Why book the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Trek?
The Lemosho route is widely considered the finest approach to Uhuru Peak, the 5895m summit of Kilimanjaro and the highest point in Africa. Starting at Lemosho Glades, the route crosses the Shira Plateau, passes the dramatic Lava Tower at 4876m for altitude acclimatisation, traverses the Barranco Wall, and arrives at Barafu base camp before the final summit push. Spread across 9 trekking days between Moshi and Moshi, with nights in camp from Mti Mkubwa at 2750m through to Mweka Hut at 3100m on descent, it gives your body more time to acclimatise than shorter routes. Fully individually organised with your own guide and porters.
Is this trek suitable for first-time high-altitude trekkers?
The Lemosho route is a good choice for first-timers precisely because its length provides better acclimatisation than 6 or 7-day routes. You do not need technical climbing skills. You do need to be physically fit, able to walk 5-8 hours per day on consecutive days, and mentally prepared for significant altitude. The summit attempt on Day 8 involves around 6 hours of ascent starting very early in the morning, followed by a 5-hour descent. Physical and mental preparation before departure is essential.
What is the difference between this and your other Kilimanjaro routes?
The Lemosho route offers the best acclimatisation profile of all the Kilimanjaro routes we offer. It approaches from the west, giving you varied scenery and more days on the mountain. The Machame route is one day shorter and more commonly used. The Rongai approaches from the north, with less foot traffic. The Umbwe is the shortest and most direct, best suited to very experienced altitude trekkers. The Lemosho is the recommended choice if success on summit day matters more to you than minimising cost or days.
What is the best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro?
The main climbing seasons are January to March and June to October. These periods bring the clearest skies and most stable weather on the mountain. The long rains fall in April and May, and the short rains in November. You can summit in any month but conditions are harder and summit views often obscured during the rain seasons. July to September and late January to February are particularly popular and popular camp spots can feel busier.
Why does this trek cost what it does?
Kilimanjaro is expensive to climb because the Tanzanian government requires a registered guide, licensed porters, and all park fees to be paid before entry. The fees are substantial and non-negotiable. What you get in the price is your guide, all porters to carry food, equipment, and supplies, three cooked meals a day on the mountain, camp accommodation fees, rescue fees and park commission, a Flying Doctor insurance policy for medical emergencies on the mountain, and transfers between Springlands Hotel in Moshi and the park gates.
What is actually included in the price?
Included: accommodation and meals at Springlands Hotel in Moshi (nights 1 and 9-10), all camp accommodation and food on the mountain (3 meals a day from Day 2 to Day 9), guide, porters, cook, park entry fees, hut and campsite fees, rescue fees, Flying Doctor insurance cover, and transfers in minibus or car.
What is NOT included and how much extra should I budget?
We do not include international flights and airport taxes, Tanzania visa fees, comprehensive travel insurance (with high-altitude trekking cover up to 6,000m), personal trekking gear/equipment hire, drinks, snacks, personal expenses, and customary tips for the mountain crew (guides, camp cook, and porters). We recommend setting aside approximately $250–$300 USD per trekker for the crew tipping pool, plus $100–$150 USD for meals and incidentals before and after the climb.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. You can pay a deposit to secure your dates and pay the balance 8 weeks before departure, or use our reserve-now-pay-later option. Contact us to discuss the payment schedule that works for you.
How physically demanding is the Lemosho Trek?
Strenuous. The trek involves 6-8 hours of walking per day for 8 consecutive days, reaching a maximum altitude of 5895m on Uhuru Peak. Summit night starts around midnight or 1am from Barafu Hut at 4600m, involves 6 hours of slow ascent in cold and potentially windy conditions, and then a 5-hour descent. You need to arrive physically fit. Training on multi-day hikes with ascent and descent, building up to full day walks, is strongly recommended before departure.
What if I am older than the rest of the group?
Kilimanjaro has been summited by trekkers in their 70s and 80s. Age alone is not a barrier. What matters is your cardiovascular fitness and how your body responds to altitude. Older trekkers should have a medical check-up before booking, discuss altitude tolerance with their GP, and train seriously for at least 3 months before departure.
What if I have mobility issues or a medical condition?
