Kilimanjaro Hike via Lemosho

Safari summary

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a journey unlike any other. It is more than just a trek it is a personal adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime. The Lemosho Route is often considered one of the most scenic and rewarding paths to the summit. It allows you to gradually adjust to the altitude, giving your body the best chance to reach Uhuru Peak while you enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes on the mountain. Over eight days, you will move through lush rainforests, open moorlands, rocky highlands, and the stark beauty of the alpine desert. Each day offers something unique, and the gradual ascent allows you to take in the mountain’s magic while preparing your body for the higher altitudes.
You will begin your journey in Moshi and drive through the foothills of Kilimanjaro, passing small villages and farmland along the way. The first steps on the trail will take you into the rainforest. The tall trees create a cool, shaded canopy above you, and the forest is alive with birdsong and the occasional monkey calling out from the branches. Walking through this environment, you will feel a sense of calm and connection with nature. The soft forest floor beneath your boots, the green surroundings, and the gentle sounds of the forest all make for a peaceful and grounding start to your climb.
As you ascend, the dense forest gradually gives way to the moorland and heath zones. Here, you will see a wide variety of unique plants, including giant lobelias and senecios, which seem to thrive in this harsh yet beautiful environment. The trail opens onto the Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic parts of the route. From this wide, open landscape, you will see Kilimanjaro’s peak rising in the distance. The view is breathtaking and inspiring, a constant reminder of the adventure that lies ahead. Walking across the plateau, you will feel a sense of freedom and space that contrasts beautifully with the dense forest of the lower slopes.
Along the way, you will have the opportunity to climb Lava Tower, a dramatic volcanic formation. Spending time at this higher altitude helps your body acclimatize to the thin air. You will then descend into the Barranco Valley, surrounded by towering cliffs and giant plants that create a landscape both strange and beautiful. The next day, you will climb the Barranco Wall. Although it is steep, the ascent is non-technical and gives a great sense of accomplishment. From the top, you will enjoy spectacular views of the valleys below and the distant peak. The Karanga Valley follows, where you will continue to feel the mountain’s vastness and grandeur as you prepare for the final push to the summit.
Summit night will be the most challenging part of your journey. You will start in the darkness before midnight, guided only by your headlamp and the encouragement of your guides. The air is thin, cold, and crisp, and each step will require determination and focus. The final ascent is both physically and mentally demanding, but as you near Stella Point, the horizon will begin to glow with the first colors of dawn. Standing at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, you will witness a sunrise that is unforgettable. The glaciers, rocky ridges, and vast landscapes stretching out below create a view that few people ever see. This moment of triumph will be the culmination of your effort, preparation, and persistence, and it will leave you with a profound sense of accomplishment.
Descending from the summit will feel gentler, although your legs may feel tired from the long climb. The trail leads down through the alpine desert, then into the moorlands, and finally back into the forest. You will breathe easier as the oxygen-rich air returns and will enjoy the sounds and colors of the rainforest once more. Reaching Mweka Gate will be a moment of relief and celebration, where you will receive your summit certificate. Returning to Moshi, you will have time to rest, reflect, and savor the memories of your journey.
Throughout the climb, you will be supported by experienced guides, porters, and cooks who ensure your safety, comfort, and wellbeing. They carry the gear, set up camps, prepare meals, and encourage you every step of the way. This support allows you to focus on the hike itself and the beauty around you. You will also share the experience with fellow climbers, creating bonds and memories that will last long after the trek ends.
The Lemosho Route is not just about reaching the top of a mountain. It is about discovering your own strength, finding peace in nature, and appreciating the small moments along the trail. Every sunrise, every breath of thin mountain air, every step on the path, and every view you will see contributes to a journey that is both challenging and deeply rewarding. By the end of your eight-day climb, you will not only have reached Africa’s highest point but also carried with you an experience that will remain with you forever.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	January, February, March, June, July, August, September, October
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Walking safari—with armed guard
• Photography safari—with professional guide
• Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

• Accommodation
• All drinks
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• Hot air balloons
• Internal flights
• International flights
• Laundry
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments
• Visas