7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Lemosho Route

Day 1 – Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha:

At Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by our transfer driver and taken to Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa, close to Arusha. The rest of the day is for you to do as you please. You can opt to spend the day relaxing by the lodge pool or explore the town of Arusha. In the late afternoon you will be briefed by our team on what to expect on your upcoming trek.

Day 2 – Arusha – Lemosho Gate (2,385m) – Big Tree Camp (2,780 m):

After breakfast you will be picked up at the lodge and taken to the Lemosho Gate at the height of 2,385 m. Here you will be registered by the national park authorities and your trek through a dense rainforest begins. The moderately steep track makes its way through an unspoilt natural forest to the Big Tree Camp (2,780 m). You will be accompanied by an armed ranger for the first 2 days of your trek as wild game can be found in the area. You will spend the night in tents at Big Tree Camp.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3 – Big Tree Camp (2,780 m) – Shira Camp 2 (3,900 m):

You have a long trek ahead today on a small trail, passing through the rainforest. As you ascend, the forest gradually thins out and the landscape becomes more dry and bare. On the moorland you will find lobelia and ericas dotting the landscape. You will pass Shira ridge before reaching Shira Camp 1 after 4 to 5 hours. Here you will have your lunch break and rest your limbs, enjoying the views of Mt Meru and the Rift Valley in the distance. You will trek for about another 3 hours, ascending 250 m. Walking on solidified lava, you will pass giant senecios, almost 9 meters in height, before finally reaching your destination of the day, the Shira Camp 2. You will enjoy an evening meal and with a little bit of luck you will be able to see the summit basking in the orange glow of the sunset.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4 – Shira Camp 2 (3,900 m) – Lava Tower (4,640 m) – Barranco Camp (3,960 m):

Today’s stretch will allow your body to acclimatise to the ever increasing altitude. Your destination for the day is the Barranco Camp, only slightly higher than the previous night’s stay, but it will be reached through a detour to Lava Tower at 4,640 m in height. The ascent begins with a long trek above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower. The landscape slowly changes to alpine desert and the vegetation becomes less and less. Passing through the lobelia and senecio filled Barranco Valley, you will reach your camp after 6 – 7 hours of walking. Your camp for the evening is the Barranco Camp, said to be one of the most beautiful camps on the mountain.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5 – Barranco Camp (3,960 m) – Karanga Camp (4,035 m):

Many ascents and descents are on the agenda for today. You will start the journey tackling the steepest part of the entire route – the Barranco Wall. As you climb you might need to use your hands, but your guides will always be close by to offer assistance. At the top of the Barranco wall you will walk along the mountain ridge, which offers spectacular views of the southern glacier of Kibo as well as the summit itself. Around lunch time you will arrive at Karanga Camp, where a well-deserved rest is the order of the day. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6 – Karanga Camp (4,035 m) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m):

After breakfast you will continue through the alpine desert until you have reached the Barafu Camp, situated at an altitude of 4,640 m. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours giving you enough time to relax and prepare for the summit night ahead. An early dinner will be followed by an early bedtime, before being awoken at around midnight. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 7 – Barafu Camp (4,640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,080 m):

After a light snack and some hot tea, you will be ready to start the dark ascent to Uhuru Peak at around midnight. You will walk on frozen lava ash, using your headlamp to light the way. After 5 to 7 hours you will arrive at the crater rim of Mt Kilimanjaro, Stella Point. You will continue along the crater ridge which will lead you to the “Roof of Africa”, the summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The landscape shimmers and shines in the light of the rising sun before you. After all the necessary photos have been taken, you will return to a smiling crew at Barafu Camp. After a hot lunch and well-deserved break, you will make your way to Mweka Camp, where you will camp for the night. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 8 – Mweka Camp (3,080m) – Mweka Gate (1,630m) – Arusha:

A scrumptious breakfast is followed by a traditional farewell ceremony from your mountain crew, before you start your final stretch down the mountain. You will once more trek through the rainforest, giving you another opportunity to spot the cheeky colobus monkeys, finally reaching the Mweka Gate. You will be met at the gate and taken back to Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa for a long shower and relaxed day by the pool.  Stay overnight on bed and breakfast basis.

