Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route

Mountain Planet

+ 61 475 239 280 (WhatsApp)
anna@mountainplanet.com

Lemosho Route

Similar to Machame Route but more wild and extremely picturesque is Lemosho - featuring captivating scenic vistas, pristine wildlife, excellent acclimatization opportunities and low traffic of climbers. The climb is smooth and gradual and has the highest success rate of all routes on Kilimanjaro. The climb starts on the western slope of Mt Kilimanjaro, from where the route will take you to the world-famous Shira Plateau. Travelers have to use tents on this route.

Brief info

Technical difficulty:

Length: 70 km

Best Time

Activity level:

Jan

Feb

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Apr

Mar

High degree of strength endurance, high-altitude tolerance and strong cardiovascular conditioning is required.

1

2

3

4

5

0

3

4

Duration: 8 - 10 days

Learn more

Altitude gain: 3 095 m

In 8-9 day programs you will be droped off to elevation of 3500 m in a car and start climbing from there. However, extra days are recommended for better acclimatization.

There are two main climbing seasons: July-August-September and January-February. Many travelers have their summer or Christmas holidays at that time, while the weather conditions for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are perfect.

2

No certain knowledge or experience is required for this activity.

1

from Machame Gate to the Uhuru Summit

1. Easy
1-day or multi-day climbs at an altitude up to 3000 meters. Easy, mostly walking terrain. Good for most fitness levels. Also suitable for children and elderly people. Perfect for those who have never climbed a mountain and who want to try it out.

2. Moderate
1-day or multi-day climbs at an altitude of up to 3000 meters with some technical elements. Mostly walking terrain. Requires an average level of physical fitness.

3. Challenging
Multi-day climbs with longer and more exposed climbing areas at the altitude up to 5000-6000 meters. Requires high endurance to walk several days for about 4-6 hours a day. Steeper slopes, many crevasses. Requires an average to above average fitness level.

4. Strenuous
Strenuous climbs at altitudes of 5000-7000 meters. Requires high endurance to walk and climb on a moderate snow and ice slopes for several days for up to 8 hours a day. Continuously steep terrain, wall passages that require great commitment. Requires an above average fitness level and high level of stamina.

5. Extreme
Extremely challenging climbs for experienced mountaineers, high altitudes up to 8848 meters. Requires extremely high level of physical fitness and stamina, as well as great practical experience of technical mountaineering.

CLIMBING/MOUNTAINEERING ACTIVITY LEVELS

What intensity you should expect from this activity and what fitness level is required for this activity

0. No requirements/ minimal requirements
Easy climbs with non-technical elements. No certain knowledge or experience is required for this activity.

1. Beginner
Climbing sections clearly arranged and unproblematic. Might include short steep passages and a few crevasses. Increased step safety is necessary. No prior experience is required, all necessary techniques will be explained by the guide before or during the climb.

2. Intermediate
Good navigational skills and efficient rope handling required, long climbing sections. Basic experience in using crampons and ice axes is required.

3. Advanced
Good sense of orientation en route, efficient rope handling, long climbs, requires securing at halting-points. Requires proficiency in basic mountaineering skills including: cramponing, walking on snow, self-arrest, crevasse rescue, and glacier travel on a rope team.

4. Professional
Extremely steep, partly overhanging wall passages, ice climbing sections. Requires proficiency in basic and advanced mountaineering skills including: cramponing, walking on snow, self-arrest, crevasse rescue, and glacier travel on a rope team.

CLIMBING/MOUNTAINEERING: TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY LEVELS

Some activities might envolve technical elements for which certain practical experience or training is needed.

Lemosho Route options

Don't let Coronavirus (COVID-19) impact your mountain trip!

We at Mountain Planet prioritize safety and not only in the mountains. Thing are changing every day and there is so much that is still unknown. We want you to keep on planning your next mountain trip and not worry about cancellations.
We guarantee 100% refund if your plans have changed due to Coronavirus precaution measures (borders closed, flights cancelled, visa problems, etc).

COVID-19 Cancellation Policy

Private Climbs — Enjoy the Retreat

A climb organized specially for you. The dates are flexible (to certain extend) and you can climb by yourself or with you friends and family, without other climbers in your group.

