KILIMANJARO - LEMOSHO ROUTE
LEMOSHO SIGNATURE CLIMB- 12 Days
Scaling Kilimanjaro is more than just conquering its peak; it's about the transformative journey and breathtaking vistas that come with it. While most groups scale the summit in the dead of night, our team takes a different approach. We climb to the summit during the day, starting just before dawn, to savor the stunning views.
After a challenging day, recharge your batteries at Tusker's Signature Mountain Camp, complete with cozy walk-in tents, a couple hot showers mid-climb, and locally-inspired, nourishing meals. Over the course of twelve days, our meticulously planned climb allows for safe altitude acclimatization. With a team of elite High Altitude First Responder guides, we have a remarkable 98% summit achievement rate via this route. With almost five decades of Kilimanjaro climbing experience Tusker guarantees an unforgettable adventure.
WHAT OUR CLIMBERS SAY ABOUT US
ROUTE STATS
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- Distance: 42.2 miles or 67.8 km gate to gate
- Duration: 12 days total, 9 days climbing gate to gate
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- Daily trekking time: 4 to 10 hours (12-14 summit day)
- Tusker's summit achievement rate - 98%
CRATER CAMP – You experience the enchantment of Kilimanjaro while camping in the crater just beneath Uhuru Peak, with no one else around. You can also hike to the seldom visited Ashpit, and summit twice (if you like) – once on the ascent and a second time before descending the next day. And if you prefer not to camp in the crater, you can descend to Barafu Camp for the night and join up with the group the next day.
DAILY ITINERARY
Day 1 - MOSHI
3,000-ft/914-m
As you board the plane to Kilimanjaro, your heart races with anticipation, knowing that this journey will be unlike any other. Upon arrival, your driver whisks you away to the enchanting Bristol Cottages Hotel in Moshi, your home base for the next two nights.
Here, you can relax, unwind, and prepare yourself for the ultimate challenge that lies ahead. As you settle into your room, the thought of the climb ahead fills you with eagerness and enthusiasm. After a delicious meal, a refreshing shower, and a comfortable bed, you're more than ready to take on whatever adventure awaits!
• Meals: Dinner - Lodging at Bristol Cottages Hotel.
Day 2 - MOSHI
3,000-ft/914-m • Meet Your Expert Guides
Meeting your Tusker Mountain Guides for the climb orientation and final equipment check is an exhilarating experience, full of excitement and anticipation. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know your team leaders, your fellow climbers and share your thoughts about the climb.
After the gear check, one of your guides takes you and the group for lunch in Moshi, a lively and bustling Tanzanian town of the north. Here, you can explore the colorful Moshi market at the base of Kilimanjaro, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and getting a true taste of the adventure that awaits!
• All Meals - Lodging at Bristol Cottages Hotel.
Day 3 - MTI MKUBWA (Big Tree)
10,600-ft/2,972-m • 7.2 miles/11 km • 3-4 hours
Our journey begins with excitement at Londerossi on the western slopes, We enter the verdant Lemosho Glades in the montane forest, where vegetation riots and trees are king. As we trek through the dense we're greeted by the majestic Hartlaub's Turaco with its stunning purple plumage, and the barking of Colobus monkeys shouting from the upper branches.
Our knowledgeable guides are experts on the local flora and fauna, and with Eddie and Amy Frank's Field Guide to the Flora of Kilimanjaro we identify the many plant species. After four awe-inspiring hours, we arrive at Tusker camp, nestled deep in the rain-forest amidst the towering trees of Mti Mkubwa.
• Splendid Meals in Tusker's Mountain Camp.
Day 4 - SHIRA PLATEAU
12,480-ft/3,804-m • 3.1 miles/5 km • 7-8 hours
After breakfast, we hit the trail, leaving the verdant rain-forest behind. Our path leads us upward, towards the Shira Plateau, a caldera formed by the collapse of one of Kilimanjaro's original trio of peaks: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.
We break for lunch, then set out again, climbing along the steep ridge towards the caldera's edge at 11,560-ft/3,534-m. As we trek through fields of heath and moorland, the landscape gradually opens up, offering breathtaking views of the caldera and our first view of Kibo Peak.
