Kilimanjaro Kosovo Camp

The 8-day Lemosho route with a Kosovo Camp

The 8-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route, with an overnight stay at Kilimanjaro Kosovo Camp, is not just a climb; it’s an odyssey through breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. this 8-day adventure takes you on a scenic traverse via the Lemosho Route, with a unique twist: an overnight stay at the hidden gem, Kosovo Camp. Prepare to be dazzled by diverse landscapes, challenge your limits, and discover the magic of this iconic mountain.
The 8-day Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb.

This 8-day Lemosho Route is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery, and a high summit success rate. About 95% of our clients who climb Kilimanjaro via this route succeeded and they consistently report that they loved it. Thus, Lemosho is highly recommended.

The 8-day climb of Kilimanjaro on the Lemosho Route is better because it has a better acclimatization profile and safety. We have a 95% success rate on our Kilimanjaro trips, and we are achieving this rate by using the best route, having the best team, and helping our clients prepare for the adventure ahead. We have designed our unique itinerary, adding extra acclimatization at the critical points to give you a safe journey up the mountain with an overnight at the Kosovo camp.

Kosovo Camp Kilimanjaro Elevation

Kosovo campsite is one of the high camping sites on Mt Kilimanjaro. It’s almost 4870m (15,978ft.) elevated. Kosovo is located Southwest of Kibo Peak and Kibo Huts and it lies in the arctic zone of the mountain. Mostly Kosovo campsites are not used by many of the climbers of Kilimanjaro because it requires a special permit for camping there due to its elevation point and the nature of the environment. It is usually used as a resting point for climbers while they are on their way to Uhuru Peak and also as the last place of accommodation before the summit. The nearest camps to Kosovo camp are Barafu Camp and Karanga Camp. 

-Usually camping at Kosovo Camp gives climbers a head start on their day of summit and avoids crowds of people on the route used. It usually saves a climber around 20% to 25% of the distance on the day of the summit if Barafu campsites were used instead. 

-Overnight stay at Kosovo camps will give you more sleeping hours compared to Barafu camp and hence you will not be sleep-deprived on your day of the summit.

-Kosovo campsite is not popular among climbers of Mt Kilimanjaro hence it will be much less crowded compared to other popular campsites like Barafu Campsite.

-The stay at Kosovo camps comes with additional fees since there are no amenities present on that specific campsite, so choosing this campsite on your route of Mt Kilimanjaro will add up little extra cost on the total sum of the climb.

Kosovo Camp is worth staying in due to several reasons:
-It’s less crowded than Barafu.
-It offers a great view and areas to explore; you might even find species of spiders living at this altitude of around 4900 meters.
-The rocky pass between Barafu and Kosovo is better to traverse during the daytime.
However, considering over 10 years of analytics, there’s no correlation between the summit push from Barafu and Kosovo, as the success rate is the same. It all depends on how many days you have before reaching the summit camp.

Lemosho via Kilimanjaro Kosovo Camp Route 10 Days Itinerary 

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our friendly team and transferred to a comfortable lodge in the vibrant town of Moshi. Nestled at the base of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi offers a serene environment to relax and acclimatize. In the evening, you’ll attend a comprehensive pre-trek briefing where you’ll meet your experienced guides and fellow trekkers. This session is crucial for ensuring you’re fully equipped and mentally prepared for the adventure that lies ahead.

DAY 2: MOSHI TO MKUBWA CAMP

Your journey begins with a scenic drive to the Londorossi Gate, where you’ll complete the necessary registration formalities. Embark on your trek through the lush montane rainforest, which is home to an array of wildlife, including playful monkeys and exotic birds. The trail to Mkubwa Camp (2,650m) covers approximately 6 km and takes around 3-4 hours to complete. As you settle into camp, immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest and anticipate the exciting days ahead.

DAY 3: MKUBWA CAMP TO SHIRA 1 CAMP

Awake to the sounds of the forest and set off towards Shira 1 Camp (3,610m). Today’s hike spans 8 km and takes about 4-6 hours, leading you out of the forest and into the heath and moorland zone. The vegetation becomes sparser, and the landscape opens up to reveal breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau. This ancient caldera offers a unique geological landscape and is a perfect spot for acclimatization. Rest at Shira 1 Camp, where the skies are often clear, providing a spectacular stargazing experience.

