8-DAY KILIMANJARO MOUNTAIN TREKKING VIA THE LEMOSHO ROUTE
Embark on an exceptional 8-day expedition via the captivating Lemosho Route, renowned for its stunning vistas and gradual acclimatization, making it an ideal choice for reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Along this path, the journey isn't just about conquering the peak; it's also about immersing yourself in an authentic trekking experience led by a seasoned team of licensed mountain guides, a skilled chef, and devoted porters.
As you ascend through a diverse array of landscapes, from the emerald embrace of lush rainforests to the stark, otherworldly beauty of alpine deserts, our expert mountain guides will be your compass, sharing their extensive knowledge of the terrain, weather patterns, and altitude adjustments. They'll ensure a safe and steady ascent, helping you acclimatize to the changing conditions and optimizing your chances of successfully reaching Uhuru Peak.
Our talented chef will provide nourishing, delicious meals at every step of the journey, fueling your body and spirit for the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, our dedicated porters will shoulder the logistical burden, carrying the equipment and supplies, allowing you to focus on the awe-inspiring landscapes and the journey's transformational experiences.
Together, this exceptional crew will not only guide you to the summit of Kilimanjaro but also create a memorable and authentic trekking adventure filled with genuine connections, breathtaking scenery, and hearty cuisine, elevating your journey to new heights.
Activities
DAY 00: ARRIVAL DAY
As you step foot onto Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport, a warm Tanzanian welcome awaits you. Your safari adventure begins with our dedicated driver-guide and a safari vehicle ready for your arrival. After assisting you with your luggage, we'll present you with refreshing bottled mineral water. Prepare for a scenic 45–50-minute road transfer to your carefully selected lodge or hotel in Arusha, where you can unwind, savor a delightful dinner, and spend a peaceful night. Before leaving you to your relaxation, your knowledgeable driver-guide will provide you with an engaging briefing about the exciting trekking experiences ahead. Rest assured, your stay includes dinner and breakfast.
DAY 01: ARUSHA TO LEMOSHO GATE TO MTI MKUBWA (BIG TREE) CAMP
Distance: 7 kilometers (4.3 miles)
Elevation: From 2,385 meters (7,825 feet) to 2,780 meters (9,121 feet)
Altitude gained: 395 meters
Trekking Hours: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Your Kilimanjaro journey begins today with a hearty breakfast before being driven to the Lemosho Gate, the official starting point of your trek. On this first day, you'll venture through lush rainforests, filled with towering trees and vibrant biodiversity. Covering a distance of approximately 7 kilometers, the hike lasts around 4-5 hours. This initial trek offers an introduction to Kilimanjaro's natural beauty and the diverse rainforest habitat. As night falls, you'll find yourself at Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you'll sleep under the starry African sky. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
DAY 02: MTI MKUBWA (BIG TREE) CAMP TO SHIRA 1 CAMP
Distance: 8 kilometers (5 miles)
Elevation: From 2,780 meters (9,121 feet) to 3,500 meters (11,483 feet)
Altitude gained: 720 meters
Trekking Hours: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
On the second day, you bid farewell to the rainforest and enter the heath and moorland zone. This leg of the journey spans approximately 8 kilometers, involving an elevation gain from 2,780 meters to 3,500 meters. Expect to trek for about 6-7 hours. As you ascend, you'll notice the transition from rainforest to open moorland, characterized by unique plant species adapted to higher altitudes. Shira 1 Camp, where you'll spend the night, offers stunning vistas of the Shira Plateau. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
DAY 03: SHIRA 1 CAMP TO SHIRA 2 CAMP
Distance: 7 kilometers (4.3 miles)
Elevation: From 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) to 3,850 meters (12,631 feet)
Altitude gained: 350 meters
Trekking Hours: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Continue your ascent through the moorland zone as you trek from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp. This leg of the journey spans approximately 7 kilometers and takes around 3-4 hours to complete. You'll gain an elevation from 3,500 meters to 3,850 meters. The habitat remains alpine desert, characterized by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. Shira 2 Camp offers a serene setting for acclimatization and provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes. Dinner, and overnight at Shira two Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
DAY 04: SHIRA 2 CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP VIA LAVA TOWER
Distance: 11 kilometers (6.8 miles)
Elevation: From 3,850 meters (12,631 feet) to 3,950 meters (12,960 feet)
Altitude gained: 100 meters
Trekking Hours: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert to Moorland
Your adventure leads you to the challenging Lava Tower, standing at an impressive 4,630 meters. Covering approximately 11 kilometers, this day involves an elevation gain to Lava Tower and then a descent to Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters. Trekking time typically varies between 5-7 hours. This day offers an essential opportunity for acclimatization as you experience varying terrain, from rocky sections near Lava Tower to the stunning Barranco Valley. The habitat transitions from alpine desert to a more sheltered environment as you approach camp. Dinner, and overnight at Barranco camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
