Summit Mount Kilimanjaro: The Lemosho Route

Tanzania | Small Group Adventure | Local Mountain Guides

START / FINISH

Moshi, Tanzania

PRIMARY AIRPORT

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (JRO)

ACCOMMODATIONS

2 Nights Hotel · 7 Nights Mountain Camps

GROUP SIZE

8–15

DAYS TREKKING

8 Days of Guided Trekking

MAX HIKING DISTANCE

18 km / 11 mi (Summit Day)

MAX ALTITUDE

5,895 m / 19,341 ft

DIFFICULTY

Very Challenging

Community Adventures: Built for people who'd rather be on the trail

A 10-Day Climb to the Roof of Africa

Line of hikers climbing the Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro

More than just a climb — this is a full-on adventure across one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes. Following Kilimanjaro’s scenic Lemosho Route, you’ll weave through lush rainforest, cross wild moorland and trek high-altitude desert with glaciers towering above.

Every step brings new terrain — from the vast Shira Plateau with the peak rising ahead, to scrambling up the Barranco Wall. Nights are spent under star-filled skies at camp, with a dedicated crew of guides, porters and cooks supporting every step.

Then, in the quiet of night, you set out for the summit. Standing on Uhuru Peak at 19,341 ft — the roof of Africa — is an achievement you’ll carry forever.

Trip Highlights

  • The Lemosho Route – One of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and least crowded routes, with excellent acclimatization.
  • Shira Plateau – Cross a vast high plateau with sweeping views of Kibo’s glaciated peak.
  • The Barranco Wall – A fun, non-technical scramble with spectacular views of the southern glaciers.
  • Summit Uhuru Peak – Stand on the highest point in Africa at 5,895 m / 19,341 ft.
  • Fully Supported Trek – Expert guides, porters, cooks, emergency oxygen and first aid every step of the way.
  • Built-In Acclimatization – An 8-day climb profile gives you the best chance of reaching the summit.
  • Pre-Trip Prep & Support – Group video calls, training plans and gear guidance before you go.

Ready For Your Own Kilimanjaro Summit?

Whether you’re bringing a group of friends, planning a corporate retreat, or simply want to be first in line for our next departure, we’d love to help you get there.

Request a Private Group Trip

Have 6 or more people? We can run this exact itinerary — or customize it — as a private departure for your group, club, or company on dates that work for you.

Join the Interested List

Not ready to book, but want to know the moment our next is announced? Jump on the interested list and be the first to know.

Ask a Question

Curious about the hiking difficulty, what to pack, or anything else about this adventure? Send us a message — we’re here to help you feel confident and excited before you commit.

Legendary Adventures Only

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 - Arrive Moshi

Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to your hotel in Moshi. In the afternoon we gather for a full briefing and gear check with an experienced Kilimanjaro guide, followed by a group welcome dinner.
Meals Included: D

Day 2 - Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Meet your guides and porters and transfer to the Londorossi Park gate, then trek through the rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Camp altitude: 9,500 ft · Approx. 3–4 hours
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 3 - Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 1

Climb steadily along a ridge into open moorland and onto the Shira Plateau, where you’ll get your first big view of Kilimanjaro’s peak.
Camp altitude: 11,500 ft · Approx. 7–8 hours
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 4 - Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp

A gentle, enjoyable walk across the Shira Plateau toward Kibo’s glaciated peak. Today is all about acclimatizing and soaking up the wild landscape.
Camp altitude: 12,600 ft · Approx. 4–5 hours
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 5 - Shira 2 to Barranco Camp

A key acclimatization day — climb as high as 14,000 ft past the Lava Tower before descending into the Barranco Valley for the night.
Camp altitude: 13,000 ft · Approx. 6–8 hours
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 6 - Barranco to Karanga Camp

Scramble up the famous Barranco Wall, then follow the Kibo South Circuit with views of the southern glaciers to Karanga Camp.
Camp altitude: 13,000 ft · Approx. 4 hours
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 7 - Karanga to Barafu Camp

Climb steadily to Barafu, our summit base camp perched high above the clouds. Rest up — the summit awaits.
Camp altitude: 15,000 ft · Approx. 4 hours
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 8 - Summit Uhuru Peak & Descend to Mweka

Set out around midnight by headlamp, climbing past the Rebmann Glacier to the crater rim at Stella Point and on to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft). After celebrating, descend to Barafu and on to Mweka Camp at the edge of the rainforest.
Approx. 13–15 hours
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 9 - Mweka Gate to Moshi

Descend through the rainforest to the park gate to celebrate your accomplishment, then transfer back to Moshi for a farewell dinner.
Approx. 3–4 hours
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 10 - Depart Moshi

After a final breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home, or continue on a safari extension.
Meals Included: B

Trip Extensions & Add-Ons

Transfer Package

Airport arrivals area with a private transfer vehicle

Save the hassle and have airport pickup and dropoff settled before you arrive.

