Dream Trails Expeditions

Lemosho Route

10-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek

Dream Trails Expeditions
10 Day Trek
Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)

From - $2200

Trek Overview

Conquer Africa's highest peak on the scenic Lemosho Route, a 9-day journey through lush rainforests, alpine deserts, and dramatic lunar landscapes. This trek offers a less crowded path to the summit, breathtaking panoramas, and a carefully designed itinerary that maximizes acclimatization and success rates. Starting and ending in Arusha, the Lemosho Route provides a diverse trekking experience from tropical forests to the iconic Uhuru Peak, all guided by our experienced Dream Trails Expeditions team.

Route: Lemosho Route (Shira Plateau → Barranco → Barafu → Summit)
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Accommodation: Tented campsites along the route
Transport: 4x4 transfers to and from Kilimanjaro National Park Gate
Guide: Experienced, certified mountain guides and porters
Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trek
Start / End: Arusha, Tanzania

🌳 Trek through lush montane and rainforest zones
🏞️ Cross the scenic Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall, and Lava Tower
🌄 Witness stunning sunrise at the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
🏔️ Panoramic views of Mount Meru, Shira Plateau, and Kilimanjaro's glaciers
🥾 Careful acclimatization strategy for safe ascent and higher summit success
📸 Incredible photographic opportunities along less crowded routes
🏕️ Stay in comfortable high-altitude campsites with full support from guides and porters

To maximize your chances of summiting safely and comfortably, the Lemosho Route uses:

Gradual Ascent: Multi-day itinerary allows your body to adjust to higher altitudes.
"Climb High, Sleep Low" Approach: Ascend to higher altitudes during the day, descend slightly for overnight camps.
Rest and Hydration: Frequent breaks, hydration, and light trekking pace to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Health Monitoring: Guides monitor climbers' oxygen levels and well-being throughout the trek.

Arrival & Transfers:

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to your Arusha hotel for overnight rest and trek briefing.

What to Pack:

Lightweight trekking clothing (breathable, layered)
Warm jacket, gloves, and hat for summit nights
Hiking boots, trekking poles, and gaiters
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and headlamp
Water bottles and hydration system

Travel Documents:

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
Tanzania tourist visa (online or on arrival)

Health & Safety:

All camps are equipped for emergencies, and our guides carry first-aid kits, oxygen, and communication devices.

January – March & June – October: Dry seasons — ideal for clear skies, stable weather, and safer trekking conditions.
April – May & November: Rainy seasons — lush scenery but wetter, more challenging trail conditions.

✅ All airport transfers (arrival & departure)
✅ Accommodation in Arusha pre- and post-trek
✅ Full board during trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
✅ Professional, certified mountain guides and porters
✅ 4x4 park gate transfers
✅ Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, sleeping mats)
✅ Meals and drinks for guides and porters
✅ Kilimanjaro National Park fees, rescue fees, and camping fees
✅ Pre-trek briefing and maps

❌ International flights
❌ Tanzania visa fees
❌ Travel and medical insurance
❌ Personal gear (sleeping bags, walking sticks)
❌ Tips and gratuities for guides & porters
❌ Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, souvenirs)

🌄 Adjust itinerary length for extra acclimatization days
💎 Upgrade camping gear or add luxury glamping tents
📷 Add professional photography or videography support
🏞️ Combine with a safari (Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti) before or after the trek
🚁 Optional helicopter transfer back to Arusha for faster descent

🇹🇿 Local Expertise: Guides with decades of Kilimanjaro trekking experience
🏕️ Safety & Comfort: Carefully planned itineraries, quality gear, and attentive staff
🥾 High Summit Success Rate: Acclimatization-focused Lemosho Route plan
💬 Personalized Service: Full pre-trek support, briefing, and in-country assistance
🌍 Sustainable & Responsible: Supporting porters' welfare and eco-friendly trekking
📸 Memorable Experience: Capture the summit, stunning landscapes, and lifetime memories

10-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route

Route Overview: Arusha → Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa → Shira Plateau → Barranco → Karanga → Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Gate → Arusha

Trekking Style: Guided Mountain Trek | Accommodation: Mountain Camps (Tents) | Meal Plan: Full Board during trek | Best Season: June to October | December to March

Day 1 — Arrival in Arusha

Route: Kilimanjaro International Airport → Arusha

Distance / Time: ~1 hour drive
Habitat: Urban / Highland

Experience:

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our Dream Trails Expeditions representative will greet you and transfer you to your lodge in Arusha.
Receive a detailed pre-climb briefing and equipment check with your mountain guide.
Rest and prepare for the upcoming trek.

