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Trekking Kilimanjaro

Mt Kilimanjaro Lemosho Climb

Example 11 Day Tour
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Mt Kilimanjaro stands proudly above the African Continent, and summiting to its peak is a formidable task for even the most seasoned of trekkers. The Lemosho Trek is considered one of the most scenic, balanced routes to the summit. As one of Kili's newer routes, Lemosho offers panoramic vistas, fewer crowds and high summit success rates, making it an ideal choice for trekkers. This route approaches from the west, winding upwards for 8 days through rain forest, ridge lines and scenic plateaus. Stay in fully supported campsites each night, ensuring you are well-rested for the next day's challenges. Experience the Roof of Africa on this adventurous 11-day itinerary! 
Sunrise near the summit of KilimanjaroMt. Kilimanjaro looms over the plains of TanzaniaSunrise over the ice field of KilimanjaroTrekking Kilimanjaro
Highlights
  • Spend 8 days hiking through Mt Kilimanjaro National Park
  • Explore the rugged terrain of Africa's highest mountain
  • Sleep in isolated, high-altitude camps
  • Enjoy a free day to visit Moshi, Tanzania
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Ultimate
Requires the highest level of physical challenge and performance. Includes tours involving strenuous multi-day trekking or summit hikes. The majority of the hours in most days are physically active. Travelers will need intensive training in advance to meet the physical demands on these trips.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Tanzania

Arrive in Tanzania today at Kilimanjaro International Airport. After clearing customs and baggage claim, meet your transfer and drive into Moshi for your first night in Tanzania. 

Day 2: Moshi Free Day

Today is a free day in Moshi to rest and prepare for your trek. Additional excursions can also be arranged, please inquire if you're interested in the following: 
  • Arusha National Park - Introduction to game viewing with options for canoe ride on Small Momela Lake or a walking safari.
  • Coffee Cooperative and Village Tour - Visit the village of Uru on the slopes of Kilimanjaro which produces some of the world's finest coffee. Get an understanding of village life for people living on Africa's highest mountain.
  • Mountain Biking - Day trips are available to stretch your legs and explore the backcountry.
In the evening, join a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide. Retire early for a good night's rest - Kilimanjaro awaits you! 

Day 3: Lemosho Glades to Mti Mkubwa

Departing from Moshi, a 3-hour drive takes you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. As you wait for your permits, observe the hustle and bustle of crews preparing for their journeys. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and winding trails while your guide shares information about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

Rainforest Elevation: 2,360 m/7,800 ft to 2,820 m/9,500 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Day 4: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, start trekking slowly through the Giant Heather Moorland Zone. The path crosses valleys and a few streams before ascending the Shira Ridge. Enjoy superb views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru, an extinct volcano. The temperatures begin to drop at this point. 

Moorland Elevation: 2,820 m/9,500 ft to 3,505 m/11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Day 5: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today, take a slow and gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciated peak. Continue past Moir Hut at the base of Lent Hills. This day is excellent for acclimatization, offering a variety of walks among these hills on one of the world’s highest plateaus.

Moorland Elevation: 3,505 m/11,500 ft to 3,810 m/12,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Day 6: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

Depart Shira 2 and follow the trail into the Alpine Desert, ascending to Lava Tower Camp, where you stop for lunch. Shortly after passing the tower, you reach a junction that leads to the Arrow Glacier. Continue descending to spend the night at Barranco Camp. 

Semi Desert Elevation: 3,850 m/12,500 ft to 4,000 m/13,100 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles 
Hiking Time: 7 hours
 

Day 7: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Slowly cross the floor of the great Barranco Valley and climb up the Barranco Wall. Continue trekking along the South Circuit path to Karanga Valley, where the camp is set up for dinner and an overnight stay. This is one of the most impressive days to witness the power, agility, and strength of your crew as they effortlessly scale the wall.

Alpine Desert Elevation: 4,000 m/13,100 ft to 4,050 m/13,250 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4 hours

Day 8: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Trek slowly up to Barafu Camp. Upon arrival, you complete the South Circuit, which offers stunning views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Barafu Camp is located on an exposed and dangerous ridge, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark. Rest and prepare for the summit night. 

Alpine Desert Elevation: 4,050 m/13,250 ft to 4,700 m/15,400 ft 
Distance: 4 km /2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Day 9: Summit to Mweka Camp

Starting early between midnight and 2 a.m., this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. Head towards the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, staying warm and focused on the goal ahead. Ascend through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim, where you'll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise during your short rest. Faster hikers might see the sunrise from the summit.

From here, it's about a one-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, likely through snow. Step by step, you reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! Take a moment to enjoy this incredible achievement before beginning a steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. It is strongly recommended to use gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits you at Mweka Camp. Enjoy your last evening on the mountain.

Glaciers Elevation: 4,700 m/15,400 ft to 5895 m/19,340 ft - Descent to 3,090 m / 10,150 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles up - 12 km/8 miles down
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Day 10: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate | End of Trek

After breakfast, continue descending to Mweka Gate to collect your certificates. A vehicle then takes you back to Moshi for a long-awaited, well-deserved hot shower and a soft bed at your hotel.

Rainforest Elevation: 3,090 m/10,150 ft to 1,680 m/5,500 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Day 11: Departure

  • 1 Breakfast
Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your onward flight home, or extend your vacation to the crystal blue waters of Zanzibar! 

Accommodations

Lemosho Route Camps

Camping above the clouds
Sunrise over the ice field of Kilimanjaro
Sunrise trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro

Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel

Pink Flamingo Pool
Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel - Deluxe Room
Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$6,363 2-3 travelers

Notes

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Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 6 Dinners
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Park Entrance Fee
  • Gear Rental: Camping Gear (walk-in tent, camp bed with pillow, portable toilet (1 per 5 climbers), dining chairs with backs, & camp shower (1 per 5 climbers))
  • Return transfer Kilimanjaro International Airport - Moshi
  • 3 nights BB at Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel
  • Return mountain gate transfers from Moshi
  • All Kilimanjaro National Park Entry, Camping (or Hut) and Rescue fees
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Trekking Pole $15/pair
  • Entry Visa Fees
  • Travel Visa
  • Meals in Moshi
  • Medical and travel insurance

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

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