Why do Kilimanjaro Safari 2026 in Tanzania?
What do you know about Mt. Kilimanjaro’s?
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, standing at about 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. It is located in northeastern Tanzania, near the border with Kenya, and is one of the most famous mountains in the world. Kilimanjaro is a volcanic mountain made up of three main volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Of these, Kibo is the highest and still shows signs of possible volcanic activity, although the last major eruption happened over 360,000 years ago.
Kilimanjaro is known for its unique snow-capped peak, which rises above the surrounding savanna plains. The mountain’s name is believed to come from local languages — “Kilimanjaro” possibly means “Mountain of Greatness” or “Shining Mountain.”
The mountain features five distinct ecological zones, ranging from cultivated farmlands at the base, to rainforest, heath, alpine desert, and finally the arctic summit. This variety makes it one of the most diverse mountains in the world in terms of climate and vegetation.
Mount Kilimanjaro attracts thousands of climbers and tourists each year who attempt to reach its summit, known as Uhuru Peak, which means “freedom” in Swahili. It was first successfully climbed in 1889 by Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller.
The mountain also holds great cultural and environmental significance. It is protected within Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. However, scientists have noted that its glaciers are rapidly melting due to climate change, raising concerns about the future of its iconic snow cap.
What to carry when coming for Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
Base layers: These are light thermal shirts and leggings worn close to the skin to keep you warm and dry by absorbing sweat.
Insulating layers: A fleece jacket or a down jacket helps trap body heat, especially when the temperatures drop at higher altitudes.
Outer shell: Carry a waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers to protect yourself from rain, wind, and snow.
Hiking trousers and T-shirts: Choose lightweight, quick-drying materials. Cotton is not recommended because it stays wet and makes you cold.
Warm hat and gloves: Essential for keeping your head and hands warm when temperatures fall below freezing.
Sun hat or cap: Protects you from strong sunlight during the day.
Hiking socks: Bring several pairs of wool or synthetic socks to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters.
Sturdy hiking boots: Waterproof, comfortable, and already broken in to avoid blisters.
Sandals or camp shoes: Useful for relaxing at camp after a long day of hiking.
Sleeping bag: A warm, four-season sleeping bag designed for freezing conditions (below 0°C).
Trekking poles: Help you keep balance and reduce strain on your knees during steep climbs and descents.
Headlamp or flashlight: Important for early morning or night hikes, with extra batteries.
Water bottles or hydration bladder: Carry enough water (2–3 liters) to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Gaiters: To prevent dust, mud, or snow from entering your boots.
2026 Summit Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route climb ?
About the Lemosho route
The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, we have a soft spot for the Lemosho route! Because of its versatility, scenery and a rather untouched, wild start to the climb, Lemosho has often considered the route with the most variety. Spotting large wildlife, like antelopes is not very common, but possible! One of the really unique things about this route is that it offers trekkers the experience of hiking across the Shira Plateau, one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world.
The route approaches from the Western side of the mountain and is less frequented than other popular Kilimanjaro routes. It is effectively a variant of the Machame route with only the first 2 days of the trek differing.
The acclimatization profile of the Lemosho route is great, with repeated climb high sleep low opportunities throughout leading to high success rates.
Most people complete the Lemosho route in 7 days, but it can be extended by one day to give yourself a little longer to acclimatize if needed. Camping is the only available option for the Lemosho route.
We have the best guides on the mountain, with high standards of safety and reliability.
We specialize in group climbs and private climbs at a reasonable cost. Not a cheap Kilimanjaro climb, but a great value for everything you need to have a safe, successful experience. We are Kilimanjaro’s top operator. Won’t you join us on the summit?
Kilimanjaro 2026
Day 1: Jan 8: Arrival
Arrive by land, sea or air in Moshi/Kilimanjaro Airport – you will be collected and transferred to your hotel in downtown Moshi.
Day 2: Jan 9th
After a leisurely breakfast, we will meet the mountain crew, discuss issues of kit, hear a pre-departure brief and after a question and answer session we will head off to Ndarakwai Ranch.
Day 3: Jan 10th
A day of relaxation and preparation for the climb. Day walks, game drives and bird watching, or simply relaxing are the virtues of Ndarakwai. Expect an excellent spread of Christmas fare for lunch or dinner.
Day 4: Jan 11th : Kilimanjaro
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkumbwa (2,650 m/8,692 ft)
Hike time: 3hrs
Elevation Change: + 650 M/+2,132
Estimation distance: 10 km
Final Elevation: 2,650 m/8,694 ft
After a short but adventurous drive from Ndarakwai to Londorossi Gate we usually put boots on the trail at about noon. This is a mild challenge to start the trip and is a 2 to 4 hour mixed climb through the cloud forest to Mti Mkubwa camp at 8692ft.
