Climb Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route in 7 days (9-day total trip)
5.0
(10)
Climb Kilimanjaro via the scenic Lemosho Route on a nine-day adventure, including seven days on the mountain. Trek through rainforest, cross the Shira Plateau and aim for Uhuru Peak with our guides, cooks and porters supporting you along the way.
9 Days
Jan - Mar, Jun - Dec
Intermediate
Beginner
Highlights
- Trek through rainforest, moorland and alpine desert on Kilimanjaro’s scenic western approach.
- Cross the Shira Plateau and climb to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp, a great itinerary to acclimatize to altitude.
- Aim for Uhuru Peak with support from our guides, cooks and porters.
Description
From the forests of Kilimanjaro’s western slopes to the open landscapes of the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho Route offers a varied and scenic approach to Africa’s highest summit. Join our team for seven days of trekking, with hotel stays in Moshi before and after the climb making this a nine-day trip.
Your journey begins on quieter forest trails before climbing into moorland dotted with volcanic rock formations. Higher up, the landscape opens into alpine desert, with views towards Kibo and the mountain’s glaciers. You’ll hike to Lava Tower at 4,640 metres before descending to sleep at Barranco Camp, incorporating a “climb high, sleep low” day into the ascent.
Along the southern slopes, you’ll scramble up the Barranco Wall, cross the Karanga Valley and reach Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. From here, a demanding overnight ascent leads towards Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, followed by the long descent to a lower camp.
Throughout the trek, our guides lead the way while our cooks prepare meals and our porters transport the camping equipment and your main bag. Four-season tents, thick foam mattresses and a private portable toilet are included, along with airport transfers and two hotel nights in Moshi.
This trip suits fit hikers ready for consecutive trekking days, camping and the challenges of high altitude. Technical climbing experience is not required, but the itinerary includes a 9–11-hour walking day early in the trek and a particularly strenuous summit day.
Send us a request to discuss your dates, preparation and equipment, and join us for a Kilimanjaro ascent via the Lemosho Route.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Transportation start and back
- Permit and entrance fees
- Porters
- Mountain guide expenses
- Tents
- Sleeping pad
Price details
- ✅Included in the price:
- Two hotel nights in Moshi, with breakfast.
- Arrival and departure transfers at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Transfers between Moshi and the park gates.
- Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping and rescue fees.
- Certified English or French-speaking mountain guide.
- Guides, cooks and porters.
- Fourseason tents and 10 cm foam mattresses.
- Meals during the trek, as specified in the itinerary.
- Filtered and treated drinking water during the climb.
- Hot water for washing.
- Private portable toilet and toilet tent.
- Emergency oxygen, oximeter, first aid supplies and stethoscope.
- Mountain communication radio.
- Official summit certificate for climbers who reach the qualifying summit point.
- ❌Not included:
- International and domestic flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Hotel lunches, dinners and drinks.
- Personal trekking equipment and equipment rental.
- Personal items and toiletries.
- Hotel laundry.
- Guide and crew tips.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania and transfer to Moshi
We collect you from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Meet your guide for a trek briefing and equipment check, with time to arrange any missing rental gear.
Accommodation: Park View Inn or similar.
Day 2: Lemosho Glades (2385m) to Big Tree Camp (2780m)
After collection from your hotel at around 8 a.m., travel to the western side of Kilimanjaro for park registration. Begin trekking from Lemosho Glades, following forest trails to Big Tree Camp.
Altitude: Approximately 2,385 m to 2,780 m Distance: 7 km Walking time: Approximately 4 hours Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Accommodation: Camping
Day 3: Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)
Leave the forest behind and climb into grassy moorland and heather. This is a long trekking day, with some steep sections as you reach Shira 1 Camp and continue across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2.
In clear weather, enjoy views of Kibo and the mountain’s western ice fields.
Altitude: 2,780 m to 3,900 m Distance: 16.5 km Walking time: Approximately 9–11 hours Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Accommodation: Camping
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Barranco Camp (3960m) via Lava Tower
Climb through increasingly sparse terrain towards Lava Tower at approximately 4,640 metres. After reaching the day’s high point, descend into the Barranco Valley, where camp sits beneath towering cliffs.
This day takes you higher before returning to a lower sleeping altitude, an ideal plan to help your body acclimatize and adapt to altitude.
