9-Day Lemosho Northern Circuit

Our 9-Day Lemosho Northern Circuit Route can include both our Standard and All-Inclusive Packages. Any climber (even if part of a group) can choose their own package if they prefer one over the other. All our Kilimanjaro climbs include:

  • 2 nights accommodation at a high-end hotel before the climb
  • 1-night accommodation at a high-end hotel after the climb

This exciting journey via our 9-Day Lemosho Northern Circuit Route including the hotel nights takes 12 days (excluding flights).

Kick off your morning with a smooth hotel checkout, and start your drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park’s Lemosho Entrance Gate (3 hrs away).

We enter the park’s western gate (around 7,700ft or 2,100m). We ascend to the Forest Camp (9,255ft or 2,821m), your home for the night in the Tropical Rainforest Zone.

Expect a 2-3 hrs trek through the lush rainforest. You will have potential sightings of black and white Colobus Monkeys and Blue Monkeys!

Starting from the Forest Camp (9,255ft or 2,821m), we’ll hike to Shira 1 Camp (11,300ft or 3,444m) nestled within the Heather Zone.

With a mid-day break for lunch, this journey takes about 5-7 hrs, including lunch break, culminating in a cozy night at Shira 1 Camp.

Along the way, delight in the rich vegetation of the Heather and Moorland Zones.

Today, we climb from Shira 1 Camp (11,300ft or 3,444m) to the Moir Camp (13,779ft or 4,200m), moving further into the Heather and Moorland Zone.

Expect a trek of 5-7 hrs, including lunch break, and notice the shift to a more desert-like landscape as you go higher. Overnight at Moir Camp (13,779ft or 4,200m).

We climb from Moir Camp (13,779ft or 4,200 m) to Pofu Camp (13,200ft or 4,025 m) in the Alpine Desert Zone. This trek takes approximately 5-7 hrs including lunch break and is approximately 6 miles or 10 kilometers.

We start by climbing out of the Moir Valley while enjoying the stunning views. The final section of today’s trek is a series of smooth paths, leading us to the serene Pofu Camp. We stop for lunch halfway through the trail.

We sleep at Pofu Camp (13,200ft or 4,025 m).

We start our trek at Pofu Camp (13,200ft or 4,025 m) and head to Third Cave Camp (12,696ft or 3,870 m). This trek takes approximately 5-6 hrs including lunch break and is approximately 6 miles or 10 kilometers.

We stop for lunch halfway through the trail. The trail takes you through a series of small valleys, with increasingly sparse vegetation as you ascend. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes.

We sleep at Third Cave Camp (12,696ft or 3,870 m).

We climb from Third Cave Camp (12,696ft or 3,870 m) to Outward Bound School Hut (16,076ft or 4,900 m) through the Alpine Desert Zone. This takes approximately 4-5 hrs depending on your pace.

Today’s trek involves a steady ascent to the saddle, a lunar-like landscape nestled between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Continuing upwards, we reach Outward Bound School Hut by early afternoon. We have our lunch at camp. The rest of the day is dedicated to resting and preparing for the summit attempt.

We sleep at Outward Bound School Hut (16,076ft or 4,900 m).

The final and most demanding part of the climb begins around 3 a.m. on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree, reaching the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (18,638ft or 5,681 m). During this trek we will experience a beautiful sunrise.

We continue our trek to Uhuru Peak (19,340ft or 5,895 m) while being able to see the remaining glaciers on the mountain. The reason we leave at 3 AM and not earlier is to hopefully provide us with alone time at the summit (with little to no other tourists at the summit).

Congratulations on reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, the Roof of Africa. We cherish the moment at the summit and take photos at the Uhuru Peak (19,340ft or 5,895 m) sign.

Afterwards we retrace our steps along the crater rim to Stella Point (18799ft or 5,730 m) and descend to Barafu Camp.

Overnight at Barafu Camp (15,239ft or 3,983 m).

Wake up at Barafu Camp (15,239ft or 3,983 m) and continue making our descent to our next camp – Mweka Camp (10,204ft or 3,110 m).