Overnight: Arusha (Standard Lodge / Hotel)

Day 2 — Arusha → Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp

Route: Arusha → Londorossi Gate (2,250 m) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,800 m)

Distance / Time: 6 km | 3–4 hours trekking
Habitat: Montane forest

Experience:

After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate for registration and start of your trek.
Begin hiking through lush rainforest where you may spot Colobus monkeys and forest birds.
Reach Mti Mkubwa ("Big Tree") Camp by late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight at camp.

Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,800 m)

Day 3 — Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp

Route: Mti Mkubwa (2,800 m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m)

Distance / Time: 8 km | 5–6 hours trekking
Habitat: Moorland

Experience:

Ascend through the forest and into moorland, where vegetation thins and views open up.
Cross several streams and enjoy panoramic views of the Shira Ridge and plateau.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp for rest and dinner.

Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m)

Day 4 — Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp

Route: Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m) → Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)

Distance / Time: 7 km | 3–4 hours trekking
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine heath

Experience:

Enjoy an easy acclimatization walk across the Shira Plateau.
Take in stunning views of Mount Meru and Kibo's glaciers ahead.
Arrive at Shira 2 Camp in time for lunch and optional short hikes in the afternoon.

Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)

Day 5 — Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp

Route: Shira 2 (3,850 m) → Lava Tower (4,600 m) → Barranco Camp (3,960 m)

Distance / Time: 10 km | 6–7 hours trekking
Habitat: Alpine desert to valley

Experience:

A key acclimatization day — ascend gradually to Lava Tower (4,600 m) and pause for lunch.
Descend to Barranco Camp through the scenic Barranco Valley, filled with giant lobelias and senecios.
"Climb high, sleep low" — excellent for altitude adaptation.

Overnight: Barranco Camp (3,960 m)

Day 6 — Barranco → Karanga Camp

Route: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) → Karanga Camp (4,035 m)

Distance / Time: 6 km | 4–5 hours trekking
Habitat: Alpine desert

Experience:

Start with a fun climb up the Barranco Wall, a thrilling non-technical scramble.
Cross rolling valleys and ridges with spectacular views of the southern glacier.
Afternoon rest and short acclimatization hike at Karanga Camp.

Overnight: Karanga Camp (4,035 m)

Day 7 — Karanga → Barafu Camp

Route: Karanga (4,035 m) → Barafu Camp (4,640 m)

Distance / Time: 4 km | 3–4 hours trekking
Habitat: Alpine desert

Experience:

A short but steep climb leads to Barafu Camp, your final base before summit night.
Arrive early for lunch, rest, and early dinner.
Sleep by 7:00 PM to prepare for the midnight summit push.

Overnight: Barafu Camp (4,640 m)

Day 8 — Summit Day (Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp)

Route: Barafu (4,640 m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Mweka Camp (3,100 m)

Distance / Time: 16 km | 10–14 hours total trekking
Habitat: Arctic summit zone → forest

Experience:

Begin the summit attempt around midnight under the stars.
Slowly climb to Stella Point (5,756 m), then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the roof of Africa!
Celebrate and take photos before descending to Barafu for rest, then continue to Mweka Camp.

Overnight: Mweka Camp (3,100 m)

Day 9 — Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Arusha

Route: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) → Mweka Gate (1,640 m) → Arusha

Distance / Time: 10 km | 3–4 hours trekking
Habitat: Rainforest

Experience:

After breakfast, descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate.
Receive your summit certificates and thank your guides and porters.
Transfer to Arusha for a hot shower, relaxation, and celebration dinner.

Overnight: Arusha (Hotel / Lodge)

Day 10 — Departure from Arusha

Route: Hotel → Kilimanjaro International Airport

Distance / Time: ~1 hour drive

Experience:

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.
Depending on your flight time, you may explore Arusha town for souvenirs before airport transfer.
Depart with unforgettable memories of conquering Mount Kilimanjaro

End of tour