9 Days Lemosho Route
The 9-Days Lemosho Route offers a scenic and gradual ascent to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit. Enjoy diverse ecosystems, wildlife sightings, and stunning views of Kibo Peak. This trek provides an excellent acclimatization schedule, ensuring a rewarding and successful climb for all adventurers.
Why Lemosho Route?
The early stages of the Lemosho Route offer the best chance of seeing wildlife on Mount Kilimanjaro, especially monkeys in the rainforest zone. This route is ideal for climbers who prefer a longer, more relaxed, and scenic approach, allowing excellent acclimatization and a higher summit success rate.
Tour Details
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly met by our representative and transferred to Keys Hotel in Moshi.
Keys Hotel is a family-run hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering comfortable accommodation, a variety of meals, a clean swimming pool, and friendly service. The hotel is conveniently located about 10 minutes’ walk from Moshi town centre, making it an ideal place to relax and prepare for your climb.
Accommodation: Keys Hotel – approx. 823m / 2,700ft
Meals: Bed & Breakfast (BB)
Elevation: 2,250m / 7,382ft to 2,820m / 9,252ft
Walking Distance: 6 km
Walking Time: 3 – 4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, you will drive for approximately 3 hours from Moshi to Lemosho Gate, located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, registration procedures will be completed while your guides and porters organize equipment.
The trek begins through the lush and untouched rainforest, where the vegetation often grows over the narrow trail. This area is rich in flora and fauna and is one of the most beautiful forest sections on Kilimanjaro. The route follows the quiet and rarely used Chambers Route, increasing your chances of seeing wildlife.
On this day, you will be provided with packed lunch (lunch boxes), which you may enjoy at Lemosho Gate, or along the way to Mti Mkubwa Camp, depending on the timing of your transfer and trek.
The guide will set a steady pace, ensuring everyone can enjoy the trek comfortably. After approximately 3–4 hours of walking, you will reach Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp, nestled deep within the rainforest.
Dinner and Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Full Board (FB)
Elevation: 2,820m / 9,252ft to 3,500m / 11,483ft
Walking Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Walking Time: 5 – 6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, you will begin your ascent out of the rainforest and into the giant heather and moorland zone. The guide will set a slow, steady pace, allowing your body to adjust naturally to the increasing altitude.
Along the way, your guide will select scenic and comfortable spots for short breaks with tea, coffee, biscuits, and nuts, keeping energy levels up while enjoying the dramatic landscapes.
Today is a full trekking day with a gradual altitude gain of about 680m (2,230ft). As you approach the Shira Plateau, the forest thins out, revealing wide open views. Upon reaching Shira One Camp, you will be rewarded with your first close views of Kibo Peak, the majestic summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Here, you will enjoy your hot lunch shortly after reaching camp, giving you time to rest and take in the plateau before settling in.
The Shira Plateau is a high-altitude desert formed by ancient volcanic activity and is one of the most impressive landscapes on the mountain.
Dinner and Overnight: Shira One Camp
Meals: Full Board (FB)
Elevation:
Start: 3,500 m / 11,480 ft
End: 3,850 m / 12,630 ft
Distance: 7–8 km / 4–5 miles
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today we continue trekking across the heart of the Shira Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, walking through wide open moorland and striking volcanic rock formations with expansive views of Kibo Peak.
The terrain is mostly gentle, making this an excellent day for acclimatization. Our guides maintain a relaxed, steady pace and choose suitable scenic spots along the route for short rest breaks, where climbers can enjoy tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn, and light snacks.
Upon arrival at Shira Two Camp, climbers are warmly welcomed with a freshly prepared hot lunch. The afternoon is free for rest, light walks around the camp, and continued acclimatization before dinner.
Dinner & Overnight: Shira Two Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board (FB)
Elevation:
Start: 3,850 m / 12,630 ft
Highest Point: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft (Lava Tower)
End: 3,976 m / 13,044 ft (Barranco Camp)
Distance: ~10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking Time: 7–9 hours
Habitat: Moorland → Alpine Desert
This is a key acclimatization day, following the principle of climb high, sleep low.
We begin by trekking through alpine desert terrain, gradually ascending toward Lava Tower, a dramatic 150 m (490 ft) volcanic rock formation.
The climb is steady, and our guides carefully control the pace, with planned rest stops for tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn, and light snacks to support hydration and energy.
Lunch is taken near Lava Tower. From here, we descend for 2–3 hours through rocky and dusty trails into the scenic Barranco Valley, arriving at camp beneath the impressive Barranco Wall.
Dinner & Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board (FB)
Elevation: 3,960m / 12,992ft to 4,700m / 15,420ft
Walking Distance: 9 km
Walking Time: 5 – 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, your first challenge of the day is to climb the Baranco Wall, a striking 600-foot rock face. Your guide will set a steady pace and help you navigate safely. Along the way, there will be scenic spots for short breaks with tea, coffee, popcorn, nuts, and biscuits — either at the top of the wall or soon after — allowing you to enjoy the stunning vistas and catch your breath.