The price of the 8-day climbing program depends on the number of people:
1 person $2 838
2 people $2 242 per person
3 people $2 109 per person
4 people $1 994 per person

You are just sending a request, no payment is needed at this point. Our Expert will get in touch with you to answer all your questions and help you book the best option for you.

Request Booking

from $1 819 per person

5 people $1 938 per person
6 people $1 883 per person
7 people $1 840 per person
8+ people $1 819 per person

9-10 day programs are also available, so you can choose depending on the amount of time at your disposal. Longer programs are always recommended over the shorter ones for better acclimatization.

Group Climbs — Meet New Friends

If you are looking for a company to share the enjoyment of your odyssey in Tanzania, consider joining one of our scheduled departure groups. 8-9 day programs are available, so you can choose depending on the amount of time at your disposal.
8 day program - $2 109 per person
9 day program - $2 329 per person
Longer programs are always recommended over the shorter ones for better acclimatization.

You are just sending a request, no payment is needed at this point. Our Expert will get in touch with you to answer all your questions and help you book the best option for you.

Request Booking

from $2 109 per person

Group climbs are available on fixed dates

Show dates

June 10 - June 18 (9 day)
June 22 - June 29 (8 day)
June 30 - July 07 (8 day)
July 11 - July 19 (9 day)
August 02 - August 10 (9 day)
August 14 - August 21 (8 day)
August 18 - August 26 (9 day)
August 23 - August 31 (9 day)
September 12 - September 20 (9 day)
September 27 - October 04 (8 day)
October 17 - October 25 (9 day)
December 26 - January 03 (9 day)

Dates in 2020

January 03 - January 11 (9 day)
January 23 - January 31 (9 day)
February 08 - February 16 (9 day)
February 20 - February 28 (9 day)
March 06 - March 14 (9 day)
May 20 - May 28 (9 day)
June 03 - June 11 (9 day)
June 19 - June 26 (8 day)
July 08 - July 16 (9 day)
26 July - August 03 (9 day)
August 13 - August 20 (8 day)
August 29 - September 06 (9 day)
September 10 - September 18 (9 day)
October 02 - October 10 (9 day)
October 23 - October 30 (8 day)
November 05 - November 12 (8 day)
December 26 - January 03 (9 day)

Dates in 2021

Dates in 2022

January 15 - January 22 (8 day)
February 04 - February 12 (9 day)
March 11 - March 19 (9 day)
July 17 - July 25 (9 day)
August 06 - August 14 (9 day)
27 August - September 04 (9 day)
September 20 - September 28 (9 day)
October 14 - October 22 (9 day)
December 25 - January 02 (9 day)

Private option can be customized even more for you

We can offer you a premium Kilimanjaro adventure that includes some extra features, such as spacious walk-in tents, advanced meal plan on the climb, portable shower and toilet, camp cots, insurance package, satellite phone for staying in touch with family and friends and some other upgrades on Kilimanjaro. Before and after your trip you can stay in a 5* hotel in Arusha (all-inclusive basis), where a special celebration dinner will be served at the end of your trip.

What's included

Meals

Breakfast at the hotel before and after the climb
All meals during the climb. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost
All drinks during the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water)

Accommodation

2 nights at a 3* hotel in Moshi
Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Altezza Kilimanjaro Tents)

Fully-licensed, English-speaking guide and a climbing crew

Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park
Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)

All Ground Transfers

Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Transfer to the trailhead - Kilimanjaro National Park entrance and back to the hotel after the climb

Hiking and safety equipment

4-inch (10-cm) thick comfortable sleeping mats
All public equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tents, camping tables and chairs, crockery and cutlery)
Oxygen tanks and oximeters
GPS-tracking devices
Medical kits

Entry fees

All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority)

Trip completion certificate

Porter service during the climb

What's not included

International airfare

Airplane transfer to Tanzania

Visa

Visa fees to Tanzania

Nonscheduled airport shuttles and hotels

Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the ascent)

Any transfers not on scheduled arrival and departure date

Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks

All expenses incurred in the event of early departure (evacuation fees, transport, extra hotel nights, etc.)

