Destination

Kilimanjaro

Trip Overview
Trip Itinerary
Similar Tours

9 DAYS KILIMANJARO LEMOSHO ROUTE-CRATER OVERNIGHT

The 9-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Climb is one of the longest and most picturesque routes on Kilimanjaro, and it is our secret favorite. You will traverse through tranquil trails that feature scenic grandeur. In the rainforest, the exquisiteness of dawn’s light pierces the lush, emerald sward. Mist embraces the lichen-coated bark, and the melodic piping of a songbird splits the silence while the distinctive blue monkeys swing above. This leads to the smooth surfaces of the stunning Shira Plateau and the magnificent sight of the looming Lava Tower. Barranco Valley provides beautiful views of the azure glaciers. The vast plains of Savannah are decorated with splotches of wildlife, and there is a possibility of encountering elephants or buffalo. The Mweka Route is used to descend, and you have a good chance of completing the 9-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Climb due to the advantageous acclimatization conditions. Kilimanjaro captivates the hearts of those who reach the summit, but this route exceedingly epitomizes Africa’s magnificence.

After breakfast, complete the trek with a descent to Mweka Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro was a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Kilinge Adventures vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to the hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and a certificate celebration party.

What's included

Destination

Kilimanjaro Discover Kilimanjaro

Price includes

3 Meals while on the mountain + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
All meals included
All mentioned activities
All park entrances fees
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF) during the safari for emergence evacuations
Hot water for washing up daily and treated water for drink while climbing.
Kilimanjaro certificate for your successful summit attempt.
Oxygen Cylinder
Professionally guided tour

Price does not include

Entry visa for Tanzania
Other International flights
Personal expenses
Visa arrangements

9-Days Kilimanjaro Trekking - Lemosho Route

Experience one of the most scenic and rewarding ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with our 9-Days Kilimanjaro Trekking - Lemosho Route. Trek through beautiful rainforest, the Shira Plateau, alpine desert, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

9-Days Kilimanjaro Trekking - Lemosho Route Overview

The 9-day Lemosho Route is an excellent choice for trekkers looking for a gradual ascent, spectacular scenery, and additional time for acclimatization. The route approaches Kilimanjaro from the western side and crosses several distinct ecological zones before joining the southern circuit toward the summit.

Duration

9 days of trekking with a carefully planned summit attempt and descent.

Starting Point

Lemosho Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Highest Point

Uhuru Peak at approximately 5,895 meters above sea level.

Route Character

Scenic, gradual, diverse, and well suited to trekkers who prefer more time for acclimatization.

9 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Highlights

Discover changing landscapes and unforgettable mountain scenery throughout your Kilimanjaro trekking adventure.

Scenic Rainforest

Start your trek beneath the lush canopy of Kilimanjaro's montane rainforest, where you can experience rich vegetation and mountain wildlife.

Shira Plateau

Walk across the spectacular Shira Plateau while enjoying expansive views of Kilimanjaro and its surrounding landscapes.

Barranco Wall

Tackle the famous Barranco Wall and enjoy dramatic views across the mountain's high-altitude terrain.

Uhuru Peak

Reach Uhuru Peak and celebrate standing on the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and Africa.

9 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Itinerary

Each trekking day is designed to provide a steady progression toward the summit while allowing time to enjoy Kilimanjaro's spectacular scenery.

DAY 1

Lemosho Gate – Big Tree Camp

Drive to Lemosho Gate for registration and begin your trek through the beautiful montane rainforest. Continue toward Big Tree Camp where you will have dinner and spend the night.

DAY 2

Big Tree Camp – Shira 1 Camp

Continue climbing through the forest as the landscape gradually changes to moorland. Trek toward Shira 1 Camp and enjoy your first views across the Shira Plateau.

DAY 3

Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp

Explore the Shira Plateau at a comfortable pace. Enjoy spectacular mountain scenery while allowing your body additional time to adjust to the increasing altitude.

DAY 4

Shira 2 – Moir Hut Camp

Leave the Shira Plateau and trek toward the Moir Valley area. The terrain becomes more rugged as you enter the alpine desert environment.