Kilimanjaro's terrain involves uneven volcanic rock, steep loose gravel on descent, and the Barranco Wall (a short hands-on scramble). Trekking poles are strongly recommended and available for hire. Anyone with heart, lung, or circulatory conditions should get explicit medical clearance before booking. This is a genuine high-altitude climb and is not suitable for most people with significant mobility limitations.
How do you handle altitude sickness on the trek?
The Lemosho route's extra acclimatisation day at Shira 2 (3850m) and the high camp at Lava Tower (4876m) followed by descent to Barranco (3860m) are specifically designed to help your body adjust. Your guide will monitor you daily and is trained in altitude sickness recognition. If symptoms of severe altitude sickness develop, descent is mandatory. Flying Doctor insurance is included to cover emergency evacuation if needed. Diamox (acetazolamide) can help with acclimatisation. Discuss prophylactic use with your doctor before departure.
Is Tanzania safe to visit right now?
Tanzania is politically stable and a well-established destination for international trekkers and safari visitors. Moshi is a safe and welcoming base for Kilimanjaro climbers. Your transfers and logistics are handled by experienced local staff. Check your government's current travel advice before departure.
Is it safe for women travelling solo?
Yes. Kilimanjaro is done in the company of a guide and porters throughout, which makes it a well-supported environment. Moshi is a friendly town comfortable for solo women. Springlands Hotel is popular with trekkers and has a social atmosphere.
What happens in a medical emergency at altitude?
Flying Doctor insurance is included in the trek price and provides emergency evacuation cover from the mountain. Your guide is trained in first aid and altitude recognition. If you cannot continue safely, you will be escorted down by your guide. In a serious emergency, helicopter evacuation can be arranged via Flying Doctor to the nearest appropriate hospital.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
Springlands Hotel in Moshi has basic medical support and can connect you with local clinics. Your travel insurance (separate from the included Flying Doctor policy) must cover personal medical expenses, repatriation, and ideally trek-specific altitude activities. Keep your policy details accessible from day one.
What is the accommodation like on the trek?
On Day 1 you stay at Springlands Hotel in Moshi before the climb. Nights 2-8 are spent in campsites at shared altitude sites: Mti Mkubwa (2750m), Shira 1 (3500m), Shira 2 (3850m), Barranco Hut (3860m), Karanga Hut (4200m), Barafu Hut (4600m), and Mweka Hut (3100m) on descent. Tents, sleeping mats, food, and cooking are all provided by the porter team. Night 9 returns you to Springlands Hotel for a celebratory overnight. The campsite style is shared public campsites on the mountain.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
No Wi-Fi on the mountain. Moshi's Springlands Hotel has Wi-Fi at the start and end of the trek. Mobile signal is patchy to non-existent above Shira 2. Plan your communications accordingly: let people know you will be off-grid for the duration of the climb.
What sleeping equipment do I need?
A 4-season sleeping bag is essential. The summit camp at Barafu Hut can be extremely cold at night, well below freezing. If you do not own a suitable sleeping bag, equipment hire is available. A sleeping bag liner adds warmth and is useful in both the tent and the hotel. Your packing list will be confirmed at booking.
Can I upgrade?
For the pre- and post-trek nights in Moshi, accommodation upgrades are available. On the mountain itself all trekkers use the same shared national park campsites. There is no luxury camp option on Kilimanjaro.
What kind of food will we eat?
Your cook prepares three meals a day on the mountain from fresh supplies carried up by the porter team. Breakfasts include porridge, eggs, and toast. Lunches and dinners are typically soups, rice, pasta, beans, and meat or vegetarian dishes. The food is hearty and calorie-appropriate for the altitude. At Mweka Hut camp on the descent, beer and soft drinks are available for purchase.
Can you cater for vegetarian or vegan diets?
Yes, we are delighted to cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements wherever possible! Simply let us know your dietary preferences or allergies at the time of booking so our team can notify our tour leaders, hotels, and restaurants in advance. While meal options in more remote areas may be simpler, we always do our utmost to ensure you enjoy plentiful, delicious, and authentic local food throughout your adventure with us.
Is it safe to drink the water on the mountain?
