Lemosho Crater Route
LEMOSHO CRATER ROUTE
- 11 Days / 10 nights (9 days on the mountain)
- Kilimanjaro
Lemosho Crater is our most popular itinerary for its beauty and the excitement of spending an overnight at Crater Camp next to the Furtwangler Glacier at 18,800 feet inside the crater on Kilimanjaro. Climbers spend 9 total days on the mountain for maximum acclimatization. The route takes us from the west across the Shira Plateau, with an ascent to the base of the majestic Lava Tower. From Lava Tower this approach via Barafu to the east offers a longer and less steep climb than straight up via the Western Breach, and it allows climbers to summit twice, if they wish. After the overnight camped in the soft sand of the crater, we have a sunrise climb to Uhuru Peak before descending toward the southeast and incredible views of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s remnant volcanic cone.
Route climbable year-round. January through March and mid- June through October are driest months.
For those wanting superior acclimatization and morning summit ascent.
- 9 Total days on the mountain for superior acclimatization
- Overnight inside the crater at 18,800feet / 5730m.
- Climbers can summit twice (afternoon and following morning)
- Morning summit ascent starts at dawn (rather than night-time on the other routes ).
GALLERY / PHOTOS
Start from $2413
ROUTE MAP
DISCOVER THE LEMOSHO CRATER ROUTE
Explore the stunning landscapes of Kilimanjaro with our detailed Lemosho Crater Route map. Known for its breathtaking scenery and less crowded trails, this route offers an unforgettable climb to the summit. Plan your adventure with confidence and experience the beauty of Tanzania like never before!
Lemosho Route – 11 Days Itinerary
The detailed hiking table is hidden on mobile devices. Please view on a larger screen.
| Day | Activity / Location | Hiking Distance | Hiking Time | Elevation Start | Elevation Finish | Elevation Gain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival | – | – | 6,000’ / 1830m | – | – |
| 2 | Lemosho Gate → Big Tree Camp | 3.0 mi / 4.9 km | 3 hrs | 7,840’ / 2390m | 9,140’ / 2790m | +1,300’ / +400m |
| 3 | Big Tree Camp → Shira 1 Camp | 4.7 mi / 7.6 km | 6 hrs | 9,140’ / 2790m | 11,420’ / 3480m | +2,280’ / +690m |
| 4 | Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp | 5.3 mi / 8.5 km | 4 hrs | 11,420’ / 3480m | 12,750’ / 3885m | +1,330’ / +405m |
| 5 | Shira 2 → Lava Tower Camp | 4.3 mi / 6.9 km | 5 hrs | 12,750’ / 3885m | 15,230’ / 4640m | +2,480’ / +755m |
| 6 | Lava Tower → Karanga Camp | 5.9 mi / 9.5 km | 6 hrs | 15,230’ / 4640m | 13,250’ / 4040m | -1,980’ / -600m |
| 7 | Karanga → Barafu Camp | 2.4 mi / 3.9 km | 4 hrs | 13,250’ / 4040m | 15,360’ / 4680m | +2,110’ / +640m |
| 8 | Barafu → Crater Camp | 4.0 mi / 6.4 km | 7 hrs | 15,360’ / 4680m | 18,800’ / 5730m | +3,440’ / +1050m |
| 9 | Crater → Uhuru Peak → Millennium | 0.6 mi / 1 km + 5.3 mi / 8.5 km | 1 hr to Uhuru / 4 hrs to Millennium | 18,800’ / 5730m → 19,340’ / 5895m | 19,340’ / 5895m → 12,530’ / 3820m | +540’ / +165m, -6,810’ / -2075m |
| 10 | Millennium → Mweka Gate / Moshi Town | 8.5 mi / 13.7 km | 4 hrs | 12,530’ / 3820m | 5,380’ / 1640m | -7,150’ / -2180m |
| 11 | Moshi Town & Departure | – | – | – | – | – |
🗓️ Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival 🌍
Pick-up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to the lodge in the foothills (~2 hours).Meals: D
Day 2 – Lemosho Gate → Big Tree Camp 🌿
Drive to Lemosho Gate. Enter Kilimanjaro National Park and hike uphill through montane forest to Big Tree Camp. Observe flowers and colobus monkeys en route.Overnight: Big Tree Camp | Meals: B,L,D
Day 3 – Big Tree Camp → Shira 1 Camp 🌄
Hike through montane forest, transition zone, and heather zone with lava flows. Picnic lunch on the Shira Plateau and camp with views of Kilimanjaro glaciers.Overnight: Shira 1 Camp | Meals: B,L,D
Day 4 – Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp 🏔️
Acclimatization hike (4–5 hrs) on the Shira Plateau. Examine giant lobelias and senecios.Overnight: Shira 2 Camp | Meals: B,L,D
Day 5 – Shira 2 → Lava Tower Camp 🧗
Hike (~5 hrs) through alpine moorland to alpine desert. Spectacular view of Western Breach.Overnight: Lava Tower Camp | Meals: B,L,D
Day 6 – Lava Tower → Karanga Camp ⛰️
Descend slightly then climb Great Barranco Wall slowly (pole pole), view Heim Glacier, cross Karanga Valley to camp.Overnight: Karanga Camp | Meals: B,L,D
Day 7 – Karanga → Barafu Camp 🥾
Steady uphill hike (~4–5 hrs). Barafu Camp is staging point for summit. Early dinner and summit briefing.Overnight: Barafu Camp | Meals: B,L,D
Day 8 – Barafu → Crater Camp 🌌
Hike to crater rim with views of Mawenzi (16,890 ft). Descend across crater floor to Crater Camp near Furtwangler Glacier.Overnight: Crater Camp | Meals: B,L,D
Day 9 – Crater → Uhuru Peak → Millennium Camp 🎉
Early breakfast. Summit Uhuru Peak (~19,340 ft), descend 2–3 hrs to Barafu, continue 3–4 hrs to Millennium Camp.Overnight: Millennium Camp | Meals: B,L,D
Day 10 – Millennium → Mweka Gate / Moshi Town 🌳
Final descent (~4–5 hrs) to Mweka Gate. Celebration lunch, transfer to Moshi hotel.Meals: B,L,D
Day 11 – Moshi Town & Departure ✈️
Guided town tour or transfer to airport for onward journey.Meals: B
Trip Inclusions
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi/Arusha (before & after climb)
- Group transport to/from trailhead
- Kilimanjaro Park permits, camping/hut fees, rescue fees, VAT
- Expert guide, assistant guides, cook, and porters
- Bottled oxygen (emergency use)
- Private toilet, 4-season tents (double occupancy)
- Sleeping pad, mess tent, tables, chairs, lanterns
- Fresh, nutritious meals on the mountain
- Breakfast at hotel