Once over the wall, the terrain becomes easier and incredibly beautiful, with dramatic views of jagged peaks, crags, and crevasses on your left. You will then descend into the Karanga Valley before starting the ascent to Karanga Camp, where a hot lunch will be served. This is a perfect spot to rest, refuel, and enjoy the stunning alpine surroundings before continuing your climb to Barafu Camp.
The final stretch to Barafu Camp is a steady, challenging hike through thin alpine air. You will notice your breaths becoming shorter as you ascend, a reminder of the high altitude.
Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, you will experience extreme cold, so it’s best to rest early in preparation for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa.
Dinner and Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Full Board (FB)
Walking distance: 16–18 km / 10–11 miles (depending on descent route)
Walking time: 13–17 hours total
Altitude gain: 1,195 m / 3,921 ft (Barafu → Uhuru Peak).
You will wake up around midnight for a light breakfast, and your climb will begin at approximately 12:00 AM. This is the most challenging portion of the trek, so climbers should carry as little as possible. Temperatures can range from -4°C to 5°C / 25°F to 41°F.
The climb to Stella Point (5,730 m / 18,800 ft) takes about six hours. From there, it is roughly another hour to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft), the highest point on the African continent.
The track around the crater rim is rocky and often icy, so it is essential to concentrate on your footing and follow your guide closely.
The descent is equally demanding. You will return to Barafu Camp after about three hours, arriving around 11:30 AM, where you can rest and have refreshments.
From Barafu, you will continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m / 10,170 ft) for the night, arriving around 5:00 PM.
Today’s trek covers a total of 13–17 hours of walking.
Dinner and Overnight: Mweka Camp (FB)
Walking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Walking time: 4–5 hours
Descent: 1,120 m / 3,670 ft
On the final day of the journey, climbers will descend from Mweka Camp to the park gate. The descent takes you through lush rainforest, with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the scenery along the way. The trek to the gate usually takes about 4–5 hours, and climbers typically arrive before noon.
Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you will be presented with a certificate celebrating your achievement of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. After the celebration, you will be transferred back to Keys Hotel for hot showers, a relaxing dinner, and overnight rest.
End of Services
Location
Kilimanjaro FAQs
Transfers
Accommodation Before & After the Hike
Keys Hotel (Main Branch): Located in Moshi town, near shops and markets.
Keys Hotel Mbokomu Branch: In a peaceful, green area on the outskirts of Moshi, with beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Comfortable, en-suite rooms with mosquito nets
Professional staff and hospitality
Restaurants serving local and international cuisine
Swimming pools
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Laundry service
Camping Equipment
Durable 4-season tents for two climbers and their gear
Comfortable sleeping mats
Mess tents with tables and chairs for dining
Camping chairs with back support
Handwashing stations with warm water at camps
Meals on the Hike
Lunch & Dinner: soups, stews, rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken, beef, vegetables, and local dishes like mchicha (spinach) and kachumbari (fresh salad)
Snacks & Fruits: fresh seasonal fruits like mangoes, pineapples, oranges, and bananas
Guides & Porters
Safety & Medical Support
Emergency response: We carry first-aid kits and have access to certified medical professionals in Moshi.
Oxygen supply: Available on all climbs to assist in altitude-related issues.
Environmental Commitment
Safe Storage
Tipping Guidelines for Guides and Porters
We recommend approximately USD 200-250 per climber, which is divided among the
group. Any old clothes, shoes, etc. would also be greatly appreciated.
| Position (Kilimanjaro) | Tip per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| Senior Guide | $100 – $130 |
| Assistant Guide | $90 – $120 |
| Cook | $60 – $80 |
| Waiter / Dishwasher | $40 – $50 |
| Camping Crew / Toilet Crew / Head Porter | $40 – $50 |
| Summit Porter | $40 – $50 |
| Porter | $35 – $40 |
Please note that the amounts above are recommended guidelines. If you are unable
to tip this amount, any contribution based on your satisfaction with the service is
appreciated. Additionally, old clothes, shoes, or other items would be most
welcome.
If at any time you feel pressured regarding tips, please report it to the management
upon your return, and it will be addressed accordingly. While tipping is customary,
the recommended amounts are not mandatory, and any additional tip is entirely at
your discretion. We suggest giving tips directly to each member of the team to
ensure your appreciation is received personally.
Costs Not Included
International flights to/from Tanzania
Visa fees (USD 50 for most nationalities; USD 100 for U.S. citizens)
Tips for the mountain crew (recommended USD 250–350 per climber)
Personal gear rentals (e.g., hiking boots, sleeping bags, trekking poles) — available through our gear partners in Moshi
Portable toilet rental (optional, not available on the Marangu route due to park regulations)
Single supplement for private hotel rooms and/or tents
Lunch and dinner at the hotel in Moshi (only breakfast is included)
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
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