Altitude: 3,900 m to 3,960 m, via 4,640 m Distance: 10 km Walking time: Approximately 7 hours Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Accommodation: Camping
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)
Begin with the Barranco Wall, a steep rocky scramble that leads onto the southeastern slopes of Kibo. Continue beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers before descending into the Karanga Valley and climbing to camp.
Depending on how you feel and your guide’s assessment, an additional afternoon acclimatisation walk may take you towards 4,200 metres before returning to camp.
Altitude: 3,960 m to approximately 3,963 m Distance: 5.5 km Walking time: Approximately 5 hours, excluding any additional walk Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Accommodation: Camping
Day 6: Karanga Camp (3963) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
Cross exposed scree slopes on the ascent to Barafu Camp. Although the walking distance is short, the altitude makes the climb demanding.
Spend the afternoon resting, organising your summit equipment and preparing for an early dinner. Your summit attempt begins around midnight, with the departure time set by your guide.
Altitude: Approximately 3,963 m to 4,640 m Distance: 3 km Walking time: Approximately 3 hours Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Accommodation: Camping
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)
Set out in darkness for the most demanding stage of the climb. Ascend towards the crater rim at Stella Point, then continue towards Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres if conditions and your health allow.
After the summit attempt, descend to Barafu for a rest and food before continuing to the lower overnight camp. The provider’s daily-routine guidance describes an overnight departure followed by a morning summit attempt and a long descent.
Altitude: 4,640 m to 5,895 m, then 3,790 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Accommodation: Camping
Day 8: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m) and return to Moshi
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Complete park formalities before meeting your transfer back to Moshi, where a hotel stay and hot shower await.
Altitude: Approximately 3,790 m to 1,630 m Distance: 12.1 km Walking time: Approximately 6 hours Meals: Breakfast and lunch Accommodation: Park View Inn or similar
Day 9: Depart Tanzania
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your airport transfer. Depending on your flight time, you may have time to explore Moshi or shop for souvenirs.
Meals: Breakfast
Details
Accommodation
Before and after the trek: Two nights at Park View Inn or a similar hotel in Moshi, on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
On the mountain: Six nights in four-season tents with 10 cm foam mattresses.
Camp facilities: Hot washing water and a private portable toilet with a toilet tent. One toilet is provided for groups of 1–5 climbers, and two for groups of 6–10.
More info
You do not need technical mountaineering experience, but you should have good hiking fitness and be comfortable walking on steep, uneven ground. The Barranco Wall involves easy scrambling over rock, where you may need to use your hands.
Prepare for consecutive days of ascent and descent with a daypack. Day 3 involves approximately 9–11 hours of trekking, while summit day combines an overnight ascent with a long descent. High altitude, cold weather and limited sleep make this the most demanding part of the trip.
Regular hill walks, longer hikes and back-to-back hiking days are useful preparation. Contact us with details of your experience if you are unsure whether this itinerary suits you.
Equipment you will need to bring
Bring the following personal equipment, with final specifications checked during your pre-trip preparation:
- Waterproof hiking boots, already broken in.
- Trekking socks and warm summit socks.
- Lightweight camp shoes, sandals or Crocs.
- Trekking trousers and moisture-wicking tops.
- Thermal base layers.
- Fleece or equivalent insulating midlayer.
- Warm insulated jacket suitable for summit conditions.
- Waterproof jacket and trousers.
- Sun hat, warm hat and neck gaiter.
- Liner gloves and warm outer gloves or mittens.
- Sleeping bag suitable for the expected overnight temperatures.
- Headlamp and spare batteries.
- Daypack, approximately 30–40 litres.
- Soft duffel bag, approximately 70 litres, within the 15 kg allowance.
- Waterproof liners or dry bags and a daypack rain cover.
- Reusable water bottles or hydration system (3 liters).
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.
- Personal medication, blister care and toiletries.
- Passport, insurance details and travel documents.
Recommended: Trekking poles, gaiters, sleeping bag liner, personal snacks, power bank and a small travel pillow.
Tents and foam mattresses are supplied. Equipment rental is available, including sleeping bags, duffel bags, daypacks, waterproof clothing and trekking poles. Ask us for the current rental list and prices.
FAQs
Can I join a group?
