11-day trip: climbing Kilimanjaro
Overview
The Lemosho route is one of the most beautiful and unique routes to the summit. It starts on the western side of the mountain, is less crowded for a more secluded hiking experience, and famous for its breathtaking views throughout.
This route requires a decent level of fitness and is one of the more expensive ones. Also, it takes a bit longer which is actually a good thing: this gives you the possibility to acclimatize properly, which is also why it has the highest success rate.
So start preparing for the hike of your lifetime and for the picture you’ll be taking on the summit showing off your biggest smile 🙂
Spectra Tours Tanzaniaoffers a unique service throughout the climb
Climbing Kilimanjaro is the ultimate challenge! Little details can make a world of difference, which is why with us, you climb with professional guides, porters, and a cook. They take care of you during your ascent via the Lemosho route, by checking your health twice a day and serving you delicious food. Sounds like a bit much? Not if you want to reach the top! Because we know that altitude sickness can creep up on you unnoticed and that proper nutrition* is essential to keep you going during a strenuous climb.
Besides, we offer a comprehensive information package to help you prepare for your climb via the Lemosho route. It gives information about Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro, how to best prepare and what materials to buy or rent. And did we mention that we are a partner of the Kilimanjaro Responsible Travel Organisation (KRTO)? That means we take care of our crew and the mountain during our climb, making sure you can climb with a clear conscience. Are you ready for an unforgettable experience?
*If you would like to see the menu, we can send it in advance.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb
- Day 2: Lemosho Route (1/8) | Lemosho Gate (2,100 m/6,889 ft) – Big Tree Camp (2,780 m/9,120 ft)
- Day 3: Lemosho Route (2/8) | Big Tree Camp (2,780 m/9,120 ft) – Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m/11,515 ft)
- Day 4: Lemosho Route (3/8) | Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m/11,515 ft) – Shira 2 Camp (3,890 m/12,762 ft)
- Day 5: Lemosho Route (4/8) | Shira 2 Camp (3,890 m/12,762 ft) – Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft) – Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft)
- Day 6: Lemosho Route (5/8) | Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft) – Karanga Camp (4,040 m/13,254 ft)
- Day 7: Lemosho Route (6/8) | Karanga Camp (4,040 m/13,254 ft) – Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft)
- Day 8: Lemosho Route (7/8) | Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) – Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft)
- Day 9: Lemosho Route (8/8) | Millennium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft) – Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft) – Hotel
- Day 10 – 11: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb
Included/Exclude
- Park fees
- 11 days
- Pickup and transfer airport
- Porters who carry your luggage
- Private cook speaking fluently English
- Private guide speaking fluently English
- Chairs and tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- High quality tents (including dinner-tent)
- Portable toilet
- Rescue fee (up to 11.483 feet above sea level by car)
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- International flights (can be booked for you on request)
- Accommodation on day of arrival and departure
- Tips for guides, porters and cooks
Tour Plan
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport our Spectra Tours Tanzaniaguide is there waiting for you. He then drops you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight.
Preparation for your climb: You meet your guide before the start of your climb, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible.
Our guide meets you at your hotel in the morning to take you to Londorossi Gate, on the west side, where your unforgettable Kilimanjaro climb begins! After completing registration and the necessary ascent permit formalities, you head to the first camp on the route: Big Tree Camp. Be sure to bring your rain jacket, as you have to cross a part of rainforest. After lunch, enjoy an acclimatization hike to Shira 1 Camp, gaining 300 meters in elevation, before returning to Big Tree Camp for dinner.
An early morning wake-up call, followed by breakfast, sets the stage for a gradual ascent to 3,505 meters, offering a breathtaking first view of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano. The hike to Shira 1 high mountain camp is relatively easy, taking about 5-6 hours, which aids in the crucial acclimatization process, a key aspect of successful trekking. Upon reaching the camp, lunch is served, with the option to either rest in your tent or take a walk in the surrounding area.
Today you trek from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp. This walk is not difficult and you can enjoy the amazing landscapes and the unique flora of Kilimanjaro's surroundings as you climb higher. On a clear day, Shira 2 Camp is the perfect location to see Mount Meru (the fifth peak of Africa). After lunch, take an acclimatization walk to Lava Tower Camp (elevation gain of 200m) to increase the chances to summit and reduce the chances of altitude sickness.
The Lemosho route joins the Machame route today. The hike leads from Shira Camp 2 to the beautiful Lava Tower at 4,630 m (15,190 ft). This part of the climb has many ascents and descents, but offers magnificent views along the way. It is a long hike and you may start to feel a bit uncomfortable because of the height. It is therefore important to find the right pace in order for your body to adjust to the altitude. After lunch, you descend to Barranco Camp at the foot of Barranco Wall.
After breakfast you depart from Barranco Camp to the Barranco Wall. For many people, this is their favorite part of the climb. Once at the top of the Barranco Wall, you have a spectacular view of the Kibo Volcano and Mount Meru.
Afterwards, a more difficult hike starts to reach Karanga Camp. This route has many ascents and descents, so keep the right pace. You have lunch at the camp and after a rest you can take an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp.
Today, you hike to Barafu Camp (once breakfast is done, of course!). This camp is the starting point for your ascent to Uhuru Peak - the top of Kilimanjaro! You arrive at the camp around lunch. Have a rest and after you regain your strength, take an acclimatization hike to Kosovo Summit Camp (4,870 m) and back. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and experience the thrill of high-altitude camping as you prepare for the final push to the summit around midnight.
The big day is finally here! Around midnight, the ascent from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak begins. The climb leads over good trails and the most challenging part is the high altitude. Once you reach the summit you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height! After a quick celebration at the top (because, hey, you just conquered Kilimanjaro!), you start a slow descent to the scenic Millennium Camp.
The Millenium camp is located in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up today, you feel a sense of relief from the reduced altitude and satisfaction from reaching the summit. After breakfast, you take an easy walk to Mweka Gate, the exit of Kilimanjaro National Park.
Your driver then brings you back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. Unforgettable memories, breathtaking views, and a true sense of accomplishment await and will stay forever with you!
Sadly, this is the end of your holiday and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!
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