6 days Kilimanjaro treks via Lemosho route + 2 nights hotel stay
Lemosho route
Featuring captivating scenic vistas, pristine wildlife, excellent acclimatization opportunities and low traffic of climbers, Lemosho is our personal first favorite for reaching the roof of Africa.
After a 4-hour long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate you’ll find yourself on the western slope of Mt Kilimanjaro, from there the route will take you to the world-famous Shira Plateau. That’s where you’ll embark on your adventure through all climate zones – from alpine meadows to eternal ice. The climb is smooth and gradual, featuring the highest success rate of all routes on Kilimanjaro.
Six, seven and eight-day programs are available, so you can choose depending on the amount of time at your disposal. Longer programs are always recommended over the shorter ones for better acclimatization.
6 and 7-day Lemosho programs start from a high-altitude drop-off: you’ll be transferred to the elevation of 3,500 m/ 11,500 f by an off-road vehicle and start the hike from there. This is meant to maximize acclimatization transition – the higher you start, the easier your adaptation will be.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet Kiliholidays representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Note: Check-in starts at 1:00 PM.
A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold another briefing, after which 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 continues upwards towards their drop off point by off-road vehicles (reaching 3,500 meters). Here you can see stunning views of the Shira Plateau for the first time.
The route from your drop off point to your first high-altitude camp Shira 2 features a moderate gain in altitude and is not too physically challenging. Due to this, you will be able to properly begin the process of acclimatization. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, put tents and cook dinner for you.
This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:
- Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine
- Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently)
- Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip in case of potential allergies.
At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.
ELEVATION: 3,500 m to 3,900 m
HIKING TIME: 5-6 hours
DISTANCE: 11 km
DIFFICULTY: Low
HABITAT: Meadows
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.
Note: If one or more participants feel sick, the group may refrain from passing the Lava Tower and adjust the route, following instead the road for porters. In this case you will not reach an altitude of 4,630 meters, getting up only to a maximum of 4,400 meters.
ELEVATION
3,900 m to 4,630 m 4,630 m to 3,960 m
HIKING TIME: 6-8 hours
DISTANCE: 12 km
DIFFICULTY: Medium
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 300-meter gain in altitude, and then descent back down to the camp.
Note: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.
Acclimatization hike: Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) — Destination point en route to Barafu Camp (4,270 m) Hiking distance: 2.5 km Hiking time: 1–2 hours
ELEVATION: 3,960 m to 4,035 m
HIKING TIME: 4-5 hours
DISTANCE: 5 km
DIFFICULTY: Medium
HABITAT: Moorland
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.
Acclimatization hike: Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) — Kosovo Camp (4,800 m) Hiking distance: 2 km Hiking time: 1–2 hours
ELEVATION: 4,035 m to 4,640 m
HIKING TIME: 4-5 hours
DISTANCE: 6 km
DIFFICULTY: Medium
HABITAT: Alpine desert
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).
Note: Don’t forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
ELEVATION
4,640 m to 5,895 m 5,895 m to 3,820 m
HIKING TIME: 8-12 hours
DISTANCE: 15 km
DIFFICULTY: High
HABITAT: Arctic
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 (1,640 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.
ELEVATION: 3,820 m to 1,640 m
HIKING TIME: 4-5 hours
DISTANCE: 12 km
DIFFICULTY: Low
HABITAT: Rainforest
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
HABITAT: Moorland
Inclusions:
- Accommodation: Lodging at Weru Weru River Lodge or similar.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided during the trek.
- Transportation: Transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to the lodge.
- Trekking Support: Experienced guide and mountain support crew.
- Climbing Permits: Acquisition of necessary permits for Kilimanjaro National Park.
- Equipment: Tents, sleeping bags, and other necessary camping gear.
- Activities: Trekking from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut, Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut, Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut, and summiting Uhuru Peak.
- Briefings: Orientation and briefing sessions conducted by tour managers.
- Safety Measures: Registration with search and rescue service, as well as guidance on altitude sickness prevention.
- Certificates: Commemorative certificates upon successful completion of the trek.
Exclusions:
- International Flights: Airfare to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance covering medical expenses, trip cancellations, and emergencies.
- Personal Expenses: Expenses for additional meals, beverages, souvenirs, and optional activities.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides, porters, and other staff members.
- Accommodation Beyond Itinerary: Any additional lodging required before or after the scheduled trekking dates.
- Airport Transfers: Transfers to the airport upon departure beyond the designated schedule.
- Visa Fees: Fees associated with obtaining entry visas for Tanzania, if applicable.
- Medical Expenses: Costs incurred for medical treatment or medications during the trek.
- Optional Activities: Any additional excursions or activities not specified in the itinerary.
What is Mount Kilimanjaro?
- Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, located in Tanzania. It is a dormant volcano and one of the most iconic mountains in the world.
How tall is Mount Kilimanjaro?
- The summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, called Uhuru Peak, stands at an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.
How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
- The duration of a Kilimanjaro climb varies depending on the route chosen. Most climbs typically range from 5 to 9 days.
What are the different routes up Mount Kilimanjaro?
- There are several routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro, each with its own characteristics and scenery. Popular routes include the Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, and Northern Circuit routes.
Is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro difficult?
- Climbing Kilimanjaro is challenging due to its high altitude, but it doesn’t require technical climbing skills. However, climbers should be physically fit and prepared for the rigors of high-altitude trekking.
Do I need a guide to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
- Yes, it is mandatory to have a registered guide accompany you on your Kilimanjaro climb. Guides are essential for safety, navigation, and providing support throughout the trek.
When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
- The best times for climbing Kilimanjaro are during the dry seasons, which are typically from late June to October and from December to March. These months offer clearer skies and better trekking conditions.
What should I pack for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?
- Essential items for climbing Kilimanjaro include proper clothing for varying temperatures, sturdy hiking boots, a good quality sleeping bag, trekking poles, personal medications, and other necessary gear as recommended by your tour operator.
What are the risks of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?
- The main risks of climbing Kilimanjaro include altitude sickness, which can affect anyone regardless of fitness level, as well as other potential hazards such as extreme weather conditions and physical exhaustion.
Do I need to train before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?
- Yes, it is highly recommended to undergo physical training and preparation before attempting to climb Kilimanjaro. This can include cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and hiking to build endurance and fitness levels.