Featuring captivating scenic vistas, pristine wildlife, excellent acclimatization opportunities and low traffic of climbers, Lemosho is our personal first favourite for reaching the roof of Africa. All guides have "Wilderness First Responder" and "Wilderness First Aid" certificates, along with over 7 years of experience in climbing. At the end of the tour, you will receive an International certificate for a successful ascent!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Lemosho: start from a high-altitude drop-off: you will be transferred to the elevation of 3,500 m/ 11,500 f by an off-road vehicle and start the hike from there. This is meant to maximize acclimatization transition - the higher you start, the easier your adaptation will be.
Day 1: ARRIVAL KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – MOSHI (40km – 1hr)
Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by our representative, and transferred to the hotel. In the evening, join the briefing with the climb representatives, who will share various information or you upcoming climb and ensure you are ready to embark on your adventure (For the kit list please refer to the ‘What do I need to bring section’. Please note the check-in starts at 02:00 pm. Alternatively, you can choose to add an extra acclimatization night (upon an additional cost):
Extra Acclimatization Night:(Between Day 1 & Day 2) Ascent from Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp: Elevations: Londorossi Gate (2360 m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2895 m). Trekking distance: 6 km. Duration of trekking: 3-4 hours. Acclimatization hike: Elevations: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2895 m) – Setpoint (3095 m). Trekking distance: 2 km. Duration of trekking: 1 hour. Please note that if you select this option the services will be moved one day ahead.
Overnight in Moshi.
Day 2: MOSHI - KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK: HIGH-ALTITUDE DROP OFF DESTINATION – SHIRA 1 CAMP (hiking 5km – 1/2hrs)
After a delectable breakfast, a guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold another briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle (roughly 3–4 hours) to Kilimanjaro National Park's western entrance: Londorossi Gate (2,200 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group continues upwards towards their drop off point by off-road vehicles (reaching 3,500 meters). Here you can see stunning views of the Shira Plateau for the first time. The route from your drop off point to your first high-altitude camp Shira 1 (3,505 m) features a small gain in altitude and is not too physically challenging. Due to this, you will be able to properly begin the process of acclimatization. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, put tents and cook dinner for you. Change in Elevation: Lemosho Glades (3,500 m) — Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m). Hiking distance: 5 km. Hiking time: 1–2 hours.
Overnight in Shira 1 Camp.
Day 3: SHIRA 1 CAMP / SHIRA 2 CAMP (hiking 7km – 3/4hrs) – LAVA TOWER CAMP / SHIRA 2 CAMP (acclimatization hike 2km – 1/2hrs)
Departing from Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) and a light trekking towards the second high altitude camp: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m). This trek is not difficult and you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of Africa and the unique flora of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding area. Shira 2 Camp is the best place on the trip to see Mount Meru (the fifth summit of Africa), weather permitting. When you arrive at camp you will have lunch, and after a two-hour rest, everyone will complete an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp that features a 200-meter gain in altitude. Trekking from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp: Change in Elevation: Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) — Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m). Hiking distance: 7 km. Hiking time: 3–4 hours. Acclimatization hike: Change in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) — Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,110 m). Hiking distance: 2 km. Hiking time: 1–2 hours.
Overnight in Shira 2 Camp.
Day 4: SHIRA 2 CAMP – LAVA TOWER – DESCENT BARRANCO CAMP (hiking 12km – 6/8hrs)
After breakfast, you will leave Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,630 m). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters. It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be. Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! Next day you will be climbing it, but don't worry: it features a very simple hiking trail. Change in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) — Lava Tower (4,630 m) — Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Hiking distance: 12 km. Hiking time: 6–8 hours.
Overnight in Barranco Camp.
Day 5: BARRANCO CAMP / KARANGA CAMP (hiking 5km – 4/5hrs) – BARAFU CAMP (acclimatization hike 2.5km – 1/2hrs)
Early wakeup, breakfast and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano. Then you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don't worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours, you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 200-meter gain in altitude, and then descent back down to the camp. Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp: Change in Elevation: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) — Karanga Camp (4,035 m) Hiking distance: 5 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours. Acclimatization hike: Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) — Destination point en route to Barafu Camp (4,270 m) Hiking distance: 2.5 km Hiking time: 1–2 hours.
Overnight in Karanga Camp.
Day 6: KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP (hiking 6km – 4/5 hrs) – KOSOVO CAMP (acclimatization hike 2km – 1/2hrs)
In the morning after breakfast, you begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp (4,640 m), the starting point for a night summiting Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Our team will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax. After regaining strength, you have to complete an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m) and then back to Barafu Camp, where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting. Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp: Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) — Barafu Camp (4,640 m) Hiking distance: 6 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours. Acclimatization hike: Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) — Kosovo Camp (4,800 m) Hiking distance: 2 km Hiking time: 1–2 hours.
Overnight in Barafu Camp.
Day 7: ASCENT UHURU PEAK – DESCENT MILLENNIUM CAMP (hiking 15km – 8/12hrs)
Departure from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at night and the start of summiting Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude. Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m). Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — Millennium Camp (3,820 m) Hiking distance: 15 km Hiking time: 8–12 hours.
Overnight in Millenium Camp.
Day 8: DESCENT MILLENNIUM CAMP / MWEKA GATE (hiking 12km – 4/5hrs) – MOSHI
The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,650 m). After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel. Change in Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,820 m) — Mweka Gate (1,650 m) Hiking distance: 12 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours.
Overnight in Moshi.
Day 9: MOSHI – DEPARTURE KILIMANJARO (40km – 1hr)
Indulge in a tasty breakfast and then transfer to the airport. Please note that the hotel check-out is at 11:00 am. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee (available as an optional extra).
Passengers arriving in Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Travellers’ cheques are generally not accepted in East Africa. US banknotes cannot be older than 2004 and must have the latest security markings (large portrait of the president).
KIT LIST:
- Small backpack (20–40 litres) for your daily necessities
- Large duffel bag for your belongings, which will be carried by a porter (80–120 litres)
- Sleeping bag (designed for up to −15°C)
- Rain poncho, a water-proof covering for your backpack
- Hiking boots with a water-repellent layer and good protector
- Gym shoes for the first days of the climb and to change at the camp
- Hiking pants for the first days of the climb (2 pairs)
- Waterproof pants
- Warm ski pants (designed for −15°C)
- T-shirts, long sleeve shirts (4–5 pieces)
- Soft-shell or fleece jacket
- Windproof jacket
- Insulated jacket for −15°C is an absolute necessity for the final ascent to the summit
- Thermal underwear for active sports (preferably 2 pairs)
- Light trekking gloves
- Mittens/gloves designed for −15°C for the final ascent to the summit
- Hiking socks (4–5 pairs)
- Gaiters for protection against dust/snow
- Cap/Panama hat/hat to protect your face and neck against the equatorial sun
- Fleece hat
- Balaclava for wind protection during the final summit ascent
- Alpine sunglasses or googles
- Headlamp + extra batteries
- Trekking poles
- Water flasks (2 litres in total); the flask may be substituted by a water bladder installed in your backpack
- SPF 40-50+ sunblock
- Lip balm
- Towel, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush
- Personal medication in case of a chronic disease
- Snacks and energy bars, chocolate and nuts