DAY 4: SHIRA 1 CAMP TO SHIRA 2 CAMP

Continue your exploration of the Shira Plateau as you trek from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m). This relatively short and leisurely hike covers about 5 km and takes 3-5 hours. The gentle incline allows for further acclimatization and offers opportunities to observe the plateau’s unique flora, such as the giant lobelias and senecios. Shira 2 Camp provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the towering peaks of Kilimanjaro.

DAY 5: SHIRA 2 CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP

Today’s journey takes you from Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (3,960m), covering approximately 10 km over 6-8 hours. You’ll ascend to the Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization before descending into the Great Barranco Valley. This day is crucial for acclimatization as you climb high and sleep low. The Barranco Camp is set in a beautiful valley below the imposing Barranco Wall, with Kibo’s glaciers gleaming above. The camp is known for its stunning sunsets and the unique flora that adorns the valley.

DAY 6: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP

Start your day with the exhilarating climb up the Barranco Wall, a challenging but rewarding part of the trek. Once at the top, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the mountain and the valleys below. Continue to Karanga Camp (3,995m), a journey of about 5 km that takes 4-5 hours. This section of the trek involves undulating terrain, providing a good test for your legs and lungs. Karanga Camp is situated in a scenic location with views of the southern glaciers and the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.

DAY 7: KARANGA CAMP TO KOSOVO CAMP

Today, you’ll make the strategic ascent from Karanga Camp to Kosovo Camp (4,800m), bypassing the busier Barafu Camp. This short trek of approximately 3 km takes about 2-3 hours and positions you advantageously for the summit attempt. Kosovo Camp, with its higher altitude, offers a shorter and more rested climb to the summit. The camp is less crowded, providing a tranquil atmosphere for mental preparation and rest before the final push to the summit.

DAY 8: KOSOVO CAMP TO UHURU PEAK TO MWEKA CAMP

Your summit day commences in the early hours of the morning, as you embark on the final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) under the starlit sky. The climb from Kosovo Camp, though demanding, is made more manageable by its shorter distance compared to other routes. Layered in warm clothing, you’ll navigate the switchbacks and traverse the rocky paths, guided by the glow of your headlamp and the encouragement of your guides. As you approach Stella Point, the horizon begins to brighten, heralding the arrival of dawn. The final stretch to the summit is a mixture of excitement and determination. Reaching Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa, is a moment of pure elation. The panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, bathed in the soft light of sunrise, are simply breathtaking. Take time to embrace this achievement, capture photos, and reflect on the journey that brought you to this pinnacle. After the celebrations, you’ll begin the descent back to Kosovo Camp for a short rest and to gather your belongings. The journey continues down to Mweka Camp (3,080m), a descent that is both exhilarating and challenging. The loose gravel and steep slopes require careful navigation, but the sense of accomplishment fuels your steps. Mweka Camp, nestled in the forest, offers a tranquil setting for your final night on the mountain. Here, you can share stories of the summit experience with your fellow trekkers and enjoy a well-deserved rest, reflecting on the incredible adventure you’ve undertaken.

DAY 9: MWEKA CAMP TO MOSHI

The final leg of your trek takes you from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, a descent of approximately 10 km that takes 3-4 hours. As you leave the alpine desert and re-enter the forest, the air becomes richer, and the landscape lusher. At the gate, you’ll receive your hard-earned summit certificates before being transferred back to Moshi. Celebrate your incredible achievement with your fellow trekkers and reflect on the unforgettable journey you’ve completed.

DAY 10: DEPARTURE FROM KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. As you bid farewell to the majestic Kilimanjaro, you’ll carry with you memories of the challenges overcome, the friendships formed, and the beauty of Tanzania that will last a lifetime.

Dates Lemosho route

• Private climb: daily departure
• We regularly organize a (international) group that you can join.

Price indication 8 days Lemosho Route

• USD 2800 per person (8 days) based on 2 people (private)
• Single room/tent supplement: USD 385 per person

Including

• Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro airport;
• 2 nights in a comfortable hotel (bed & breakfast ), 1 night before the climb and 1 night after the climb;
• Transfers to/from start and end point Kilimanjaro;
• Kilimanjaro climb (in private or a group) including a full team of guides, assistant guides, carriers, and chefs;
• All meals and water during the climb;
• Kilimanjaro Nationaal Park entrance fee; Kilimanjaro camping fee;
• Mountain rescue fees;
• Alle government taxes.

Excluding

• International flight;
• Visa Tanzania;
• Travel and cancellation insurance;
• Tipping;
• Meals not mentioned in hotel
• Rent a sleeping bag, mattress, and/or walking sticks.