8-Day Mt Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek
Overview
This route to Kilimanjaro is the most scenic and offers the smoothest acclimatization, which increases your chances of successfully reaching the summit. We offer this tour over six or seven days in addition to eight. The trek starts on the western side of the mountain at the Londorossi Gate. As an alternative, you can take the Shira route, which begins at a higher, more challenging attitude.
Inclusions & Exclusion
- Porterage
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water (On all days)
- Rescue fee
- Climbing gear
- International flights (From/to home)
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Day by Day
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After a briefing with our climb managers the day before, the guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning to meet you and hold another briefing. Then, you will travel by vehicle (roughly 3-4 hours) to Kilimanjaro National Park’s western entrance: Londorossi Gate (2,200 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking towards the first camp of the route: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m). Raincoats are necessary on this day in particular, as you will be walking through the rainforest. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, put up tents, and cook lunch for you. After lunch, the group will depart on an acclimatization hike towards Shira 1 Camp which features a 300-meter gain in altitude, after which you will hike back down to Mti Mkubwa Camp, where a hot dinner will be waiting.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
An early wakeup, breakfast, and a gradual trek upwards until 3,500 meters; at that point, for the first time you will be able to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano. On the whole, the passage from Mti Mkubwa Camp to the second high-altitude Shira 1 Camp (3,505m) is rather easy and takes about 5-6 hours. This will allow you to start the acclimatization process gradually, which is a mainstay of good trekking. When you reach the camp, your team of specialists will cook you lunch. You will have the chance to rest in your tent or walk around the nearby area.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Departing from Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) and a light trekking towards the second high altitude camp: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m). This trek is not difficult and you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of Africa and the unique flora of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding area. Shira 2 Camp is the best place on the trip to see Mount Meru (the fifth summit of Africa), weather permitting.
When you arrive at the camp, you will have lunch, and after a two-hour rest, everyone will complete an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp that features a 300-meter gain in altitude.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to the Lava Tower and Descent to Barranco Camp
After breakfast, you will leave Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,630 m). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters. It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be.
Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Here, you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! Next day you will be climbing it, but don’t worry: it features a very simple hiking trail.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
You’ll have an early wake-up, breakfast, and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.
Then, you will start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don’t worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp, you will be offered a warm lunch. After a couple of hours, you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 200-meter gain in altitude, and then descend back down to the camp.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
In the morning after breakfast, you will begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp (4,640 m), the starting point for a night summiting Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Our team will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax. After regaining strength, you have to complete an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m) and then back to Barafu Camp, where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
Day 7: Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp
Departure from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at night and the start of summiting Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Technically the climb is relatively simple. However, the most challenging part is the high altitude. Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor their physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then, you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m).
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
Day 8: Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit: Mweka Gate (1,650 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to the Arusha or if you have a flight schedule you will get a transfer to the airport.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
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A Tanzania vacation is the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime holiday! Tanzania is a top safari destination and has so much to offer. You can choose to experience an amazing Tanzania safari or relax at the world’s most beautiful beaches on Zanzibar Island. Or did you always dream about climbing Kilimanjaro? We are called Tanzania Specialist for a reason: we offer the most extensive range of Tanzania vacation!
You can choose one of our popular Tanzania itineraries or build your own trip exactly on the way you love it. Let us know which national parks and islands you like and we will design the perfect Tanzania vacation for you.
Kilimanjaro climbing, Zanzibar & Safari FAQ.s
Frequently Ask Questions
What currency should I bring?
We would recommend bringing USD (United States Dollars) with you and withdrawing some Tanzanian Shillings once you arrive. There are ATMs in Arusha/JRO Airport. Most places that you will visit accept USD but it’s always good idea to have local currency.
What vaccinations do I need?
You will require vaccinations for your trip. All travellers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic about 3 months before departure. Ask your doctor about vaccinations recommended by your government before travelling to Tanzania. Yellow Fever Vaccination is compulsory and to be taken at least 10 days before arriving in Tanzania. The other recommended vaccinations are Tetanus, Polio and, Malaria (prophylaxis).
Which airport should I fly to?
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is approximately 60km (60 min) from Arusha city centre. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the closest International Airport to Arusha.
Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) is on the outskirts of Arusha but only operates domestic flights (Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Serengeti).
Other options include flying to Dar es Salaam and then catching a domestic flight to Kilimanjaro or Arusha. You can also fly to Nairobi (Kenya). International flights to this destination are often cheaper. You can then fly from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro or take a bus from Nairobi Airport to Arusha (approximately 7 hours).
How can I pay the balance for my Climb and Safari?
What gear should I bring for Safari and Kilimanjaro?
Waterproof, windproof, breathable pants and jacket with hood Goretex is excellent. packs (like Camelbaks) also work well, although the hose can freeze on the summit climb. Headlamp with extra batteries You might also consider a backup flashlight in case your headlamp fails.
Kilimanjaro and Safaris Packing List You can hire the required gear on the spot when you arrive in Tanzania.
Should I bring a First aid kit?
There will be basic First Aid Kit in the Safari Vehicle, also we have it for the Kilimanjaro climbing, but still we recommend bringing a personal First Aid Kit. This is a suggested list of supplies: Sun Screen, Antihistamine cream & tablets,
What is the weather like in Tanzania?
The weather varies greatly, depending on where you are. Whatever time of year you come, please bring some warm clothes! It gets really cold in some places because of the high altitude, especially in June, July and August. It can also get very hot during afternoon. We advise dressing in layers. Typically, the long rains are March, April, and May. The short rains are in November / early December.
Can I visit a Maasai village after Kilimanjaro?
It is possible to visit one of several Maasai villages during your safari. However, these villages are close to the main roads and whilst you will meet many Maasai, have a tour around their village and have an opportunity to learn about their culture, some clients have given the feedback that the experience felt a little uncomfortable. It costs $25 per person and during the visit, you will be encouraged to buy some of their jewellery/craft (this is by no means compulsory). It is inevitable that over time, the experience has become less authentic and we are in the process of sourcing alternative options for our clients. You are very welcome to visit, but we wanted to be open and transparent about the kind of experience you can currently expect.
How much is the Tipping for Supporting Teams??
Tipping is highly expected in Tanzania. There is a well- established culture of tipping.
Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is U$D 10-15 per person, per day. The guides work extremely long hours and tips supplement their income significantly. Anything you can afford is appreciated.
Tipping in accommodation is also discretionary. Most accommodation will have a tip box in Reception. We would recommend putting something in at the end of your stay, rather than giving individuals money. Depending on the level of service, we recommend $10 per day (for a group of 2).
How many porters & supporting staffs for the Kilimanjaro climb?
The crews for one person for Kilimanjaro climbing include:
=> 1 Guide
=> 1 Chef Cook
=> 1 Waiter
=> 1 Toilet Porters
=> 4 Supporting Porters