Lemosho at a glance
Climb Kilimanjaro on a private eight-day Lemosho expedition, from the western rainforest across the Shira Plateau and southern circuit to Uhuru Peak. The complete programme includes seven mountain nights and two nights at Meru View Lodge with breakfast, before and after your climb. Our mountain team provides guides, camp support, mountain meals and transfers.
From USD 2,275 per person
Based on six paying climbers booking together. Private expedition · travel throughout 2027, subject to availability.
Why choose Lemosho?
- Time to find your mountain rhythm
- Eight mountain days give you more time to adjust to altitude than a compressed ascent. Separate nights at Shira 1 and Shira 2 keep the western approach in distinct stages before the southern traverse.
- A changing landscape every day
- Walk from shaded rainforest onto the open Shira Plateau, past Lava Tower and into Barranco Valley. The Barranco Wall, Karanga ridges and summit slopes make this a varied journey, with a different descent through Mweka.
- A thoughtful approach to summit preparation
- The Lava Tower stage takes you higher before descending to sleep at Barranco. A separate Karanga night then breaks up the approach to Barafu. This suits climbers who can allow eight mountain days and want both scenery and preparation time.
More time for acclimatisation can support your chances of reaching the summit. Your condition and the guides’ assessment determine whether you continue. Read our altitude and acclimatisation guidance →
Your expedition includes
- Park, camping and rescue fees, with applicable taxes
- Guiding team, cook and porters
- Mountain meals and daily boiled/treated drinking water
- Sleeping tents, mattresses and dining setup
- Private portable toilet
- First-aid kit, pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen
- Two nights at Meru View Lodge with breakfast
- JRO airport and mountain transfers
Personally prepared. Supported on the mountain.
Before you travel
Your written itinerary, packing guidance, preparation call and pickup contact are organised by our Arusha team.
Before you set off
Your lead guide briefs you and checks your personal equipment the day before the hike.
Each mountain day
Guides brief you on the terrain and walking time, and check your health, readiness and oxygen saturation.
Eyes of Kilimanjaro is the specialist climbing brand of Eyes of Tanzania, based in Arusha.
Guest reviews of Eyes of Tanzania
Organisation and care on the mountain
Katharina describes a three-day hike reaching above 4,000 metres before descending on the final day. Her review highlights the hut stays, freshly prepared meals and support throughout the trip.
“we always felt well taken care of.”
Read original review ↗
Also on Google · Katharina Schmitt ↗
Camp support and encouragement to the summit
Tom recalls seven nights in a tent and the work of the guides, cook and porters. He describes the crew moving and preparing camp, and credits the guides’ encouragement during a demanding summit night.
“great views, good food and lots of fun!”
Read original review ↗
Smooth arrangements from arrival to departure
For a safari holiday, Jo highlights Rose’s organisation of airport transfers and accommodation, and the guide’s contribution to a memorable trip.
“Very well organized”
Read original review ↗
- Mountain time
- 8 trekking days · 7 mountain nights
- Approach & finish
- West approach · Mweka Gate finish
- Summit
- Uhuru Peak · 5,895 m
- Sleeping
- Camping
- Trail atmosphere
- Quieter start; busier southern circuit
- Physical demand
- Challenging
Begin on the quieter western approach before joining the southern circuit. Your guides lead you over the Barranco Wall and manage the pace for the summit ascent.
Mountain days run from the first trailhead walk to the exit gate, including acclimatisation days. Our complete programme adds an arrival day and departure day, plus two lodge nights, to these eight mountain days.
The route on the mountain
Explore the eight-day Lemosho route from the western rainforest to Uhuru Peak, returning through Mweka.
8-day Lemosho itinerary
Our eight-day Lemosho itinerary includes separate nights at Shira 1 and Shira 2, the southern circuit and the summit ascent from Barafu. Our mountain team manages each stage and camp.
Route distances and elevations follow our mapped itinerary. Walking times are approximate and reflect the terrain and altitude of each stage.
- Mountain day 1
Lemosho trailhead → Mti Mkubwa
Transfer directly to the Lemosho Glades trailhead for entry formalities, then begin walking under the forest canopy. This is a deliberately modest first stage: settle into the guide’s pace, adjust your pack and protect your dry layers from afternoon showers. Camp is still surrounded by trees. The mapped starting point is Lemosho Glades, approximately 2,375 m.
