Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in 8 days – Lemosho route (+2 Days in Arusha)

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, our representative will meet you and drive you to your hotel for a first evening in Tanzania. Arusha is a major international diplomatic hub. The city hosts and is regarded as the de facto capital of the East African Community. Arusha is surrounded by some of Africa's most famous landscapes and national parks. Situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, it has a mild climate.

On this day before the beginning of your Kilimanjaro experience, our guide will do a briefing during which a gear check shall be made. These essential steps will assure security for all, and increase significantly the level of success. The previously completed and submitted medical form shall be reviewed together. Do not hesitate to inquire for further information. You shall be introduced as well to your trekking mates during the briefing.

You will have the rest of the day off to relax and take off the jet lag. You may enjoy your time by the poolside or just take a short walk around the gardens. If you wish to go into town for some shopping or just a visit we will be happy to arrange for transport and a guide but please note this is at an extra fee. Kindly consult with your guide for these options.

Night at Arusha Ahadi Lodge with breakfast

Londorosi Gate (2,100m/6,890’) –> Mti Mkubwa (2,791m/9,160’)

After breakfast we drive to the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro where you sign in at the Londorosi Gate. You get a climbing permit, please make sure you have your passports with you. We will drive to Shira-Lemosho trail where you find your climbing crew ready and waiting to start the climb. The Trip Leader will tell exactly what to expect each day, weather-wise, the nature of the trail and the wildlife that you will grow to know so well. Please ask any question about any special features that might interest you.

Forest Camp

Forest camp is located in a dense forest zone. Already the sun fades, the cold sets in, it's time to dress warmly and prepare the headlamps.

Note : Time and Camping place can be modifided according to the clients, weather and reaction to altitude.

We leave the camp just after breakfast and ascend to Shira Camp. We press ahead into the Heathland, where we stop for lunch. Next we wind up the day by traversing the Shira Ridge and camp in the Shira Caldera with its dramatic views of Kibo peak. It is usual to hear some Jackals barking in the night as well as seeing some signs of Buffalo, Eland, Serval Cats and other magnificent animals during your hike.

Shira Camp

This camp offers a great view of the Kibo Peak. At this location which displays vast prairies and bushes, you will find them regrouped to face the cold and wind. At night, the sky is covered with thousands of stars, and you can admire the famous Southern Cross and hear the distant cries of jackals. The next morning, you can not miss the presence of buffalos, or elands.

Note : Time of departure and arrival and sleeping place may vary according to clients, weather and altitude response.

On this third day, we hike across the Shira Caldera towards the Western side of the Kibo Volcanic Massive. This is a day you will be able to ‘touch the clouds.’ If the weather permits, you will have a panoramic view towards the Rift Valley and the heart of Africa. As you get up this higher, you will find that most of the plants cannot compete with the weather. You will understand why! Lobelia deckenii is the only alpine species of lobelia that lives on Kilimanjaro

Moir Camp

Moir Camp is located at the transition zone between the heather and Moorland, the only place you can see the higher altitude plants like the Giant Ground Sells and Lobelia deckenii.

Day fourth, we will hike above 4,600m/15,000’ before descending to our camp. We will go through the Lava Tower area; you will have the opportunity to climb. This area will
be your first introduction to alpine zone where the only plant life is the heartiest of grass and lichens. You ascend through the moorlands to alpine desert zone. You will climb slowly.

Barranco Camp

Barranco Camp is located in a beautiful valley, with stunning views of Mount Meru, the twin volcano of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will also have the Heim glacier views, the southern slope of Kibo, not to mention the impressive Barranco Wall.

After an early breakfast, we leave the camp at 6am for a slow and spectacular climb up to Stella Point, before we will later slowly descend to our highest camp, for dinner and sleep. Once you reach this highest camp, for a well-deserved dinner and will no doubt enjoy your sleep in a quiet environment, where few trekking companies are camping here.

Crater Camp

Neighbour to the most impressive glaciers, Crater Camp shall provide the ultimate view of camping, at the best altitude to prepare you for the ultimate day! Your dinner will be prepared early and give you ample time to relax and sleep. Nights are cold at this altitude, and you will appreciate all the warm sleeping gear.

You are going to complete some serious achievements and goals on this special day. Hiking from the camp will bring your life into perspective, when you stand on the top of the highest free-standing mountain in the world. The weather will tell you how long you are going to spend on the top of Africa for taking pictures and rolling up your trip. From the summit will take approximately three hours hike and have a short stop for lunch around Barafu camp. Later, to proceed and make to Mweka Camp where you are going to spend your last night on Kilimanjaro and have your victory celebration!

Mweka Camp

You shall spend your last night on the conquered volcano, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro at Mweka Camp, located more than 9,000’ (almost 3,000m) lower than the summit reached. It will be time to celebrate your victory with great satisfaction!

Today is our last hike. The hike is steep in places and may be slippery if it is a wet day. Please use trekking poles. At Mweka Gate you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and enjoy your picnic lunch. We will drive to Arusha for hot shower and an early dinner. For those of you who will return home, we shall say Goodbye for those who would like to see more of Tanzania, it will be a pleasure to take you in some of the most amazing national parks or would you like a relaxing time on the spice island of Zanzibar, we could also arrange for that.

Night at Arusha Ahadi Lodge with breakfast

You will be driven to Kilimanjaro Airport for your return flight. We wish you a safe journey!