Hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro targets the point Kibo at 5.895 meters above sea level.
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, reaching a height of 5,895 meters or 19,341 feet above sea level. On clear days her snow-capped peaks can be seen from different vantage points from Arusha and Moshi.
For those wishing to tackle Mt Kilimanjaro’s dizzying heights, there are several options open with each route having a different character; suitable in accordance to age, fitness level, prior experience as to climbing & trekking in general and at altitude, and – at the end of the day – just what you would like to experience out of your climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Remote and beautiful, but long and expensive, this route also approaches Kilimanjaro across the Shira plateau. It is ideal for those who place a premium on proper altitude acclimatization, are confident in their ability to walk over steeper paths for extended periods, and want a lesser crowded route. The route has high success rates of completion.
Optional Excursion Options: walk in village
Trekking Lemosho route first choice hotel is always Aishi Hotel. Located just on the outskirts of the village of Machame at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro, the lodge got large gardens, comfy rooms and a peaceful setting, and is by far the best hotel in the area to start and end your Lemosho Trek! In the evening you will meet your guide who will have a briefing on the trek. After dinner make sure you pack the travelling bag with excess luggage which you will be leave at the hotel during the trek. Make sure you get a good night sleep because you have a very long adventure ahead.
O/n Aishi Hotel (Nil)
The Adventure begins. You will meet up with guides and some of the porters after breakfast at the hotel once cars are packed there is a 2 hour long drive to the Lemosho gate there you will complete registration procedures. Walk along beautiful forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (Forest Camp) campsite, (2650m). 3 – 4 hours walk. A fine site, water is quite a long way from the camp but will be brought by porters. Night temperatures can already drop to freezing point at this campsite.
O/n Camping (B,L,D)
After breakfast, you climb to the top of the forest and then the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. Shira 1 camp is located by a stream on the Shira Plateau (3450m). 5-6 hours walk.
O/n Camping (B,L,D)
By now you will be able to see, in an easterly direction, the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. Hike across the high desert to Shira II camp with significant acclimatization effect as we goes up the mountain. 4-5 hours walk.
O/n Camping (B,L,D)
The route now turns east into a semi-desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, where you reach an altitude of 4600m. This is definitely the toughest day so far. It is normally around this point, where for the first time, some climbers will start to feel symptoms of breathlessness, irritability, and headaches. After lunch, you descend to the Barranco camping area. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall. A long day, 7-8 hours walk.
O/n Camping (B,L,D)
Today you start by climbing the Barranco Wall (not technical) and then you will follow the Kibo South Circuit. You will have great of Kibo’s southern glaciers if the weather allows. You will stop for lunch by a river in the Karanga Valley. One of the shorter days of the trek you should be in camp already at lunch time which is just after the Karanga Valley set at a ridge top.
This is yet another valuable acclimatisation day since you will be walking only half of the day and you will be ascending and descending ridges and valleys during your trek.
O/n Camping (B,L,D)
Starting at Karanga you head to join the South Circuit and the Mweka route. Your goal of the day is Barafu (Swahili for ice). Once you hit Mweka route you start walking up the ridge for about two hours ending at Barafu Hut at 4600 Meters.
You will arrive in camp by Lunch time which will leave you plenty of time to rest before the summit attempt. Make sure you drink and eat enough you will need all energy and strength ahead of the tomorrow which might be one of the toughest days of your life.
O/n Camping (B,L,D)
A very tough day ahead! You start walking at around midnight the walk from Barafu to Stella point is steep and will need all your strength.
At Rebmann Glacier (4870m) you head north between Rebmann and Ratzel Glacier. This will bring you up to the crater rim just west of Stella Point 5669 (about six hours), here you will join the main trail for the last leg (about two hour) this last 220 altitude meters will be the longest in your life and it feels never ending but once you stand on the summit Uhuru Peaks (5895m) the roof of Africa it is all worth it.
You will go back down via the Mweka route to Mweka at the edge of the rain forest which is where the last camp of the trek will be set. The section from Uhuru down to Barafu will take about four hours, then you head down through the various vegetation zones, on a continual downhill, into Mweka (three to four hours) at an altitude of approx 3100 metres. Half down you are going to wish you were walking uphill and not down your legs will be aching and your toes will make themselves known more than ever before in your life.
Once in camp you will be able to buy a very expensive but great tasting beer enjoy and your achievement with a good breath and a great night sleep.
O/n Camping (B,L,D)
The walk through the rainforest from Mweka to the park gate is three to four hours. At the gate, lunch is served and there are usually beers on sale. Here you say goodbye to the team which by now will be great friends after the adventure you have had together.
Once goodbyes are said vehicles will transfer you back to the Aishi hotel. No, it is time to enjoy an afternoon of swimming, cold beer, and a long-overdue shower! In short, just enjoy your achievement.
O/n Camping (B,L,D)
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home.
(B)
Inclusive:
Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees
Meals as stipulated B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner, Nil
Accommodation as indicated above
Airport transfers and transfer to/from the mountain
Professional mountain guide, chef, and crew
Camping equipment such as tent, table, and stools
Emergency Evacuation Cover (Amref)
Emergency oxygen (3-liter cylinder per every 4 climbers)
Champagne brunch on the descending day
Exclusive:
Tips
Personal gear including sleeping bag and Thermarest
Visa and airport departure tax
Items of personal nature and not mentioned in the above itinerary
Please Note:
Whilst we commit to running your tour as per the itinerary above, we are at the mercy of many factors outside of our control and from time to time it may be necessary to amend the itinerary to suit the local conditions. We will always notify you if the changes are essential and we have advance warning, often though any changes are due to weather conditions and we have no control over this, and usually a very short warning window.
