Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART UK
You will depart the UK for the trip of a lifetime! If you have booked flights with us (option available for Bucket Lister + trips only), we’ll provide all the information you’ll need to meet your guide.
If you are arranging your own flights, have a safe journey!
DAY 2: ARRIVE IN TANZANIA
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll make your way to the accommodation. If you have booked transfers through us, we’ll send you the necessary details before your trip.
You will have some free time to relax and explore Moshi before the adventure begins.
Welcome Briefing: Your welcome briefing will be at 6 pm at the hotel.
DAY 3: MOSHI - LEMOSHO
After breakfast we will be taken to the western side of Kilimanjaro. This is where the trek begins at the Lemosho Gate (1743m). Once registered, we will set off on our adventure and begin with a steady incline through the Lemosho Glades forests. After 4 hours, and a distance of 7km (4.3 miles), we will reach Big Tree Camp (2780m) where we will stay for the night.
Distance covered: 7km / 4.3 mi Approx. time taken: 4 hours
DAY 4: BIG TREE CAMP - SHIRA 1 CAMP
Our destination for today is Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds.
Shortly after leaving Big Tree Camp, our scenery will differ from day 3. We gain a reasonable amount of altitude through heather and grassy moorland. Today we will cover 8.5km and hike for 7 hours before reaching our camp at 3500m.
Distance covered: 8.5km / 5.3 mi Approx. time taken: 7 hrs
DAY 5: SHIRA 1 CAMP - SHIRA 2 CAMP
Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatisation, and we’ll enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is Shira 2 Camp.
Leaving the camp in the morning and trekking on the western side of the mountain, we will experience extraordinary views of Kibo and the Northern Ice Fields. We will continue at a steady incline taking 5 hours and covering a distance of 8km. We can take in views of our surroundings before reaching Shira 2 Camp (3900m). In the afternoon we will participate in an acclimatisation walk to prepare us for the days ahead.
Distance covered: 8km / 5 mi Approx. time taken: 5 hours
DAY 6: SHIRA 2 CAMP - BARRANCO CAMP
We will leave Shira 2 Camp and begin our ascent. Our trek starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking into the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. We will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, we embark on a steep descent to reach Barranco Camp (3960m). We will cover a distance of 10km and be trekking for 7 hours.
Distance covered: 10km / 6.2 mi Approx. time taken: 7 hrs
DAY 7: BARRANCO CAMP - KARANGA CAMP
Our day starts with a descent into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, which, whilst not technical, is long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From the valley, we have a steep upward climb. We will arrive at Karanga Camp (3963m) after walking 5.5km over 5 hours. We can join an additional acclimatisation trek before returning to camp for the night.
Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4 mi Approx. time taken: 5 hours
DAY 8: KARANGA CAMP - BARAFU CAMP
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we will continue our trekking route to Barafu camp at 4640m.
Our journey will guide us across the uninhabited scree slopes of the mountain. Once we arrive at Barafu Camp we will try to get some sleep before waking up in the evening to begin our climb to the summit!
Distance covered: 3km / 1.9 mi Approx. time taken: 3 hours
DAY 9: SUMMIT DAY!!
We start at around midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing steep scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views of jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m).
Our descent will begin with a return to Stella Point, then descent to Barafu Camp to enjoy breakfast, and finally to Millennium Camp (3790m) for a well-deserved rest. This day will take us between 12 and 15 hours and in total we will trek a distance of 14.4km.
Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3 mi Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
DAY 10: BACK TO MOSHI
After leaving Millennium Camp (3790m), we will begin a gentle amble down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1630m), where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride!
We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower (and a cold beer or two!) before our big celebration.
Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5 mi Approx. time taken: 6 hours
DAY 11: EXPLORE MOSHI
Today is a free day in Moshi for you to explore the town, cafés, and local delicacies, or simply relax after summiting the roof of Africa!
DAY 12: DEPART BACK TO UK
This marks the end of our Tanzanian adventure.
However, if you’re not ready for the adventure to end, you can add a safari to any of our Kilimanjaro tours. Alternatively, head to Zanzibar, where you can learn to scuba dive, or just relax on the white sand beaches. You can book either extension directly through us.
Food & Accommodation
- Day 1 FlightBreakfast
Lunch Dinner - Day 2 3* Hotel - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 3 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 4 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 5 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 6 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 7 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 8 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 9 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 10 3* Hotel - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 11 3* Hotel - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 12 FlightBreakfast Lunch Dinner
What’s the Food Like on the Lemosho route?
Meals on the Lemosho Route are freshly prepared by experienced mountain cooks and designed to keep you fuelled for the climb. Expect hearty, carb-rich dishes like pasta, rice, potatoes, vegetables and soups, alongside familiar breakfast options such as porridge, eggs, toast and fruit.
As altitude increases, meals become lighter and easier to digest, with snacks, hot drinks and filtered drinking water provided throughout the trek. Dietary requirements can usually be catered for with advance notice.
What Makes Our Trip Different?