DAY 5

Moir Hut – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

Trek toward Lava Tower and experience the effects of increasing altitude. After reaching the high point of the day, descend toward Barranco Camp for overnight.

DAY 6

Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

Begin the day by climbing the famous Barranco Wall. Continue through valleys and ridges toward Karanga Camp while enjoying impressive views of the mountain.

DAY 7

Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

Continue toward Barafu Camp through the alpine desert. Arrive at base camp, rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit attempt.

DAY 8

Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp

Begin the summit attempt during the early hours. Reach Stella Point and continue toward Uhuru Peak. Celebrate at the summit before descending to a lower camp for rest.

DAY 9

Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate

Complete your descent through the rainforest toward Mweka Gate. After signing out of the park, meet your transfer vehicle and return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Experience Kilimanjaro's Ecological Zones

The Lemosho Route provides an opportunity to experience the remarkable environmental changes that occur as you climb higher on Mount Kilimanjaro.

1. Cultivation & Lower Slopes

The journey begins around the lower mountain before entering the protected forest environment.

2. Montane Rainforest

Lush forest, tall trees, moss, birds, and cooler conditions characterize the lower trekking sections.

3. Moorland

Open vegetation and giant heather dominate the landscape as the route climbs above the forest.

4. Alpine Desert

Rocky terrain, volcanic landscapes, limited vegetation, and dramatic views define the higher sections.

5. Arctic Summit Zone

The summit area is cold and exposed, with rocky terrain, ice, snow, and extremely low temperatures possible.

Acclimatization on the 9-Day Lemosho Route

One of the major advantages of choosing a longer Kilimanjaro itinerary is having additional time to adjust to altitude. However, no itinerary can eliminate the risk of altitude sickness.

Gradual Ascent

The route provides a progressive ascent through different elevations rather than rushing directly toward the summit.

Walk High, Sleep Lower

Selected sections of the itinerary allow you to gain altitude during the day and descend to sleep at a lower elevation.

Listen to Your Guide

Follow your mountain team's instructions, maintain a slow pace, stay hydrated, and communicate any symptoms immediately.

Important:

Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude mountain. Proper preparation and acclimatization are important, but altitude illness can still occur. Trekkers should follow professional mountain-guide advice and descend if medically necessary.

What to Pack for 9 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking

Packing the right equipment is essential because temperatures and weather conditions change significantly from the rainforest to the summit.

Category	Recommended Equipment
Clothing	Base layers, fleece, waterproof jacket, warm jacket, trekking trousers, and thermal layers.
Footwear	Comfortable waterproof hiking boots, trekking socks, and camp footwear.
Sun Protection	Sunglasses, sunscreen, sun hat, and lip protection.
Cold Weather Gear	Warm gloves, hat, thermal clothing, and a suitable sleeping bag.
Personal Items	Headlamp, water bottles, toiletries, personal medication, documents, and small personal essentials.

9 Days Lemosho Route Climbing Package Includes

Professional Mountain Guides

Experienced mountain guides lead the trek and provide assistance throughout the journey.

Porters & Mountain Crew

Porters assist with designated luggage and mountain-camp logistics throughout the trek.

Park & Camping Fees

Applicable Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, conservation, camping, and related mountain fees.

Mountain Meals

Meals and drinking-water arrangements according to the selected climbing package.

Airport & Hotel Transfers

Transfers can be arranged according to the selected package and your arrival or departure schedule.

Camping Equipment

Mountain camping equipment is provided according to the selected climbing package.

Frequently Asked Questions About 9 Days Lemosho Route

Is the 9-day Lemosho Route good for beginners?

The longer itinerary provides more time for acclimatization and can be a good option for trekkers without previous high-altitude experience. However, good physical preparation is still important.

What is the success rate of the 9-day Lemosho Route?

Longer itineraries generally provide more acclimatization time, which can improve summit prospects. Actual summit success depends on individual fitness, acclimatization, weather, health, and mountain conditions.

How high is Uhuru Peak?

Uhuru Peak is approximately 5,895 meters above sea level and is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa.

What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year. The generally drier periods, particularly around June to October and January to February, are popular for trekking.

Can the 9-day Lemosho itinerary be customized?