Personal gear rentals

Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of the local agency

Park fees and trekking permits

Tips and gratuities

Although not mandatory, we recommend to thank your mountain crew and leave tips for them ($200–$250 per participant)

Mountaineering insurance

Make sure to check that your insurance package includes high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000 m) and helicopter evacuation

Itinerary

Day 1

Kilimanjaro Airport - Arrival

Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to the hotel. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, there will be a briefing with our guide, who will make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

Day 2

High-Altitude Drop Off Destination And Trekking To Shira 2 Camp

A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold another briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle (roughly 3–4 hours) to Kilimanjaro National Park's western entrance: Londorossi Gate (2,200 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group continues upwards towards their drop off point by off-road vehicles (reaching 3,500 meters). Here you can see stunning views of the Shira Plateau for the first time.

The route from your drop off point to your first high-altitude camp Shira 2 features a moderate gain in altitude and is not too physically challenging. Due to this, you will be able to properly begin the process of acclimatization. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, put tents and cook dinner for you.

Elevation: from 3 500 m to 3 900 m
Walking Distance: 11 km (5-6 hours)

Day 3

Shira 2 Camp - Lava Tower - Barranco Camp

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). Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! Next day you will be climbing it, but don't worry: it features a very simple hiking trail.

Elevation: from 3900 m to 4,630 m
Walking Distance: 12 km (6-8 hours)

Day 4

Barranco Camp - Karranga Camp

An early wake-up and the start of summitting Barranco Wall. 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 a couple of hours you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 200-meter gain in altitude, and then descent back down to the camp.

Elevation: from 3,960 m to 4,035 m
Walking Distance: 2,5 km (1-2 hours)

Day 5

Karranga Camp - Barafu Camp

In the morning after breakfast you will begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp (4640 m), the starting point for a night summiting 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 Summit 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 night summiting.

Elevation: from 4,035 m to 4,640 m
Walking Distance: 6 km (4-5 hours)

Day 6

Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak - Millennium Camp

Departure from Barafu Camp (4640 m) at night and the start of submitting Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5895 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, 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 (3820 m).

Evelation: from 4,640 m to 5,895 m
Walking Distance: 15 km (8-12 hours)

Day 7

Millennium Camp - Mweka Gate

When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1640 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.

Elevation: from 3,820 m to 1,640 m
Walking Distance: 12km (4-5 hours)

Day 8

Kilimanjaro Airport - Departure

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport. Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is an option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.

Important details

Accommodation

You will spend 2 nights in a Aishi Machame Hotel before and after the expedition. These hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, a restaurant and a swimming pool.

During the expedition you will have tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Altezza Kilimanjaro Tents). Keep this in mind if you're going to climb Kilimanjaro during wet season (November - December).

Please note that all accommodation is on sharing basis (you will be sharing with your travel companion a twin/double room in the hotel and a hut during the hike. If you travel alone, we will match you with a same-sex adventurer).

Meals

Breakfast at the hotel before and after the climb.

All meals during the climb. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks. A typical diet on Kilimanjaro consists of different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruits and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost.

All drinks during the climb (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water) are also included.

Your guide

All our guides have 7+ years of experience, are Wilderness First Aid certified and licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. There will also be a dedicated support crew with you: a group of 5 climbers is accompanied by a crew of 20 people - porters, camp masters and etc.

How hard it is

Our practice shows that ordinary fitness level is sufficient to reach the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. If you can walk a 10-14 km/6-7 miles per day, certainly you can climb! The climb is smooth and gradual, featuring the highest success rate of all routes on Kilimanjaro. If it's your first serious climb, we recommend you to add extra days to the program for a better acclimatization.
We do recommend you to take some exercises before your Kilimanjaro climb (and our experts will share some tips with you)so that you take this challenge with ease and comfort.

Transfers

Your guide will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport (Tanzania).
All ground transfers during the expedition are included:
- transfer to the trailhead - Kilimanjaro National Park entrance,
- pick-up at the Kilimanjaro National Park exit
- transfer to the hotel.
Our representatives will organize the drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport on your way back home.

Medicine & Insurance

It is important that you have a travel insurance when climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. Make sure to check that your insurance package includes high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000 m) and helicopter evacuation. Our experts will give you a competent insurance advice for your Kilimanjaro trip if needed.

It is imperative to have a vaccination against yellow fever to enter Tanzania in case you are travelling to Tanzania from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. In all other cases there are no immunization/vaccination restrictions to enter Tanzania.

