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Per PersonThe 8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via the Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and less crowded paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route is known for its beautiful landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a higher success rate for reaching the summit due to its gradual ascent. Here’s a general overview of what to expect on this trek.
Included and Excluded
- Accommodation on mountain.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunches & Dinner
- Professional mountain guides for trekking.
- Porters to carry equipment and supplies
- Cook Staff to prepare meals during the trek.
- Kilimanjaro Park Fees
- Environmental and Conservation Fees
- Airport Transfers
- Tents and cooking equipments
- Safety Equipment
- Rescue Services
- Medical Support
- Achievement Certificate: Upon reaching Uhuru Peak.
- International Flights: Airfare to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Visa Fees: Tanzanian visa on arrival (if applicable).
- Travel Insurance: Mandatory travel insurance, including coverage for high-altitude trekking.
- Tipping: Tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
- Personal Equipment: Clothing, hiking boots, and other personal trekking gear. Sleeping bag (can be rented).
- Meals in Arusha|Moshi: Lunch and dinner before and after the trek in Moshi | Arusha (unless included in the hotel stay).
- Optional Tours: Any additional activities or tours before or after the trek, such as safaris or Zanzibar trips.
Key Features
- Scenic Beauty: Stunning landscapes, including rainforests and alpine deserts.
- Less Crowded: Quieter trails compared to other routes.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Variety of flora and fauna across different ecological zones.
- Gradual Ascent: Designed to minimize altitude sickness risk.
- Acclimatization Days: Strategic stops to help with altitude adjustment.
- Stunning Views: Key viewpoints like the Shira Plateau and Barranco Wall.
- Summit Attempt at Uhuru Peak: Reaching the highest point on Kilimanjaro (5,895m).
- Comfortable Campsites: Well-maintained camps with beautiful surroundings.
Itinerary
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha / Moshi. Relax and prepare for the trek with a pre-trek briefing from your guide. The guide will also check your equipment to ensure you are ready for the climb.
- Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel in Arusha / Moshi.
After breakfast, you'll depart from Arusha to Machame Gate, where you’ll complete the registration formalities. The trek begins in the lush rainforest, with chances to spot blue monkeys and other wildlife. As you gain elevation, the forest thins out, giving way to heathland. You'll arrive at Machame Camp in the late afternoon.
- Elevation: 2,100m to 2,385m to 2,800m
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
The day begins with a steep ascent through the moorland zone, offering spectacular views of Mount Meru in the distance. You’ll traverse a rocky ridge and cross several streams before reaching Shira Camp on the Shira Plateau. The plateau offers stunning panoramic views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscape.
- Elevation: 2,800m to 3,500m
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
A short trek today across the Shira Plateau, with panoramic views of the Western Breach and the summit. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp for a relaxed afternoon to acclimatize.
- Elevation: 3,500m to 3,850m
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Hike to Lava Tower, a 4,630-meter volcanic rock formation, where you’ll have lunch. This is an important day for acclimatization. Descend to Barranco Camp, located in a beautiful valley below the Barranco Wall.
- Elevation: 3,850m to 4,630m to 3,900m
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Begin the day by conquering the Barranco Wall, a challenging but exhilarating scramble. Continue through the Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp, your last stop before the final ascent.
- Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Short trek to Barafu Camp, where you will rest and prepare for the summit attempt. Spend the afternoon resting and hydrating.
- Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Start the ascent to Uhuru Peak at midnight. The trek is challenging, with steep sections and cold temperatures. Reach the summit for sunrise, then descend to Mweka Camp.
- Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m to 3,100m
- Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
- Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
- Accommodation: Mweka Camp
After breakfast, it’s a gentle descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll complete park formalities and receive your certificate of achievement. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Arusha / Moshi.
- Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel in Arusha / Moshi (optional).
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your departure, or you can continue your adventure with a safari or a trip to Zanzibar.
