Overview
Embark on an 8-day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on the Lemosho Route. Enjoy the stunning views of the crags and crevasses of the jagged peaks of Kibo.
Itinerary
Pick up and drive to West Kilimanjaro Lemosho a little used route. We track through the montane forest. In places the vegetation is so untouched that it grows right across the trail. The flora and fauna are richer here than on the other more popular routes through the rain forest. Our first camp is in the rain forest at Mti Mkubwa(Big Tree).
Mti Mkubwa Camp
Leave the glades and start the climb towards the heath and moorland zone. Cross into the Shira Caldera, a high altitude desert plateau, very different from the rainforest. Weather and volcanic action have decimated the crater rim. Get your first close views of Kibo – the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Shira Camp 1
Explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. Walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used site at the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Shira Camp 2
Climbing toward Lava Tower lower camp, at 15, 200-ft/4, 633m, where we stop for lunch, allowing our bodies to acclimatize. We descend through the giant Senecio forest to Barranco Camp, which is beautifully set up on a ridge at the foot of the Barranco Wall. This is where the Machame and Lemosho routes converge, so we meet other climbers ascending the Machame Route.
Barranco Camp
Our big challenge is to hike up the Barranco Wall, a 500 -ft lava flow. It’s not a technical wall, but challenging nonetheless. Once on top of the “wall”, the climb becomes easier and extremely beautiful with fantastic views. The sunsets here are truly spectacular evening dinner and overnight at camp.
Breakfast and hiking to Barafu Summit Camp. The camp lies as high as 4,640 meters and is the starting point for night climbing to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). Make sure you spend the remaining time resting and sleeping well, so you’re well prepared for the night summiting schedule ahead.
At midnight to 2am, we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We’ll head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
From Stella Point (18,600ft) you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
Breakfast and we 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. A vehicle will meet you and drive you to town dropped off.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- All meals
- Drinking water
- Accommodation at mountain huts
- Professional mountain guides, porters, and cooks
- Park entrance fees, hut fees, and rescue fees
- Transports
- Government Taxes
Cost Excludes
- Personal hiking/trekking gear
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Flights
Frequently asked Questions
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level.
None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.
You don’t need mountain climbing gear. You can rent most of the clothing and equipment you need in Tanzania, but bringing your own clothes, well worn-in boots and a good sleeping bag is best. You will need a small day pack with enough space for wind and rain clothes, some first aid, 3 litres of water and snacks.
Warm clothes (fleece, wind and waterproof layers), good polarised sunglasses, sunscreen and a head lamp should be included in your packing list. You might prefer to use walking sticks and gaiters, but these can be rented from your trekking operator. Even thermal underwear and down jackets can be rented from us. If think you do not have the correct clothing and gear, please contact us for advice.
Getting to Tanzania and hiking up Kili is not cheap. But the once in a lifetime experience is worth every penny. Costs (usually quoted in USD) will depend on the tour operator and what you need. Luxuries such as portable toilets and glassware will cost more. Land costs should include transport to and from Kili, full board, porters, guides, cooks, national park fees and permits. Do not choose the cheapest operator, choose an operator who discloses all costs and who offers value for money.
You will eat normal food: potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, sandwiches, cheese and fruit. When you book a trek, let your tour operator know about food allergies or medical conditions that require special diets. Non-vegetarians will be served sausages, chicken and meat. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate will be available as well.
From the mountain. Porters collect water from the streams and it is boiled before use. This water will be used to fill your water canisters. You don’t need to use purification tablets, but it is recommended. Some operators offer bottled water – at extra cost as porters have to carry this up the mountain.
No. There are no hotels on the mountain and no cable cars to the top. You will most probably sleep in tents, or in basic huts if you take the Marangu route. Tents and sleeping mats are carried and set up by the porters. You do need to bring a very warm sleeping bag or rent it from Us.
You might experience symptoms of altitude sickness – headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and dizziness. Apart from obvious injuries that can occur when walking in uneven terrain and in very cold conditions, you will not be in danger of mugging, attack by animals or malarial mosquitoes.
Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the amount of days, but can range from $150 and $300 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. Bring US dollar bills.
A good level of fitness and a positive, determined attitude will ensure success. Also, you will need good support and the right gear.
You have a 50% chance – to make it or not. Of the 40 000 visitors Kili attracts each year, between 50 and 75% turn back before reaching the summit according a report by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation. The main reason for this is cold, dehydration and altitude sickness. You will increase your chances by choosing the right route, allow an extra day for acclimatising to the height, good protection against cold and good guides to help you acclimatise and pace yourself.