Yes! You can join one of our scheduled group departures, whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or with friends. Choose a published date and send us a booking request.
All published group departures are guaranteed to run, with no minimum number of participants. Even if you are the only person booked, the trip will go ahead. This guarantees the departure, although we cannot guarantee that other climbers will join you.
Groups have a maximum of 10 climbers. If more people book, we split the departure into separate groups.
Joining a scheduled departure is particularly good value for solo travellers, couples and groups of three. Private trips are also available, with prices depending on your group size. If you are travelling with four or more people, ask us to compare the group and private options.
Do I need insurance to climb Kilimanjaro?
We strongly recommend travel insurance covering guided trekking up to at least 6,000 metres. Look for cover for altitude-related illness, emergency medical treatment, search and rescue, evacuation, including helicopter evacuation where available, and repatriation.
Ask your insurer to confirm that your Kilimanjaro itinerary is covered, and carry your policy details and emergency assistance number
How much should I tip the guides and crew, and when?
Tipping is customary on Kilimanjaro and is not included in the trip price. We recommend the following daily amounts, per crew member, shared by the entire group:
Senior guide: USD 20–25
Assistant guide: USD 15–20
Cook: USD 12–15
Waiter: USD 10–12
Porter: USD 8–10
Summit porter: USD 12–15
Toilet crew: USD 10–12
For this seven-day Lemosho trek, the estimated total tipping budget per climber is:
Climbing solo: USD 392–490
Group of 2: USD 333–420 per person
Group of 3: USD 278–350 per person
Group of 4: USD 250–315 per person
Group of 5: USD 255–322 per person
Your total depends on the group size and supporting crew. Contact us before travelling to confirm your estimated budget, particularly for larger groups.
We recommend pooling the group’s tips and placing each crew member’s allocation in a separate envelope to hand over personally. Alternatively, give one envelope to the lead guide for the guides and cooks, and another to the porter representative for the porters, making everyone’s allocation clear.
Is drinking water provided, and do I need purification tablets?
We provide treated drinking water during the climb. Bring reusable bottles or a hydration system and refill before each day’s walk.
Can I rent equipment I do not have?
Yes. We offer rental equipment, including sleeping bags, duffel bags, daypacks, trekking poles, waterproof clothing and other trekking items. Send us your requirements and sizes before travelling so we can confirm availability and prices.
Your guide checks your equipment in Moshi before the trek. Bring your own broken-in hiking boots if possible.
What hiking boots should I wear, and what other footwear should I bring?
We recommend waterproof hiking boots with good grip and ankle support. Break them in beforehand and check that they fit comfortably with warm socks, with enough toe room for long descents.
Some hikers use lighter hiking shoes on the lower sections before switching to boots. This is optional, and you can wear trekking boots throughout.
Bring Crocs, sandals or lightweight shoes for camp, ideally comfortable with warm socks. Gaiters can help keep rain, dust and scree out of your boots.
What goes in my daypack and my duffel bag?
Carry water, snacks, waterproof layers, a warm layer, sun protection, gloves, a hat, personal medication and a headlamp in your daypack. Keep valuables and essential documents with you.
Your sleeping bag, spare clothing and overnight equipment go in the duffel carried by our porters. You should not expect access to this bag during the day’s walk.
What type and size of backpack and duffel bag do I need?
We recommend a 30–40-litre daypack with a comfortable fit, supportive straps and room for water, layers and daily essentials. Use a rain cover and waterproof liner.
For porter-carried equipment, bring a soft duffel of approximately 70 litres, weighing no more than 15 kg when packed. Duffel bags and daypacks are available to rent.
What extra costs should I expect to pay on site?
Budget for crew tips, equipment rental, personal snacks, hotel lunches and dinners, drinks and personal purchases.
Who arranges the park permits and registration?
Park entrance and camping fees are included in your trip price, and we take you through registration before the trek begins.
How fit do I need to be, and do I need climbing experience?
You do not need technical climbing experience, but you need good hiking fitness and confidence on steep, uneven terrain. The Barranco Wall involves scrambling, and the itinerary includes consecutive walking days at increasing altitude.
The longest approach day takes approximately 9–11 hours. Summit day is especially demanding, combining an overnight ascent with a long descent. Prepare with regular hill walks, longer hikes and back-to-back training days.
