How Fit Should You Be to Climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route?

Take it slow. A steady pace helps your body acclimate gradually to the altitude – one of the most important factors for a safe and successful climb.Train ahead of time. Multi-day hikes are great practice. Add running or aerobic workouts to build stamina a few months before your trip.Consider adding an extra day. Acclimatization is crucial. An additional day on the route gives your body more time to adjust, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness and increasing your chances of reaching the summit.Want to prepare like a pro? Feel free to contact us for personalized advice

What do you need to know?

Kiware Africa Safaris offers rental items related to the climb, including baggage, items of clothing, footwear, sleeping gear, and much more. The items below represent gear we suggest bringing for a comfortable trek and include prices to rent such items from us. If you choose to sell your climbing gear after the climb, Kiware Africa Safaris would be interested in buying it back as we may use them for our guides or for rental to our climbers.

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11 Days: Kilimanjaro Adventure

Tour type
Private safari
Group Size
2 - 7 Persons
Local transportation
Bus, Airlines
Language
English, Spanish, French, Chinese
Arrival on
Arusha
Departure from
Arusha
Water
Unlimited drinking
Meals
All meals during the trek
First aid kit
Available
Fitness level
Hard
Minimum Age
15
Maximum Age
60

Overview

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

FAQs

Map

Overview

The Lemosho Route is widely considered one of the most scenic and distinctive paths to Kilimanjaro’s summit. Beginning on the remote western side of the mountain, it offers a quieter, more peaceful trek with stunning landscapes from start to finish—perfect for those seeking both beauty and a bit more solitude on their ascent.

This route calls for a moderate to good level of fitness and is among the more premium options, but for good reason. Its longer duration allows for better acclimatization, which significantly boosts your chances of reaching the summit—making it one of the most successful routes on Kilimanjaro.So get ready for the adventure of a lifetime—and that unforgettable summit photo, where you’ll be smiling wider than ever at the top of Africa! 😊

Climb Kilimanjaro with Confidence – Exceptional Support on the Lemosho Route

Tackling Kilimanjaro is no small feat—but with Kiware Africa Safari Tours, you’re in expert hands. On the Lemosho Route, our experienced guides, porters, and cook support you every step of the way, checking your health twice daily and serving nutritious, energizing meals to keep you strong and focused.

It might sound like a lot—but when it comes to handling altitude, these details matter. With the right care and preparation, your chances of reaching the summit safely and successfully increase dramatically.

We also provide a complete preparation guide to help you get ready for your climb via the Lemosho Route. It includes essential details about Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro, gear recommendations, and tips on what to buy or rent to ensure a smooth and successful trek.Plus, as proud members of the Kilimanjaro Responsible Travel Organisation (KRTO), we’re committed to ethical travel—caring for our team and the mountain itself, so you can climb with confidence and a clear conscience.

Excited for the journey of a lifetime?

Make Your Dream Trip a Reality with Kiware Africa Safari Tours

At Kiware Africa, we believe your journey should be as unique as you are. Our itineraries for climbing Kilimanjaro or exploring Tanzania are fully customizable, and our local specialists will work closely with you to design the adventure you’ve always imagined.

Let’s start planning your perfect trip today! Request this trip now

Itinerary Summary – Lemosho Route (10 Days)

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Day 2: Trek begins – Lemosho Gate (2,100 m / 6,889 ft) to Big Tree Camp (2,780 m / 9,120 ft)
Day 3: Hike to Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m / 11,515 ft)
Day 4: Continue to Shira 2 Camp (3,890 m / 12,762 ft)
Day 5: Acclimatization trek – Shira 2 to Lava Tower (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), then descend to Barranco Camp (3,950 m / 12,959 ft)
Day 6: Trek to Karanga Camp (4,040 m / 13,254 ft)
Day 7: Ascend to Barafu Camp (4,645 m / 15,239 ft)
Day 8: Summit Day! Climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft), descend to Millennium Camp (3,820 m / 12,532 ft)
Day 9: Final descent to Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,380 ft), return to hotel
Day 10–11: Relax and fly home from Kilimanjaro International Airport

Why Choose Kiware Africa Safari Tours?

✅ Exceptional Service – We are committed to delivering the highest level of care from start to finish.
✅ Fastest Response Times – Your questions are answered quickly and professionally.
✅ 100% Tanzania Focused – We specialize exclusively in Tanzania, offering deep local expertise.
✅ Local Travel Experts – Our skilled consultants live and work in Tanzania, giving you insider access.
✅ World-Class Safari Guides – Travel with experienced, passionate guides who bring every journey to life.
✅ Competitive Pricing – Enjoy outstanding value without compromising quality.
✅ Top-Rated Private Safaris – Experience Tanzania your way with highly personalized, private tours.

