Lemosho Route
A quieter start on the west side. More time on the Shira Plateau, and a better chance at the summit.
$2,100per person
Itinerary
Mountain tents — four-season, double occupancy.
These are examples. We change the days to fit your pace.
Day 01
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
- Time
- 3–4 hrs
A three-hour drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate on the western side. After registration a game ranger walks with you — elephants and buffalo are possible. The trail through the rainforest is quieter than the popular routes. Camp at Mti Mkubwa — Big Tree.
TonightMti Mkubwa Camp
Day 02
Mti Mkubwa to Shira One
- Time
- Full day
- Altitude
- +2,000 ft
Out of the rainforest into giant moorland. Lunch in a valley just outside the Shira Crater. Then the Shira Caldera — a high desert plateau, the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. First close views of Kibo.
TonightShira One Camp
Day 03
Shira One to Shira Two
- Altitude
- +700 ft
East across the plateau, past the Shira Cathedral. A short gain so you acclimatize slowly. The views are the point of the day.
TonightShira Two Camp
Day 04
Shira Two to Barranco
- Time
- About 7 hrs
Past Lava Tower, around the southern flank of Kibo, then down to Barranco at the foot of the peak. You climb above 14,000 feet and sleep only a little higher than last night. One of the valuable acclimatization days.
TonightBarranco Camp
Day 05
Barranco Wall to Barafu
First the Barranco Wall — a 600-foot rock step — then easier walking with the crags on your left, down into the Karanga Valley. We recommend the extra night at Karanga. The air is thinner climbing out. Barafu means ice. Early to bed — midnight start for the summit.
TonightBarafu Camp
Day 06
Summit — Stella Point to Uhuru Peak
- Time
- 12–15 hrs
- Altitude
- 5,895 m
Midnight, the steepest part of the mountain. Stella Point by sunrise — Mawenzi, the saddle still in darkness, ice walls ahead. Uhuru Peak if you have it in you. 3,600 feet up and 7,200 down in 12–15 hours. Then down to Mweka.
TonightMweka Camp
Day 07
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Time
- About 5 hrs
Down to the gate before noon. Certificates, then Janibichi for a hot shower.
Other routes
Marangu Route
The traditional route. Huts, good views of Mawenzi, and the one you can join as a solo traveller.
Starts from
$1,400
Per person
Machame Route
The most beautiful route. Forest, then the Shira Plateau, Kibo and the western breach.
Starts from
$1,650
Per person
Rongai Route
The quiet northern side. A gentle gradient, short days, and you finish through Marangu.
Starts from
$1,900
Per person