Overview
This is the quickest way we run the Lemosho route. You still start on Kilimanjaro's quiet western side, walking through montane forest and open heath, before the trail links up with the Machame path around day three. The trade-off is fewer rest days for your body to adapt to the altitude.
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) whenever suits you. Our driver collects you and brings you to Arusha Green Mountain Hotel, and both the transfer and the hotel nights are part of the price.
If standing on the summit is your top priority, the 7-day and 8-day Lemosho climbs give you a noticeably better chance. Read our guide to choosing a route length, or get in touch to reserve your dates.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (7 days)
ARRIVAL IN ARUSHA
Your driver meets you at the airport and brings you to Arusha Green Mountain Hotel, a peaceful base on the lower slopes of Mount Meru. At 5:30 pm your guide holds the pre-climb briefing, checks your gear and confirms your medical cover and travel insurance.
Overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel with dinner and breakfast included.
LONDOROSSI GATE TO MTI MKUBWA CAMP
After breakfast we drive about two hours through farming villages to Londorossi Gate to register with the park. The road continues across farmland with wide views of the plains to the Lemosho trailhead, where you start walking through thick rainforest to your first camp at Mti Mkubwa.
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m): about 3-4 hours on foot. All meals included.
OVER SHIRA CATHEDRAL TO SHIRA HUT
A gentle trail leads up to the top of Shira Cathedral and on to Shira Hut. This camp sits in the open, so expect a colder night than the last, often well below freezing.
To Shira Hut (3,840 m): about 3-5 hours on foot. All meals included.
PAST LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP
After an early breakfast the moorland gives way to rocky, almost desert-like ground. About five hours eastwards brings you to Lava Tower (4,630 m), where lunch is served and, if the weather allows, you can scramble up the tower itself. Mild headaches or breathlessness are common at this height. In the afternoon you walk down about two hours to Barranco Camp (3,950 m) beneath the Great Barranco Wall; climbing high and sleeping lower like this helps your body adapt. Wash water and dinner are ready as the sun sets.
All meals included.
BARRANCO WALL TO BARAFU CAMP
The day starts with a scramble up the Barranco Wall, then an up-and-down trail along Kibo's south-eastern side with fine views of the Southern Icefields. You drop into the Karanga Valley for lunch, then climb steadily on firm scree to Barafu Camp (4,600 m). Rest, eat early and sleep early before the summit attempt.
About 5-7 hours on foot. All meals included.
SUMMIT NIGHT, THEN DOWN TO MWEKA CAMP
Around 1 am you set off by head torch, zig-zagging slowly up loose volcanic scree. After roughly five to six hours you reach Stella Point (5,735 m) on the crater rim in time to watch the sun rise behind Mawenzi. If you feel strong, continue along the rim for about two hours return to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), past glaciers and ice cliffs. The descent to Barafu is quick; after a short rest and a snack you carry on down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
About 12-15 hours on foot. All meals included.
MWEKA GATE AND BACK TO ARUSHA
A long but easy descent follows a good path through rainforest full of birdsong to Mweka Gate (1,650 m), then past coffee and banana farms to Mweka village. A hot shower and a cold drink are not far away.
About 4-6 hours on foot. Overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel with dinner and breakfast included.
Departure: after saying goodbye to your crew, our included private transfer takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), unless you decide to add a short safari or another extension.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Mount Kilimanjaro.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport or Mwanza Airport is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.