Highlights

Check-in baggage is limited to 35 pounds (ie: 15 kg).
Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter at a rate of $10/bag/day
You can leave extra luggage at your hotel in Arusha or at our office (do not leave any valuables like cash, jewelry, electronics, etc)
4 nights accommodation

Day 01 :

Arrival in Tanzania & Climb Briefing

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later, you’ll have a pre-climb briefing covering gear, packing tips, and key information to help you prepare for your trek.

Day 02 :

Lemosho Gate to Big Tree Camp (2,100 m / 6,889 ft → 2,780 m / 9,120 ft)

Your climb begins! After breakfast, your guide drives you to Londorossi Gate for registration. From there, you hike through lush rainforest to reach Big Tree Camp. In the afternoon, take an acclimatization hike toward Shira 1 Camp, gaining an additional 300 meters, then return to Big Tree Camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 03 :

Into the Moorland: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp (2,780 m / 9,120 ft → 3,510 m / 11,515 ft)

After an early breakfast, begin your gradual ascent to Shira 1 Camp, where you'll get your first stunning view of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano. The 5–6 hour hike is manageable and helps with acclimatization. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and choose to either rest or explore the scenic surroundings.

Day 04 :

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,510 m / 11,515 ft → 3,890 m / 12,762 ft)

Enjoy a gentle trek from Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp, taking in spectacular views and Kilimanjaro’s unique alpine landscape. The hike is not too demanding, giving you time to appreciate the scenery. On clear days, you might even spot Mount Meru in the distance. After lunch, take an optional acclimatization hike to Lava Tower Camp (+200 m) to help your body adjust and improve summit success.

Day 05 :

Across the Alpine Desert to Buffalo Camp

Today you’ll trek from Shira 2 Camp to the striking Lava Tower, reaching a high point of 4,630 m—a key step in acclimatization. This section joins the Machame Route and includes several ascents and descents with stunning scenery throughout. You may feel the effects of altitude here, so it’s important to maintain a steady pace. After lunch at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, beautifully set beneath the impressive Barranco Wall.

Day 06 :

Peaceful Traverse to Third Cave Camp

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,950 m / 12,959 ft → 4,040 m / 13,254 ft)

Your day begins with the thrilling climb up the Barranco Wall, a favorite among many trekkers thanks to its adventurous ascent and incredible views of Kibo Volcano and Mount Meru.

After reaching the top, the trail continues with several ascents and descents toward Karanga Camp—a more demanding stretch that requires steady pacing. Upon arrival, you’ll have lunch and some time to rest. An optional acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp is available in the afternoon.

Day 07 :

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,040 m / 13,254 ft → 4,645 m / 15,239 ft)

After breakfast, you set off for Barafu Camp, your final base before the summit push. The hike takes you higher into the alpine desert, and you’ll arrive at camp around lunchtime.

Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for summit night. You can also take an acclimatization hike to Kosovo Summit Camp (4,870 m) and back, helping your body adjust to the altitude. As the sun sets over the peaks, you’ll feel the anticipation build for your midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Day 08 :

Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp (4,645 m / 15,239 ft → 5,895 m / 19,340 ft → 3,820 m / 12,532 ft)

This is the day you’ve been working toward! Around midnight, you begin your final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The trail is well-marked, but the high altitude makes this the toughest part of the climb.

Reaching the summit at sunrise is an unforgettable moment—take in the views and celebrate your achievement! After a brief rest and some summit photos, begin your slow descent to Millennium Camp, where you’ll spend the night reflecting on your incredible accomplishment.

Day 09 :

Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel (3,820 m / 12,532 ft → 1,640 m / 5,380 ft)

After a restful night in the lush rainforest at Millennium Camp, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and proud of your summit achievement. Following breakfast, enjoy a gentle descent through the forest to Mweka Gate, the official exit of Kilimanjaro National Park.

There, you’ll receive your summit certificate before your driver takes you back to the hotel for a well-earned rest. It’s the perfect moment to reflect on your unforgettable journey and the incredible feat you’ve just accomplished.

Day 10 -11 :

Departure – Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport

Your incredible adventure comes to a close. Spend your final hours in Tanzania relaxing and soaking in the memories. When it’s time, your driver will take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.

Day 12 :

Still not ready to leave?

You can extend your journey with a safari or a beach escape—just let us know and we’ll help you plan the perfect add-on!