Ethical Private Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Lemosho Route

From $3,550 pp

  • Duration

    10 days

  • Bookable From

    June - October December - March

  • Trip Style

    Privately Guided

  • Country

    Sustainable Travel in Tanzania

  • Physical Rating

    Mildly Strenuous

Overview

This privately-guided, ethical, and carbon-offset climb takes you up to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the 8-day Lemosho Route.

The Lemosho Route is an excellent choice for your climb as it balances low traffic with beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Most of our clients use this route and love it. The 8-day Lemosho Route is particularly well-suited for mature travelers due to its pacing.

The total trip length is 10 days: arrival day, 8-day climb, departure day.

There are many routes by which you can conquer Kili! If you're looking for a specific length or difficulty of climb, contact us about the best route options.

  • 6-7 day climb routes: Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Shira, Umbwe, and Marangu.
  • 8-10 day climb routes: Lemosho, Northern Circuit.

Safaris can range from 2-6 days. Depending on the length, you can visit Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, and Tarangire National Parks. Contact us to customize your Climb & Safari package.

Highlights

  • Summit the tallest mountain in Africa via a less-trafficked path
  • Trek through jungles and ravines
  • Soak in incredible panoramic views
  • See fabulous moorland views
  • Enjoy healthy, fresh-cooked meals designed for climbers
  • Support an ethical climbing company

The Lemosho Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. Unlike the popular Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route crosses the entirety of the plain from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. About halfway through, the route joins the Machame route for the second half of the climb.

As you climb, you'll be nourished by three full meals daily. We provide plentiful, fresh food on the mountain and it’s well prepared by skilled professional chefs who join us on the trek. We also consider the choice of food that you would prefer (vegetarian and non-vegetarian). The menu is specially designed for climbers.

Seasonal Notes

The best time for this ethical Mount Kilimanjaro climb is June through October and December through March. The best time for big game viewing on a safari is June through October, January, and February.

June through October will have less rain than December to March. Temperatures are relatively consistent year-round (around 75-80°F / 24-27°C), being on the warmer end from December to March. Please note that this route is very popular, which means it can be crowded at times - this can cause it to lose some of its splendor. Unfortunately, traveling during the shoulder season during April, May, and November is not advisable due to bad weather that can cause safety hazards.

Please ask us about less-trafficked routes (like this one!), which help promote tourism dispersal, for a different and more off-the-beaten-path climbing experience.

Itinerary

Day 1 Moshi [Tanzania] (arrival day)

Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met by our guide at the airport and transferred to the hotel in Moshi. Hotel accommodation includes storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes.

Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort
Room plan: Double Occupancy

Day 2 Start Trek. Lemosho Gate (2100m) - Big Tree Camp (2800m)

The day begins with a long drive to Londrossi Park Gate (2100 m) for registration. Pass through village communities to the trailhead to start hiking on the route along a narrow forest path to reach Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite (2800 m).

  • Trekking Time: 2-3 hours
  • Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 411 m

Accommodation: Camping at Big Tree
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3 Big Tree Camp (2800m) - Shira Hut 1 (3500m)

Leaving the forest, the trail gets steeper as it enters the moorland zone towards the valley. A gentle grade walk takes you across the high altitude Shira Caldera past Shira Cave (views of Arrow glacier) at 3500 m and then gently downwards to Shira Hut 1 located near a stream on the Shira Plateau.

  • Trekking Time: 3 hours
  • Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 719 m

Accommodation: Camping at Shira Hut 1
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4 Shira Hut 1 - Shira Hut 2

A gentle hike across the plateau within the moorland meadow takes you to Shira Hut 2 for the afternoon and overnight. Many hikes are available on the Plateau, making this a great day for acclimatization.

  • Trekking Time: 3 hours
  • Distance: 7 km (4.4 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 321 m

Accommodation: Camping at Shira Hut 2
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5 Shira Hut 2 (3500m) - Lava Tower (4600m) - Barranco Camp (3900m)

Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. You will traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach, finally reaching Barranco Camp (3900 m).
The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600 m), but you will have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to avoid altitude sickness by aiding your body in acclimatization.

  • Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
  • Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 60 m

Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6 Barranco Camp (3900m) - Karanga Valley (4000m)

Start the day by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. Then exit steeply, up what has been termed the Breakfast Wall, which divides you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It is a climb over rocks, although not technical. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, head towards the Karanga Valley (4000 m) to camp overnight.

  • Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 100 m

Accommodation: Camping at Karanga Valley
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7 Karanga Camp (4000m) - Barafu Camp (4600m)

The day is characterized by a short hike on terrain formed by scree. Walk through arid land towards Barafu Camp (4600 m) where you have the entire afternoon to rest before ascending towards the summit.

  • Trekking Time: 2-4 hours
  • Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 600 m

Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8 Barafu Camp (4600m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Millennium Camp (3000m)

We avoid walking too long in the heat of the sun today by starting around midnight and walking steeply upwards to the summit glaciers.
You will be climbing scree for 5 to 6 hours, but you gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. You should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5750 m) as the first rays of the sun emerge. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround you and the views to Mawenzi Peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walk takes you to your goal, the summit of Uhuru (5896 m), the highest point. Uhuru means freedom in Swahili.

  • Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 1296 m

After a quick celebration and photos at the top, you will begin the descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on Scree Slope back to Barafu Camp for breakfast and a short rest before finally heading down to Millennium Camp (3000 m) for a well-earned rest. On the descent, you will have fabulous views of the plains and Mawenzi Peak.

  • Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
  • Altitude Loss: 2896 m

Accommodation: Camping at Millennium Camp
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 9 Millennium Camp (3000m) - Mweka Gate (1640m); End Trek

A gentle trek takes you down through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate (1640 m), where park formalities will be completed, you will be met by our vehicles, and receive your certificate of ascent courtesy of the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. Thereafter, drive back to Moshi where you can treat yourself to a well-earned shower and a cold beer or two.

  • Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
  • Altitude Loss: 1360 m

Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort
Room plan: Double Occupancy
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 Moshi (Departure day)

We will transfer you from the hotel in Moshi to the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where you will fly back home.

Included Meal: Breakfast

Customization

This trip can be customized for additional cost. For example:

  • Spend only 7 days (instead of 8) climbing Kili via the Lemosho Route.
  • Add-on a safari to your trip. These can range from two to six days. We're near to: the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater & Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, and Tarangire National Park. If you add on a safari, you can opt to visit the Olduvai Gorge, a Maasai Village, or enjoy a hot air balloon safari.
  • Continue on to Zanzibar.

Pricing will be adjusted based on the final itinerary.

Route Map

A route map for Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, showing all of the possible climbing and trekking routes, color-coded by route.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • 2-way transfer to/from Kilimanjaro Airport.

  • 2 nights in a Moshi hotel.

  • 2-way transfer to and from the route gate(s).

  • 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 7 dinners.

  • 3-4 liters of mineral water (per climber) provided daily during the climb.

  • Hot drinks and hot water for washing are provided daily during the climb.

  • All park, camping, & team fees.

  • Guides, cooks, & mountain support crew for your trek.

  • Crew's equipment for the trek.

  • Pulse Ox meter for blood-oxygen level readings, carried by the chief guide.

  • Porter to carry your duffel bag.

  • Sleeping mattress pad(s) and tent(s).

  • Dining tent(s).

  • Portable toilets with a tent.

  • Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid).

  • Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only).

  • Emergency evacuation with the Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter (see Health & Safety section).

  • Kilimanjaro National Park rescue team fees.

  • Carbon offset certificate.

  • Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.

  • Concession fees.

  • Government taxes.

  • Tanzania 18% VAT on tourism activities and park fees.

  • International flights to/from Tanzania.

  • Travel insurance.

  • Extra nights at the hotel.

  • Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Drinks and beverages in the Moshi hotel.

  • Drinks and beverages at the safari lodge.

  • Airport taxes (amount depends on where you’re flying from).

  • Tipping for the Mountain Crew.

  • Visa fees, to be paid upon arrival (ranges from $50 to $100 USD).

  • Personal hiking/trekking gear – you can rent some gear in Tanzania.

  • Snacks, personal medicine, and water purifying tablets.

Pricing

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

TIPPING RECOMMENDATION

  • Climbing Guide - $15 to $20 per day.
  • Climbing Assistant Guide - $10 to $15 per day.
  • Climbing Cook - $10 to $15 per day.
  • Climbing Porters - $6 to $10 per day per porter.