DAY 05: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
Distance: 5 kilometers (3.1 miles)
Elevation: From 3,950 meters (12,960 feet) to 4,035 meters (13,200 feet)
Altitude gained: 85 meters
Trekking Hours: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day five presents an exciting challenge as you conquer the iconic Barranco Wall, a thrilling scramble. After scaling the wall, you'll descend into the picturesque Karanga Valley before arriving at Karanga Camp, nestled at 4,035 meters. This portion of the trek typically takes 3-4 hours and covers approximately 5 kilometers. The habitat includes steep slopes, alpine desert, and the awe-inspiring Barranco Wall. Dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
DAY 06: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
Distance: 4 kilometers (2.5 miles)
Elevation: From 4,035 meters (13,200 feet) to 4,673 meters (15,331 feet)
Altitude gained: 638 meters
Trekking Hours: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Your objective on day six is to reach Barafu Camp, your high-altitude base for the summit attempt. This day typically involves 3-4 hours of trekking, covering around 4 kilometers. The habitat remains in the alpine desert zone, marked by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. As you arrive at Barafu Camp, you'll have time to rest and recharge for the challenging ascent ahead. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
DAY 07: SUMMIT DAY - BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK TO MWEKA CAMP
Distance to Summit: 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) up
Distance to Mweka Camp: 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) down
Summit Elevation: From 4,673 meters (15,331 feet) to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level
Altitude gained to Summit: 1,222 meters
Descent to Mweka Camp: From 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) to 3,100 meters (10,170 feet)
Altitude lost during descent: 2,795 meters
Trekking Hours to Summit: 6-8 hours
Trekking Hours to Mweka Camp: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Arctic Zone, Glacial Fields, Alpine Desert, Moorland, Rainforest
Summit day is the culmination of your Kilimanjaro trek. It starts in the middle of the night, usually around midnight. You'll navigate steep, rocky terrain, climbing toward the ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, standing at 5,895 meters above sea level. Your ascent, illuminated by headlamps, will be challenging both physically and mentally, but the reward is immeasurable. You'll reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise, a moment of triumph that affords breathtaking panoramic views. After celebrating and capturing memories, you'll descend to Mweka Camp, situated at 3,100 meters for the night. This descent includes a variety of habitats, from the arctic zone and glacial ice fields to alpine desert, moorland, and finally, lush rainforest during the lower elevation stages of the descent. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
DAY 08: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE TO ARUSHA
Distance: Approximately
10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
Elevation: From 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) to 1,500 meters (4,921 feet)
Altitude lost: 1,600 meters
Trekking Hours: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Your final day of trekking takes you through the lush rainforest as you descend from Mweka Camp. The air becomes increasingly humid, and the terrain shifts back to the rainforest habitat. After several hours of trekking, you'll reach Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your well-deserved summit certificate as a testament to your accomplishment. From here, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in Arusha for celebrations, relaxation, and a well-earned rest. Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner Included
DAY 00: DEPARTURE
On your last day, after a rejuvenating night's sleep and a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, you'll have the opportunity to explore the city or do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Depending on your departure schedule, you'll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or to your next destination, marking the end of your extraordinary Mount Kilimanjaro trekking adventure.
INCLUDED SERVICES:
- Professional local guides with extensive experience and knowledge of Kilimanjaro.
- All necessary permits and park fees for the Lemosho Route.
- Comfortable hotel accommodation before and after the trek.
- Comprehensive pre-trek briefing and gear check.
- Nutritious and delicious meals prepared by our skilled chef during the trek.
- Tents, sleeping bags, and other essential camping equipment.
- Experienced porters to carry group equipment and your personal belongings (a weight limit applies).
- Clean and safe drinking water throughout the trek.
- Oxygen tanks and first aid kit for emergencies.
- Return airport transfers
- Transfer to, and from the Mountain
EXCLUDED SERVICES:
- International airfare.
- Entry visas for Tanzania.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guides, porters, and chef (customary and highly appreciated).
- Personal trekking gear and equipment (e.g., clothing, boots, daypack).
- Optional equipment rental (e.g., trekking poles, sleeping mats).
- Expenses of a personal nature, such as souvenirs and beverages outside of the provided meals.
- Any additional services not explicitly mentioned as included.