Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (5895m) via The Lemosho Route

• Total Cost per Person: £1,500
• Amount Due Now: £750
• Remaining Balance: £750

Travel Dates:
June – October
December – February

Price:
£1,500 per person

Embark on an unforgettable 7 days adventure along the scenic Machame Route, known as the “Whiskey Route” for its stunning views and challenging climbs. This route offers a rich trekking experience through diverse landscapes — from rainforest to alpine desert — with high summit success rates.

 

Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport where your transfer will be waiting to take you to
your accommodation!

 

The Lemosho Route departs from the far West side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Getting to
Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) takes approximately 2 hours from Moshi and longer from
Arusha. At the gate you will register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities before
getting back into vehicles to be transported to the starting point which is a further 12km from
Londorossi. During the wet season the track can be very inaccessible to vehicles and you may
need to walk the last few miles to the starting point. You have lunch at this point before
starting the short trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters). Spotting large wildlife like
elephant and buffalo is possible on this stretch of the mountain and you will likely be
accompanied by an armed guide in case one of the big five gets too close for comfort! Dinner
will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp. Poza!!!
 Distance: ~5.5km / 3.5 miles
 Trekking time: 3-4 hours
 Zone: Rainforest

 

Day three starts with a gradual hike through the final stretch of the rainforest zone and then
gets steeper as you approach the low alpine moorland zone. The trek is a long one that stops
briefly for lunch at Shira Camp 1 which is on the western edge of the Shira Plateau; just over
8km from your starting point. You then continue on your hike across and up the Shira plateau
to Shira Camp 2 at 3,850 meters. Here you will join trekkers from the Machame Route whilst

enjoying stunning view across the valley below and Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above.
The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero.

 Distance: ~16km / 10 miles
 Trekking time: 6-8 hours
 Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone

On day 4 you will start trekking due east from the Shira Plateau, passing through the ‘Garden
of the Senecios’ which also features many giant lobelias. The landscape rapidly becomes
desert-like as you approach Lava Tower and the Shark’s Tooth formation at 4,600 meters.
You will have lunch at Lava Tower before joining the Southern Circuit trail (see map above)
which descends to Barranco Camp 3,900 meters where you will spend the night at a very
similar elevation as the night before. Climbing high and sleeping low is a good way to
acclimatise the body to altitude.
 Distance: ~11km / 7 miles
 Trekking time: 5-7 hours
 Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone

On day 5 you will be presented with the relatively steep Barranco ‘Breakfast’ climb, a 257
meter scramble up the Barranco Wall. Be prepared to use all four limbs as you traverse the
wall to the top of the Karanga Valley. From here you will follow a path that sojourns through
many inclines and declines to Karanga Camp (3,960 meters). For those on an eight day hike,
this will be your camp for the night. Six and seven day trekkers will stop here for a brief
lunch before continuing on through the barren desert landscape that leads to the Mweka trail
and up to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). At Barafu you will have an early dinner and then ‘hit
the sack’ for some much needed rest before your summit attempt which begins at midnight.
Please make sure that you have organised all your gear for the summit. You will be awoken in
the dark and searching for your headlamp or camera at this time is not a good way to start
your summit attempt.
 Distance: ~9.5km / 6 miles
 Trekking time: 8-10 hours
 Zone: High alpine zone

The day starts as all others, with an early morning start and a breakfast. After several
hours of hiking through a seemingly martian landscape, you will reach the Barafu hut. This
is the last place you will sleep before making your ascent! You will feel the excitement in
the air; this area is cold, barren, and exposed, so be careful and do not walk around your tent at night unless you are already familiar with the nearest area. After dinner and briefing, you will try to go to bed around 7 pm and rest for several hours. Around 11:30 pm /midnight, you will awake to embark on the moment you’ve been waiting for: the ascent to Uhuru peak at 5895 meters.
• Duration of hike: ~4-5 hours
• Environment: Rocky Desert

Rising at 11:30 / midnight, you will have some hot tea and biscuits ready for you, as a final comforting pep snack before your ascent. Hiking in the dark, you will follow your
northwesternly pointed headlamps up heavy scree, towards Stella point on the crater rim. Although the hike takes 6 hours, you may find the lack of sunlight and your own fixation on the light in front of you, to be hypnotizing. But don’t be fooled, this is for many climbers the
most mentally and physically challenging part of the hike. However, if you persevere, you
will reach Stella point, and weather permitting, will see the most majestic sunrise in your life: the sunrise over the roof of Africa. From there, you will continue to Uhuru peak, which usually takes 2 more hours. Congratulations on your summit! Depending on the weather, you may stay for some time at the peak of your journey for photographs, but it is not advisable to stay long. After taking in the sights and reveling in your achievement, you will begin your descent back to Barafu which takes around 3 hours. While the porters prepare
for the journey down.
• Duration of hike: ~8 hours to Uhuru, ~7-8 hours descent to Mweka Camp
• Distance: ~7 km ascent, ~23 km descent
• Environment: Stone Scree / Ice