• Magnificent Meals in Tusker's Mountain Camp.
Day 5 - MOIR CAMP
13,650-ft/4,160-m • 6.2 miles/10 km • 7-8 hours
With our bellies full from breakfast, we strike out towards the northeast, venturing across the rugged expanse of the Shira Plateau. Our destination? Moir Camp - a hidden gem nestled at the end of a colossal gorge, flanked by the imposing presence of a giant lava flow that we'll have the privilege of walking beneath. Before reaching our final stop, we take a well-deserved break for a hot lunch at Fisher Camp, halfway to Moir Camp.
• Sublime Meals in Tusker's Mountain Camp.
Day 6 - BARRANCO CAMP
12,950-ft/3,950-m • 6.2 miles/10 km • 7-8 hours
With the dawn breaking, we set out on an uphill trek into the Alpine zone, towards the foreboding Lava Tower standing tall at 15,200-ft/4,633-m. As we reach the foot of the 320-ft/98-m tower, we take a well-deserved break for lunch, allowing our bodies to adjust to the altitude.
Then the steep 2,000-ft/610-m steep descent down into the Barranco Canyon takes us through a unique habitat, where Giant Senecios tower over us, and solitary Lobelias mark the trail. Our camp lies at the foot of the imposing Barranco Wall, with climbers from all corners of the globe buzzing with excitement for the next morning's climb up this monumental structure.
• Majestic Meals in Tusker's Mountain Camp.
Day 7 - KARANGA CAMP
13,200-ft/4,033-m • 3.6 miles/5.8 km • 4-5 hours
With the sun rising, we're faced with our first major test: the imposing Barranco Wall. Our endurance and agility are tested as we climb this formidable obstacle. Throughout the day, we're mesmerized by the majestic presence of Kibo Peak, towering over us like an indomitable guardian.
Descending sharply into the Karanga Valley, we take a moment to catch our breath before launching into the final ascent to Karanga Camp, nestled at the foot of Kibo. As we settle in for the night, we savor the rush of adrenaline and the sense of accomplishment after overcoming yet another thrilling leg of this epic journey.
• Magnificent Meals in Tusker's Mountain Camp.
Day 8 - BARAFU HIGH CAMP
15,790-ft/4,813-m • 2.6 miles/4.18 km • 5 hours
We push forward slowly towards Barafu High camp over the rocky terrain. The thin air takes forces us to take more breaks, but our spirits remain unbroken, knowing that the rewards that await us are well worth it.
Barafu camp, aptly named "ice" in Swahili, is true to its frigid reputation. Nevertheless, an electric energy permeates the camp, fueled by the thrill of the climb and the imminent challenge of reaching the summit tomorrow. As the clouds dance around us, the awe-inspiring Mawenzi peak looms at our backs, bathed in the warm hues of the African sun.
• Impeccable Meals in Tusker's Mountain Camp.
Day 9 - UHURU PEAK - CRATER or BARAFU CAMP
Summit: 19,341-ft/5,895-m • 2.55 miles/4.1 km • 6-7 hours
Crater Camp: 18,810-ft/5,733-m • 1.5 miles/2.4 km • 1 hour
With the adrenaline pumping through your veins, you start climbing Kilimanjaro before the sun rises. The steep and demanding ascent is no match for your determination as you reach the Crater rim by mid-day.
The sight of Mawenzi Peak over your shoulder and the towering ice-walls of the crater ahead fuel your excitement. The ultimate prize is Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, just an hour away. At the summit, you bask in the breathtaking views during this unforgettable moment. If you like, you can choose to descend into the Crater and camp for the night, just below the summit, or continue down to Barafu Camp.
• Sumptuous Meals in Tusker's Mountain Camp.
Day 10 - CRATER or BARAFU CAMP - MILLENNIUM CAMP
Millennium: 12,590-ft/3,837-m • 6.3 miles/10.1 km • 5-6 hours
The descent through the scree is exciting. We make our way down the steep mountain, feeling the rush of adrenaline with each step. After two hours of downhill navigation, we reach Barafu, where we refuel with a much-needed lunch break.