Upgraded Accommodations

From small locally owned hotels and guesthouses to handpicked boutique accommodations, there is a level of accommodation for each taste.

Tanzania Safari Add-On

Maasai warriors performing a traditional jumping dance in Tanzania

Extend your stay with a safari through Tanzania’s famous national parks — the perfect way to relax and celebrate after your summit.

What People Are Saying...

  • Adventuredesk has been my go-to partner for all our adventure travel trips. They have helped us with two amazing trips and we have four more on the calendar for 2024. Matt has helped us from brainstorming and planning sessions, building out the trips to sales support to our community. One of the things I value most is his communication and quick response time. He is easy to get a hold of to answer questions and provide us with whatever we need. Matt and Adventuredesk will be planning all our trips moving forward!! Thank you, Matt!!

    Ann Chisholm Avatar Ann
    December 15, 2023

    I had the most amazing experience of my life recently on the Camino de Santiago. Matt at Adventure Desk curated the perfect vacation and literally thought of everything. This was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life thanks to Matt. I will be using Adventure Desk for ALL my future vacations! Thanks again Matt… you are the best!

    media thumbnail 0media thumbnail 1media thumbnail 2media thumbnail 3media thumbnail 4media thumbnail 5
    Bradley Horner Avatar Bradley
    October 8, 2024

    Overall a great trip, however there were some excursions that could have been omitted and the itinerary was too jam packed, there was no downtime for people to rest and do their own thing. Also there was some minsformation communicated before the trip. It was indicated that there would be banks/atms and places would accept credit/debit but it turned out 95% of the places only took cash and if you did not bring enough cash, it would've been difficult to buy food/tip and purchase other goods. Very few atm's took canadian debit cards. The spa was a waste of a day, more time could've been spent in Quito.

    Viren Parmar Avatar Viren
    September 15, 2024
  • The trip to Andalucia was great. Christina was a wonderful guide. Knowledgeable and calm, clear instructions. Knowledge of nice places to eat and visit. Good leader. Susan was a fabulous hike leader and took us to a good restaurant. Knowledge of floral and fauna and customs. Thanks to Matt for staying on top of things. Hotel rooms and recording flights etc. The hotels were great. One hotel has hard beds Seville I think. Otherwise comfortable. Good trip

    Laura Smales Avatar Laura
    November 15, 2023

    Matt is an excellent, detailed and caring agent through Adventuredesk! He helped me out with planning a trip to Morocco through Intrepid Travel in April 2023. He provided great suggestions and advice regarding flights and how to be cost effective and save. I would definitely recommend Matt for my next vacation and trip!

    Husayn Hirji Avatar Husayn
    November 15, 2023

    I’ve had the pleasure of traveling with Tropos Gym through Adventure Desk twice now, and both experiences were nothing short of amazing! Adventure Desk truly knows how to turn a trip into an unforgettable adventure. From the seamless planning to the exciting activities, everything was handled with exceptional professionalism and a great sense of fun. The trips were packed with thrilling experiences and well-organized itineraries that kept us engaged and entertained from start to finish. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to go the extra mile to ensure we had the best time possible. What stood out the most was the attention to detail and the genuine passion for adventure that Adventure Desk brings to every trip. They took care of everything, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the journey and enjoy every moment. I can't recommend Adventure Desk enough for anyone looking to embark on a thrilling and well-organized adventure. I’m already looking forward to my next trip with them! ????????✨

    Katrina Leighton Avatar Katrina
    July 15, 2024
  • Costa Rica was an amazing experience and it was all because Matt at Adventuredesk made sure everything was what it needed to be. From the Rio Pacuaro to La Fortuna and ending in Tamarindo we enjoyed the adventures, the food, the culture and the people. Matt was so nice and easy to work with, and I truly feel we left this trip as friends. thanks Matt for everything! It was, as I said, Mucho Mucho!!

