Skip to main content
Setup at the Karanga Campsite - Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route, Tanzania
Setup at the Karanga Campsite  | Kyle Super
Trekking the lower forest en-route to Kilimanjaro - Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route, Tanzania
Trekking the lower forest en-route to Kilimanjaro  | Kyle Super
Ascending Mt Kilimanjaro - Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route, Tanzania
Ascending Mt Kilimanjaro  | Peter Brooke

Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route

The most scenic Kilimanjaro route, with more acclimatisation days built in than most other trails up the mountain

Tanzania

 33 reviews

10 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: KLL
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 10 Days
Activities
  • 8 day trek
Style
  • Classic Adventures  
Accommodation
  • 7 nights camping
  • 2 nights hotel
Meals
  • 9 Dinners
  • 8 Lunches
  • 9 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
6 / 10

Moderate to Challenging

Carbon Footprint  

36kg of CO2-e PP per day

(321kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route Trip highlights

  • Climb Africa's highest peak via the Lemosho Route - its most scenic trail, starting on the mountain's quiet western slopes
  • Spend two full days acclimatising across the Shira Plateau, camping at Shira One and Shira Hut, with sweeping views of the upper mountain
  • Cross five distinct zones on one trek; rainforest home to colobus monkeys, open moorland, volcanic ridgelines near Lava Tower, alpine desert, and arctic summit conditions at Uhuru Peak

Overview

The Lemosho Route is Kilimanjaro's most scenic and best-paced trail. Starting on the mountain's quiet western slopes, its extra rest and acclimatisation days give trekkers a longer physical adjustment to altitude than many other Kilimanjaro routes.

The trek begins in dense rainforest home to black-and-white colobus monkeys, then climbs onto the open Shira Plateau - camping first at Shira One (3,550m/11,647ft), then Shira Hut (3,840m/12,598ft) - before crossing lava ridgelines near Lava Tower (4,550m/14,928ft) and scrambling up the Barranco Wall.

Two further acclimatisation camps, Karanga (4,000m/13,123ft) and Barafu (4,600m/15,092ft), prepare trekkers for the final ascent.

The summit push starts before dawn. Trekkers reach Stella Point (5,735m/18,816ft) on the crater rim around sunrise, then continue around the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) - the famous roof of Africa.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Today is an arrival day. If you choose to fly into Kilimanjaro Airport we recommend a private transfer to Arusha where the rest of the day is at leisure. We stay at the Moivaro Coffee Plantation which has spacious rooms, a pool, and restaurant. This afternoon at 16:30 you will meet the rest of the group and your guide for a trip briefing.

Meals: D

After completing the necessary registration formalities, we drive through varied farmland with open views over the plains to reach the Lemosho Gate roadhead. The last section of the road is of poor quality and difficult to drive after rain, and the drive there should be considered as part of the adventure, sometimes we start walking a kilometre or two below the roadhead. We often have our lunch at the roadhead before starting to walk. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through beautiful and lush forest. We camp at Lemosho Big Tree Camp (2650m); [2-3 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a tangible sense of wilderness, especially if afternoon mists come in! We camp in the centre of the plateau at “Shira One” (3550m). [6-7 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

An easy day to help acclimatisation, and to explore the volcanic rock formations of Shira Plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral before reaching the next camp at Shira Hut (3840m). This campsite has stunning views, close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. The views from here of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. [4-5 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4550m) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3900 m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga (4000m), the last water point on the way to the summit. [4-5 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

We follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach the Barafu campsite (4600m) for lunch. There is a short acclimatisation walk to the plateau at the bottom of the South-East valley (4800m). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. [3-5 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5735m/18,816ft), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite Millenium (3800m). [11-15 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

A sustained descent on a well constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1650m / 5,413ft). Here we sign out from the National Park before walking on for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where our vehicle awaits. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalisingly close! Overnight at Moivaro Coffee Plantation. [4-6 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

In Arusha, after breakfast at your hotel, the trip arrangements end.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

33 scheduled departures between 20 Oct 2026 and 22 Feb 2028.

