9 days Lemosho/Western route Kilimanjaro climb

About Western/Lemosho route 9 days climb

9 days Lemosho/Western route Kilimanjaro climb is an improvement over the Shira route, which starts with a long drive from Moshi to the Lemosho gate. The climb begin at the gate to Mti mkubwa camp, which is located in the forest zone. Its day begins with a few hours of walking at a low altitude, giving a high chance of acclimatization. Lemosho/western route begins from the west, crossing the Shira plateau with breathtaking panoramic views. Then continues beneath Kilimanjaro's southern ice field before summiting from the south east at Barafu camp. This is considered the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro. But according to our research and experience, it offers the same scenery as the Machame route. Lemosho route is highly recommended because it has a high success rate and has a diverse beauty and amazing scenery.

Arrive in Tanzania

• Overnight: Kilimanjaro Coffee Lodge

A staff member will greet you at the airport and escort you to your scenic lodge.

Acclimatization day: Coffee tour & Nature walk

• Overnight: Kilimanjaro Coffee Lodge (4,200')

Acclimatize during a day at this private Coffee farm (Machare Estate). Spot local birds and if luck the monkey and warm up for your climb.

Day 1: Begin trek to forest camp

• Hours driving: 2 hours
• Climbing hours: 3-4 hours
• Overnight: Forest Camp (9,281')

You will be picked up and driven to the starting point, Lemosho gate. Your first mountain camp is located in the rainforest. Watch for rare black-and-white Colobus monkeys swinging in the lush canopy overhead.

Day 2: Forest camp to Shira 1 camp

• Climb hours: 5-6 hours
• Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (11,499')

Pass into the heath, where dense rainforest gives way to the wide expanse of the Shira Plateau. This is where you'll catch your first view of the summit towering above the clouds.

Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 camp

• Climbing hours: 3-4 hours
• Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (12,795')

Explore the Shira Plateau during an acclimatization day that will increase your chances of summit success. Look west for breathtaking views of Mt. Meru.

Day 4: Shira 2 to Lava Tower camp

• Climbing hours: 4-6 hours
• Overnight: Lava Tower Camp (15,213')

Your camp is set next to the impressive Lava Tower, one of Kilimanjaro's most famous volcanic formations. Staying at this higher altitude, then descending to a lower-altitude camp tomorrow, prepares your body for summit success.

Day 5: Lava Tower to Karanga camp

• Climbing hours: 6-7 hours
• Overnight: Karanga Camp (13,231')

Descend into the Great Barranco Valley, then scramble up the steep Barranco Wall, enjoying gorgeous views of a waterfall below and the imposing glaciers that crown Kilimanjaro above.

Day 6: Karanga to Barafu camp

• Climbing hours: 3-4 hours
• Overnight: Barafu Camp (15,331')

Temperatures drop and the landscape starts to resemble the surface of the moon as you hike higher up the mountain. Rest up before tomorrow's daytime summit bid.

Day 7: Barafu to Summit

• Climbing hours: 9-12 hours
• Overnight: Barafu Camp *optional Crater Camp (15,331')

As dawn breaks you'll set out for the summit. Arrive in the afternoon, when weather is generally better and most trekkers from more crowded routes have already descended. Overnight at Barafu or in the soft sands of Reusch Crater (on select departures).

Day 8: Barafu or Crater Camp / Mweka Millennium Camp

• Descending hours: 4-7 hours
• Overnight: Mweka Millennium Camp (12,500')

After a celebratory breakfast begins your descent. On select departures staying in Crater Camp, hikers can explore the glaciers and the ash pit, or even summit a second time.

Day 9: Complete Trek

• Descending hours: 4-8 hours
• Day room: Planet Lodge

Enjoy a farewell ceremony at the park gate with your guides and porters. Transfer to a day room where you can shower and relax before your evening flight home.

Depart Tanzania

This day left for your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.