Yes. Depending on your travel plans, fitness level, accommodation preferences, and available time, the itinerary can be adjusted or combined with a Tanzania safari.

Start Your 9-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Adventure

Trek through some of Mount Kilimanjaro's most spectacular landscapes, take time to acclimatize, and experience the unforgettable achievement of standing at Uhuru Peak.

Plan Your Kilimanjaro Trek

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9

Day 1

Moshi to Londorossi Gate (2,100m/6,890ft) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m/9,023ft);

On the first day, drive to Londorossi Gate at about 12 p.m. from Moshi. Spend about an hour at the gate while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Please note that the arrival time at the gate may vary depending on road conditions. After registering at the gate, drive to the trailhead and enjoy a picnic lunch before starting the trek to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp. Pass through the rain forests of Kilimanjaro, viewing trees and birds along the way. Arrive at the campsite in the late afternoon and relax for the rest of the day.

Day 2

Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m/9,023ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,480m/11,420ft)

Hike through the forest en route to Kilimanjaro’s moorland and enjoy the stunning variety of beautiful wildflowers. As the trail flattens out, take in your first views of Kibo Peak. After lunch, climb the Shira Plateau, created when Kibo’s lava flows filled up the Shira crater. Stop at Shira 1 Camp, where you will relax for the rest of the day.

Day 3

Shira I (3,480m/11,420ft) to Shira II Camp (3,860m/12,600ft);

This is an acclimatization day that allows you to take day hikes that explore the Shira Plateau. Look to the west at sunset, and you may catch a glimpse of the twin eruptions from the craters of Ol Donyio Lengai (The Mountain of God), an active volcano 100 kilometers distant.

Day 4

Shira II Camp (3,860m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)

Although this up-and-down day ends with an elevation gain of only 110 meters, by early afternoon you will have climbed 690 meters to a height of 4,530 meters before beginning your descent to Barranco Camp. This day is crucial for acclimatization. After breakfast, continue east on the Shira Plateau for two hours before reaching the junction for the Machame Route. Continue through the barren landscape for another thirty minutes before stopping for lunch. Shortly after lunch, reach the highest point of the day before descending quickly to Barranco Camp. From the high point, you can see the Lava Tower, a 300-foot lava formation jutting from the mountainside. Optional detour via Lava Tower. The descent to Barranco Camp will take you through a valley that is home to many unusual plants, including the Senecio Kilimanjari. Barranco Camp is considered to be the most scenic campsite on the route. It is set in a canyon among the forests of Senecio Kilimanjai, beneath the Heim glacier. From the campsite, enjoy magnificent views of Mount Meru, Heim Glacier, Kibo’s southern face, and the imposing Barranco Wall.

Day 5

Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Camp (4,200m/13,780ft)

Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with an hour and a half of scrambling up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day, and in some places, you may have to use your hands to pull your body up. After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the greener Karanga River Valley. Karanga Camp is located on the ridge above the river valley.

Day 6

Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)

After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During the hike, you will pass the Heim, Kersten, and Decken glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through an alpine desert with little vegetation, there are stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks along the way. Try to go to sleep after finishing dinner, as you will need to wake up before midnight to start your summit ascent.

Day 7

Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Crater Camp (5,715m/18,750ft)

Due to the steep ascent at high altitude, this is the most challenging day of the ascent. Leave Barafu Camp early in the morning to begin your hike to the top of Kibo Crater. It is important to remember to snack during the ascent to keep up your energy. You will likely lose your appetite during the hike and begin to feel the effects of altitude sickness. After ascending Kibo's wall, hike to Crater Camp, the highest camp on Kilimanjaro. The camp is located inside Kilimanjaro's Kibo crater and offers stunning views of the surrounding glaciers. Some climbers choose to summit in the afternoon instead of the following morning.

Day 8

Crater Camp (5,715m/18,750ft) to Summit (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)

At dawn, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The hike to the summit is slow, taking up to two hours to gain 180 meters. Reach Uhuru around 8 a.m. and take photos on the roof of Africa. Descend to Barafu Camp, where you'll eat brunch. At 1 p.m., continue to Mweka Camp, your final camp on Kilimanjaro.

Day 9