  • Departs 20 Oct 2026 – ends 29 Oct 2026 (10 days)
  • Departs 19 Dec 2026 – ends 28 Dec 2026 (10 days)
  • Departs 25 Dec 2026 – ends 3 Jan 2027 (10 days)
  • Departs 5 Jan 2027 – ends 14 Jan 2027 (10 days)
  • Departs 16 Jan 2027 – ends 25 Jan 2027 (10 days)
  • Departs 2 Feb 2027 – ends 11 Feb 2027 (10 days)
  • … and 27 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Park entrance fees (valued at US$1,109)
  • 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners
  • 2 nights in 3 star hotel in Arusha on a twin share basis
  • 7 nights fully supported camping on a twin share tent basis
  • Group camping equipment including tent (sleeping bag and mat not included - available for hire locally)
  • Experienced local mountain guides
  • Cook and camp crew
  • Porters to carry personal and group equipment
  • Emergency oxygen

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Visa fees
  • Arrival and departure transfers in Arusha
  • Meals not listed as included
  • Personal expenses such as phone calls and laundry
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Sleeping bags and mats
  • Any items not listed as included

About your guide

Your Kilimanjaro climb will be led by an experienced local mountain guide, supported by assistant guides where required. Your guides will accompany you on the trail, manage the group’s pace, monitor your wellbeing and provide practical support. They will also brief you on each day’s route, expected conditions and camp arrangements. Our guides have extensive local knowledge of Kilimanjaro’s terrain, weather and high-altitude environment. They work closely with the cook and porter team to coordinate the climb and make operational decisions in the interests of the group and crew. Please follow their instructions, particularly regarding pace, altitude and safety.

Crew numbers are calculated according to the group size, trek duration, equipment, food and supplies required. Final numbers are confirmed once these items have been calculated and weighed, helping to protect porter welfare and maintain ethical load limits.

Videos

Climbing Safely On Kilimanjaro - What To Look For
Climbing Safely On Kilimanjaro - What To Look For
Kilimanjaro Treks - What To Look For In A Quality Trek

Reviews (33)




Our time on this trip was incredible. Our team, led by Simon and Gracie, were just incredible. Getting to the top of Africa was a dream that they not only made true but made incredibly enjoyable and a fantastic experience.

Michael|New South Wales, Australia
22 Sep 2026


Incredible experience of a lifetime to climb Mt Kilimanjaro - the trek was very well organised from pre-travel planning and advice to airport pick-up to the actual trek (our guides and team were fabulous) - stress-free so we could focus on the challenge of the altitude and getting to the peak.

Timothy|New South Wales, Australia
22 Sep 2026


Kilimanjaro summit day is not heroic, It's ugly, slow, cold, uncomfortable, and deeply mental. probably the hardest day of my life.

but definitely an unforgettable experience.

everything was organized at the highest level, all three guides and porters are real heroes.

the descent itself was real torture, there was little time to recover.

If you have already come to Arusha then definitely go on a safari

Nenad|Serbia
10 Feb 2026


Expert guides with very hardworking porters . And a great chef who cooks great meals

Ivy|WA, Australia
16 Dec 2025


Amazing experience, world expeditions took care of everything

Aaron Comley|Loma Linda, California United States
5 Mar 2025


Amazing trip, great guides - challenging summit day but we all made it!

Jules Pearce|Selby, VIC Australia
25 Feb 2025


Trip of a lifetime. Special thanks to our lead guide Musa and his team!

Peter Exterkate|NSW Australia
25 Feb 2025


Great trip!

Justin McLaughlin|Alexandria, Virginia United States
6 Nov 2024


I just completed the Lemosho route and had a fantastic experience. The local crew were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Always ready to assist when needed. Our group all achieved our goals and returned safely. I would highly recommend this trip to others.

Gary Pike|Golden Grove, SA Australia
31 Oct 2024

Extra trip info

Who will I travel with?AccommodationKilimanjaro PermitsWill My Trip Run?FAQsWhy Book With UsWildlife Safari Safety
Group shot, 'African wilderness in comfort' trip | Peter Walton

Travelling with our local partners

This trip is run by one of our local partners, on a departure shared with travellers from other companies.

What's the benefit to you? More departure dates, and dates that reach their minimum numbers sooner, because bookings from several companies go into one group. Your guides live and work in the region.

Who is in your group? Expect a mix of travellers and nationalities, not only people who booked with World Expeditions.

What will we tell you when you book? We advise the name of the local partner at the time of booking, along with any terms of their own, such as an additional deposit. These apply alongside our Booking Terms and Conditions.

Travelling alone? On some partner-operated trips your own room is required. The room options on this page show which applies to this trip.

Camp with stunning views of Kibo | Natalie Tambolash

Camping on Kilimanjaro

Our camping equipment is of proven quality and specifically designed for use on Kilimanjaro. We provide quality Vango mountain tents on a twin share basis, however they are rated as 3 person tents which allows plenty of personal space and ample luggage storage area in the two porches. A limited number of these tents are available as single tents at a supplementary charge (reserve in advance). You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and mat (or hire locally – reserve in advance).

