8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on the Lemosho Route
Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), there will be a pick up private transfer waiting to Stella Maris hotel in Moshi. All airport transfers are the part of the package, no extra fee is required. We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
Meal Plan: Dinner
Accommodation Name: Stella Maris hotel or Similar Accommodation
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: 2400m/7838ft to 2700m/9137ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: 2700m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft
Distance: 7km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to Moshi (about 30 minutes).
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
What’s Included
2 nights and accommodations-one before and after the trek in good hotels
Medical evacuation with Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue with Flying Doctors
Driver Allowance, Waiting Charge, Fuel Surcharges and All Other Service Fees
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Pulse-oximeter - To measure the oxygen level, for each climber daily
Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
All Government Tax and Park Entrance Fees
Crisis management and safety procedures
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Portable Emergency Oxygen tanks
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Arrival and Departure transfers
What’s Excluded
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tanzania Visa on arrival (US $50 / US $100 for American or Irish Passport holders)
Drinks & Beverages (Champagne, Spirits, Premium Brands and Cigars)
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Any domestic connection flights on arrival or departure
Gratuities for Guide / Driver (please tip separately)
Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
Track your trek by satellite device services
International & Domestic Flights
Tips for guides, cook and porters
Medical Insurance if needed
