The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and less crowded routes for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, taking 8 days to complete. It offers a gradual ascent, allowing better acclimatization and increasing the chances of reaching the summit successfully.
Moshi Town to Lemosho Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Map)
Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, cold weather jacket, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at 3 stars hotel (upgrades on request).
Can be customized upon request, to meet traveler’s needs
Trip Extensions are available on request.
Expect to see scenic and less crowded trek through diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers. The route provides a gradual ascent, improving acclimatization and increasing summit success rates. Expect moderate to challenging trekking with daily hikes of 4 to 12 hours, leading to a demanding midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Weather conditions vary, with warm days and freezing nights, requiring proper layering. Accommodation is in tents, with meals prepared by trekking chefs, but facilities are basic. The summit push is physically and mentally demanding, but the reward of standing on Africa’s highest peak makes it a truly unforgettable and life-changing experience.
If you land in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Bundi Travel’s team will greet you and transfer you to Moshi town, where you’ll spend your first night at a hotel. If you arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Kenya, we will pick you up and take you to Moshi by shuttle bus.
In the morning, your guide and a mountain support team will meet you at the hotel for another briefing before you travel by vehicle (approximately 3-4 hours) to the western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park at Londorossi Gate (2,200 m). After a brief process to secure climbing permits and register with the search and rescue service, the group will begin the trek to the first campsite, Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m). Raincoats are essential for this day since you’ll be traversing the rainforest. Upon arrival at the camp, our experienced mountain crew will have set up tents and prepared lunch.
Since this is your first day at altitude, please follow these guidelines:
At night, you might experience some discomfort as your body adjusts to the high altitude. Because you breathe less deeply while sleeping, your body receives less oxygen than during the day, which could lead to feelings of sickness or headaches. Monitor your condition closely and inform your guide if you notice any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Elevation Change: Londorossi Gate (2,200 m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m)
Hiking Distance: Approximately 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Terrain: Rainforest
Start your day early with a wake-up call and breakfast, then set off on a steady ascent until you reach 3,500 meters—at which point you’ll be treated to your first breathtaking views of Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano.
Overall, the hike from Mti Mkubwa Camp to the second high-altitude Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) is relatively easy and usually takes around 5 to 6 hours. This gentle pace helps you begin the acclimatization process, which is crucial for a good trekking experience. Once you arrive at the camp, your team of experts will prepare lunch for you, and you’ll have the option to relax in your tent or explore the nearby area.
Elevation Change: From Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m)
Hiking Distance: Approximately 5 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Terrain: Grassland
Departing from Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) and a light trekking towards the second high altitude camp: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m). This trek is not difficult and you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of Africa and the unique flora of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding area. Shira 2 Camp is the best place on the trip to see Mount Meru (the fifth summit of Africa), weather permitting.
When you arrive to camp you will have lunch, and after a two-hour rest everyone will complete an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp that features a 300 meter gain in altitude.
Change in Elevation: Shira 1 Camp (3,505 M) – Shira 2 Camp (3,900 M)
Hiking Distance: Approximately 7 Km
Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast you will leave Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,630 m). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters. It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be. Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m).
Change in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 M) – Lava Tower (4,630 M) – Barranco Camp (3,960 M)
Hiking Distance: Approximately 7 Km
Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours
Habitat: Moorland
Early wake up, breakfast and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.
Then you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don’t worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch.
Change in Elevation: Barranco Camp (3,960 M) – Karanga Valley Camp (4,035 M)
Hiking Distance: Approximately 5 Km
Hiking Time: 4-5 Hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
In the morning after breakfast you begin your way to Barafu Camp (4,640 m), the starting point for a night summiting to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Our team will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax. After regaining strength, you have to complete an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Camp (4,800 m) and then back to Barafu Camp, where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before a night summit hike.
Change in Elevation: Karanga Valley Camp (4,035 M) – Barafu Camp (4,640 M)
Hiking Distance: Approximately 6 Km
Hiking Time: 4-5 Hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Departure from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at night and the start of summiting Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude. Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak – the top of Mount Kilimanjaoro and the last point of the climb on the Lemosho Route, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m).
Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 M) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 M) – Millennium Camp (3,820 M)
Hiking Distance: Approximately 15 Km
Hiking Time: 8-12 Hours
Habitat: Arctic
After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit: Mweka Gate (1,650 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you a transfer back to the hotel.
Change in Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,820 M) – Mweka Gate (1,650 M)
Hiking Distance: Approximately 12 Km
Hiking Time: 4-5 Hours
Habitat: Rain-forest
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
The total distance covered is 70 Km or 42 miles.
End of the climb.
| Number of People in a Group | Cost per Person in the US($) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $3,825 |
| A Group of 2 People | $3,250 |
| A Group of 3 People | $3,020 |
| A Group of 4 People | $2,860 |
| A Group of 5 People | $2,800 |
| A Group of 6 People | $2,710 |
| A Group of 7 People | $2,625 |
| A Group of 8 People | $2,600 |
| A Group of 9 People | $2,510 |
| A Group of 10 People + | $2,480 |
| Two Nights Hotel Accommodations |
|---|
| Before and after the Kilimanjaro hiking adventure, we recommend the following options: |
| Stay two nights with breakfast or half board at Ameg Lodge, Panama Garden Resort, Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, Shose Farmhouse and Chalets, Kaliwa Lodge, Brubru Lodge, or Salinero Hotels. |
Although Mount Kilimanjaro is accessible year-round, most climbers opt for the dry seasons—from December through March and from June to October. In fact, many believe that January, February, and September offer the most favorable conditions for an ascent.
