), and pulse oximeter
  • World Sherpas T-shirt or duffle bag
  • Shower tent

Excluded

  • Tips for trekking staff (approx. US$240–360 pp, depending on group size)
  • Lunch & dinner in Moshi
  • Extra hotel costs (bar bills, laundry, additional nights)
  • Internet access during trek (Tanzanian SIM card available)
  • Personal trekking gear (see gear list)
  • Personal medical, travel & evacuation insurance (mandatory)
  • International airfare
  • Tanzanian entry visa fee

Base Camp Comfort

  • Spacious sleeping tents
  • Toilet tent
  • Shower tent
  • Mess tent for dinner with tables and chairs
  • Snacks, tea, and coffee available at meals

Communications

  • Phone network usually available along the trek (with a Tanzanian SIM card)
  • Garmin InReach satellite system used for real-time tracking every 10 minutes (so family & friends can follow your progress)

Key Data


  • Maximum elevation: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
  • Location: Tanzania, Africa
  • Climbing season: January–February, July–October
  • Duration: 10 days total (7 trekking on the mountain)
  • Type of trek: Strenuous, no exposure
Price / Date

Price: USD $3,900 per person

Climbing seasons: January–February / July–October

Trip facts

Maximum altitude
5,895 m / 19,341 ft

Location
Tanzania, Africa

We like
  • The highest mountain in Africa and one of the Seven Summits
  • A great peak for beginners trekking at altitude for the first time
  • The incredible diversity of flora and landscapes at different elevations
  • The opportunity to combine Kilimanjaro with a safari or a Zanzibar beach extension