- Start
- ≈ 2,375 m
- Finish
- ≈ 2,780 m
- Distance
- ≈ 4.3 km
- Trekking time
- 3–4 hours
- Habitat
- Montane forest
- Overnight
- Mti Mkubwa camp
- Mountain day 2
Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1
The forest gives way to heather, exposed grass and volcanic ground. The climb onto Shira Ridge makes this a more sustained walking day than yesterday. On reaching the plateau, the space opens dramatically and Kibo can appear across the grassland when the weather clears. Keep wind and sun protection readily accessible.
- Start
- ≈ 2,780 m
- Finish
- ≈ 3,500 m
- Distance
- ≈ 7.6 km
- Trekking time
- 5–6 hours
- Habitat
- Forest → heath & moorland
- Overnight
- Shira 1 camp
- Mountain day 3
Shira 1 → Shira 2
Cross the broad Shira Plateau rather than making a direct rush towards the summit. The shorter main walk leaves time to eat, recover and notice how you feel at a higher sleeping altitude. Any additional acclimatisation walk is a guide-led choice; it is not a compulsory mileage target.
- Start
- ≈ 3,500 m
- Finish
- ≈ 3,850 m
- Distance
- ≈ 7.3 km
- Trekking time
- 3–4 hours
- Habitat
- Heath & moorland
- Overnight
- Shira 2 camp
- Mountain day 4
Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco
The day’s high point is Lava Tower, followed by a substantial descent into the Barranco Valley. The contrast between bare volcanic slopes and the valley’s giant groundsels is a highlight of the southern circuit. You walk higher than you sleep, but this remains a demanding day at altitude: tell your guide about symptoms rather than trying to push through them.
- Start
- ≈ 3,850 m
- Finish
- ≈ 3,960 m
- Reported high point
- ≈ 4,630 m
- Distance
- ≈ 9.4 km
- Trekking time
- 6–8 hours
- Habitat
- Moorland → alpine desert
- Overnight
- Barranco camp
- Mountain day 5
Barranco Wall → Karanga
The morning begins with the Barranco Wall. This is a steep scrambling section where hands help with balance, with exposed-feeling passages and potential queues. Follow your guide’s instructions and keep poles stowed where advised. Beyond the wall, the route crosses uneven ridges and drops into Karanga Valley before climbing to camp.
- Start
- ≈ 3,960 m
- Finish
- ≈ 3,995 m
- Distance
- ≈ 4.4 km
- Trekking time
- 4–5 hours
- Habitat
- Rocky moorland & alpine desert
- Overnight
- Karanga camp
- Mountain day 6
Karanga → Barafu
Vegetation is sparse and the approach becomes increasingly rocky. A relatively short distance still feels significant in thin air. Arrive, organise summit layers and headlamp, eat and rest before the night ascent. Barafu is an exposed camping area; choose stable footing and ask your guide before wandering away from camp.
- Start
- ≈ 3,995 m
- Finish
- ≈ 4,673 m
- Distance
- ≈ 3.3 km
- Trekking time
- 4–5 hours
- Habitat
- Alpine desert
- Overnight
- Barafu camp
- Mountain day 7
Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka
Typically starting around midnight, climb slowly through cold, dark conditions towards Stella Point and then along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. Reaching the summit is only part of the day: descend to Barafu for a break, then continue far down to Mweka. The sustained descent demands concentration and tired-leg control. The team decides whether conditions and your health allow continued ascent.
- Start
- ≈ 4,673 m
- Finish
- ≈ 3,100 m
- Reported high point
- 5,895 m
- Distance
- ≈ 15.3 km
- Trekking time
- 6–8 hours up + 4–6 hours down
- Habitat
- Alpine desert → summit zone → forest
- Overnight
- Mweka camp
- Mountain day 8
Mweka camp → Mweka Gate
The final trail returns through wetter forest and can be muddy even after dry days higher up. Take care on roots and slippery steps. At the gate, complete park formalities and meet your transfer. Return to Meru View Lodge for your included post-climb night with breakfast before your onward journey.
- Start
- ≈ 3,100 m
- Finish
- ≈ 1,640 m
- Distance
- ≈ 8.5 km
- Trekking time
- 3–4 hours
- Habitat
- Montane forest
- Overnight
- Meru View Lodge · bed and breakfast
Three stages, explained
Day 4 · Lava Tower
Walk higher before descending to sleep at Barranco. This is a demanding day at altitude; tell your guide promptly about symptoms and follow their instructions.
