9-DAY KILIMANJARO CLIMB ADVENTURE VIA LEMOSHO ROUTE
Climbing through different climate zones it starts on heaths and winds further across alpine meadows to ascend to the arctic zone near Uhuru Peak. The descent, in turn, passes through rainforest. All this makes this route the most scenic on Kilimanjaro. The total distance covered on Lemosho Route is 46 kilometers (28.5 miles). The best views on the mountain and increased chances of successful summiting come free of charge.
Day 1: Pick up from Airport to Arusha Town
A driver will pick you up from airport and drive you to Green Mountain Hotel, On the way you might see both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru depending on the day clouds, Hotel is located 55 kilometers from Kilimanjaro International Airport |JRO|, Arusha is famous for tropical type of climate with estimated 5 millions population.
Day 2: From 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 in order 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 rainforest. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, put tents and cook lunch for you. After lunch the group will depart on an acclimatization hike towards Shira 1 Camp that 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.
Day 3: 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 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 and you will have the chance to rest in your tent or walk around the nearby area.
Day 4: 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 to 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.
Day 5: 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 in order 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.
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Early wakeup, 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 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 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 descent back down to the camp.
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
In the morning after breakfast you 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.
Day 8: Ascend to Uhuru Peak and Descend 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 your 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).
Day 9: Descend 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 a transfer back to the hotel. The day after you can rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport. (If applicable).
Included in Cost
Excluded from Cost
