Kilimanjaro 2026 - Lemosho Route

Day 1 - Thursday 15th October - Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Arusha

• On arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our guide will meet you and drive to your hotel in Arusha at Kibo Palace Hotel

  Arusha. All rooms are double-occupancy.

  • Meals Included: Bed & Breakfast

DAY 2 - Thursday 15th October - Relaxation Day, Briefing and Gear Check-up

• On this day you will have enough time to relax at the hotel, enjoying the pool and drinks. Also, we can plan for a short trip around the city and grab a coffee. In the afternoon you will have a briefing for the trek and gear checkup.

  • Meals Included: Bed & Breakfast

DAY 3 - Friday 16th October - Londorosi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

• We depart from Arusha to Lemosho Gate, where you will complete an entry formality. Then, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site which is Mti Mkubwa camp for dinner and overnight.

  • Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft | Distance: 6 km / 4 miles | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rain Forest

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    
    

DAY 4 - Saturday 17th October - Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

• We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

  • Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft | Distance: 8 km / 5miles | Hiking Time 5-6 hours | Habitat: Heather

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 5 - Sunday 18th October - Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

• We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main

  trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization

  opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

  • Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft | Distance: 11 km / 7 miles | Hiking Time: 5-7 hours | Habitat: Heather

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 6 - Monday 19th October - Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower, a 300ft tall volcanic rock formation.

  • Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft | Distance: 7 km / 4 miles | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

• We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

  • Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft | Distance: 3 km / 2 miles | Hiking Time: 2-3 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 7 - Tuesday 20th October - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

  • Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft | Distance: 5 km/3 miles | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 8 - Wednesday 21st October - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

  • Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft | Distance: 4 km/2 miles | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 9 - Thursday 22nd October - RETURN TO MARANGU PARK

• Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

  • Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft | Distance: 5 km / 3 miles | Hiking Time: 7-8 hours | Habitat: Arctic

• From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be

  expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

  • Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft | Distance: 12 km / 7 miles | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours | Habitat: Rain Forest

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 10 - Friday 23rd October - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Arusha

• On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka gate and drive us back to Arusha at your hotel (Kibo Palace Hotel) for a well-deserved long shower or dip in the pool!

  • Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft | Distance: 10 km/6 miles | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rain Forest

  • Meals Included: Bed & Breakfast

DAY 11 - Saturday 24th October - Departure – Kilimanjaro International Airport: JRO

• Depend on your flight departure time, we will take you from your hotel and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for a departure to your home or another destination.

• As the plane ascends, you’ll leave behind the majestic peak of Kilimanjaro, carrying with you a sense of accomplishment and countless stories to share. The flight back to the UK will give you time to rest and recharge, preparing you to return to your daily routine with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of adventure. Upon landing, you’ll be greeted by familiar sights and sounds, but with the added satisfaction of having conquered one of the world’s most iconic mountains. Welcome home!

Base cost is £2,295pp which includes:

• All your accommodation during your time in Tanzania

• Transfers to and from the Airport and to the start of the Trek

• Meals on a B&B basis whilst in Arusha and all meals on the mountain including boiled drinking water

• All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).

• UK Leaders and local Guides and Porters

• UK Mountain Training Days

• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority) including 18% VAT collected by government.

• Hiking and safety equipment

  • 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;

  • Four Season sleeping tent, 3-person size for 1 person (Private tent).

  • All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery)

  • Wash basins with hot water every morning and evening at the camp.

  • Emergency Oxygen cylinder

  • Pulse oximeters

  • Altitude sickness checklist

  • Complete First Aid Kit.

  • Portable private toilet with a tent and porter.

• Climbing crew:

  • UK Based Leaders

  • Local Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 7+years of successful mountaineering experience;

  • Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)

• A certificate documenting your summit conquest.

Additional Costs:

• Flights - (£600 to £1,100pp)

• Tips - Recommended £200 - £300pp (10% Trip Cost)

• Meals when not trekking other than breakfast

• Personal Trip/Accident Insurance

• Visa - $50 at airport (£40)

• Personal hiking gear

• Spending money

As part of our comprehensive training program, each adventurer will have the opportunity to join monthly UK Mountain Training Days. These sessions are designed to help you build fitness, familiarise yourself with your gear, and bond with your fellow climbers. Held in various stunning locations across the UK, these training days offer the perfect opportunity to hike challenging trails, test your equipment, and share tips and experiences with your team. By the time you set foot on Kilimanjaro, you’ll be well-prepared, confident, and part of a close-knit group ready to conquer the summit together.

Check out our UK Mountain Training Days here.

Tanzania is served by three main airports: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (DAR), and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar (ZNZ). For those planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, JRO is the most convenient option

In recent years, the number of airlines flying into Kilimanjaro has increased, leading to more competitive prices. You can now find flights with Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines, among others. Alternatively, you might consider flying into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Kenya. Flights to Nairobi can be £100-£150 cheaper, and from there, it’s a six-hour bus ride to Arusha. The shuttle service costs about $80 (£60) for a round trip and offers a scenic journey through the African countryside. Additionally, Kenya offers more affordable safari options, which you can enjoy before or after your Kilimanjaro trek. One thing to keep in mind is that traveling through Kenya requires visas for both Kenya and Tanzania. Be sure to check the visa requirements with the relevant High Commissions to ensure a smooth trip.

You just need £1 to secure your spot on our Kilimanjaro adventure, a 10% payment is then required within 4 weeks. This initial payment ensures your place on the trip and allows us to begin making the necessary arrangements. The remaining balance can be conveniently paid through monthly direct debit installments (Interest Free), making it easier to manage your finances. The full amount must be settled 6 weeks before the departure date, ensuring everything is in order for your exciting journey to the Roof of Africa. If you have any questions about the payment process, feel free to reach out to us!

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenging trek that requires a good level of fitness. It’s recommended to engage in regular cardiovascular and strength training exercises several months before your trip. Hiking experience and acclimatisation to high altitudes can also be beneficial.

The best times to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are during the dry seasons, which are from late June to October and from late December to February. These periods offer the most stable weather conditions and clearer views.

In October, Mount Kilimanjaro experiences generally mild and comfortable weather, making it a great time for trekking. Daytime temperatures typically range around 17°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to between 7-13°C. October marks the beginning of the dry season, so you can expect mostly clear skies and minimal rainfall. However, it’s always wise to be prepared for variable conditions, as weather on the mountain can change rapidly.

Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing for varying temperatures, a warm sleeping bag, a headlamp, trekking poles, a daypack, and personal items like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a first aid kit. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.

Meals on the trek are designed to be nutritious and energy-boosting. Typical meals include soups, pasta, rice, vegetables, and fruits. Special dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice.

On the Lemosho Route, you will be accommodated in high-quality mountain tents designed to withstand the varying conditions on Kilimanjaro. Each tent is spacious enough to comfortably fit two people, ensuring that you’ll share with a fellow climber. This arrangement not only provides warmth and companionship during the nights but also helps manage the logistics of carrying and setting up equipment efficiently. The tents are typically dome-style, offering good stability against wind and rain, with a groundsheet to keep you dry and insulated from the earth.

Sleeping arrangements are simple but cozy: you’ll have a sleeping mat provided, and most trekkers bring their own sleeping bags rated for cold mountain nights (you can hire a sleeping bag if needed). The two-person setup means you’ll have enough room for your gear while still keeping the space compact and warm. At each campsite along the Lemosho Route, porters set up the tents before you arrive, so you can settle in quickly after a day’s trek. This shared accommodation fosters camaraderie among climbers and ensures everyone has a reliable, comfortable place to rest before tackling the next stage of the mountain.

Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level. To minimise the risk, it’s important to acclimatize properly by choosing a longer route, staying hydrated, and ascending slowly. Our guides will monitor your health and provide advice on managing symptoms.

For a trip to Tanzania, including a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro, it’s best to carry a mix of Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) and US Dollars (USD):

• Tanzanian Shillings (TZS): This is the local currency and will be useful for everyday expenses, such as meals, tips, and small purchases. You can exchange your currency for Tanzanian Shillings at banks, exchange bureaus, or ATMs in major towns like Moshi and Arusha.

• US Dollars (USD): US Dollars are widely accepted, especially for larger transactions such as hotel bills, park fees, and tips for guides and porters. Make sure to bring newer bills (printed after 2013) as older notes may not be accepted.

• Credit/Debit Cards: While credit and debit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, it’s advisable to carry some cash for places that do not accept cards. Be aware that there may be a 5% surcharge for card transactions.

• ATMs: ATMs are available in major towns and cities, and they dispense Tanzanian Shillings. It’s a good idea to withdraw cash in larger towns before heading to more remote areas, as ATMs can be scarce.

• Safety Tips: Keep your cash and cards secure. Use a money belt or hidden pouch to carry larger amounts of cash, and only withdraw money from ATMs located in reputable areas.

By carrying a combination of Tanzanian Shillings and US Dollars, you’ll be well-prepared for your trip and able to handle various transactions smoothly.

When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the expertise and support of your guides and porters are crucial to your success, second only to your own determination. These professionals are dedicated to ensuring your journey to the summit is both safe and unforgettable.

Your Guide: Throughout your trek, your guide will be your mentor and leader, guiding you to the summit and back down safely. It’s vital to follow their advice and work closely with them to ensure a successful climb.

Your Porter: Porters play a key role by carrying your gear and supplies up and down the mountain. They typically arrive at campsites ahead of you to set up and prepare for your arrival. In the evenings, they will also boil water for drinking and washing. Note that each climber’s gear is limited to 12 kg and a soft duffle bag is preferred for ease of carrying.

Support Team Ratios: The typical support team includes about three porters per trekker and two guides for every four trekkers, with additional cooks and assistant guides as needed. For a group of 10 Hikers our support team will be around 35 people

Tipping is a customary practice on Mount Kilimanjaro, and it plays a crucial role in the income of guides and porters. In many cases, tips form a significant part of their earnings, with some relying solely on these gratuities due to the lack of a regular salaries. Tips are typically given at the end of your trek, once you have reached the final checkpoint. You will hand the total amount to your lead guide, who will then allocate the money accordingly.

Typically tipping will be 10% of the trip cost per person (£200-£300). These amounts are just suggestions, and if you are able to give more, it is greatly appreciated. Remember, tips should only be given after you and all your gear have safely descended from the mountain.

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in northeastern Tanzania, near the border with Kenya. It is part of the Kilimanjaro National Park and is the highest mountain in Africa, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. The nearest major town is Moshi, which serves as a common starting point for treks up the mountain.