Day 5 · Barranco Wall
A steep scramble where hands help with balance. Some passages feel exposed and queues are possible. Keep trekking poles stowed where advised and discuss any concerns with the team before your climb.
Day 7 · Summit night
Usually starting around midnight, climb slowly via Stella Point towards Uhuru Peak, then descend via Barafu to Mweka. The guide decides whether conditions and your health allow continued ascent; the descent is a substantial part of the day.
Elevation & acclimatisation
The first three nights climb from forest to Shira 2. The Lava Tower day reaches about 4,630 m before sleeping lower at Barranco. Karanga then separates the wall day from the move to Barafu. These stages provide adaptation opportunities; none makes altitude illness impossible.
Overnight camp elevations show the ascent, acclimatisation stages and descent across your eight mountain days.
Fitness does not protect against altitude illness. A slower ascent can help adaptation, but any Kilimanjaro itinerary still reaches very high altitude. Report symptoms promptly and follow your guide’s decisions; never continue higher with worsening symptoms.
Understand altitude before you climbCamps, huts & mountain nights
Seven mountain nights in tents: Mti Mkubwa, Shira 1, Shira 2, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu and Mweka.
Mountain sleeping tents are shared by two climbers where applicable, with a standard mattress for each climber. Dining and kitchen tents, camp furniture and a private portable toilet are included for your private group. Bring a suitable sleeping bag or arrange rental separately.
Explore our equipment & sleeping setup →
The landscapes you’ll cross
- 01Western montane forest, moss and shaded paths.
- 02Shira’s golden grasses, heather and wide volcanic plateau.
- 03Lava Tower’s exposed rock and the groundsels of Barranco Valley.
- 04Cold summit slopes and a green descent through Mweka forest.
Our guides: Gastor, Dainess and Denis.
What to know before choosing
- The Barranco Wall includes hands-on scrambling; discuss a fear of exposure with the team.
- The southern traverse and Barafu area are shared with other popular routes.
- The western trailhead needs a road transfer before walking; road conditions may affect the start.
Prepare for this route
Practise sustained hill walking and careful downhill movement with your loaded daypack. Test gloves, waterproofs and a layered summit outfit before travelling. Be comfortable spending seven nights in a tent.
Your 2027 Lemosho package.
| Paying climbers | Per person | Group total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,350 | $3,350 |
| 2 | $2,650 | $5,300 |
| 3 | $2,460 | $7,380 |
| 4 | $2,345 | $9,380 |
| 5 | $2,325 | $11,625 |
| 6 | $2,275 | $13,650 |
Larger private groups are quoted individually. These are private-group rates, not join-in departure prices. All applicable taxes are included.
Included
- Eight-day guided Lemosho expedition and seven mountain camp nights
- National park admission, standard camping and park rescue fees
- Lead guide, supporting mountain guides, cook and porters
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and daily boiled/treated drinking water on all eight mountain days
- Shared sleeping tents for two and one standard mattress per climber
- Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs and cooking equipment
- Private portable toilet and toilet tent for your private group
- First-aid kit, pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen
- Return lodge-to-trailhead and mountain-exit transfers
- JRO arrival and departure airport transfers
- Two nights at Meru View Lodge, before and after the climb, with breakfast: single room for solo; twin/triple sharing for groups, with triple sharing for odd-sized groups
- All applicable taxes
Not included
- Flights, visas, mandatory inbound insurance and additional personal travel insurance
- Personal clothing and trekking equipment, including sleeping bags; rentals quoted separately
- Crew tips, bottled mineral water, alcohol and personal spending
- Lunch and dinner on non-climbing days; breakfast is included with both lodge nights
- Raised beds, upgraded mattresses, shower tents, luxury camp additions and PAC / hyperbaric equipment
- Extra hotel nights, unplanned transfers, early-descent costs, extended stays and safari extensions
Emergency oxygen supports the guide’s emergency response; it is not a substitute for descent or medical treatment. A summit is never guaranteed. The park rescue fee does not replace medical or evacuation insurance.
How booking works: Enquiry → availability confirmation and written quote → USD 200 per-person deposit → balance due 60 days before arrival. Bookings within 60 days require full payment on confirmation. Read the full booking terms.
EOK’s minimum recommended tips
USD per crew member per day, contributed by the whole climbing group, not by each climber. Tips are separate from the expedition price.
| Role | Minimum recommended USD per crew member per day |
|---|---|
| Lead guide | $20 |
| Assistant guide | $15 |
| Chef | $15 |
| Porter | $10 |
| Summiting porter | $12 |
| Waiter | $12 |
Our team confirms your crew roster and explains how to distribute tips at your briefing. Where a waiter or summiting porter is part of the porter allocation, count that crew member once for the relevant day.
Two nights at Meru View Lodge.
Stay in Arumeru District near Arusha National Park. Twin/triple hotel sharing; odd-sized groups use triple sharing. Two nights with breakfast.
Arrive & settle in
JRO pickup and transfer to Meru View Lodge for your pre-climb night and expedition preparations.
Eight mountain days
Follow the Lemosho itinerary above. On your final hiking day, return to Meru View Lodge for your recovery night.
Onward journey
Breakfast and your included transfer to JRO, according to the confirmed flight arrangements.
Booking & payment.
Your private climb, your requested dates
This is a private expedition on requested dates, not a fixed-date shared departure. Travel throughout 2027 is subject to availability. Send your preferred start date and group size; we confirm availability and final arrangements in writing before requesting your deposit.
Get your free quote- Send your enquiry.
- Receive availability confirmation and your written quotation.
- Pay the USD 200 per-person deposit after confirmation.
- Pay the remaining balance 60 days before arrival. Bookings within 60 days require full payment on confirmation.
Legal booking operator and payment recipient: Eyes of Tanzania Limited. Pay through the official payment instructions on your company invoice. The EOK expedition terms below apply.
Operated and contracted by Eyes of Tanzania Limited. Your written quotation and invoice confirm the final arrangements and official payment instructions.
- Deposit
- USD 200 per person · USD 400 group deposit
- Balance
- USD 2,450 per person · USD 4,900 group balance · due 60 days before arrival
Bookings within 60 days of arrival require full payment on confirmation. If your group size changes, we provide a revised quotation for written acceptance before applying a different price.
Cancellation charges
| Notice | Charge |
|---|---|
| 61+ days | 0% |
| 46–60 days | 25% |
| 30–45 days | 50% |
| 7–29 days | 75% |
| 0–6 days or no-show | 100% |
Eligible payments are refunded less permissible documented bank/refund charges. Refunds are limited to sums paid. Where an accepted cancellation charge exceeds payments received, the difference remains payable under the booking agreement, subject to applicable law.
Postponement & date changes
All date changes are subject to availability and written approval. Eligible payments transfer to the revised climb, subject to agreed rate or arrangement changes.
- 30+ days before arrival: one change without an EOK administration fee.
- 14–29 days: USD 150 per person.
- 8–13 days: USD 200 per person.
- 1–7 days: contact the office; approval is not guaranteed.
For arrival-day requests, later changes or the permitted rescheduling period, contact the office for written confirmation before relying on a change.
Refunds, changes & travel requirements
Refunds due are processed within 14 business days after entitlement and refund details are established. Actual documented costs caused by client payment errors may be deducted where permitted; EOK covers correction charges caused by its own errors.
If EOK cancels for reasons within its control, choose a full refund of payments received or a mutually agreed alternative. Extraordinary events are addressed under the accepted booking terms and applicable law.
Guests are responsible for passports, visas and required inbound insurance. Appropriate personal medical and evacuation insurance covering your planned altitude is required; cancellation and interruption cover is strongly recommended.
Weather, park directives, availability or safety can require itinerary changes. Material changes are communicated. Follow the lead guide’s safety decisions. Identifiable guest photographs are used for promotion only with appropriate consent. Raise problems promptly with the guide or office; unresolved complaints may be submitted in writing.
Private group prices, rooms & payment
The price follows the number of paying climbers booking together: 1 USD 3,350; 2 USD 2,650; 3 USD 2,460; 4 USD 2,345; 5 USD 2,325; 6 USD 2,275 per person. More than six requires an individual quote. These are private-group rates, not join-in departures.
Solo climbers have a single hotel room; groups use twin/triple sharing, including triple sharing for odd-sized groups. Both lodge nights include breakfast.
The deposit is USD 200 per person. The remaining balance is the confirmed price less that deposit, due 60 days before arrival. Travel validity is throughout 2027, subject to availability. EOK booking terms apply to this expedition.
Questions? info@eyesofkilimanjaro.com
info@eyes-of-tanzania.com