  • Deposit per person

    30% of trip price

  • [Private Climb] Shared room - sleeps 2 - price per adult

    $3,550 per adult

  • [Private Climb] Shared room - sleeps 2 - price per child

    $2,870 per child (5-15 years old)

  • Single Supplement

    $250 for the Climb only

Optional Add-ons

Climb:

  • Sleeping bag rental (Mountain Hardware Lamina, synthetic -30F): $50 per person.
  • Telescopic trekking poles rental: $20 per trip.
  • Extra porter (personal porter) for excess gear: $30 per day.
  • Extra night at the hotel: $90 for double occupancy, $70 for single occupancy

Sustainability

We pride ourselves on taking good care of our mountain crew, who make our climbs possible, and also giving back to our local community in Moshi.

We focus on organizing responsible and ethical tours that make places better for people to both live in and visit. Our dream is to combine community development with cultural tourism and conservation. We believe that the tourism industry has an obligation and a great opportunity to protect the world's natural habitats, cultural heritage sites, and communities.

We are a member of Carbon Offsetting Tanzania and for every climbing trip done with us, we offset the carbon impact and travelers will receive their carbon offset certificate. We provide Leave No Trace Tanzania training to our workers and donate some of our profits to planting trees in Moshi.

We do not indulge in animal slavery, cruelty, or luring through bait during the wildlife experiences. We stay at hotels that use or are trying to use renewable energy and eco-friendly cleaning products. We also stay in tents during the climb.

Our company has created employment opportunities for more than 400 locals (porters, guides, chefs), which helps with Tanzania's unemployment problem. We do not believe in "cheap climbs." Our prices reflect fair and ethical wages for all. We do not exploit any of our Mountain Crew (porters, guides, and chefs), without whom our climbs would not be possible. To ensure this, we are a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) which requires that our Mountain Crew are paid fair wages, receive proper equipment and sleeping conditions, and are fed well. KPAP audits our climbs raises public awareness of fair treatment of porters.

We also collaborate with KPAP to provide financial education to our Mountain Crew about saving, spending, and investing their money. We profit share with our community to ensure they benefit from the tourism revenue as well (for example, we support disabled children and help fund the building of schools.)

For every client, we ensure one child in Moshi gets health insurance for 1 year.

Health & Safety

Be sure you have traveler's insurance that covers up to 6000 meters above sea level! Insurance partners like World Nomads can provide this. Proof is required before arrival. This is needed in case an emergency evacuation with the Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter is required.

FAQs

What does the Physical Rating of "Mildly Strenuous" mean?

Kilimanjaro climbing involves physical training. You will have to be fit for this trip as it involves hiking for long hours. The safari portion is easy as it involves sitting in the car and watching animals during game drives.

What are the accommodations like?

This is a mid-range tour that includes 3 to 4-star hotels at Moshi. While on the climb you will be sleeping in a four-season tent. During the safari you will be staying in tented lodges or camps. If you want a more luxurious safari stay, contact us for pricing.

Is this tour fully escorted?

Yes, this trip is fully guided by a professional Mountain Guide who will escort you throughout the climb, as well as the adequate and appropriate number of guides, porters, and cooks. Your safari will include an English-speaking guide.

Is this trip safe for solo travelers?

Yes, it is safe and feasible for solo travelers. Solo travelers can book this as a private tour. Contact us for pricing.

Do I need a visa?

Yes, you will need a visa upon arrival in Tanzania.

How much can my bag weigh? (For the climb)

Your bag that a porter will carry for you from one camp to the next can have a maximum weight of 15kg / 32 lbs.

How frequently will our blood-oxygen levels be checked? (For the climb)

The Pulse Ox meter, carried by the chief guide, will be used to take blood-oxygen level readings twice a day.

Reviews

Kris B.

Mar 13, 2023

8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb (Lemosho Route) + 4 Days Safari

Hilary assisted me in finding the perfect Kilimanjaro climb and safari! The trip was everything we dreamed of.

Guides and Porters were amazing and friendly and helped us make it to the top as well as see every African animal! Food was good and energizing but repetitive. We were eating for sustenance.

Would recommend Yugen Earthside.

Inquire Now

Travel Insurance for Good

We proudly partner with wanderwell, a B-Corp-certified travel insurance agency and 1% for the Planet member.

Request a FREE quote for Trip Protection or Travel Medical coverage.

Book Insurance Now