After a hot breakfast and a peaceful night’s sleep, you will leisurely walk towards the
mountain gate. Eyes peeled for fluffy black and white colobus monkeys as you reach the lower elevations. The weather here will be significantly warmer making the terrain wet and muddy so have your gaiters and trekking poles handy
From there, a bus will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel in arusha, where you will be sure to be smiling as you celebrate your very rare achievement!
• Duration of hike: ~3 hours
• Environment: Rainforest

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast to mark the end of a remarkable trip and then head back to the airport, or continue your adventure in Tanzania.

???? Clothing (Layering is Essential)

Base Layers (Moisture-Wicking):

• 2–3 thermal tops (synthetic or merino wool)

• 2–3 thermal leggings

Mid Layers (Insulation):

• 2 fleece or soft-shell jackets

• 1 down or synthetic insulated jacket (very warm for summit night)

Outer Layers (Protection):

• Waterproof, breathable jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)

• Waterproof trousers

Trekking Clothes:

• 2–3 pairs of hiking pants

• 3–5 breathable t-shirts or trekking shirts

• 1–2 pairs of trekking shorts (optional)

• Warm trekking gloves (plus inner liner gloves)

• Warm hat and sun hat

• Neck gaiter or Buff (for dust and warmth)

Footwear:

• High-quality waterproof hiking boots (broken in)

• Comfortable camp shoes or sandals

• 4–6 pairs of moisture-wicking hiking socks

• 2–3 pairs of liner socks (optional, for layering)

Essentials:

• Daypack (20–35L) with rain cover

• Large duffel bag (up to 15kg/33lbs, carried by porters)

• Sleeping bag (rated to -10°C to -20°C / 14°F to -4°F)

• Sleeping mat (usually provided, but check with your tour operator)

Accessories:

• Trekking poles (adjustable, shock-absorbing recommended)

• Headlamp with extra batteries

• Water bottles (2–3L total capacity) or hydration bladder

• Sunglasses with UV protection

• Quick-dry towel

• Dry bags or zip-locks (for organizing and waterproofing gear)

Personal Medications:

• Prescription medications

• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen (for pain and altitude headaches)

• Anti-nausea tablets

• Anti-diarrheal (e.g., Imodium)

• Antibiotic (e.g., azithromycin – consult your doctor)

• Malaria prophylaxis (consult your doctor for guidance)

• Diamox (acetazolamide) for altitude sickness – only with medical advice

• Basic first-aid kit (band-aids, blister pads, antiseptic)

• Hand sanitizer & biodegradable wipes

• Lip balm with SPF

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

• Water purification tablets or filter (optional but useful)

• Camera or GoPro with spare batteries

• Power bank (no charging on the mountain)

• Journal & pen

• Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, candy for summit day)

• Lightweight book or e-reader

• Small garbage bag (Leave No Trace!)

???? Overall Difficulty: 6/10 – Challenging

The Lemosho Route is one of the most beautiful and well-balanced routes up Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers a longer itinerary that allows for excellent acclimatization and stunning panoramic views, making it one of the top choices for a higher summit success rate with fewer crowds.

Category	Rating (1–10)	Notes

Physical Fitness

6/10

Requires sustained effort over multiple days, but not technical.

Altitude Acclimatization

8/10

Excellent acclimatization profile due to gradual ascent and longer duration.

Technical Skill

2/10

No technical climbing required.

Trail Conditions

5/10

Includes rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and rocky summit approach.

Weather Conditions

6/10

Cold and windy near the summit; rain possible in lower sections.

• Duration: 7–8 days on the mountain

• Highest Point: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m (19,341 ft)

• Distance: ~70 km (43 miles)

• Success Rate: ~90–95% (8-day itinerary)

• Best Season: January–March, June–October

• Trekkers with moderate fitness aiming for the best chance at summit success

• Those looking to avoid crowds and enjoy diverse scenery

• Beginners with good stamina or experienced trekkers who prefer a gradual climb