But we're not done yet. We continue on, finally arriving at the magnificent Millennium Camp. As we settle in for the night, you can't help but feel a sense of adventure and awe. It's our last night on Mount Kilimanjaro, and we relish in the moment, enjoying a deep and restful sleep before tomorrow's final descent to the national park gate.
• Fantastic Meals in Tusker's Mountain Camp.
Day 11 - MOSHI
Mweka Gate: 5,500-ft/1,676-m • 7.5 miles/12 km • 6 hours ~ Drive Moshi • 30 mins
With a sense of accomplishment, you embark on the final leg of your climb. The downhill hike from Millennium Camp to the National Park Gate marks the end of your incredible journey. As you sign out, you revel in the memories of the challenging climb, the stunning views, and the camaraderie with your climbing team. A short ride back to the Bristol Cottages Hotel in Moshi awaits, where a well-deserved hot shower and a cold drink will refresh you. In the evening, you gather for a celebratory group dinner, reflecting on your extraordinary feat with pride and satisfaction.
• All Meals - Lodging at Bristol Cottages Hotel.
Day 12 - Join an exciting SAFARI - Explore ZANZIBAR - or fly home.
SAFARI
Get ready to venture out on an unforgettable adventure as you explore some of the world's most spectacular animal reserves on a Wildlife Safari. From the Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Parks, you'll encounter a stunning array of wildlife in their natural habitats.
ZANZIBAR
After your Kilimanjaro climb it's time to embark on an equally enchanting adventure – a journey back in time to the magical island of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean. Lose yourself in the historical maze of ancient alleyways and indulge in the beauty of the most pristine beaches on earth.
ADVENTUROUS QUESTION? CALL US. +1.775.833.9700 • 1.800.231.1919
KILIMANJARO DATES & PRICES
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KILIMANJARO GUIDES AND CREW
The triumph of your Kilimanjaro summit challenge rests upon the expertise of your WORLD-CLASS GUIDES,, the heart and soul of your journey. At Tusker, our founder Eddie Frank utilized the same techniques he used when training the US Army’s Special Forces to train our elite team of guides. With almost five decades of experience, our exclusive team has successfully led tens of thousands of triumphant Tusker climbers to the summit. Rest assured that with Tusker's guides at your side, your climb to the top of Kilimanjaro will be nothing short of a resounding success.
EDDIE TALKS...
"I had been leading Kilimanjaro climbs for 9 years when I got the urge to revisit what brought me back to Africa as a young man in the first place. Adventure and Discovery. I hunted around for an untraveled route, and came up with the approach from the far west side of Kilimanjaro I found Adventure and made and astounding Discovery – a virtually untraveled narrow trail up through the Lemosho rainforest, exposing one of the most beautiful sides of Kilimanjaro."
TUSKER CLIMBING CREW
One of the keys to the success of your climb is your climbing crew. They are the backbone of your adventure and ensure that your camp and gear is set up at each new location on the climbing route. The team is made up of porters and chefs that are fiercely loyal to Tusker Trail and who have made up our family for decades, taking many thousands of climbers to the summit.
Your porters and chefs also provide an incredible window into Tanzanian culture. They introduce you to the inspiring songs and dances of Kilimanjaro which will inspire you to put one foot in front of the other. All in all, you and your team are part of one big family, on a trek to the top of Africa.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Professional guides & dedicated crew
- Airport Transfers on arrival and departure
- Transfers to and from the mountain
- Activities & Lodging as per daily itinerary
- All meals
- National Park Fees
- Free Field Guide to the Flora of Kilimanjaro
- Official Summit Certificate
- 4-season WALK-IN all weather tents
- 2-inch comfortable air/foam mattresses
- 4-season base-camp dining tents
- Dining tables & comfortable folding chairs
- Gas lighting in dining tents
- Purified water
- Private toilet tents
- Dry-bag (to protect your duffel)
PHOTO GALLERY
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CHECK AVAILABLE DATES
Limited Group Sizes
ROUTES QUESTION?
+1.775.833.9700 • 1.800.231.1919