Jan 23, 2024 - Feb 1, 2024
Route Summary
We highly recommend the Lemosho route due to its high success rate, low crowds and beautiful scenery. This is one of the newest routes designed to improve acclimatization by incorporating longer distances, longer time on the mountain and shorter elevation gains. The Lemosho route is approximately 42 miles round trip with an elevation gain of roughly 17,000ft. We offer a 7 or 8 day package or you can choose to customize, even starting your trek in the rainforest or be dropped off at a higher altitude of 3500m/11,483ft to begin your walk to Shira 1.
Itinerary
Arrive in Kilimanjaro | 1400 m/4,593ft
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be driven to your hotel where you will relax and recuperate after your long journey to Tanzania.
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp | 2650 m/8,694ft
After your restful night at the hotel you will be picked up for your 1-2 hour drive to the Londorossi Park Gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro.Upon arrival at the gate your guide will register your trek with the park while you prepare yourself mentally for your walk ahead. You will notice the activities around you as packs are weighed to ensure they don’t exceed 20 kilograms, and the porters arrange all the gear needed for the days ahead. You will be given a box lunch and briefing before beginning your trek through the rainforest. The trails in the rainforest are oftentimes muddy and slippery, walk with caution. Take time to enjoy the untouched beauty of the vegetation around you. Inhale the earthy smell of the flora and fauna as you trek to the sounds of the forest animals around you. After 3-4 hours you will reach your first camp known as Mti Mkubwa or Big Tree.
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira One Camp | 3610 m/11,843ft
Good Morning!!!! Your server will greet you with your favorite morning beverage of tea or coffee before supplying water for your personal use. After breakfast, you will start your hike across the remaining rain forest towards the expansive moorland zone. At the height of your highest elevation everyday you will be served tea and snacks as you rest and allow your body to acclimate to the new elevation. Lunch will be served in the valley just outside the Shira Crater. After lunch, you will make your way towards the Shira Caldera. Shira, the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones, is filled with lava flow from Kibo Peak. Unfortunately the crater rim has erounded due to weather and volcanic action. You will then make your way to your second camp Shira One. You are now in the moorland vegetation zone.
Hiking for the day: 5-6 hours, 8 km/4.97miles with an elevation gain of 950 m/3116ft; at 3610 m/11,844ft
Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp | 3850 m/12,631ft
Another beautiful morning on the mountain!! After your delicious breakfast, you will continue your hike east across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth. You will walk by the Shira Cathedral towards Shira Two Camp. Elevation gain will be minimal allowing your body to slowly acclimate. The view of the plateau is stunning and awe inspiring.Nature created its own work of art in this beautiful and peaceful setting. We recommend an acclimation hike up the plateau where you will enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and view the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. Shira Two Camp is in the wide open space of the mountain, be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero.
Hiking for the day: 5-6 hours, 5 km/3.1miles with an elevation gain of 240 m/787ft at 3850 m/12,631ft
Shira II Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp: 17.7Km/11.1miles/ 3895m/12,779ft
Habari za Asubuhi!!!! Your hike today will be one of the most valuable days for acclimatization with only a100 ft gain in elevation, the last of your easy climbing days. You will make your way to the Lava Tower where you will be served lunch in your tent as you rest before making your way down to your next camp. You will hike around the southern flank of Kibo, and slowly descend into the spectacular Barranco Valley. There Doc Suess’s imagination comes to life. The landscape is interspersed with giant lobelia and giant groundsels plants surrounded by big rocks and slow streaming mini waterfalls. You will arrive at the most spectacular campsite yet. The campsite sits below the foot of Kibo Peak. Wake to the sight of the rising sun hovering over the peak in yellow warm light.
Hiking for the day: 5-7hours, 17.7km/11.1 miles with an elevation gain of 91 m/298.6ft
Barranco Camp to Karanga | 4040 m/13,254ft
Hakuna Matata!!! Today you will put your legs to the test by climbing a 300m/ 984ft volcanic rock. You will make your way to the eastern side of the valley, across the stream to the Barranco Wall where you will begin your climb. It is not as difficult as it seems as the path is very straightforward. The views from the wall are magnificent! You will look behind you and see your camp in the far distance and be amazed at your achievements. The remaining hike skirts around the base of Kibo peak where you descend into the Karanga Valley to arrive at your camp for the night. We recommend doing an acclimatization hike of 1-2 hours (towards Barafu camp) after you rest a little at camp.
Hiking for the day: 4-5 hours, 7km/4,35 miles elevation gained 70m/229.66ft
Karanga to Barafu Camp / 4673m/15,330ft
The day before you ascend to the roof of Africa!! After breakfast you will make your way to Barafu camp where you will gain 665m/2,181ft in elevation. Your climb will take you across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around you.On arriving at Barafu camp you will have lunch and will be encouraged to rest for the grueling night ahead of you. After dinner our guides will go through your attire with you, getting you prepared for the Arctic zone of Uhuru Peak.
Hiking for the day: 3 hours, 3 km/1.9miles with an elevation gain of 665 m/2,181ft at 4640m/15,223ft
The Summit to Millennium Camp | 5895 m/19340ft
Here we go!!! This is what you came here to do! To conquer the majestic Kilimanjaro! You will be woken up by your server with a warm cup of tea and snacks before heading towards the summit. Your journey starts at midnight, fasten your head lamp, bundle up in all the clothes you bought and head towards the peak! You Got this! The moon will help light the way as you go poli poli up the steep incline. Remember to take deep breaths and practice your mindfulness. You have prepared for this for months and now is the moment of truth. After roughly 6 hours you will find yourself at Stella Point (5,756m/18,885ft) just as the sun begins to rise beneath the clouds. Our guides will offer you a warm cup of tea and snacks before making your way to the summit.You will then proceed to climb for another 1-2 hours past the melting glaciers of Kilimanjaro and on to the summit. Congratulations!! You did it!!! Now take as many pictures as you possibly can! This is an achievement worth bragging about on social media! You are now at the highest point in Africa, and the world’s highest solitary peak (5895 m/19,340ft). The descent is invigorating as you make your way back to Barafu camp for a short rest and lunch before heading to Millennium camp for the remainder of the day and night.
Hiking for the day: Barafu – Uhuru: 7 hours, 5 km/3.1miles elevation gained 1300 m/4,265ft; at 5895 m/19340ft, Uhuru to Barafu camp 3-4 hrs.
Uhuru – Millennium Camp: 5 hours, 12 km/7.45miles, decrease elevation 2800 m/9186ft
Millennium to Mweka Gate | 1400 m/4593ft
After breakfast and a heartfelt celebration of singing and dancing with your team it’s time to say goodbye. Today you descend through the rain forest on a jungle path similar to the one you did before. This will take you 4-6 hours on tired legs.Once at the gate you will be fed a hearty meal before heading back to your hotel where you will receive a bonafide certificate of your achievement.
Hiking for the day: 4-6 hours, 10 km/6,2miles decrease elevation 1250 m/4,101ft at 1828 m/5,997ft
Departure
Ground transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport and departure or on to your safari and cultural adventures with us.