How Difficult Is It?
How Difficult Is the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route has a challenge rating of 3. This means it’s long, strenuous trekking at high altitude and requires a good level of fitness and preparation.
Although the trail doesn’t involve technical climbing, you’ll be walking for many hours across varied terrain and steadily gaining elevation. The biggest challenge on Kilimanjaro is the altitude, not just the distance, and taking enough time to acclimatise properly is crucial for a successful summit. Our longer itinerary for Lemosho helps your body adjust to the thinner air and significantly improves your chances of reaching the top.
The trek starts through rainforest and gradually ascends through moorland and alpine desert before the final summit push. While much of this is gradual, the long days and high camps require mental resilience and solid endurance. Many trekkers find the route rewarding but demanding, especially on summit night and the early-morning push to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.
For a deeper look at what to expect and how to prepare for altitude and overall difficulty, check out our guide How difficult is it to climb Kilimanjaro? It’s full of practical tips and prep advice to help you get ready for the climb.
What's Included?
What’s Included on the Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route
Your Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route adventure includes everything you need for a fully supported climb to Africa’s highest peak. Here’s exactly what’s covered:
All accommodation throughout the trip, including hotels in Moshi and mountain camping on Kilimanjaro.
All transport within Tanzania as outlined in the itinerary (this excludes international airport arrival & departure transfers – unless added to your booking, or if you have added Group Flights to a BL+ trips)
All meals on the mountain, freshly prepared by experienced cooks, plus selected meals in Moshi as detailed in the itinerary.
Experienced local mountain guides, assistant guides, cooks and porters to support you throughout the climb.
All essential group safety equipment, including emergency oxygen and medical kits.
All park fees, camping fees and conservation fees for Kilimanjaro National Park.
Support from The Bucket List Company team before and during your trip
A fully planned itinerary, following the scenic Lemosho Route with a strong focus on acclimatisation and summit success.
- Access to the Vamoos app with full itinerary, packing lists and key trip info
- UK Bucket List Company Leader on all BL+ departures
What's Not Included?
What’s not Included on the Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory. It must also cover high-altitude trekking up to 6,000m and emergency helicopter evacuation
Visas
Visa fees (if applicable) are not included.
Tips
Tips are not included – trip-specific guidance will be provided.
International flights
Flights to and from Tanzania re not included in the base trip cost. These can be added on Bucket Lister Plus trips if you’d like us to arrange everything for you.
Airport Arrival & Departure transfersThese are excluded from the base cost of your trip but can be added to your booking. If you are booking Group Flights with us on a BL+ trip, then these transfers are included automatically.
Meals not listed
Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
Personal expenses
Please budget for personal spending such as drinks, snacks, souvenirs, optional activities, laundry and any additional items you may wish to purchase.
UK Leaders on BL Trips
BL trips will not have a UK Bucket List Company Leader present.
Reviews
Add-ons
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?
Because entry requirements can and do change, and because we have clients of many nationalities, we always recommend checking this with your own government’s website. Be sure to allow enough time to apply for any visas or permits required; don’t leave your checks until the day before!
What vaccinations do I need?
These change, so it is important that you check with either a travel health clinic or your doctor’s surgery. You should allow plenty of time for this process, as some vaccines need multiple doses. The TravelHealthPro website is another useful source of information – https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
How can I avoid roaming charges but still use my phone?
Your mobile provider might have reasonably-priced roaming add-ons, so it is worth exploring these. Or you could buy an eSim; these are often much cheaper than add-ons and are easy to activate and use. See our article for more information – https://thebucketlistcompany.co.uk/unlock-seamless-connectivity-with-esims-the-ultimate-travel-companion/
Do I have to take all of my luggage up the mountain?
No, you can leave any items not needed at the lodge in Moshi. They will be stored safely until you return. It is worth bringing an extra bag you can decant such items into.
Are there toilets on the Lemosho route?
There are no public toilet huts along this route; the porters will, however, carry a toilet tent.
Can I hire equipment for my trip?
We can arrange this for some equipment; please contact us to discuss and arrange in plenty of time before your trip. Equipment hire is charged on arrival in Tanzania.
Do the guides carry/provide oxygen if needed?
Oximeters are carried, plus guides carry supplementary oxygen as a safety measure.
What is your summit success rate?
We have an excellent success rate on this route – in 2025 it was 100%!
Can you cater for different diets?
When you book you will receive a link to your portal, where you can fill in your passenger information, including dietary and medical requirements. These will be shared with our guides and providers (including airlines if you have also booked flights). Please provide this information as quickly as possible, so we can make any necessary arrangements for you.
Whilst we do our utmost to ensure your needs are met, in some locations options for very specific diets may be extremely limited; we therefore suggest bringing some suitable snacks.
If you have a severe food allergy please ensure you carry your medication at all times, and that we are made aware. We will pass this information on, but a conversation with your in-country guide on arrival will help them give you the best possible guidance regarding suitability or otherwise of foods.
If you have specific concerns we always suggest contacting us to discuss before booking.