Mountain water sources should not be drunk untreated. Your cook boils water for tea and coffee, which is included. For cold drinking water, use purification tablets or a filter bottle. Water-to-Go filter bottles remove bacteria and protozoa and are ideal for this environment.
Is this trek good for solo travellers?
Yes. The trek is individually organised with your own dedicated guide and porter team regardless of group size. Solo trekkers receive exactly the same support as a couple or a larger group. Many of our Kilimanjaro clients are solo travellers.
Do I have to share a room or tent?
On the mountain, you have a private tent. In Springlands Hotel pre- and post-trek, solo travellers will need to arrange and pay for a single room. Contact us for current single supplement pricing.
What is the group size?
The Lemosho Trek is individually organised for your party, supported by a guide, an assistant guide, a cook, and porters scaled to the size of your group. You will share campsite facilities with other trekking groups on the mountain but your own team operates independently.
Can I book this as a private trek?
The trek is already individually organised and runs on your preferred dates. Contact us with your travel dates and party size for a quotation.
Is this trek suitable for kids?
Kilimanjaro can be done by physically fit teenagers, but we recommend a minimum age of 15 given the demands of altitude, cold, and consecutive long trekking days. Discuss your child's age and fitness with us before booking.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Most nationalities require a visa for Tanzania. Visas are available on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Moshi, and an e-visa can also be obtained in advance online. Check the Tanzania immigration authority website for current fees and your nationality's requirements.
What should I pack?
Essential gear: layering system from moisture-wicking base layers to a heavy down jacket, waterproof outer shell, trekking trousers, warm hat, gloves and gaiters, sturdy broken-in trekking boots, gaiters for loose gravel on descent, trekking poles (hire available), 4-season sleeping bag, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen, headlamp with spare batteries. Tanzania uses British BS-1363 sockets at 220 volts. Full kit lists provided at booking.
Are any vaccinations required?
Recommended vaccinations for Tanzania include Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid. Yellow Fever vaccination proof may be required if arriving from an infected country. Consult your GP or a travel clinic for current advice.
Do I need to book international flights through you?
No. International flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) are not included. You can arrange your own flights. Note: airport transfers are not included in the Tanzania trek price but can be arranged on request through our Arusha office.
What about tipping?
Kilimanjaro tipping follows a specific convention because of the large porter and cook team. Your guide will brief the full recommended tipping structure at the start of the trek. Note: this is different from general Tanzania tour tipping guidance.
Can I combine this trek with a Tanzania safari?
Yes. Kilimanjaro connects naturally with our Tanzania safari options. Many trekkers add a Serengeti or Ngorongoro crater safari before or after the climb. Contact us to discuss combining the two.
Can I hire trekking equipment locally?
Yes. Trekking poles, sleeping bags, down jackets, and other equipment can be hired in Moshi. We recommend bringing your own boots as hiring footwear that fits well is unreliable. Equipment hire costs are not included in the tour price.
Can I add extra nights in Moshi before or after the trek?
Yes. Additional nights at Springlands Hotel can be arranged before or after the trek. Moshi is a pleasant town with good restaurants and is a convenient base for exploring the wider Kilimanjaro region.
How far ahead should I book?
Peak season windows (January to March and June to October) fill up months in advance, as campsite permits are limited. Book at least 3-4 months ahead for peak dates. Off-season treks can sometimes be arranged with less lead time.
How does booking work?
Complete the online reservation form or contact us directly. Pay a deposit and the balance 8 weeks before departure. We will issue your booking confirmation and trip notes. Park permits are secured on your behalf once the booking is confirmed.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, personal travel insurance is compulsory and separate from the Flying Doctor cover included in the trek price. Your personal policy must cover cancellation, medical expenses, and emergency repatriation. It must also cover trekking to 5895m and ideally emergency helicopter evacuation. World Nomads offers suitable coverage for adventure trekking.
What is your cancellation policy?
A sliding-scale cancellation fee applies based on how far in advance you cancel. Full terms are in our booking conditions. We are UK-registered and your funds are protected by Trust My Travel insurance.
What if my dates are already sold out?
Contact us. We can sometimes add permit capacity or work with alternative departure dates. Our Classic Kilimanjaro (Machame route), Rongai, and Umbwe treks are also available if the Lemosho route permits are fully booked for your dates.
