10-Day Journey: Climbing Kilimanjaro on the 8-Day Lemosho Route

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Kilimanjaro National Park
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Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Private Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English, French, German

About this tour

Imagine the first light of dawn filtering through a dense jungle canopy, the air thick with the scent of moss and the distant calls of colobus monkeys, as you take your first steps toward Kilimanjaro’s summit. This is the Lemosho Route—a path renowned for its untouched beauty and the slow, steady rhythm that maximizes your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). With Timon Safaris, this 10-day expedition is more than a climb; it’s a transformative journey through Kilimanjaro’s most pristine landscapes, from the emerald embrace of the rainforest to the stark, otherworldly alpine desert near the summit. Over eight days of hiking, you’ll camp beneath a sky ablaze with stars, traverse five ecological zones, and feel the mountain’s ancient energy with every step, guided by our expert team with over 12 years of Kilimanjaro expertise.

The Lemosho Route is a climber’s dream, offering unparalleled scenery and one of the highest summit success rates due to its extended duration and gradual ascent. You’ll start at Lemosho Gate, stepping into a lush jungle where towering trees and vibrant wildlife set the stage for an adventure that feels like stepping into a living, breathing wilderness. As you ascend, the trail unfolds across the vast Shira Plateau, through misty moorlands, and past dramatic landmarks like the Lava Tower and Barranco Wall, each vista more breathtaking than the last. The 8-day hiking duration ensures ample time for acclimatization, boosting your chances of summiting while letting you savor the journey. From the jungle’s humid embrace to the crisp, thin air at the summit, every moment is a testament to Kilimanjaro’s wild grandeur, and Timon Safaris ensures you experience it with care and intention.

What makes this journey truly special? It’s the way we craft every detail to elevate your experience. Your adventure begins in the dense jungle of Lemosho Gate, where the forest hums with life—monkeys swing through the canopy, and the trail is a ribbon of earth beneath a ceiling of green. On the mountain, our certified guides lead with expertise and encouragement, monitoring your health twice daily with pulse oximeters to keep altitude sickness at bay. Our porters carry your gear, leaving you free to soak in the surroundings, while our private cook prepares gourmet meals in a dedicated dining tent—think steaming soups and summit-day snacks that taste like triumph. As proud partners of the Kilimanjaro Responsible Travel Organisation (KRTO), we climb sustainably, ensuring our presence supports the mountain and its people.

This isn’t just about the summit; it’s about the memories you’ll carry long after—the rustle of leaves at Big Tree Camp, the golden light on the Shira Plateau, the exhilaration of standing on Uhuru Peak as the sun rises over Africa. Timon Safaris weaves it all together with a pre-trip prep guide covering gear, training, and altitude tips, plus personalized support from our Tanzania-based team. When you return to Moshi, a celebratory dinner with live music awaits, a chance to toast your achievement and reflect on a journey that’s as much about the heart as the heights. The Lemosho Route requires moderate to high fitness, with 5-8 hours of daily hiking through varied terrain, but with our expertise, it’s achievable for anyone ready to train and embrace the challenge. Ready to conquer Kilimanjaro’s most successful path? Let Timon Safaris guide you to the Roof of Africa in a way you’ll never forget.

Why Timon Safaris?

We’re your partners in adventure, offering a pre-trip prep guide, twice-daily health checks with pulse oximeters, and personalized care from our Tanzania-based team. It’s a seamless, unforgettable ascent tailored to you.

Fitness Requirements

Moderate to high fitness is essential for 5-8 hours of daily hiking amid varied terrain and altitude. Train with hikes or cardio 3-6 months prior, pace yourself (“pole pole”), and trust our expertise to reach the summit. Check our blog, Mastering Kilimanjaro for prep tips.

Why Timon Safaris Stands Out
  • Top-Tier Service: From airport pickup to summit cheers, we’re with you every step.
  • Local Expertise: Our Tanzania-based team lives and breathes Kilimanjaro.
  • Competitive Value: Premium experience at rates that rival the competition.
  • Tailored Extensions: Add a Serengeti safari or Zanzibar escape—seamlessly planned by us.

Ready to summit Kilimanjaro with Timon Safaris? Contact us today to book your spot or customize your adventure!