How are emergencies handled during the Kilimanjaro climb?

In the event of an emergency during the Kilimanjaro climb, the mountain rescue services in Tanzania are not comparable to those found in the European Alps. If you cannot walk, you will either be carried or transported on a wheeled stretcher, which is an unpleasant experience. It is important to only push yourself as far as your body allows to prevent emergencies. Helicopters are not often deployed due to altitude limitations. It is recommended to have adequate health insurance coverage for medical expenses, including rescue and repatriation costs.

Is vaccination required for Tanzania?

The Tanzanian health department does not require vaccinations for entry. However, visitors are advised to receive a yellow fever vaccination as Tanzania is a yellow fever region. Additionally, it is recommended to have all other shots such as Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, and Hepatitis A & B up to date. Malaria is present in Tanzania, but there are no mosquitoes at high altitude. It is advisable to consult with your doctor or travel clinic for taking any precautionary medication.

What are Tanzania’s visa requirements?

For most travelers, it is possible to obtain a visa upon arrival. It is still every visitor’s obligation to check the latest visa regulations with their respective embassies. Every traveler is responsible for carrying the required travel documents.

What kind of clothes and gear are recommended for Kilimanjaro?

There are specific items that should be packed for a Kilimanjaro climb, and a detailed packing list is provided once the booking is confirmed. For convenience, essential clothing items and gear are available for rent.

Is tipping required for the mountain crew?

Tipping the mountain crew is a common practice, and gratuities are a large portion of the crew’s income, so they are highly appreciated. Recommended tipping amounts per group, not per person, are provided by the tour provider.

Should I bring extra money?

It is recommended to bring extra money for tips, souvenirs, and personal expenses. If bringing USD, it is essential to ensure that the bills have been printed after 2009 as earlier printed ones will not be accepted.

How can I cope with altitude sickness during the climb?

Almost everyone climbing Kilimanjaro will be affected by altitude sickness in some way. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea. It is essential to replace lost body fluids by drinking enough water and taking magnesium to prevent muscle cramps. Mild symptoms allow continuing the hike, but severe altitude sickness is a serious matter and can be life-threatening. It is vital to bear in mind that a medical descent may be required.

What meals will be provided during the climb?

Meals are included in the itinerary. For breakfast, there is a choice of fruit, scrambled eggs, porridge, toast, jam, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. Lunch is provided in a lunch box containing sandwiches, boiled eggs, chicken, etc. Dinner consists of soup and bread followed by meat or poultry with starch (i.e., chips, mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice) and vegetables, topped off with dessert in the form of fresh fruit, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea, and milk. Special dietary requirements or food allergies can be catered with advanced notification.

What are the ablution facilities like?

Basic long drops (simple latrines) are available, and climbers are provided with a bowl of warm water for daily wash.

How big is the group?

This is a private tour, and there won’t be any other climbers joining the group. The group will only consist of the people who chose to travel together and their mountain crew.

Is there an age limitation for this climb?

Yes, there is an age limitation for this climb. Climbers must be at least 18 years old to participate. This is to ensure that climbers have the necessary physical and mental maturity to undertake the climb safely and responsibly.

Can I bring my own climbing gear?

Yes, you are allowed to bring your own climbing gear. However, it must meet our safety requirements and pass a safety inspection before use. If you are unsure whether your gear meets our safety standards, we recommend renting equipment from our facility.

Do I need prior climbing experience?

Prior climbing experience is not required, but it is recommended. Our climb is designed to be accessible to climbers of all skill levels, but it can be physically demanding. We recommend that you are in good physical shape and have some familiarity with climbing techniques.

Is there a weight limit for climbers?

Yes, there is a weight limit for climbers. Climbers must weigh between 100 and 250 pounds to participate. This is to ensure that our safety equipment can support your weight and that you can physically handle the demands of the climb.

What happens in case of inclement weather?

In the event of inclement weather, we may need to postpone or cancel the climb for safety reasons. We will do our best to notify you as soon as possible if this occurs and work with you to reschedule your climb for a later date.

Is there a refund policy?

We offer a full refund for cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled climb time. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled climb time will not be refunded. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we will work with you to reschedule your climb for a later date if possible.