12-Day kilimanjaro tour Lemosho & Crater Route 2026 - 2027
Mount Kilimanjaro
$3000 / adult
Child: $2280
Tour Details
This 12-Day Extra Comfort Kilimanjaro Lemosho & Crater Route 2026 - 2027 will take you to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at 19,341 feet, is a geological wonder with three distinct cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts thousands yearly, offering five trekking routes: Marangu, Machame, Rongai, Umbwe, and Lemosho, making it a premier global trekking destination. Duration: 12 days Route: Lemosho Route From: USD 3360
Highlights
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa To Shira 1 Camp
Day 4: Shira 1 To Shira 2 Camp
Day 5: Shira 2 To Lava Tower To Moir Hut
Day 6: Moir Hut To Buffalo Camp
Day 7: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Day 8: Third Cave To Kibo Hut
Day 9: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak To Crater Camp
Day 10: CraterCamp to Mweka Camp
Day 11: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
Day 12: Departure
Activities
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Airport Pick-Up: We'll greet you at Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport and provide transportation, including your return trip to the airport. Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy your first night in a comfortable hotel. Spend the night in a hotel, the same one as your first night's stay.
Day 2: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Start your hike with an elevation gain from 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft over a distance of 6 km (4 miles) through the rainforest habitat. The hiking time for this section is 3-4 hours. After completing this hike, drive to the Lemosho Gate. Upon your arrival at the trailhead, you'll commence hiking through undisturbed forest, making your way to the first campsite. Your accommodation includes roomy tents (3x3m+), comfortable beds, private toilet, shower, and sink. Staff manages all camp chores.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa To Shira 1 Camp
Continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah landscape featuring tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock covered with lichen beards. As you ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, you'll reach the Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp. This is where you'll catch your first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. Your accommodation includes roomy tents (3x3m+), comfortable beds, private toilet, shower, and sink. Staff manages all camp chores.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp - Shira 2 Camp
Begin your exploration of the Shira Plateau, with an elevation gain from 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft, covering a distance of 7 km (4 miles). The hiking time for this section is approximately 3-4 hours, and you'll be in the moorland habitat. During your journey, enjoy a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Along the way, you'll encounter the heath zone with abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees. Your accommodation includes roomy tents (3x3m+), comfortable beds, private toilet, shower, and sink. Staff manages all camp chores.
Day 5: Shira 2 To Lava Tower To Moir Hut
Continue your trek to the east, ascending a ridge. Head southeast toward the Lava Tower, which is a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Afterward, divert from the main trail to reach Moir Hut, a less commonly used site located at the base of Lent Hills. You'll find various walking options on Lent Hills, providing an excellent opportunity for acclimatization. Shira Plateau is recognized as one of the highest plateaus on earth. Your accommodation includes roomy tents (3x3m+), comfortable beds, private toilet, shower, and sink. Staff manages all camp chores.
Day 6: Moir Hut - Buffalo Camp
Continue your trek to the east, ascending a ridge. Head southeast toward the Lava Tower, which is a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Afterward, divert from the main trail to reach Moir Hut, a less commonly used site located at the base of Lent Hills. You'll find various walking options on Lent Hills, providing an excellent opportunity for acclimatization. Shira Plateau is recognized as one of the highest plateaus on earth. Your accommodation includes roomy tents (3x3m+), comfortable beds, private toilet, shower, and sink. Staff manages all camp chores.
Day 7: Buffalo Camp - Third Cave
Begin the hike with an elevation change from 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft, covering a distance of 8 km (5 miles). You'll be in the heath habitat, and the hiking time for this segment is approximately 5-7 hours. As you head up Buffalo Ridge, you'll notice the terrain becoming increasingly sparse. This less-traveled route provides a genuine mountain wilderness experience. Continue trekking through remote valleys, making your way to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, until you reach your destination at Third Cave. Your accommodation includes roomy tents (3x3m+), comfortable beds, private toilet, shower, and sink. Staff manages all camp chores.
Day 8: Third Cave - Kibo Hut
Embark on a hike with an elevation gain from 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft, covering a distance of 5 km (3 miles). This part of the journey takes you through the alpine desert habitat, and the hiking time is approximately 4-5 hours. During this stage, you'll steadily ascend up and over the "Saddle," which is the area between Kibo and Mawenzi. Continue until you reach your camp, Kibo Hut, where you'll have the opportunity to rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the upcoming summit day. Your accommodation includes roomy tents (3x3m+), comfortable beds, private toilet, shower, and sink. Staff manages all camp chores.
Day 9: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak To Crater Camp
In the early morning, begin the challenging push to the summit, which is mentally and physically demanding. Ascend steadily for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks. The trail transitions into heavy scree as you make the steep climb to the crater rim. Reach Gilman's Point at 18,600 ft, where you'll spot the summit sign in the distance. Continue your trek around the crater rim until you finally arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa. Descend a short distance to Crater Camp, where the rest of the staff will join you to set up camp. You'll have the option to hike to Reutsch Crater and the ash pit or explore the areas around Furtwangler Glacier. It's important to note that sleeping at this high altitude can be risky, and the guides will closely monitor you for signs of serious AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) due to insufficient acclimatization.
Day 10: CraterCamp to Mweka Camp
Starting from Crater Camp, make your descent, heading straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite. On the way, stop at Barafu for lunch. The trail is characterized by its rocky terrain, which can be strenuous on the knees. Trekking poles can be helpful for this portion. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, and you may anticipate mist or rain in the late afternoon. In the evening, enjoy your final dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest. Your accommodation includes roomy tents (3x3m+), comfortable beds, private toilet, shower, and sink. Staff manages all camp chores
Day 11: Day 11
On your last day, continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, expect potentially wet and muddy conditions. From the gate, continue for another hour to reach Mweka Village. A vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.
Day 12: Departure
Transportation to the airport is included after your last night spent in the hotel.
What's Included
Included
Porterage
Rescue fee
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
Camping equipment
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section
Not included
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Climbing gear
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International flights (From/to home)
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Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
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Sleeping bag
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Bath towels
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Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
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Personal items (Souvenirs
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travel insurance
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visa fees
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etc.)
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Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
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Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Travel Information
Departure point: Moshi, Tanzania
Pickup: Kilimanjaro International Airport
Drop-off: Moshi, Tanzania
Best season: June to October, December to February
Transport: Private transfers
Accommodation: Basic huts with mattresses and pillows
Meals: Full board
Age range: 16-65
Languages: English, Swahili
Booking policy
a deposit of 30% is required to secure your booking
Cancellation policy
Cancellation made 30 days before departure will receive a full refund cancellation made 15 -19 days before departure will incur a 50 % cancellation fee: no refund for cancellation made less than 15 before departure .
Location
Mount Kilimanjaro
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