Our slowest, gentlest route to the top
A tent under the stars on the mountain.
If reaching the summit matters most, give yourself time. This version of Lemosho adds a night on the Shira Plateau, so the body adjusts gradually before the Lava Tower and summit night.
The first days are short and gentle: mossy forest, then moorland, then two easy days across the plateau with views of Kibo and, on clear days, Mount Meru to the west.
From the Lava Tower the route follows the southern circuit to Barafu and the summit, then down to Mweka. Longer climbs have a better record of reaching the top, though nobody can guarantee it.
The most gradual climb we offer
Two nights on the Shira Plateau
Quiet western start
Private crew and toilet tent
Moshi
We meet you at the airport and take you to your Moshi hotel. In the afternoon your lead guide briefs you and checks your gear; anything missing can still be sorted out today.
Lemosho Gate (2,385 m) → Big Tree Camp (2,780 m)
After breakfast you drive around the western side of the mountain to Londorossi gate, then on to the trailhead. A short, gentle walk through thick, mossy rainforest where you may hear or see colobus monkeys, to your tents at Big Tree Camp.
Big Tree Camp (2,780 m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m)
Out of the forest into heather and moorland, over ridges to the edge of the Shira Plateau, an ancient collapsed volcano, with your first close views of Kibo.
Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m) → Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m)
A shorter, easier day across the plateau to help your body adjust. On clear days Mount Meru rises above the clouds to the west. Afternoon at rest.
Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) → Lava Tower (4,640 m) → Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
The key acclimatisation day: up through alpine desert to the Lava Tower at 4,640 m for lunch, then down into the Barranco Valley among groundsels and lobelias to sleep lower.
Barranco Camp (3,960 m) → Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
The Barranco Wall first thing: a scramble, not a technical climb, with your guides showing every step. Then across valleys below the glaciers to Karanga Camp.
Karanga Camp (4,035 m) → Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
A steady climb over rocky ground to Barafu, arriving early afternoon. Early dinner, kit ready, early to bed.
Barafu Camp (4,640 m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Mweka Camp (3,080 m)
Hot tea at midnight and a slow climb by headlamp. After 5 to 7 hours, Stella Point; about another hour along the rim to Uhuru Peak, ideally at sunrise. Back to Barafu to rest and eat, then down to Mweka Camp.
Mweka Camp (3,080 m) → Mweka Gate (1,630 m)
A last walk through the rainforest to Mweka Gate and your summit certificate, then a hot shower in Moshi.
Moshi
After breakfast we drive you to Kilimanjaro International Airport, or on to a safari.
Walking times and heights are approximate. Your lead guide can change the plan for safety, and nobody can guarantee the summit. Airport transfers on request.
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,845 |
| 2 People | $2,600 |
| 3 People | $2,515 |
| 4 People | $2,475 |
| 5 People | $2,450 |
| 6+ People | $2,435 |
Private trip for your group only: the more of you share the vehicle and guide, the lower the price per person. For 7 or more people we send a quote.
How booking works: a 30% deposit confirms your trip and the balance is paid on arrival in Tanzania, before the trip starts. We reply within 3 hours. Booking terms
More time at altitude means better acclimatisation, which is the main factor in reaching the summit safely.
No, it is gentler: the daily walks are shorter and the plateau crossing is split in two.
Yes: rest a day in Moshi, then join a 2- or 3-day safari.
The quiet western start, across the Shira Plateau.
The most scenic classic route, with the extra day that helps you reach the top.
Seven days on Machame, then four nights on the beach.
Tell us your dates, where you are staying and how many of you are travelling. We reply within 3 hours.