    media thumbnail 0media thumbnail 1media thumbnail 2media thumbnail 3media thumbnail 4media thumbnail 5media thumbnail 6
    Daniel Byrne Avatar Daniel
    December 15, 2023

    We had a great experience working with Adventuredesk to help plan our dream wedding trip to Tanzania. From the Mt. Kilimanjaro hike, going on safari, and having a small ceremony in Zanzibar - we cannot thank Adventuredesk enough for their planning, listening to what we wanted, putting together an itinerary that was both adventurous and relaxing, connecting us with guides who were knowledgable, kind, and have since become friends, always being willing to answer questions and very responsive. Special thanks to Matt Kinch who we worked with directly.

    Mackie McDonald Avatar Mackie
    August 15, 2024

    The team at Adventuredesk helped me to organise a trip to Qubec for a Spartan Race for myself and clients at the gym. Their service was quick and efficient, organising both accomodation and additional activities around the race such as whitewater rafting and a Scandinavian Spa day. Assistance was provided whenever needed also. Overall I cannot recommend Adventuredesk enough for any of your travel needs.

    Tom Richardson Avatar Tom
    July 15, 2024

Important Information

How Difficult is the Climb

Kilimanjaro is a non-technical trek, but it is physically demanding because of the altitude and the long summit day (13–15 hours). With good preparation and our training plan, it is achievable for most fit, motivated hikers.

Most climbers feel some effects of altitude such as headaches, fatigue or poor sleep. The 8-day Lemosho Route is designed for gradual acclimatization, and our guides monitor everyone daily and carry emergency oxygen.

Longer routes like Lemosho have some of the highest success rates on the mountain thanks to the extra acclimatization days. Going slowly, staying hydrated and listening to your guides makes a big difference.

Porters will carry one trek bag per person up to 20 lb. You carry a day pack with water, rain gear, snacks and your camera. Anything else can be stored at our Moshi hotel.

Of course, we encourage arriving a couple days earlier and will be able to assist with pre or post accommodation in order to extend your stay. In addition, we will have optional extras before and after the trip for anyone interested in exploring more with us!

Packing and Gear List for Kilimanjaro

Tents and camp dining equipment are provided. In addition to the items below, you MUST bring your passport.

Sleeping: 4-season sleeping bag (rated to -10°C / 14°F), sleeping bag liner.

Clothing layers: base layers, fleece mid-layer, insulated down jacket, waterproof jacket and pants, trekking pants, warm hat, sun hat, buff, liner gloves and insulated mittens.

Footwear: broken-in waterproof hiking boots, camp shoes, warm hiking socks, gaiters.

Gear: 30–35L day pack with rain cover, trekking poles, headlamp with spare batteries, 3L of water capacity, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.

Adventuredesk Ltd. – Booking Terms & Conditions

Effective: July 15, 2025
Adventuredesk Ltd. is a registered travel agency based in Brockville, Ontario, Canada, operating under TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) Registration #50026721

Please read the following Terms & Conditions carefully. By making a booking or submitting payment to Adventuredesk Ltd., you confirm that you have reviewed and accepted these terms on behalf of yourself and any other participants included in your booking.

1. Booking, Deposit & Final Payment

Adventuredesk offers custom adventures and group experiences, which may vary in duration, destination, and cost. Each trip will outline specific booking requirements, including:

  • A $500 CAD non-refundable deposit amount required to confirm your space
  • A final payment deadline: 90 Days Prior to Departure
  • Trip-specific cancellation terms

These payment terms will be clearly provided during the booking process and on your trip invoice. Booking is not confirmed until a deposit is received and written confirmation is issued by Adventuredesk Ltd.

2. Packaged Pricing

Adventuredesk provides a single packaged price for your travel experience. This includes all components (e.g., accommodations, guides, transport, activities, and applicable taxes/fees), but individual itemized pricing will not be provided. This approach allows us to offer fully customized experiences with trusted local partners while maintaining simplicity and clarity.

3. Role of Adventuredesk Ltd.

Adventuredesk Ltd. acts as a travel agency and organizer. We plan and coordinate travel experiences that are delivered by carefully selected third-party suppliers—including local tour operators, transportation companies, accommodation providers, and activity guides.
We do not own or operate these services directly, and your booking is subject to the terms and conditions of those providers as well.

