The 9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Traverse Lemosho Route The UNFOLD Signature
Experience Kilimanjaro with the Team That Knows Every Step.
This isn’t just a hike; it’s a 9-day immersion into the “Hidden Nature” of Africa’s highest peak. We have designed this route to give you the best views, the most seclusion, and most importantly the highest chance of standing on the summit.
Day 1: Welcome to the Gateway
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International (JRO), our team will meet you and transfer you to your lodge in Moshi. In the evening, we will sit down together for a comprehensive gear check and briefing. We make sure you are 100% prepared before we ever set foot on the trail.
- Stay: Luxury Lodge, Moshi.
Day 2: The Rainforest Immersion
We handle the paperwork at Londorossi Gate and then drive you further into the Lemosho Glades. This is where our hike begins. We spend the afternoon trekking through ancient rainforest. Keep your cameras ready; our guides are experts at spotting the Black and White Colobus monkeys in the canopy.
- Trek: 3–4 hours | Camp: Mti Mkubwa (2,820m).
Day 3: The Shira Reveal
Today, we leave the forest behind. It’s a steady climb as the landscape “unfolds” into the Heath and Moorland zone. We’ll reach the edge of the Shira Plateau, where you’ll get your first dramatic view of Kibo Peak—the summit that awaits you.
- Trek: 5–6 hours | Camp: Shira 1 (3,500m).
Day 4: Crossing the Ancient Caldera
A gentle, scenic day across the plateau. Our team will take you to the Shira Cathedral, a massive rock spire with panoramic views. This shorter day is a “secret” to our success rate, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude while you enjoy the volcanic scenery.
- Trek: 3–4 hours | Camp: Shira 2 (3,850m).
Day 5: The "Climb High, Sleep Low" Strategy
Today is a test of resilience. We trek up to Lava Tower (4,630m) for lunch. Being at this height triggers your body to produce more red blood cells. We then descend into the beautiful Barranco Valley to sleep. This “yo-yo” movement is how we ensure you stay healthy and strong.
- Trek: 7 hours | Camp: Barranco (3,950m).
Day 6: Scrambling the Barranco Wall
We start the morning with a highlight: the Barranco Wall. It’s a fun, non-technical scramble that offers the best photo opportunities on the mountain. From there, we cross the ridges of the south circuit to reach the Karanga Valley.
- Trek: 4–5 hours | Camp: Karanga (3,995m).
Day 7: The High Desert Base
We move into the Alpine Desert today. The vegetation disappears, leaving a stark, beautiful moonscape. We reach Barafu Camp by lunch. Our crew will ensure you have a hot meal and plenty of rest, as the final push begins at midnight.
- Trek: 3–4 hours | Camp: Barafu (4,673m).
Day 8: THE SUMMIT & The Intelligent Descent
At midnight, we begin. Guided by headlamps and the stars, we climb the steep scree to the crater rim. You will reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise. After celebrating at the Roof of Africa, we descend to Millennium Camp.
- The UNFOLD Difference: Most groups push all the way to the bottom, but we stop at Millennium. It’s quieter, warmer, and saves your knees after a 15-hour day.
- Trek: 12–15 hours | Camp: Millennium (3,820m).
Day 9: The Triumphant Return
A final, gentle walk through the forest brings us to Mweka Gate. After a farewell ceremony with your mountain crew, we drive you back to Moshi for a well-deserved celebration and a hot shower.
- Trek: 4–5 hours | Return to Lodge in Moshi.
- Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and all transport to/from the mountain gate.
- Accommodation: 2 nights hotel stay in Moshi (one before and one after the climb) on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
- Staff: A high-ratio team of professional Lead Guides, assistant guides, specialized mountain chefs, and porters.
- Safety: Emergency Oxygen, Pulse Oximeters, and a fully stocked First Aid Kit.
- Camping Gear: High-quality 4-season walk-in tents (double occupancy), thick foam sleeping mattresses, and a heated mess tent with tables and chairs.
- Meals: 3 hot gourmet meals a day, plus afternoon tea and snacks. We provide treated/filtered drinking water throughout the trek.
- Fees: All Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping fees, and mountain rescue fees.
- Flights: International or domestic flights.
- Personal Gear: Sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles (though these can be rented from us in Moshi).
- Tipping: Gratuities for the mountain crew (Standard is approx. $250–$300 total per climber).
- Insurance: Travel and high-altitude medical evacuation insurance.
- Visas: Tanzania Entry Visa ($50 – $100 depending on nationality).