Kilimanjaro climbs
Kilimanjaro: 7-day Machame Route
The classic 'Whiskey Route': the most scenic way up Kilimanjaro, with a seventh day that makes a real difference to your summit…
Kilimanjaro climbs
Kilimanjaro: 8-day Lemosho Route
Our highest-success route. Eight days from the remote western forests across the Shira Plateau, with the best acclimatisation profile on the mountain.
- Duration8 days
- DifficultyChallenging
- RouteLemosho
- Max altitude5,895 m
- Best timeJan to Mar, Jun to Oct
- GroupPrivate, 1 to 12 climbers
- Starts / endsMoshi or Arusha
Lemosho starts on the quiet western side of Kilimanjaro and takes two days to cross the vast Shira Plateau before joining the Machame route at Barranco. Those extra days at moderate altitude are why it has the best summit record of any route, and why we recommend it to anyone who has the time.
The first days are also the wildest: the Lemosho forest is home to elephant and buffalo, so an armed ranger walks with you on day one.
Highlights
- The best acclimatisation profile on Kilimanjaro
- Two days crossing the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world
- Remote, quiet start through elephant forest
- Barranco Wall, Lava Tower and Uhuru Peak at sunrise
- Small private team throughout
Day by day
Drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, then on to the Lemosho trailhead. A gentle afternoon walk through rainforest to the first camp, with a ranger escort.
Climb out of the forest into heath and moorland. The path crests the Shira Ridge and drops onto the plateau, with Kibo suddenly in view ahead.
An easy day across the plateau, with an optional detour to Shira Cathedral for the views. Good acclimatisation with little effort.
Climb high to Lava Tower at 4,630 m for lunch, then descend to Barranco through the giant groundsel forest. The classic climb-high, sleep-low day.
Start with the Barranco Wall scramble, then undulating valleys to Karanga. A short day to rest and eat.
Up to base camp by early afternoon. Early dinner, kit check and briefing, then sleep until the midnight wake-up.
Midnight start. Slow, steady switchbacks to Stella Point for sunrise, then the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. Descend to Mweka Camp in the forest.
Down through the rainforest to the gate, certificates, and a transfer to your hotel.
What's included
Included
- 2 nights hotel in Moshi (before and after the climb), bed and breakfast
- Transfers between Moshi and the park gates
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping fees and rescue fees
- Professional licensed mountain guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Quality mountain tents, sleeping mats, mess tent, tables and chairs
- Three hot meals a day on the mountain and boiled drinking water
- Pulse oximeter checks twice daily and a first-aid kit
- Portable toilet tent
Not included
- International flights and Tanzanian visa
- Travel insurance (must cover trekking to 6,000 m)
- Personal climbing gear (available to rent in Moshi)
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel, drinks and personal items
Questions people ask
Lemosho or Machame?
If you have eight days, Lemosho. It is quieter for the first three days and gives you the most gradual ascent. If you have seven, Machame is excellent.
Is there a 7-day Lemosho?
Yes, by combining Shira 1 and Shira 2 into one day. We only recommend it for people who have already been above 4,000 m.
You might also like
Kilimanjaro climbs
Kilimanjaro: 6-day Marangu Route
The only route with hut accommodation. Sleep in a bunk rather than a tent, with an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo to…
Kilimanjaro climbs
Kilimanjaro: 7-day Rongai Route
The quiet northern route from the Kenyan border, with an acclimatisation night under the jagged spires of Mawenzi.