4. Cancellations by You (Traveller)

Cancellation policies, including fees and deadlines, vary by trip and will be communicated in your trip details and invoice.
In general:

  • Cancellation 90+ Days Prior to departure: Loss of Deposit
  • Cancellation 89-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip price non refundable
  • Cancellation 59-0 days prior to departure: 100% Non refundable.

We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

5. Cancellations by Adventuredesk or Suppliers

In rare cases where Adventuredesk or a supplier cancels a trip (e.g., due to insufficient enrollment or operational reasons), we will offer:

  • A full refund of payments made, or
  • An alternative experience of comparable value (subject to availability)

If cancellation occurs due to force majeure (see Section 8), refunds or credits are not guaranteed and are subject to supplier terms and conditions.

6. Travel Insurance

We strongly advise all travelers to purchase comprehensive travel insurance, including emergency medical, trip cancellation, and interruption coverage.
For some destinations, insurance may be mandatory. Proof of insurance may be requested prior to departure.

7. Participant Responsibilities & Acknowledgement of Risk

Adventuredesk adventures often take place in remote, rugged, or natural environments. By booking, you acknowledge and accept:

  • There are inherent risks involved in adventure travel, including personal injury, illness, delays, and unpredictable weather
  • You are physically and emotionally prepared for the nature of the experience
  • You are responsible for ensuring your passport, visas, vaccinations, and entry documents are valid
  • Any medical conditions or limitations must be disclosed at the time of booking

Adventuredesk and its partners will take reasonable precautions to ensure your safety, but participation is voluntary and at your own risk.

8. Force Majeure

Adventuredesk is not liable for changes, delays, or cancellations caused by circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to:

  • Natural disasters
  • Political instability or civil unrest
  • War or acts of terrorism
  • Public health emergencies (e.g., pandemics, epidemics)
  • Transportation interruptions, weather, or government regulations

In such cases, refunds, rebookings, or credits are not guaranteed and are dependent on supplier and insurance policies.

9. Limitation of Liability

Adventuredesk Ltd. is not responsible for:

  • Injury, illness, damage, delay, or loss caused by third-party suppliers or circumstances beyond our control
  • Missed connections or changes to itinerary due to weather, border issues, or transportation disruptions
  • Expenses incurred due to a traveler’s failure to comply with rules, regulations, or required documentation

Our maximum liability is limited to the amount you have paid directly to Adventuredesk Ltd. for the specific trip in question.

10. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

This agreement is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada.
By booking, you agree that any disputes must be handled exclusively in the courts of Ontario. Clients from other provinces or countries (e.g., USA) may not bring legal action in jurisdictions outside of Ontario.

11. Supplier Terms

All travelers agree to abide by the terms and conditions of any third-party providers used as part of the trip (e.g., hotel check-in policies, transport company regulations, activity provider waivers).

12. Changes by the Traveler

Requested changes to an existing booking (e.g., date changes, substitutions, or add-ons) are subject to availability and may incur additional fees, as well as any costs imposed by third-party providers.

13. Privacy

We collect personal information to complete your booking and deliver services.
This data is shared only with those suppliers necessary to fulfill your trip and is handled in compliance with Canadian privacy laws. Your information will not be sold or used for unrelated purposes without consent.

14. TICO Protection

Adventuredesk Ltd. is registered with the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO). Ontario residents may be eligible for compensation from the Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund in the event of the insolvency of a registered Ontario travel provider.
More info: www.tico.ca

15. Agreement by Booking

By booking a trip with Adventuredesk Ltd., submitting payment (in part or in full), or confirming participation in writing, you acknowledge that:

  • You have reviewed and accepted these Terms & Conditions
  • You agree to abide by the conditions set forth by Adventuredesk Ltd. and its suppliers
  • You accept the inherent risks of travel and agree to hold Adventuredesk Ltd. harmless for circumstances beyond our control.

Questions?

We encourage you to contact us with any questions before booking. You can reach us at info@adventuredesk.com

Snow-capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro above acacia trees in Tanzania

not ready to book but want to stay in the loop?​

Join our mailing list to stay connected with our adventure-loving community! Get updates on upcoming trips, behind-the-scenes content, expert travel advice, and highlights from our global adventures. 

We won’t fill your inbox with weekly emails, just periodic updates on epic adventures and experiences.

Like this Itinerary? Request a Custom Quote.

Send us a message

Our team will be in touch shortly!