9-Day Lemosho Route with Crater Camp
A private 9-day climb of Kilimanjaro on the Lemosho route, up the Western Breach to camp inside the summit crater beside the glaciers, then a short walk to Uhuru Peak at sunrise, with two hotel nights in Moshi, 11 days in total.
For Experienced Climbers Who Want More Than the Summit
Most climbers see the summit crater for a few minutes in the dark. On this route you spend a whole afternoon and night up there, at about 5,700 metres: time to walk to the Furtwängler Glacier and, with a guide, to look into the Reusch Crater and its ash pit. The next morning you walk to Uhuru Peak for sunrise, without the usual midnight climb from Barafu.
It is not for everyone. The Western Breach is a steep scramble on rock and scree with a history of rockfall, and the park sometimes closes it; if it is closed, we change the route and you reach the summit the usual way. Sleeping at 5,700 metres is hard on the body, and the risk of altitude sickness is higher than on a normal climb. Choose this only if you are fit, have been to high altitude before and accept that your guide may cancel the crater night for your safety.
Prefer the classic summit route? See the 8-Day Lemosho Route →
Why Climbers Choose It
- The quiet western start and the whole Shira Plateau
- Up the Western Breach into the summit crater
- A night at Crater Camp, about 5,700 m, beside the glaciers
- Uhuru Peak at sunrise, without a midnight start
- Our own crew, extra porters, emergency oxygen and two hotel nights in Moshi
Altitude Profile
Approximate altitudes in metres; published figures differ between sources. D1–D9 are the days on the mountain. Day 4 is a rest and acclimatisation day at Shira 2.
Our driver meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and takes you to your hotel in Moshi. Your lead guide visits in the afternoon to go through the climb, the Crater Camp plan and your equipment.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi (mid-range, or similar)
Meals: Dinner is not included on arrival day
↑ about 400 m · about 6 km · 3–4 hours
A long drive around the mountain to the Londorossi gate to register, then a short walk through mossy forest to camp.
Overnight: Big Tree Camp (tents)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 720 m · about 8 km · 5–6 hours
Out of the forest onto the moorland and up to the rim of the Shira Plateau, with the first views of Kibo.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 400 m · about 10 km · 4–5 hours
An easy day across the open plateau to Shira 2, at the foot of Kibo.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking: about 3–4 hours
A day to let your body adjust before the high camps: a walk higher on the slopes and back to sleep at Shira 2.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 300 m · about 6 km · 4–5 hours
A quiet walk around the northern edge of the Shira Plateau to Moir Hut, a camp below the Lent Hills. In the afternoon a short walk higher helps your body adjust.
Overnight: Moir Hut Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 600 m · about 6 km · 5–6 hours
Through alpine desert to Lava Tower, then on a short, steeper path to Arrow Glacier Camp, a stony camp at the foot of the Western Breach. Early dinner and an early night.
Overnight: Arrow Glacier Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 900 m · steep scramble · 6–8 hours
An early start up the Western Breach, a steep climb on rock and scree into the summit crater, with helmets where your guide asks for them. In the afternoon you rest at Crater Camp and, if you feel well, walk to the Furtwängler Glacier.
Overnight: Crater Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 200 m, ↓ about 2,815 m · about 8–10 hours
A short climb from the crater to Uhuru Peak for sunrise, then down past Stella Point and Barafu to Mweka Camp in the forest.
Overnight: Mweka Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↓ about 1,450 m · about 10 km · 3–4 hours
A last walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you sign out and receive your summit certificate. Our driver takes you back to Moshi.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi (mid-range, or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we drive you to Kilimanjaro International Airport, or on to one of our safaris.
Meals: Breakfast
Price Per Person — Private Climb
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $3,585 |
| 2 People | $3,315 |
| 3 People | $3,225 |
| 4 People | $3,180 |
| 5 People | $3,155 |
| 6 People | $3,135 |
Price per person in US dollars, by the number of people climbing together. Groups of more than 6: price on request.
If the Western Breach is closed, you climb by the usual Barafu route and the price stays the same.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: Moshi (Kilimanjaro Airport transfers included)
- 11 days in total: 9 days on the mountain + 2 hotel nights
- Private climb: your group only, on the dates you choose
- Only for very fit climbers with high-altitude experience
- Western Breach: steep scramble, rockfall risk; may be closed by the park
- Prices may change if park fees change
Includes
- Kilimanjaro National Park conservation, camping and rescue fees
- Licensed mountain guides, cook and porters from our own crew
- A personal porter to carry your main bag
- Emergency oxygen carried on the climb
- A sleeping bag
- All meals on the mountain and drinking water
- 2 nights' hotel in Moshi with breakfast
- Extra porters and equipment for Crater Camp
- Private portable toilet tent
- Transfers: Kilimanjaro Airport, Moshi hotel and the park gates
- Summit certificate
Excludes
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 6,000 m and evacuation
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Personal climbing clothes and boots
- Drinks other than drinking water
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
- Lunch and dinner in Moshi
- A climbing helmet (bring your own, or ask us)
Questions Climbers Ask
Why sleep in the crater?
You see the summit area in daylight and at sunset, with time to walk to the glaciers, and you reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise after a short walk instead of a midnight climb from Barafu.
How dangerous is the Western Breach?
It is steep and loose, and there have been rockfalls, including a fatal one in 2006. Your guides choose the timing and the line, and the park may close the route. If it is closed or conditions are poor, we use the normal Barafu route.
Is sleeping at 5,700 m risky?
Yes, more than a normal climb. That is why this trip has a rest day at Shira 2 and why it is only for climbers with high-altitude experience. Your guides check you twice a day and carry emergency oxygen, and they will take you down if needed.
Why 9 days?
The extra nights at Shira 2 and Moir Hut give your body time to adjust before you sleep at Arrow Glacier and in the crater. Fewer days would raise the risk of altitude sickness at Crater Camp.
What insurance do I need?
Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000 metres and emergency evacuation. Please check the altitude limit in your policy before you book.