What can I do to acclimatise better on Kilimanjaro?
Follow our guide’s slow, steady pace (pole-pole), eat regularly, stay hydrated without forcing excessive water and avoid alcohol.
Lemosho route has one of the highest summit success rates due to it's great acclimatization profile. The itinerary includes an ascent to Lava Tower followed by a lower overnight stay at Barranco, with a possible additional acclimatisation walk from Karanga.
Diamox (acetazolamide) is widely used to help acclimatisation and reduce the risk of altitude illness, but take it only with medical advice and a prescription. Discuss whether it is suitable for you before travelling.
Medication does not replace an appropriate ascent schedule. Tell your guide promptly about headache, nausea, dizziness or unusual fatigue. Do not ascend higher with symptoms of altitude illness, and descend if symptoms worsen.
What food is served, and can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Our cooks prepare breakfasts, lunches and dinners during the trek, with meals such as porridge, eggs, soup, rice, pasta, vegetables and meat dishes. Lunch may be packed or served hot, depending on the day’s itinerary.
We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements with advance notice. Tell us about allergies and restrictions before booking so we can confirm suitable arrangements. You are welcome to bring favourite snacks.
What is a typical day on the mountain like?
Most days begin with an early breakfast before setting out at a steady pace, with regular breaks. Walking time varies considerably on this itinerary, from approximately three hours to 9–11 hours before summit day.
Our crew transports the main equipment and prepares camp. Summit night follows a different schedule, with a departure around midnight and a long day of ascent and descent.
Will I have mobile reception or internet access?
Mobile reception is intermittent, so do not rely on being able to contact home every day. Ask your guide where a signal may be available, and let friends and family know that you may be offline.
Bring a charged power bank and conserve battery power.
What toilet and washing facilities are provided?
A private portable toilet with a toilet tent is included. We provide one toilet for groups of 1–5 climbers and two for groups of 6–10.
Hot water for washing is also included. A shower tent is available at an additional cost.
About the guide
Top Climbers
5.0
(21)
Tour Operator
My name is Manase Mwanga, I am the founder and Managing Director of Top Climbers Expedition, a small local company, offering a wide range of unique safaris, including Mount Kilimanjaro ascent, wildlife adventures, bike tours, beach holidays and cultural tourism. I am Tanzanian, born and raised in the Kilimanjaro region. I have extensive experience and a great team of people and guides, that guarantees the highest quality service to our clients.
As a Director my focus is on organizing tours with an ethical and professional approach to exceed tourist expectations. All our tours benefit native people i.e. hard-working local porters and guides by creating job opportunities in order to eradicate poverty. We utilize natural resources in a sustainable way, taking care of the benefits of it for present and future generations. We are not the agency that rents guides. WE are the guides and we always take care of your satisfaction.
Languages
English
What people are saying about this trip
Tamara
We climbed Kilimanjaro in January 2025 with Top Climbers via the Lemosho route. The organisation, support and care provided by the Top Climbers team was outstanding. All the equipment, tents and mattresses were in great condition and the food was varied, plentiful and delicious. The mental support of the team helped us a lot. The guides and porters were exceptionally friendly and put us in a good mood. We couldn't imagine better support for the ascent. Communication was very good, both in preparation for the trip and during the expedition. Every day we spent with the wonderful team was unique. The summit climb was certainly the highlight of the trip, we also had a lot of fun climbing the Barranco Wall. We would like to thank the great team, who played an important part in us making it to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Meira
As soon as we arrived in Tanzania, Top Climbers had their driver pick us up right on time. We then had a detailed briefing with our tour guides, during which they thoroughly checked all our equipment and clothing. My brother and I had never attempted such a big challenge before, but the team’s professionalism and support gave us confidence right from the start. Our tour guides, Bariki and Tom, were absolutely amazing. They were knowledgeable, encouraging and made the entire experience unforgettable. We felt safe and motivated every step of the way thanks to their guidance and positivity. Every night, they would brief us on the next day as well as check our vitals to ensure we were in a healthy condition. The final summit hike during was extremely challenging for us (altitude sickness) but the team went above and beyond to make sure we summited and achieved our dreams they even brought hot tea to warm us up. Also a big shout out to Advent, the summit porter who went up with us to provide extra support. The cook, William, was