7-Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp)

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins at Londorossi Gate, where you’ll undergo registration and meet your experienced guides and porters. The Lemosho Route kicks off with a scenic drive through lush rainforests, introducing you to the diverse flora and fauna of Kilimanjaro National Park. Your first day’s trek takes you to Mti Mkubwa, or Big Tree Camp, nestled in the heart of the verdant forest. As you hike, you’ll encounter vibrant bird species and may even spot some colobus monkeys swinging through the treetops. The gentle ascent allows you to acclimatize gradually while soaking in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail leads to the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude moorland with breathtaking views of the plains below. Today’s trek involves a steady climb, providing ample opportunities to acclimate to the increasing elevation. As you ascend, the landscape transforms, revealing the expansive Shira Caldera. The camp at Shira 1 welcomes you with open vistas and a sense of accomplishment, setting the stage for the challenging but rewarding days ahead.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

The journey continues across the Shira Plateau, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. You’ll witness the dramatic changes in vegetation, from the alpine desert to the otherworldly rock formations. Today’s trek provides excellent acclimatization as you gain altitude, and the transition in landscapes serves as a prelude to the rugged beauty that lies ahead. The night is spent at Shira 2 Camp, a strategically located site that prepares you for the upcoming ascent to higher altitudes.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

This day brings a mix of challenges and rewards as you navigate the Lava Tower, a striking volcanic formation standing at 15,190 feet (4,630 meters). The ascent to this point helps with acclimatization, and the surrounding views are nothing short of spectacular. Following this, the trail descends to Barranco Camp, nestled in a picturesque valley beneath the towering Barranco Wall. The unique landscape and the challenging yet thrilling climb up the Barranco Wall make this day an unforgettable part of your Kilimanjaro experience.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today’s trek involves navigating the Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that demands some technical skill and a sense of adventure. The ascent is both exhilarating and challenging, rewarding you with stunning views from the top. The trail then meanders through the Karanga Valley, where you’ll witness the harsh beauty of the alpine desert. Karanga Camp, your destination for the day, provides a vital resting point before the final push to the summit.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

The day begins with a relatively short hike to Karanga Camp, followed by a steep ascent to Barafu Camp, located at an altitude of 15,331 feet (4,670 meters). This is your base camp for the summit attempt, and the surrounding landscape is characterized by barren slopes and stunning vistas. Take this afternoon to rest, hydrate, and mentally prepare for the challenging climb ahead. As the sun sets over the African plains, you’ll feel a mixture of anticipation and excitement for the summit bid.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then Mweka Camp

The culmination of your journey unfolds as you embark on the final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). The ascent begins in the early hours of the morning, guided by headlamps under a star-studded sky. As you reach the summit, the sun rises, painting the glaciers and expansive landscapes with hues of orange and pink. Standing on the roof of Africa, the sense of accomplishment is overwhelming. After celebrating at Uhuru Peak, the descent begins, and you’ll spend the night at Mweka Camp. The journey down allows you to reflect on the incredible adventure, surrounded by the diverse ecosystems that make Kilimanjaro a truly unique and awe-inspiring destination.

Price includes:

1. Arrival and departure transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport, as well as shuttle transfer, Nairobi – Arusha – Nairobi, if flying to/from Nairobi.
2. Accommodation in mountain huts or mountain tents with mattresses; we use the highest quality of expedition tents by Eureka or Mountain Hardware.
3. Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
4. All park fees, including mountain rescue fees, government taxes, and all applicable fees and taxes
5. Services of a professional leading guide who is medically trained, certified, licensed, and English speaking
6. Dining tent on the trek for meals
7. Services of English-speaking assistant guide(s), a skilled cook, and enough porters for a guest’s luggage, food, water, and dining tent
8. Transport back and forth from your hotel and the mountain
9. Use of radios/phones to increase your safety

Price Excludes

1. Items of personal nature such as passport, visa, traveler’s insurance, medical evacuation insurance ($50 value)
2. Tips to guides and porters
3. International airfare (unless explicitly stated)
4. Medical equipment which can be rented well in advance for the following costs:
   $250/group for hyperbaric chamber, $210/group for an emergency oxygen cylinder and $140/group for a stretcher. Please note these prices include a porter to carry the equipment.
5. Portable toilets: If you are concerned about using public toilets, a portable toilet is available for an extra $110/per person or $180/group. This service must be confirmed at the time of booking.

Note
The luggage that porters are allowed to carry is limited to 35 pounds (ie: 15 kgs)
Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter at a rate of $10/bag/day
You can leave extra luggage at your hotel in Arusha or at our office (do not leave any valuables like cash, jewelry, electronics, etc)