Kilimanjaro | The Lemosho Route

Degree of Difficulty

• A relatively tough challenge but one of the easiest routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro. 
• Participants should be in good physical condition, with experience of hiking for multiple consecutive days for six to seven hours.
• A good degree of ascent is involved in the challenge, and experience walking in mountainous areas would be beneficial. 
• No specific technical climbing skills are required.

Kilimanjaro Accommodation

• Accommodation during the trip is taken in high-quality, high-altitude Mountain Hardware tents. 
• Meals are taken in a separate mess tent, where it's possible to sit comfortably and relax in the evenings. 
• Hotel accommodation is provided when staying in Moshi.

Eating and drinking

• Special menus are designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of climbing Kilimanjaro
• Meals include fresh fruit and vegetables each day. Fresh meat is available for at least the first part of the trek
• There's the chance to sample Tanzanian cuisine before leaving the mountain

Essential information

• A strict 15kg bag weight limit is enforced by Kilimanjaro National Park. This limit includes a sleeping bag. All bags will be weighed before leaving the hotel in Moshi to check for compliance, and items would have to be removed if above the 15kg limit.
• Tanzania observes a ban on all single-use plastic bags. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, passengers may be asked to surrender any plastic bags before leaving the airport.
• It is advisable to travel with US Dollars as the Tanzanian Shillings is a closed currency, not available to purchase before arrival in country. ATMs are available at the airport or en route to the hotel.
• Tipping is customary on Tanzanian trekking adventures, and the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project recommend tips in the range of $6 to $10 per day for each porter. For other roles, $20 per day is recommended for guides, and $12 to $15 per day for assistant guides and cooks. These suggested figures are per group, not per person.

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro International Airport - KIA (JRO)
Kilimanjaro Airport Road
Makao Mapya
Tanzania

Getting to Kilimanjaro

• It's best to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). KLM flies to JRO from all major UK airports, with a number of flights from US international airports.

Lemosho Route Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Tanzania

  Arrival in Tanzania. Private transfers will be arranged from the airport to the hotel. Representatives will meet participants at the hotel for pre-climb briefings. 

• Day 2 | Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

  Take a 4x4 transfer to the Londorossi Park Gate to register. Start the ascent, climbing the forest trail to Mti Mkubwa.

• Day 3 Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

  Continue eastward across the Shira Plateau, with exceptional views of the Shira Cathedral. Cross moorland meadows to reach Shira 1 Camp at 3500m to overnight. 

• Day 4 | Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

  Leaving behind the forest, as the trail steepens as it unfolds through the moorland zone. A gentle day of hiking across the Shira Caldera to Moir hut to overnight. Camp overnight at 4200m.

• Day 5 | Moir Hut to Barranco Camp

  Climbing up to the base of Lava Tower at an altitude of 4600m, is a great acclimatisation exercise. The toughest day so far, a great test against the altitude. After lunch, descend to Barranco Camp, taking around two hours, with superb viewpoints and photo opportunities. 

• Day 6 | Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  A shorter day on foot, scrambling to the top of the Great Barranco Wall. Traverse scree slopes to the Karanga Valley beneath the icefalls of Heim, Kersten and Decken glaciers.

• Day 7 Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

  Leave Karanga camp to join the Mweka descent trail, continue ascending to Barafu camp. At camp there's time to rest, take dinner and prepare for the summit day. 

• Day 8 | Summit Day

  Starting at 2330, to take tea and biscuits in preparation for the climb, start climbing the scree slopes between the Rebman and Ratzel to arrive at Stella Point in time for sunrise at 5732m. Time to appreciate the views, before pushing on to the summit. It's approximately an hour on foot to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak at 5985m. From the summit, descend to Mweka camp side via Barafu for lunch. Later on, enjoy a last meal on the mountain with the group. 

• Day 9 | Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

  Final day trekking, descending to Mweka Gate to collect a well-earned summit certificate. Transfer to the hotel.

• Day 10 | Departure

  Airport transfer to the airport to start the journey home.

Included

• Airport transfers
• Hotel accommodation before and after your climb
• Transfers to and from the mountain
• National Park entry, camping, climbing and rescue fees
• A fully supported climb (average ratio of support staff to climbers is 4:1)
• All meals and drinking water on the mountain
• A clean and private portable toilet (no long drops for you!)
• High quality dining tent and sleeping tents with comfortable foam mattress
• Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit
• A certificate documenting your summit ascent

Not Included

• Flights and visas
• Tips for your guide and crew
• Travel insurance (you must be insured for trekking up to 6000m)
• Personal trekking gear
• Snacks on the mountain
• Meals and drinks not on the mountain
• Additional hotel nights before or after your climb, if required
• Single room supplement, if required

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs

Had an amazing trip hiking the Lemosho route. The guides and porters are incredible with their knowledge and skills. Highly recommend this company! | Zame

We've just returned from the Lemosho climb to Kilimanjaro, an 8 day climb, led brilliantly by Filbert, along with Dismus, Mashek & Godfried. They did a great job of looking after all 10 of us on the trek, although we all had differing abilities. We all had a wonderful trek, full of laughter! The whole of the porter team were absolutely supportive & awesome too! | Katrina