Private Tour
Lemosho Route Private Hiking Tour
Overview
Available languages
168 hours
Mobile ticket
Lemosho offers diverse and breathtaking landscapes, starting in the lush rainforest on the western side of the mountain, then transitioning through moorland, alpine desert, and finally to the glacier-capped summit. Each day brings a different environment and dramatic views. Unlike the more direct and crowded routes like Marangu or Machame, Lemosho begins in a remote western area, giving you a peaceful, less-trafficked start. The early days feel like a true wilderness experience.
Lemosho follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, which helps with altitude acclimatization. The longer duration (typically 7 days) means your body gets more time to adjust, increasing your summit success rate. With use you get the following
100% success rate to Stella point
97% success rate to Uhuru peak
100% local professional team
Enthusiasm Kilimanjaro climbing
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Shira Gate to Big tree Camp
Accommodations
Big Tree Camp
Food and Drinks
DINNER
Dinner
LUNCH
Lunch
Kilimanjaro National Park
• Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft • Distance: 6 km/3 miles • Hiking Time: 2-3 hours • Habitat: Forest We depart Moshi for Lemosho Gate, which takes about 4 hours; here we will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. We begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Accommodations
Shira I Camp
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Kilimanjaro National Park
• Elevation: 9,498 ft to 12,500 ft • Distance: 7 km/4 miles • Hiking Time: 5 hours • Habitat: Heath 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 for Lunch. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
Accommodations
Baranco Camp
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Kilimanjaro National Park
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower • Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft • Distance: 7 km/4 miles • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours • Habitat: Alpine Desert Lava Tower to Barranco Camp • Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft • Distance: 3 km/2 miles • Hiking Time: 2-3 hours • Habitat: Alpine Desert We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. 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.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Accommodations
Karanga Camp
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Kilimanjaro National Park
• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft • Distance: 5 km/3 miles • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours • Habitat: Alpine Desert 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 more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Accommodations
Barafu Camp
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Kilimanjaro National Park
• Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft • Distance: 4 km/2 miles • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours • Habitat: Alpine Desert 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.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Accommodations
Mweka Camp
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Kilimanjaro National Park
• Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 f Distance: 5 km/3 miles • Hiking Time: 7-8 hours • Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp • Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft • Distance: 12 km/7 miles • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours • Habitat: Rain Forest 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. 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 to Mweka Gate
Accommodations
Your hotel in Moshi
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
Kilimanjaro National Park
• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft • Distance: 10 km/6 miles • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours • Habitat: Rain Forest 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. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi
What‘s Included
Sleeping bag
Tents, table, chair for camping
Airport Pickup and drop-off
Private portable toilet
Tips to the mountain crew
Personal hiking gears
Hotel in Moshi (before and after climb)
Kilimanjaro Entrance fees paid on arrival
Pickup points
Kilimanjaro Airport
Tanzania
Options
Lemosho Route Private Hiking Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Thank you for my success with a cozy team in reaching the top of Africa's first peak, Kilimanjaro, a journey worth remembering for a long, long time!
jasminetE348DQ,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was great to meet Johnson, his expertise made me feel more confident about getting to the top and that he really did everything possible to solve everything for me. Also I love my fellow climbers very much, sincerely caring, offering to help, and I will miss every face. Thank you to my guide David for trying to stop me at every moment I wanted to give up, without whom I probably couldn't break through myself. The climb to Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, sees a diverse ecology, quietly and slowly blending in with nature. At the top of the mountain, my tears swirled in my eyes, presumably because I saw myself powerful, or because I saw the persistence of the gray-haired elder and the beautiful landscape, the sky of the world still had this "blue"!!
Mission possible
984urszulak,,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00In October 2025 we hiked Lemosho route (7 days) with an amazing group from Operation Kilimanjaro. They took care of us in any aspect. From the airport pickup, warm welcome in the B&B, detailed explanation of coming days to unforgettable experience during this 7 days hike. Professional guides made sure that we are feeling good at any time and conditions, delicious food gave us energy and the whole crew positivity was remarkable! Strongly recommended!
Dreams do come true
749maxinel,,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I cannot recommend operation kilimanjaro enough. This amazing team made me feel like family from start to finish. And we made the summit. I cant thank operation kilimanjaro enough for their support throughout this trip. Guide johnson and his team are just wonderful. Thankyou operation kilimanjaro for making my dream become a reality .
My Kilimanjaro Journey with Operation Kilimanjaro – A Tribute to Operation Sindoor
586adarshs,,Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m) with Operation Kilimanjaro was nothing short of life-changing. From the moment I arrived in Tanzania, the team made sure everything was smooth and well-organized — right from airport pickup, logistics, and briefing, to the actual trek itself. Their professionalism and warm hospitality gave me confidence even before setting foot on the mountain.
Unforgettable Kilimanjaro tour – perfectly organized & warmly accompanied!
Sightsee57088088693,,Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour up Mount Kilimanjaro was an absolutely unforgettable experience – not only because of the breathtaking scenery, but also thanks to our great crew! Dreamteam! 😊 A huge thank you to our two mountain guides Denis and David – they not only guided us safely and with a lot of experience through each stage, but were always motivating, warm and with a subtle flair. Whether it was early in the morning or the last ascent to Uhuru Peak, they knew exactly when to smile, take a short break or pep talk. The rest of the team was incredibly friendly and helpful. The atmosphere in the camp was great every day – there was a lot of laughter, singing and cheering. We were also particularly surprised by the food: Freshly prepared every day, varied, really delicious and above all nutritious – just what you need on such a tour. The organization of the whole tour was absolutely top: Everything worked smoothly from the first briefing to the last stage. You immediately notice that professionals with heart and passion are at work here. This experience was not only physically challenging, but also emotionally very special – and we owe this to a large part of our great crew. If you are looking for a well-organized, safe and warmly accompanied Kilimanjaro tour, this is the right place! Asante sana, Denis & David – and to the whole team! We will never forget this journey.
Related Experiences
Operated by Operation Kilimanjaro