Highlights

  • Jungle Immersion: Begin in a dense rainforest teeming with wildlife, from monkeys to colorful birds.
  • Tented Adventure: Camp in high-quality tents under Kilimanjaro’s stars, with a dedicated dining tent.
  • Top-Notch Support: Expert guides, porters, and chefs ensure a safe, unforgettable climb.
  • Scenic Splendor: Traverse the Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall, and more, with panoramic views.
  • Eco-Friendly Trek: Proud KRTO partnership for sustainable practices.

Included/Excluded

  • National Park Fees: All entry and conservation fees for Kilimanjaro National Park.
  • 10-Day Adventure: A comprehensive 10-day trip, including 8 days of hiking on the Lemosho Route.
  • Airport Transfers: Pickup and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport in a private vehicle.
  • Dedicated Porters: A team to carry your gear, ensuring you only need a daypack for essentials.
  • English-Speaking Cook: A private cook to prepare fresh, nutritious meals daily.
  • Expert English-Speaking Guide: A professional guide to lead you safely to the summit.
  • Dining Setup: Tables and chairs for comfortable meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Premium Tents: High-quality sleeping and dining tents for a cozy experience.
  • Portable Toilet Facilities: A private toilet tent for hygiene and convenience.
  • Rescue Fee Coverage: Emergency rescue fees up to 3,500 m/11,483 ft (by vehicle).
  • International Flights and Visas: You’ll need to arrange your own flights to Tanzania and obtain a visa (typically $50-$100 depending on nationality).
  • Travel Insurance: Mandatory insurance covering trekking up to 6,000 meters and emergency evacuation is not included.
  • Pre- and Post-Trip Accommodation: Lodging in Moshi or Arusha before and after the climb is not covered; our drivers will transport you to/from your chosen hotel or lodge.

Itinerary

<span>Day 1</span>Arrival in Moshi – Gateway to the Wild

Your journey begins as you touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a warm Timon Safaris guide greets you amid the hum of arrival. A scenic drive takes you to your chosen hotel or lodge in Moshi (accommodation not included in the price), with Kilimanjaro’s silhouette teasing the adventure ahead. After settling in, the evening unfolds with a detailed trip briefing over a hearty Tanzanian dinner—perhaps ugali and nyama choma—while your guide reviews your gear and shares insights for the climb. The distant sounds of the jungle drift through the air, a prelude to the wild days ahead, as you rest up for the journey.

After breakfast at your lodging, your Timon Safaris team drives you to Lemosho Gate at 2,100 meters (6,889 feet) on Kilimanjaro’s western slopes. The trek begins in a dense jungle, the air thick with humidity and the forest buzzing with life—colobus monkeys chatter overhead, and vibrant birds flit through the canopy. The trail winds through towering trees draped in moss, a 3-4 hour hike that feels like a journey into a forgotten world. Arrive at Big Tree Camp at 2,780 meters (9,120 feet), aptly named for the ancient giants surrounding your campsite. Your crew sets up high-quality tents, and you enjoy a hot meal in the dining tent, the jungle’s symphony lulling you into the night.

Wake to the jungle’s morning chorus and a steaming breakfast. Today’s 5-6 hour trek takes you out of the rainforest and into the heath and moorland zone. The trail climbs steadily, the dense jungle giving way to open terrain with giant heather and sweeping views of the Shira Plateau. You might spot antelope tracks or hear the calls of turacos as you ascend. The air grows cooler, and Kibo Peak looms larger with every step. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp at 3,510 meters (11,515 feet), where your tent is pitched on the edge of the plateau. A warm lunch awaits, and you spend the afternoon acclimatizing, the vast landscape stretching out like a promise of what’s to come.

Day four dawns with a hearty breakfast, fueling you for a 4-5 hour trek across the Shira Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The terrain is open and rolling, with low shrubs and grasses replacing the jungle’s embrace. The views are nothing short of spectacular—Mount Meru floats on the horizon on clear days, and Kilimanjaro’s peaks dominate the sky. This gentle day aids acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude. You reach Shira 2 Camp at 3,890 meters (12,762 feet), where your team has set up camp with a portable toilet and dining tent. Spend the afternoon relaxing or taking short walks, the plateau’s quiet beauty a perfect backdrop for reflection.

Today is a pivotal acclimatization day, with a 6-7 hour trek that takes you from Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) for lunch. The climb through semi-desert terrain tests your lungs, but the views of Kibo’s glaciers are a stunning reward. After lunch, descend into the Barranco Valley, arriving at Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters (12,959 feet). The descent reveals a dramatic shift—giant senecios and lobelias dot the landscape, evoking a prehistoric jungle. The towering Barranco Wall looms ahead, a challenge for tomorrow. Settle into your tent, where a hearty dinner and the crew’s warm chatter help you unwind after a long day.

