8 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 Arusha Planet Lodge, 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 (2,780m):

In the morning you will be taken to Lemosho Gate (2,385m). Here you will be registered by the national park authorities and your trek through a dense rainforest begins. You will enjoy lunch before you set out on the trail through the rainforest. Today’s walk is quite short, thus giving you time to enjoy the lush scenery which will drastically change over the course of your trek. You might even catch a glimpse of the thumbless colobus monkeys sitting in the branches above you. Your dinner and overnight awaits you at the beautiful Big Tree Camp. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3 – Big Tree Camp (2,780m) – Shira Camp 1 (3,500m):

As you walk along the thin trail through the rainforest, you will notice the vegetation becoming scarcer and scarcer until you finally reach moorland filled with lobelia and erica plants. Ascending through rolling hills, you will reach Shira Camp 1 in about 3 to 4 hours. Looking over the Shira Plateau from your camp you will be able to see the unmistakable snow-capped summit of Kibo. A hearty evening meal and a last glimpse at the starry sky will bring the day to a close. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4 – Shira Camp 1 (3,500m) – Shira Camp 2 (3,900m):

Today you will cross Shira Ridge with its rocky ground, low grasses and shrubs. As the terrain is much flatter than the day before, your hike will seem more leisurely and you will enjoy fantastic views of the Great Rift Valley and Mount Meru. Beautiful and distinctive giant lobelias still dot the moor landscape. Walking on ground where lava used to flow you will reach Shira Camp 2, where you will have your evening meal and overnight stay. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5 – Shira Camp 2 (3,900m) – Lava Tower (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m):

After breakfast you will start your ascent to Lava Tower through a boulder-strewn terrain. In the distance you will see Kibo encouraging you to continue uphill. Reaching Lava Tower, you will rest and allow your body to get used to the higher altitude, after which you continue downwards to Barranco Camp. This method of climbing high but sleeping low allows your body to acclimatize to the differing altitudes and gives you a good idea on how your body react to changes in altitude. Along the way the scenery changes once more and soon you are surrounded by giant senecios and smaller lobelias. After 6 to 7 hours you will reach the beautiful and green Barranco Camp, which offers great views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. After dinner you will settle in for the night. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6 – Barranco Camp (3,960m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m):

The famous Barranco wall, which is probably the steepest part of the entire route, awaits you after breakfast. Although no technical climbing is necessary, some spots do require you to use your hands for a better grip and to pull yourself up. Your guide will be close by to help you if necessary. After you have pulled yourself around the Kissing Rock you will make your way along the mountain ridge and through the Karanga Valley. You will also pass the last water spot as you finally reach Karanga Camp. After a well-deserved meal, it is off to bed. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 7 – Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Barafu Camp (4,640m):

Today you will make your way to Barafu Camp. The landscape is very dry and the ground cracks like glass under your boots. As you make your way through the afro-alpine desert to the rocky Barafu Camp, a sense of excitement sweeps over you as your final stretch is only a few hours away. The Barafu Camp with its rocky scenery allows for a stunning view of Mawenzi Peak and the summit path ahead. After an early dinner and last minute preparation for tomorrow, you will go to bed. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 8 – Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m):

At around midnight you will be awoken with some hot tea and biscuits in order to get you ready for today’s ascents. You will ascend in a north-westerly direction through heavy scree toward Stella Point, arriving there in about 5 to 7 hours. At Stella Point (5,730m) you may rest if necessary before taking on another 1 to 2 hour stretch along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak – the highlight of your trip. A breath-taking view awaits you as you stand on the highest mountain in Africa. After taking as much pictures as your camera will allow, you will leave behind the glistening glaciers and snowy peak and make your way back down to Barafu Camp. Here you will have time to catch your breath before heading further down to Mweka Camp, an approximate 3 hour walk. A scrumptious dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep awaits you. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 9 – 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 the Arusha Planet Lodge for a long shower and relaxed day by the pool.  Stay overnight at Arusha Planet Lodge 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 2004 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.