Mt. Kilimanjaro Frequently Asked & Question
Marangu Route: Known as the "Coca-Cola" route, it offers hut accommodations and is the only route with this feature. It's relatively easy but has a lower success rate due to the shorter acclimatization period.
Machame Route: Also called the "Whiskey" route, it is more challenging than Marangu but offers stunning scenery and a higher success rate due to better acclimatization.
Lemosho and Shira Routes: These routes are scenic, less crowded, and offer good acclimatization. They merge with the Machame Route before the summit.
Rongai Route: Approaches Kilimanjaro from the north and is less crowded. It's a good option during the rainy season.
Umbwe Route: The most challenging and steepest route, recommended only for experienced trekkers.
Dry Seasons: The best times to climb are during the dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. During these periods, the weather is more predictable, and the trails are less muddy.
Wet Seasons: April, May, and November are rainy seasons, making the trek more challenging and less enjoyable due to wet and slippery conditions.
Altitude Sickness: Also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), it occurs when your body cannot adjust quickly enough to the reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes.
Prevention:
- Ascend slowly to allow your body to acclimatize.
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol.
- Eat a balanced diet, rich in carbohydrates.
- Consider taking medication like Diamox (consult your doctor first).
- Listen to your guide and don’t ignore any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Physical Fitness: While you don’t need to be an athlete, a reasonable level of fitness is required. Cardiovascular training, strength conditioning, and stamina-building exercises are recommended.
Mental Preparation: Climbing Kilimanjaro is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. A positive mindset, determination, and mental resilience are crucial.
Clothing:
- Layered clothing for varying temperatures.
Thermal base layers, fleece, waterproof jacket and pants.
- Warm hat, gloves, and socks.
- Footwear: Broken-in, waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support.
Gear:
- Daypack for personal items, with a waterproof cover.
- Sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures.
- Trekking poles, headlamp, and sunglasses.
Other Essentials:
- High SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
- Refillable water bottles or hydration system.
- First aid kit, including blister treatment and altitude sickness medication.
Summit Night: The final ascent to Uhuru Peak is the most challenging part of the trek. It involves trekking in the dark, cold temperatures (as low as -20°C/-4°F), and steep terrain.
Timing: You will start around midnight to reach the summit by sunrise. The climb can take 6-8 hours up and 4-7 hours down.
Preparation: Stay hydrated, go slowly, and keep warm. Your guide will set the pace.
Success Rates: Success rates vary by route:
- Marangu: 70-75%
- Machame: 85%
- Lemosho/Shira: 90%
- Rongai: 80-85%
Factors: Longer routes with gradual ascents typically have higher success rates due to better acclimatization.
Team Composition: A typical trekking group will include a lead guide, assistant guides, porters, and a cook.
Porters: They carry your main luggage, camping equipment, and supplies. You will carry a daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and extra layers.
Meals: You’ll be provided with three meals a day. Meals are designed to be high-energy and nutritious, including soups, vegetables, pasta, rice, and fruits.
Water: Treated water will be provided by your guides. It's essential to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Hut Accommodation: Available only on the Marangu Route, which offers dormitory-style huts with bunk beds.
Camping: On other routes, you will sleep in tents, set up and taken down by the porters.
Guides: Professional guides are trained in first aid and are familiar with the signs of altitude sickness.
Medical Kits: Your team will carry a first aid kit and an oxygen cylinder for emergencies.
Rescue Services: In severe cases, you can be evacuated by stretcher or vehicle. Helicopter evacuation is also available in extreme emergencies.
Tipping: Tipping is customary and expected as a sign of appreciation for your guides, porters, and cook.
Travel Insurance: Yes, comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m) and emergency evacuation is essential. Ensure it includes trip cancellation, medical expenses, and lost baggage coverage.
Guided Treks: Climbing Kilimanjaro without a registered guide is not allowed. Park authorities mandate that all trekkers be accompanied by licensed guides.
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