Start the day with the exhilarating ascent of the Barranco Wall, a 1-2 hour scramble that demands focus but offers sweeping views as you crest the ridge. The trail then weaves through valleys and ridges, with glimpses of the jungle far below and the summit above. After 4-5 hours of hiking, you reach Karanga Camp at 4,040 meters (13,254 feet). This shorter day allows for rest and further acclimatization, with the afternoon free to relax or explore the camp’s surroundings. Your private cook prepares a hot lunch, and the sounds of distant wildlife from the lower slopes drift up, a reminder of the jungle where your journey began.

Today’s 3-4 hour trek takes you to Barafu Camp at 4,645 meters (15,239 feet), your staging ground for the summit push. The landscape is now stark and rocky, a far cry from the jungle’s lush embrace. You arrive by midday, giving you ample time to rest and prepare for the midnight ascent. Your guide briefs you on the summit plan, ensuring you’re ready for the challenge ahead. An early dinner in the dining tent fuels you up, and you nap under a starry sky, the thin air charged with anticipation as you mentally prepare for the final climb.

Summit day begins at midnight, with headlamps cutting through the darkness as you leave Barafu Camp. The 6-8 hour ascent to Stella Point at 5,752 meters (18,871 feet) is grueling, your boots crunching on volcanic scree as the cold bites. Dawn breaks as you reach the crater rim, painting the sky in hues of gold and pink. Press on for another hour to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), where the sunrise over Africa’s plains is a soul-stirring reward. After photos and celebration, descend 6-8 hours to Millennium Camp at 3,820 meters (12,532 feet), passing back through moorland with distant views of the jungle below. Exhausted but triumphant, you enjoy dinner and rest, the summit’s memory glowing like a beacon.

The final hiking day begins with a 4-5 hour descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate at 1,640 meters (5,380 feet). The trail plunges back into the dense jungle, alive with birdsong and the rustle of leaves. Monkeys swing through the canopy, and the forest’s humidity wraps around you like a familiar friend. At Mweka Gate, you sign out, receive your summit certificate, and join a tipping ceremony to thank your crew. A Timon Safaris driver transports you back to your chosen hotel or lodge in Moshi (accommodation not included in the price), where a celebratory dinner with live Tanzanian music awaits. The summit’s memory glows as you rest, the journey on the mountain complete.

The final day dawns with a bittersweet farewell. After breakfast at your hotel or lodge, you linger over coffee or explore Moshi’s markets for souvenirs, savoring Tanzania’s last whispers. Your Timon Safaris driver arrives to transport you from your chosen accommodation (not included in the price) back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, the journey complete—unless a safari or Zanzibar adventure beckons. As you board your flight, Kilimanjaro’s summit lingers in your mind, a testament to your grit and the magic of this Timon Safaris expedition.

Durations

10 days

Languages

English
French
German

Prices & FAQ’s

Low season
March / April / May
1st November - 19th December
2 persons

3540 USD

4 persons

3050 USD

6 persons

3040 USD

Mid season
Rest of the Year
2 persons

3690 USD

4 persons

3190 USD

6 persons

3180 USD

High season
July / August / September
20th December - 10th January
2 persons

3850 USD

4 persons

3345 USD

6 persons

3330 USD

Low season
March / April / May
1st November - 19th December
2 persons

3540 USD

4 persons

3050 USD

6 persons

3040 USD

Mid season
Rest of the Year
2 persons

3690 USD

4 persons

3190 USD

6 persons

3180 USD

High season
July / August / September
20th December - 10th January
2 persons

3850 USD

4 persons

3345 USD

6 persons

3330 USD

* The above prices are per person, excluding international flight tickets
* For groups larger than 6 people, please Contact us

  • High Season (June to October & December to February): This time is perfect for wildlife viewing and the Great Migration.
  • Mid-Season (March & November): Ideal for calving season in Serengeti and fewer crowds.
  • Low Season (April to May): Best for budget travellers; lush landscapes but occasional rain.

Yes, Tanzania is generally safe for tourists. Follow basic travel precautions, and Timon Safaris ensures your safety throughout your journey.

Booking is simple! Contact Timon Safaris directly via our website, email, or phone. We’ll guide you through choosing the best itinerary for your adventure.

Tour's Location

Kilimanjaro National Park

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