Each day, expert camp porters set up and take down your mountain camps. You’ll sleep in durable, double-occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground pads to keep both you and your belongings dry. Every camp is equipped with private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents complete with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing.
Our Kilimanjaro treks usually last from five to eight days, though we plan a minimum of six days to give you enough time to adjust to the altitude. You can see the exact duration on our Trekking Dates and Prices page, and if you want a longer adventure, we can arrange that too. Depending on the route you choose, you’ll hike between 53 and 73 km, and adding extra days will help you acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching Uhuru peak. For example, the Marangu route is the easiest and most popular option—it can be done in five days, but we extend it to six days to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience.
We are. We are not agents for anybody, but run the treks ourselves through our own registered Tanzanian local company
You will receive an exact itinerary when you send us an inquiry. In the meantime, you can read a summary of each of the treks by visiting our Routes up Kilimanjaro section. You can also find detailed day-by-day descriptions and detailed day-by-day route maps of each of the trails in the guidebook – which you will receive for free when you book a trek through us.
Your Kilimanjaro dream climb is entirely your own to design. We will work with you to customize exactly the triumphant Tanzanian mountainous quest experience you want. You go with the people you choose. You leave on whatever day you wish. You decide on your preferred route option, pace, and the number of days you will take.
On most routes, you’ll trek 4-7 hours most days. On certain routes you’ll trek as many as 10-15 hours on the longest days.
Highly-trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day. You’ll eat all your meals in a solar-lit dining tent with your fellow trekkers and head guide. Delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals can be provided (with advance request). We’re happy to send you a sample menu—just ask!
On most routes, you’ll trek 4-7 hours most days. On certain routes you’ll trek as many as 10-15 hours on the longest days.
Prior to the climb, you’ll enjoy an acclimatization day with wildlife viewing and nature walks. Trekking through the rain forest, you’re likely to spot black-and-white Colobus monkeys, tropical birds and more.
Highly-trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day.
You’ll eat all your meals in a solar-lit dining tent with your fellow trekkers and head guide.
Delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals can be provided (with advance request). We’re happy to send you a sample menu—just ask!
We are. We are not agents for anybody, but run the treks ourselves through our own registered Tanzanian local company.
The treks will be led by a local guide whom we have hand-picked because of their knowledge, expertise and experience on the mountain. We have an advantage here: because of the many years we have been working on the mountain and the number of times we have climbed it, so we are able to employ only those guides who meet our very stringent criteria. We employ only those who demonstrate excellent knowledge of the mountain, first-rate safety records, brilliant leadership skills and routinely provide wonderful care and attention towards all climbers to ensue their trek is a safe and enjoyable one.
The maximum number of people on the trek is eight. Occasionally this may stretch to nine or ten if, for example, there are already 6 people booked on the trek and a group of four want to join. On the rare occasion where this happens we will contact those already booked on the trek to see if they have any objection to the group size to grow above eight.
You will receive an exact itinerary when you send us an inquiry. In the meantime, you can read a summary of each of the treks by visiting our Routes up Kilimanjaro section. You can also find detailed day-by-day descriptions and detailed day-by-day route maps of each of the trails in the guidebook – which you will receive for free when you book a trek through us.
We aim to keep the size of the public groups to a minimum. That said, if you are a single, private group, then there is no problem accommodating you whatever the size of the group, as of course, you will be aware before arriving in Tanzania of the number of people you will be trekking with.
Follow this link to find out what’s included in the cost – and what isn’t.
As we are charged in US dollars, so all our prices are quoted in US dollars too. However, we are able to accept a wide range of other currencies too including sterling, euros, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, Israeli shekels, Singapore dollars, Indian rupees etc etc
We advise you to spend at least one full day in Tanzania before beginning your trek. Arriving by plane one day and then climbing the next is not the best way to begin a trek.
The minimum age limit set by Kilimanjaro National Park for children trekking to Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro is 10 years old.
You will have one lead guide and an assistant guide for 2-3 climbers.
For 4-6 climbers, you will have one lead guide and 2 assistant guides.
For 7-8 climbers, you will have one lead guide and 3 assistant guides.
For 9-10 climbers, you will have one lead guide and 4 assistant guides.
You will need a passport that is valid at least six months beyond your dates of travel with an entry or re-entry visa, duly endorsed.
There are no charging stations on Mount Kilimanjaro. We recommend bringing Power Banks and spare batteries. There are charging ports in our safari vehicles.
Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the number of days, but can range from $150 and $300 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. Bring US dollar bills.
None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.
Highly-trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day. You’ll eat all your meals in a solar-lit dining tent with your fellow trekkers and head guide. Delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals can be provided (with advance request). We’re happy to send you a sample menu—just ask!
On most routes, you’ll trek 4-7 hours most days. On certain routes you’ll trek as many as 10-15 hours on the longest days.
Your Kilimanjaro dream climb is entirely your own to design. We will work with you to customize exactly the triumphant Tanzanian mountainous quest experience you want. You go with the people you choose. You leave on whatever day you wish. You decide on your preferred route option, pace, and the number of days you will take.