Equipment to bring

You are required to have the following items. Each of these items can be rented.
❑Small backpack (25-50 liters)
❑Sleeping bag (comfort -5°С)
❑Waterproof duffel bag (≈100 liters / carried by porter)
❑Mountain sunglasses or goggles with UV protection
❑Trekking poles
❑Trekking pants
❑Warm fleece jacket (2 pieces)
❑Membrane jacket
❑Membrane pants
❑Trekking sneakers
❑Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)
❑Storm jacket or Down jacket for summit day (comfort -15°C)
❑Storm pants or Ski pants for summit day (comfort -15°С)
❑Gloves or Mittens for summit day (comfort -15°С)
❑Fleece gloves
❑Gaiters
❑Fleece hat
❑Headlamp and spare batteries
❑Flask (1 liter / 2 pcs) or Camel-bag (2 liters)
❑Waterproof poncho

You will also need:
❑Athletic Long sleeve shirts or t-shirts (recommended 2-3 pcs)
❑Thermal underwear set (recommended 2 pcs)
❑Hiking socks (recommended 4-5 pcs)
❑Thermal winter socks for summit day (comfort -15°С)
❑Sunscreen cream (SPF 30+)
❑Towel / Wet wipes
❑Toothpaste / Toothbrush
❑Spare batteries (recommended - 6 pcs)
❑Hand Warmer (recommended – 2 pc)

You will be given a separate Checklist with all the neccessary equipment that you can print and make sure you have everything.

On the first day of your program our guide will check your equipment. In case you didn't bring any of the items on the list, he will help you to rent or buy them.

Good to know

You can, but providers with cheaper prices usually employ their crews for free - to work for tips only, so expect additional tips charges of about $1000 after you finish your climb. We choose to work with the providers who pay salary to their crews, so you don't have to tip that much, maybe a couple of hundred bucks for the whole crew if you feel like it.

Generally speaking, Tanzania is a safe and hassle-free country, unlike neighbouring Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. There has not been any political or social disturbance for a long time and none are expected any time soon. That being said, some basics like not leaving your hotel or walking alone after 9PM is still highly advised.

You need two pairs of good hiking boots, a couple of jackets (one winter and one fleece), a couple of hiking pants, a small backpack, a duffel bag and a sleeping bag. These are the essentials. Drop us a line in WhatsApp or an email and we will send you the full gear list. No special climbing gear is required, and if you don't have something you can always rent it in Tanzania for cheap.

No, you don't. There are no necessary vaccines by the law, but you can always consult your physician and take precautions measures, just in case.

No, you don't. Single entry Visas can be obtained upon the arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Usually it's enough to ged cardio twice per week, but the best way to prepare is to hike and hill-walk in the weeks leading up to your departure. You should be comfortable walking for four to eight hours a day. If you want a training plan - drop us an email or a line in What's App.

Sure, vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are always available at no extra cost.

If the other climbers are too slow or decide to go down, a part of the crew will accompany them. The rest of the team will support you. We have enough guides in our groups to ensure that everyone walks at a comfortable pace.

Absolutely yes! Tanzania with is pristine wild nature is the #1 country for safari! Our professional guides, a whole fleet of off-road jeeps and a team of travel consultants are here to make your day trip unforgettable!
If you would like to book extra day trips - let us know!

Nature and Wildlife Support

Our local providers contribute to Makoa Wildlife Rehab for animals, participate in Serengeti de-snaring project and etc.

Mountain Planet

Mountains make people happier, make them who they really are. That is why we do what we desire most: bringing more people to the mountains. For this cause we make mountains more accessible for people of all skill levels and backgrounds. With us it is easier to find where to go, easier to choose a guide and quickly organize your adventure.

Certified providers and guides

Comprehensive and reliable information

Fast communication and support on any stage

Best destinations and routes for any type of traveller

Best quality and prices for our customers

MountainPlanet expertise on every step of the way

About Mountain Planet

Didn't find what you were looking for?

Ask Mountain Planet experts — we will answer any and all of your questions about travel, options and preparations for your journey.

Drop us a line!

Featured Climbs

Featured treks

Mountain Planet

Select an option

from $1 819 per person