Camping beneath the snow capped peak of Kilimanjaro | Chris Buykx

Camping on Kilimanjaro

Breakfast and dinner are served in our communal mess tent with folding chairs, tables and a solar light. This tent is also available for communal use in the afternoon and evening. We supply a private toilet tent on all camping routes as we have found that the long drop toilets maintained by the national park are of a sub-standard quality.

Trekking group starting our adventure at Londorossi National Park gate | Heike Krumm

Climbing Kilimanjaro requires a series of permits and national park fees set by the Tanzanian government. These costs apply to every climber and are included in your trek price when travelling with a licensed operator.

Fees typically include conservation fees charged per person per day inside Kilimanjaro National Park, camping or hut accommodation fees depending on the route, and mandatory rescue fees that support the park’s mountain safety services.

Additional summit or crater fees may apply on certain routes.

Because these fees are charged daily, the total permit cost increases with the number of days spent on the mountain. Longer routes therefore cost more to operate, but they also allow for better acclimatisation and a higher chance of reaching the summit.

All Kilimanjaro climbs must be arranged through a licensed operator and accompanied by registered mountain guides.This system ensures climbers are supported by trained staff and that park regulations, safety standards and porter welfare rules are followed on the mountain.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

Show All|Hide All

Avoid April and May, Kilimanjaro's long rains. November brings short rains but rarely lasts all day. Outside these windows, days are generally warm (up to 27°C) and nights cold, with summit night temperatures as low as –15°C.

For this eight-day route, allow approximately 12 crew for one traveller, 17 for two, 21 for three, 23 for four and 26 for five. This includes guides, a cook and porters.

Crew numbers are calculated to protect porter welfare and meet KPAP’s ethical standards, including safe equipment-load limits. The crew may therefore considerably outnumber a small group. Final numbers are confirmed once all equipment, food and supplies have been calculated and weighed.

Both World Expeditions and our local operator participate in KPAP’s Partner for Responsible Travel Programme. KPAP standards cover porter numbers, equipment loads, payment, meals, accommodation, tipping transparency and medical assistance. Camping routes require at least three porters per climber, with guides and cooks additional, and enough porters to keep company-equipment loads within 20 kg.

Check the inclusions for exact inclusions, but generally park entrance fees, meals on the mountain, 2 hotel nights in Arusha, mountain guides, cook and camp crew, porters, and emergency oxygen. International flights, visas, travel insurance and tips are not included.

Tell your guide immediately if you feel unwell. The experienced mountain guides monitor travellers throughout the climb and carry a medical kit and emergency oxygen. The eight-day Lemosho itinerary follows a gradual ascent with built-in acclimatisation, but altitude affects everyone differently and your guide may require you to descend if necessary.

You should already be a regular outdoor exerciser, training aerobically 3–4 times a week for at least three months beforehand, ideally hill walking with a daypack. This is graded Moderate to Challenging (6/10) — for many trekkers it's the hardest physical walk of their life.

No - this trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. It involves 8 days of trekking at altitude, including a steep, unrelenting summit push, and requires a good level of fitness and mobility throughout.

The minimum age is 14. Younger trekkers should be experienced walkers, as summit night involves 11–15 hours of continuous walking at high altitude in cold conditions.

  • We've been providing active and immersive adventures since 1975, setting the standard for responsible trekking.
  • Trek with one of the first companies to implement a formal Porter Welfare Policy on Kilimanjaro, including proper meals, gear, fair pay and medical care.
  • Be supported by highly trained local guides, certified in wilderness first aid and experienced in high altitude trekking.
Early morning game viewing walk in Hlane National Park in Swaziland

Your safety is our main priority

Africa's wildlife is wild and unfenced. On many wildlife safaris you may meet them on foot, or from a vehicle. Walking in big-game country carries some risk, and the safeguards are not the same in every country.

Rules on firearms, guide qualifications, group size and how close you may approach an animal are set country by country, park by park. Many incorrectly assume that every wildlife safari in Africa travels with an armed ranger. Several countries prohibit firearms outright. Where an armed escort is required, it is supplied by the park authority.

What is consistent is how these trips operate. You walk in a small group with a professional local guide who knows the country and the animals in it. We do not include captive or hands-on wildlife encounters in any itinerary.

Read more

Guaranteeing A Great Tanzania Trip

Pioneering World Firsts
Quality equipment
Quality accommodations
Innovative itineraries
Custom built, reliable transport
Our all inclusive approach

Multi Award Winning Adventures

Responsible Travel

Adventure Experts Since 1975

Search Filters