Summit Africa’s highest peak at 5,895m on the five-ecosystem Lemosho route — proper acclimatization built in, and sunrise above the clouds from the crater rim. Two group departures: New Year on the summit, or March.
From dense rainforest to arctic summit in nine days — Lemosho is the classic approach for good acclimatization, with gradual altitude gain built into every stage.
Grouped by phase — tap any stage to open it.
Landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha (1.5 hours by road). Before dinner, a briefing and equipment check in preparation for tomorrow’s extraordinary expedition.
9km, 750m elevation gained. After breakfast we head to Londorosi Gate for registration, then on to Lemosho Gate. The trail ascends through montane forest, where we may encounter black-and-white colobus monkeys and other wildlife.
16km, 1,000m elevation gained. We climb the Shira ridge to reach the plateau, leaving the rainforest behind for savannah, high grass and volcanic terrain.
8km, about 100m net elevation gain — an ideal acclimatization day. We cross the East ridge past Lava Tower and Arrow Glacier before descending to Barranco.
5km, 50m elevation gained. We climb the Barranco Wall, about 257 m high: a steep path with no technical difficulty, using our hands here and there, before we pass beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, and climb steeply into Karanga valley.
4km, 673m elevation gained, across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation. On arrival we complete the South Circuit, with magnificent summit views, then rest and have an early dinner before the summit push.
4.5km + 11km. Around midnight we start the summit push, between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, northwest towards Stella Point on the crater rim — where you’ll witness one of the most beautiful sunrises you’ll ever see, before reaching the highest point on the African continent. We descend to Barafu for lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp.
10km descent to Mweka Gate to receive your summit certificate, then transfer to your hotel in Moshi to shower and relax after a once-in-a-lifetime adventure — and celebrate your summit back on solid ground.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, trip complete.
Both our departures (26 December – 3 January and 6–14 March) fall in Kilimanjaro’s short dry season. Days are usually warm and sunny at the foot of the mountain (around 28 °C in Arusha), although the rainforest can still be wet and misty. Above 4,000 m the sun is strong during the day, but nights drop below freezing. Summit night is the coldest part of the trip: typically −10 °C to −15 °C at Uhuru Peak, and colder with the wind. You sleep in tents on the mountain and in a hotel before and after the climb.
We carry a medical kit with Diamox and an oximeter. Plastic bags are banned in Tanzania, so pack in fabric or dry bags. Questions about your gear? Message us on WhatsApp.
An outstanding experience with Thin Air Trips! Isa and the team brought so much care, enthusiasm and professionalism to the whole adventure. Their thoughtful planning, clear communication and attention to detail made everything feel smooth and well organised, allowing me to relax and enjoy the experience.
What stood out most was the personal approach. Isa was approachable, helpful and always happy to answer questions. You could really feel her passion for the mountains and her commitment to making the trip special.
A fantastic team that I would happily recommend to anyone looking for a memorable trekking or mountain adventure. Thank you, Isa and Thin Air Trips—I would love to join you again!
I’ve now travelled with Thin Air Trips twice — to Torres del Paine and Kyrgyzstan — and both trips were absolutely incredible. Two very different destinations, but equally unforgettable adventures!
One of the best things about travelling with them is that they take care of everything. From planning the itinerary to organising accommodation, transport and all the logistics along the way, they make the whole experience feel easy. There’s so much that goes into organising trips like these, and having it all managed means you can relax, enjoy the adventure and focus on the places you’ve come to explore.
Torres del Paine was spectacular, and Kyrgyzstan was another amazing experience, with breathtaking mountains and landscapes that will stay with me for a long time. Both trips gave me so many special moments and memories that I’ll always treasure.
For me, the real value of Thin Air Trips is being able to experience these extraordinary destinations without the stress of coordinating everything myself. You get all the excitement of an adventure, with the reassurance that the details are taken care of.
The fact that I booked a second trip after my first probably says it all! I would happily travel with them again and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a well-organised, memorable adventure. An easy five stars!
Fuimos con ellos al Ararat y todo perfecto, organización de 10, muy buena comunicación antes y durante el viaje, y muy buenos guías. Repetiremos!
I had a fantastic experience travelling to Russia to summit Mt Elbrus. Isa has been really communicative and helpful. I had a lot of hestitations about travelling to the region, but all went smooth and the entire trip was amazing. The team on ground were also just as professional and helpful, really helping to take off the logitical pressure and allowing me to focus on the summit.
Espectacular!!la ruta , la organización , la gente…repetiré sin duda!
Viaje top y equipo mejor aún!
9 days via the Lemosho route: New Year on the summit, or a quieter March climb. Licensed guide, assistant guides and full support team, five ecosystems, proper acclimatization built in.
Bring a friend: $100 credit each towards your next trip
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No technical climbing skills are required — it’s an accessible hike for most of the route — but altitude is a real challenge, especially on summit day. We recommend regular cardio training in the weeks before the trip, and the Lemosho route’s gradual pace gives your body the best chance to acclimatize.
Save your spot for free with the button on this page — you don’t pay anything yet. Once the departure is confirmed, you secure your place with a non-refundable 10% deposit. When the balance is due depends on each trip, and we send you the exact conditions together with the itinerary. You can pay in euros, dirhams or US dollars, depending on the destination.
December to March is one of Kilimanjaro’s two dry seasons, usually with clear skies and good summit conditions. Our New Year departure puts summit day on January 1st; the March departure falls just before the long rains start in April.
No. Kilimanjaro is a trek, not a technical climb — no ropes or climbing gear are needed on the route itself. What matters most is cardiovascular fitness and a steady pace to help your body adjust to the altitude.
A licensed English-speaking guide, assistant guides, porters and cook, all park fees, 3 meals a day during the trek, camping equipment, 2 hotel nights in Moshi/Arusha and your summit certificate. International flights, the Tanzania entry visa and mountain insurance aren’t included.
Lemosho approaches from the quieter west side of the mountain, crossing five distinct ecosystems and giving the body more days and more altitude variation to acclimatize.
Yes. If someone books a trip on your recommendation, you each get $100 credit towards your next trip with Thin Air ($50 if the trip they book costs under $1,500). The credit isn’t taken off the trip being booked now: it’s used on the following one. They just need to mention your name when booking.
Climb Kilimanjaro by the Lemosho Route · 26 Dec – 3 Jan · 6–14 Mar 2027