outstanding, he provided a wide variety of delicious meals that kept us energised and satisfied throughout the trek. We were genuinely impressed by the quality and creativity of the food, especially given the conditions on the mountain. The waiter, Iddy was incredible. He provided us with warm water every morning and night to wash ourselves as well as a warm cup of tea as soon as we woke up. His positivity was such an important asset on some of those tough days. Not to mention, we learnt lots of Swahili from him!! And finally, the porters - wow!! Without them, none of this would be possible. The porters at Top Climbers were extremely progressional and made us feel very comfortable. Each day before we arrived at the campsite, the tents were set up and the toilet was fresh and clean. Thank you all so much. Overall, I undoubtedly believe Top Climbers are the best Kilimanjaro tour group in Tanzania. You will not be disappointed if you choose this group as you will have every opportunity to achieve your dreams. Definitely ask for Bariki and Tom as your tour guides Btw - we did the 7 day Lemosho route. Also we had originally booked for a group tour, however the day before the hike, two people pulled out. Top climbers assured us that the price would remain the same, so essentially we had a private tour
Denis
The review is based on Kilimanjaro climb by Lemosho Route (7-day) made in September 2025. It was my first visit to Afrika and first climb of this scale and it was successful because of the great support and dedication of the Top Climbers Expedition (whereafter referred as TCE) team. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone who wants to experience Kilimanjaro! Before the trip I has quite an extensive communication with TCE. I asked all sort of questions and Manase and Upendo were very supportive and provided all the information needed. Thanks to the flexibility of the TCE I was able to select the route and time of the hike that best suited me. I received information about the trip (route description, timing, equipment list etc.) that allowed me to be prepared for the trip. TCE team also followed with me on arrival time to ensure smooth transfer. Upon arrival I picked up in the airport and transferred to the TCE office where I was introduced to the guides, had my equipment checked and provided with additional information, and then promptly transferred to the hotel. During the hike TCE team made all they could to help and support us (group of 3). The level of service was actually well above of what I would expect. We had 2 amazing guides (Jackson and Joseph) who were providing us with all the possible support during the hike (setting the pace, showing the best rote, explain about the surroundings etc.) and also in the camping site (medical check, briefings etc.). Both were extremely friendly and helpful, always ready to answer questions and provide support (moral of physical). Alongside of the guides we had a brilliant team of porters, who not only carries our things up and down, prepared camp etc. but also provided all manner of support in the camping side (from big things like food serving and toilet cleaning to smaller (but not less important) shoes cleaning, cleaning water preparation etc.). Guys were always positive and encouraging, and helpfully any way the could (one time we spend 15 minutes hunting for the spot with cellphone connection at night in the forest :)). And last, but not least was our cook - Kababa. The food he prepared was always very good, selection was brilliant (I could not imagine eating pizza or dumplings on the slope of Killi :)), and at no point we were allowed to go hungry (we actually asked to cook less, as we simply could not manage so much food). I had my birthday and I even got a cake! Overall, if you want to climb Kilimanjaro, do it with Top Climbers Expedition and you will have great time on the mountain!
clarebear
We booked a private trip with Top Climbers for trekking the Lemosho route to the summit and the service exceeded our expectations. Manase has been super responsive to all our requests. Upendo greeted us upon arrival and checked with us about all details of our itinerary to make sure the best service was being delivered. We are very grateful to our two best guides, Abuu and Calvin - who are both very experienced (they knew our conditions better than ourselves!) and took excellent care of us for the entire trip. We won’t be able to get to summit without Abuu and Calvin. Our summit porter and waiter Ayubu was amazing - he gave us 100% attention and was 24/7 around to help. Our chef, Kababa also checked on what we wanted for our meals every single day and even made our food (congee) from home! We are very thankful to all our porters: Mtlaise, Timotheo, Niwa, Advent, Yahaya, Aualax, Ronald, Anase and Emmanuel for delivering all our heavy belongings and for setting up the tents well ahead before our arrival, at the best possible location.
Ambrosia
Top Climbers was phenomenal! The team really made us feel welcome, giving us all nicknames. The food was excellent and plentiful. And the team was incredibly strong, carrying all of our supplies like it was nothing. Me and three friends went on the 7-day Lemosho route and loved it. Highly recommend Top Climbers!!
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