Overnight at Mweka Camp. This portion takes approximately 4-5 hrs and is approximately 7 miles or 11.2 kilometers.

After breakfast, we continue to climb down to Mweka Gate (5,423ft or 1,653m) where we sign the Official Kilimanjaro National Park Register, have a cold drink, and get presented our official Kilimanjaro Certificate by our Head Guide.

This last descent to the gate should take approximately 3-4 hrs.

We then head to our bus and head back to the Premium Hotel in Arusha. This drive takes approximately 3 hrs. You should be arriving back at the hotel in the mid-afternoon around 3 PM (depending what time you leave your camp in the morning).

Congratulations on completing our 9-Day Lemosho Northern Circuit Route.

Click here to go to our Packages page where you can find what we include in our packages, as well as the pricing for each of our packages / routes.

STANDARD PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:

We’ve got your transportation covered—start to finish.

When you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will meet you and take you straight to your hotel in Arusha. You’ll ride in comfort with complimentary bottled water.

For your climb, we use Land Cruisers or Coaster buses (based on your group size)—vehicles built to crush the rugged terrain.

When your adventure wraps up, we’ll get you back to the airport on time and stress-free.

No headaches. No guesswork. Just seamless transfers so you can focus on conquering Kilimanjaro.

We don’t just climb Kilimanjaro—we redefine the experience with top-tier gear and unmatched comfort at every camp.

Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 Tents:

  • Engineered for the toughest weather on Kilimanjaro—wind, rain, or cold.
  • Originally designed to accommodate 4 people with gear stored outside, but we optimize the experience by comfortably housing 2 climbers inside, along with their mattresses, pillows, and duffel bags. This setup provides unmatched space and comfort for a better rest.
  • Need repairs on the climb? No problem. We’ve got a dedicated crew ready to handle issues like zippers or wear and tear on the spot.

Mountain Hardwear Space Station Mess Tents:

  • The ultimate dining and gathering tent—spacious, durable, and built for extreme conditions.
  • Wind- and rainproof, providing a comfortable, sheltered space to relax, socialize, and enjoy your meals no matter the weather.
  • Fully equipped with camping tables, comfortable folding chairs, and plenty of room to stretch out after a long day.

Sleeping Bags (All-Inclusive Package):

  • Marmot Trestles Elite 0 Sleeping Bags: Designed specifically for Kilimanjaro’s extreme conditions.
  • Synthetic insulation ensures warmth and performance in high-altitude, humid environments, where down bags often fail.
  • Lightweight, durable, and guaranteed to keep you warm for restful, rejuvenating sleep at any altitude.

Comfortable Sleeping Setup:

  • Sleep like royalty with 4-inch foam mattresses and plush pillows.
  • Designed for ultimate relaxation after a long day of trekking.
  • We provide climbers with hot water bottles if they wish to keep them warmer throughout the night.

Handwashing Station:

  • Hot water, regularly replenished, ensures you stay clean and refreshed throughout your climb.

Gear Maintenance:

  • We inspect all equipment before the climb, and if something comes up during the trek, we fix it—no waiting, no compromise.

We use the best equipment available because you deserve to focus on the climb—not worry about your comfort or safety. This isn’t just camping—it’s luxury at 19,000 feet.

Your energy and nutrition are top priorities. That’s why we’ve designed a dining experience that keeps you fueled, satisfied, and ready to conquer Kilimanjaro—no compromises, no shortcuts.

Expert-Designed Menu:

  • Our mountain chefs and waitstaff will serve you breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of your climb.
  • The menu, developed in consultation with a professional dietitian, delivers delicious, energy-packed meals to meet the physical demands of high-altitude trekking.

Special Dietary Needs? We’ve Got You Covered.

  • Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free—whatever your dietary preference, we can accommodate it.
  • Switching to a special meal plan won’t cost you a thing. Just let us know in advance, and our chefs will make sure you have exactly what you need.

For a closer look at the meals provided during your adventure, check out our sample menu here. Please note that this is just a sample and may not reflect any dietary restrictions you might have. However, it will give you an idea of the amount of food and variety you can expect during your climb.

Fresh, Organic Ingredients:

  • We source organic fruits, vegetables, and meats from small local farms near Kilimanjaro. Fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference—and support the local economy at the same time.

Tribal Café Kickoff Lunch:

  • Your first lunch, served before reaching camp on Day 1, is prepared by our chefs at Tribal Café and packed for the adventure ahead.

Mountain Kitchen, Next-Level Quality:

  • All meals are prepared in challenging high-altitude environments, often with unpredictable weather like wind, rain, and cold temperatures.
  • Our chefs work with a camping gas oven and portable cooking gear, delivering meals that are warm, delicious, and restorative—no matter the conditions.

At Kiliwarrior Expeditions, every detail is accounted for—from the food you eat to the care that goes into preparing it. You’ll enjoy expertly crafted meals that keep you energized and focused, while we handle the rest.

Your job? Eat, fuel up, and climb. We’ll take care of the rest.

You’re in the best hands with our team. We don’t just have guides; we have elite professionals who are experts in their field. Our team is tight-knit, with most members having been with us for over 10 years. Since 2004, we’ve built a legacy of excellence in climbing Kilimanjaro, and we’re proud to train and develop our own guides from the ground up. This isn’t just a job for us—it’s our passion.

Experience That Counts

Our guides aren’t just “experienced”—they’re masters of the mountain. Each guide has at least 7 years of Kilimanjaro experience. They’ve led expeditions for celebrities, YouTubers, and adventurers alike, ensuring they’re prepared for anything. We’ve even organized the world’s highest half, full, and ultra marathons, earning 3 Guinness World Records for those epic achievements. Our guides know this mountain like the back of their hands—and it shows.

Safety First, Always

Your safety is non-negotiable. Every guide on our team holds a fully licensed Mountain Guide Diploma, with expert knowledge in wildlife management and the flora and fauna of East Africa. They’re also certified First Aid Responders from the Tanzania Red Cross Society, meaning they’re ready for anything that comes their way. Whether it’s a simple scratch or an emergency, they’re prepared.

We’ve got you covered in more ways than one. All of our guides are fluent in English, Swahili, and Maasai, so communication is never an issue. Your safety is always top priority—we’ll keep you informed, supported, and safe every step of the way.

Our Team is Your Team

We don’t just have guides; we have a complete team. Behind every successful climb is a dedicated group of porters, camp managers, chefs, and waiters, all working together to ensure your experience is flawless. We believe in treating our team right: we pay the highest salaries in the Tanzanian tourism industry and have created bank accounts for each crew member to ensure transparency and accountability in salary payouts. When you work with Kiliwarrior Expeditions, you’re supporting an ethical, well-paid, and motivated team that’s been with us for years.

Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP/KRTO)

We are a certified member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), an independent organization dedicated to advocating for the fair treatment of porters on Kilimanjaro. This certification ensures that we uphold the highest standards of fair pay, safe working conditions, and respect for our porters, ensuring they have a comfortable and supportive environment throughout the climb. When you choose Kiliwarrior, you’re supporting a company that treats its team with integrity and care.

Pioneering Diversity

We’re proud to be one of the first companies to actively hire women guides and staff. Over the past 3-4 years, we’ve made a conscious effort to employ female guides, female chefs, and even female waitresses. We’re all about equality and empowerment, and we believe that having women on our teams is vital to creating a more diverse and inclusive Kilimanjaro experience.

Unmatched Expertise. Unbeatable Team.

This isn’t just about a climb. It’s about bringing you the best team, with unmatched expertise and a dedication to excellence. Our guides are constantly reviewed and praised for their knowledge, commitment, and ability to make your Kilimanjaro adventure extraordinary.

When you choose Kiliwarrior Expeditions, you’re choosing a team that delivers results. We don’t just take you up Kilimanjaro—we take you to the top.

At Kiliwarrior Expeditions, we prioritize safety by carrying bottled oxygen supplies on every Kilimanjaro expedition, but it is only used in emergency situations. Unlike Everest, where supplemental oxygen is needed to reach the summit, our oxygen is strictly for addressing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

If a climber shows symptoms of AMS, oxygen is administered to stabilize their condition and facilitate a safe descent to lower altitudes. This ensures that the climber can be brought to safety quickly, minimizing the risks associated with high-altitude sickness.

Our guides are well-trained in AMS management, and the oxygen is only used as a last resort, making the focus on prevention and proper acclimatization throughout the trek. Safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we ensure that we are fully prepared to handle any emergency that may arise during the climb.

At Kiliwarrior Expeditions, your safety is our top priority. Every morning and evening, our certified, wilderness-trained guides conduct mandatory medical check-ups for all hikers and crew members. These are not optional. We measure your oxygen levels, ask questions about your health, and check for signs of altitude sickness. Even if you feel fine, these checks are critical to catching AMS early and making sure you’re safe and on track.

Our guides are the decision-makers. They’re the ones who decide if an evacuation is necessary. They’ve got the training, the experience, and the authority to make that call. If you’re showing signs of AMS, they won’t wait until it’s too late. They’ll act fast to get you down to safety. This is not the time for guessing games – our guides are experts at what they do, and they take this responsibility seriously.

We’ve also got you covered if you have specific health conditions like diabetes or asthma. We don’t treat everyone the same – we tailor our approach to make sure you get the support you need. Our team is trained to handle a wide range of health scenarios, and we work with you to make sure your climb is safe and manageable.

We’re not here to mess around when it comes to your well-being. Our guides are highly experienced, and they’re backed by top-notch medical kits. If anything goes wrong, we’ve got the tools and the knowledge to handle it – fast. But we’re not waiting for something to go wrong. We take preventive measures every step of the way to keep things running smoothly.

We also keep a detailed medical record for each climber to track any health issues throughout the climb. If, for any reason, you need to be hospitalized, this record will ensure that medical professionals have everything they need to help you. Your personal info stays confidential, shared only with medical personnel if necessary.

When you climb with Kiliwarrior Expeditions, we don’t take chances with your health. We take every precaution to make sure you have a safe, memorable climb – no exceptions.

We believe in transparency, integrity, and doing things the right way. When you book a Kilimanjaro climb with us, everything is included – park fees, camping fees, conservation fees, rescue fees, crew fees, forest fees (for certain routes), and more. We don’t cut corners or hide behind fine print. You know exactly what you’re paying for, and we make sure everything is handled properly.

In fact, we’ve employed over 150 local people in a single month in the past, from expert guides to porters and chefs. Your adventure with us directly supports the livelihoods of these hardworking individuals and contributes to the local community, ensuring a positive impact on both the mountain and its people.

At Kiliwarrior Expeditions, we know that preparing for a Kilimanjaro climb is a big deal, and we’ve got your back. You’ll have Tom, our manager, at your disposal to answer any questions and get you all the details over the phone. Need to know specifics or have last-minute concerns? Tom’s got you covered.

Once you land in Tanzania, we’ve got a dedicated client representative ready to help with anything you need. Whether you’re looking for where to buy something, need a forgotten item, want to book a day trip, or require any last-minute details – our client rep is there for you. We’re here to ensure you have everything you need for a smooth, stress-free adventure. From the moment you book, right through to the end of your climb, we’re all in.

We post daily updates on Facebook and Instagram Stories so your friends and family can follow your journey while you’re on the mountain, where there’s no internet. If you don’t want to be part of these updates, no problem—we’ll respect that. The goal here is simple: share the experience and keep loved ones in the loop while you’re offline.

Before your climb, you can safely store your luggage at the hotel. Simply fill out some paperwork and receive a storage receipt. The hotel will then store your belongings in a locked, secure room. After your climb, return to the hotel, check in, and present your receipt. The hotel porter will bring your luggage right to your room, so you can settle in and relax without any hassle.

At Kiliwarrior Expeditions, we don’t just climb Kilimanjaro—we make sure we leave it better than we found it. Our mission is to keep the mountain pristine, which is why we have a dedicated team that ensures all waste is packed out. This team doesn’t just clean up after our climbers—they also pick up any litter left by others, making sure Kilimanjaro stays as stunning as it was when the first explorers, Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller, reached the summit.

Each year, we send our team up the mountain without guest climbers to clean the trails, including the challenging Western-Breach route, where we’ve pioneered cleanup efforts in the industry. We’ve committed ourselves to maintaining the beauty of Kilimanjaro and ensuring the impact of tourism is minimized.

At Kiliwarrior Expeditions, we believe in setting you up for success before your climb even starts. That’s why, at your climbing briefing the day before your expedition, we hand you a top-quality Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park map to help you visualize the journey ahead.

But we don’t stop there. We partner with SaviFoot to give you a free embroidered Kiliwarrior Expeditions baseball hat and a free red SaviFoot sport shirt with our bold logo on the front and a unique design on the back. These aren’t your average souvenirs—they’re high-quality gear that looks great and stands up to the rigors of the climb. You’ll look sharp and feel prepared.

NOT INCLUDED:

Breakfast is included at the hotel, but lunch and dinner are on you. You can purchase these at the hotel’s restaurant, and pay however you’d like—cash or credit card.

Speak to your client representative if you need any help while you are in Tanzania. If need be, we can assist you with whatever you may need- although this is not included in our pricing. You may need to cover small expenses such as driver/fuel for our vehicles. Whatever it is, we are still here to help you and make sure it is at a minimal cost.

We don’t supply your personal gear like hiking boots, pants, jackets, and other essentials. But don’t worry—we’ll provide you with a packing list when you register, and you can review it with our manager anytime as you prep for the climb.

If you forget anything that is essential, we will go with you to get it with our team the day before the climb (gear check and climbing briefing meeting day).

You can easily get your visa either in person (which is what we really recommend) or online through Tanzania’s E-Visa website. When you register, we’ll send you a full guide to make it simple.

We don’t handle flights. Climbers come from all over the globe. Just show up on the dates in the itinerary, and we’ll handle the rest. We’ll pick you up at the airport when you arrive and drop you off when you leave. Popular options: KLM, Qatar Airways.

We’re proud members of KPAP, and we recommend tipping a minimum of $300 USD for our 7-day climbs and $400 USD for our 9-day climbs. This goes to the incredible team that supports you every step of the way.

We highly recommend getting travel and medical insurance to cover any medical expenses or trip cancellations. The insurance should cover up to 6,000m above sea level. We’ll provide some options for you to compare when you register with us.

Want to pick up some keepsakes? Talk to your client representative, and they’ll help you out. It’s best to use Tanzanian Shillings (Tsh) for transactions, but USD and EUR are generally accepted.

Avoid bringing Canadian dollars—they won’t be accepted.

Also, if you bring USD, bring smaller denominations and make sure your bills are from 2013 or later.

OPTIONAL:

The hotel that is included in both our Standard and All-Inclusive Package is Kibo Palace Hotel in Arusha. We also have an optional “hotel upgrade” available for any climbers who wish to stay at Gran Melia Arusha.

Single climbers or climbers who wish to have their own pre/post hotel room as well as their own tent on the mountain have a $ 300 US single supplement fee to pay. If a single occupancy request wishes to upgrade their hotel from Kibo Palace Hotel to Gran Melia Arusha they must pay an additional $ 600 US.

Double occupancy climbers who wish to upgrade from Kibo Palace Hotel to Gran Melia Arusha must pay an additional $ 400 US per person.

Please let us know if you wish to have this hotel upgrade.

Packing List

Pricing

STANDARD PACKAGE 2025

$5,750 USD PER PERSON

ALL-INCLUSIVE 2025

$6,200 USD PER PERSON

Kiliwarrior Expeditions campsite at Forest Camp

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