Here we get recorded and enter the national park. We then drive another hour to the Lemosho trailhead where we have lunch and begin our adventure through the undisturbed rainforest on a 3h hike up to Mti Mkubwa ‘Big Tree’ Campsite. This will be your first night sleeping under the stars in tents!
Day 5: Jan 12th
Mti Mkubwa (2,650 m/8,692 ft) to Shira One Camp (3,609 m/11,841 ft.)
Hike time: 5 – 6 hrs
Elevation change: + 950 M/+3116
Estimation distance: 12 km
Final Elevation: 3609 m/11,841 ft
Today’s climb is much tougher. It begins in the forest but soon breaks out into heather and high moorland, with the gradient steep at times until broaching the edge of the Shira Crater. The camp is in a picturesque open area on the western edge of the Shira Plateau.
Day 6: Jan 13th
Shira One Camp (3,609 m/11,841 ft.) to Shira Two Camp (3,849 m/12,628 ft)
Hike time: 5 – 6 hrs
Elevation change: + 240 M/+787 ft
Elevation distance: 5 km
Final elevation: 3849 m/12,628 ft
After early morning breakfast, you will begin your ascent out of the rainforest and into the heather and moorland zone. You will cross many streams and walk over a plateau that leads to Shira 2 Campsite. At this campsite, you will have a spectacular view of the Western Breach and its glaciers in the East. We hike about 5-6h in total today.
Day 7: Jan 14th
Shira Two Camp (3,849 m/12,628 ft.) to Barranco Camp (3,948 m/12,956 ft.)
Hike time: 5 hrs
Elevation change: +100 M/+328 ft
Estimated distance: 6 km
Final elevation: 3948 m/12,956 ft
The first stage of today’s climb follows a slow trail at a steady incline to the Lava Tower at about 15000ft, before descending back to an altitude of 12800ft at the dramatic Baranco Camp in the lap of Kibo Crater itself.
Day 8: Jan 15th
Barranco Camp (3,900 m/12,800 ft) to Karanga Valley (3,963 m/13,000 ft)
Hike time: 3.5 hrs
Elevation change: +100 m/+328 ft
Estimated distance: 4km/2.5 miles
Final elevation: 3,963 m/13,000 ft
After early morning breakfast, it’s time for us to conquer the Great Barranco Wall. Although it may look intimidating at first, our travelers usually state it was much easier than they anticipated. At the top of the wall, you will be above the clouds with superb views of the southern ice-fields and the summit. The trail then winds up and down until we arrive at Karanga Campsite where we spend the night.
Day 9: Jan 16th
Karanga Valley (3,963 m/13,000 ft) to Barafu Hut (4,600 m/15,091 ft)
Hike time: 3.5 hrs
Elevation change: +600 m/+1,968 ft
Estimated distance: 4km/2.5 miles
Final elevation: 4,600 m/15,091 ft
It’s getting real! We’re now very close to the summit and will have some amazing views of the mountain during our short 2-3h ascent to the last base, Barafu Campsite, at 4,600m (15,091ft). An early dinner will be served so you can get some rest before attempting the summit that same night. Before you go to bed, our guide will brief you in detail on how best to prepare for summit night. Don’t worry, you’ll be in great hands!
Day 10: Jan 17th
Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,091 ft) to The Summit (5,896 m/19,343 ft) and then to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft)
Summit time: 7 hrs
Elevation change: +1,300 m/+4,265 ft
Estimated distance: 5km/3.2 miles
Final elevation: 5,896 m/19,343 ft
Descent time: 5 hrs
Elevation change: -2,800 m/-9,186 ft
Estimated distance: 12km/7.5 miles
Final elevation: 3,100 m, 10,170 ft
At midnight the wake-up call comes and the trail leads up into darkness lit by hundreds of blinking headlights. New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular times of the year to the summit, and by now all the trails have merged. It is a tough 6/7-hour climb in the dark to catch the sunrise at Uhuru Peak at dawn. the very top of Africa and a lifetime accomplishment! Be prepared to be overwhelmed and don’t forget to take your pictures. Begin the long descent and then hike on to Mweka Camp and a more comfortable altitude.
Day 11: Jan 18th
Mweka Hut (3,100 m/10,170 ft) to Mweka Gate (1,828 m/6,000 ft)
Descent time: 4 hrs
Elevation change: -1,250 m/-4,101 ft
Estimated distance: 10km/6.21
Final elevation: 1,828 m/6,000 ft
After the previous day, you’ll deserve this short and very scenic descent of about 4 hours down to the Mweka Gate, where you’ll sign the register to make your climb official.
Accommodation at the Parkview Hotel Moshi
Day 12: Jan 19th
Trip ends. You will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport.