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Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Trek Africa's highest mountain through scrub, farmland, montane forest, moorland, rocky and rugged terrain, valleys, volcanic scree, and glaciers on this 9-day Kilimanjaro adventure. Following the scenic Lemosho route, you will cross the Shira Caldera, acclimatize via Lava Tower, and make a midnight summit push to the ice-capped Uhuru Peak. Nights are spent at mountain campsites, with hotel stays in Moshi before and after the climb. Return with unforgettable memories of this mighty mountain.
The final ascent starts around midnight while the scree (small stone) is still frozen.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Arrive in Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to be greeted by our representative who will assist with luggage and transfer to Moshi and the hotel (around 45 minutes on a tarmac road).
After check-in, you will be given time to meet the guide for a climb briefing and last minute equipment check. This is an opportunity to ask questions.
Lunch and dinner not included.
The day begins with a long drive (approximately 3 hrs) on a corrugated road, through scrub and farmland to reach Londorossi Park Gate (2100 m/6889 ft).
The journey offers magnificent views of the Great Rift Valley mountains of Mt. Meru and Longido and the Shira zone of parasitic cones which extend along the north of the road.
After registration rejoin the vehicle for a short drive through plantations to reach the trail head.
In case of recent rain, the road can be muddy, adding to the adventure.
Begin hiking along an easy forest trail to reach Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite for dinner and overnight (2,750m/9,022ft, 3 to 4 hrs).
An early start.
Leaving the montane forest, the trail gets steeper as it enters the moorland zone towards Gane and Marshall One Valley. Here you will begin to see the giant heathers.
Continue, steadily ascending to the rim of Shira Plateau.
Hike across the Shira Caldera to reach Shira Cave camp site (views of Arrow glacier) (3,500 m/11,482 ft, 6 to 7 hrs).
Heading eastwards, the route crosses the Shira Plateau to Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles.
Enjoy the views of Mt Meru ‘suspended’ above the clouds on approach to Shira Hut 2 (3,840 m/12,598 ft, 4 to 5 hrs).
Shira is where Lemosho route joins the south circuit trekking route.
Dinner and overnight camping.
Continue hiking on a rocky and rugged eastward path (resulting from lava ridges) to ascend to the base of the Lava Tower for lunch (4,630 m/15,190 ft, 5 to 6 hrs). This is a short distance ascent to aid acclamatization.
From the Lava Tower there is a 680m/2,230ft descent to reach Barranco campsite (3,950 m/12,958 ft, 2 to 3 hrs).
The camp is situated in a valley below the Western Breach and Great Barranco Wall.
The day starts as a scramble up Baranco Wall, also known as ‘breakfast’ (which is easier than it first looks when you leave your tent in early daylight).
The rock scramble tops out just below the southern ice-fields and Heim Glacier.
The terrain is now volcanic scree with pockets of vegetation in sheltered hollows.
Enjoy lunch within Karanga Valley before continuing to Barafu campsite for a well deserved rest (4,550 m/1,4927 ft, 7 to 8 hrs).
Join the guide for a summit ascent briefing before resting.
The final ascent starts around midnight while the scree (small stone) is still frozen. The torch-light ascent on the steep zig-zag path, aims to reach Stella Point at sun rise (5,735 m/18815 ft, 5 to 6 hrs).
If legs are still strong, the last push to the summit is much less steep, flattening out along the crater rim before ascending again to finally reach the ice capped summit - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19340 ft, 1 to 2 hrs).
After a short rest and celebration photos on the peak, start the descent to return to Barafu for breakfast and a short rest before heading down the trail to Mweka campsite for a final night camping (3,100 m/10,170 ft).
The high altitude ascent and descent makes this part of the trek the most challenging (between 11 to 15 hrs).
After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short (4 to 5 hr) hike, on a stepped rock path through the lush forest, to reach the National Park Gate at Mweka.
After signing out and picking up certificates join the waiting vehicles for the drive back to Moshi and the hotel.
Dinner included.
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure or onto another activity.
The route
The fine print
Private 'group' transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Pre-climb briefing and equipment check.
Transfers to/from the National Park gate.
Community forest fee.
National Park entry fee.
Kilimanjaro rescue fee.
Oxygen.
Mountain crew - lead guide, co-guide, chef, and porters.
Crew salaries.
3 energy-rich mountain meals each climb day.
Water (bottled on the first day, boiled and filtered thereafter).
Camping fees.
Camping equipment - mountain tent, sleep pad, dining mess tent, table, chairs, crocs, and cutlery.
Hotel accommodation - 1 night before on B&B basis and 1 night after the climb on HB basis (tourist class, shared twin rooms).
All taxes and government charges.
Internal air or road transfers (e.g. Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, etc.).
International travel visas.
Personal travel insurance.
Alcohol and sodas.
Items of a personal nature.
Emergency air rescue - FAR.
Sleeping bags.
Laundry.
Gratuities (tips).
Any activities outside of the contracted services.
Travel insurance: It is a condition for joining any of our trips that you are covered for comprehensive expenses that may arise due to medical issues or accidents, including air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs. Please note that we do not arrange or sell insurance.
Meals: Meals are a mixture of traditional and Western food. Our chefs are extremely good, and we consistently receive excellent feedback on our client satisfaction questionnaires.
Bed tea for wake-up calls, served with a smile.
Breakfast - sausage, egg, tomato, cornflakes or oat porridge, fresh fruit, bread, jam, or honey.
Main meals appetizer - vegetables (e.g. leek and potatoes, pumpkin, carrot and coriander), chicken soup, or fresh salad vegetables with mayonnaise.
Main course - fried Tilapia fish fillet with French fries and salad vegetables, beef goulash, spicy fried chicken with vegetable sauce and rice, pasta with mixed vegetables in a rich tomato sauce, Tanzanian banana stew (Ndizi), beef and rice (Nyama na wali).
Dessert - fresh fruits, fried bananas with chocolate sauce, Tanzanian pancake with honey. We also serve hot drinks with each meal, including tea, coffee, milo, and chocolate.
A hot lunch or lunch box will be provided according to the weather conditions and midday location.
Lunch boxes may contain samosa, sandwich, fruit, boiled egg, chopped salad vegetables (carrot, tomato), chocolate bar, cake, and fruit juice.
A hot drink will also be prepared.
We provide energy snacks for the summit, such as chocolate nuts, popcorn, or biscuits.
Equipment and packing list: While packing for Kilimanjaro, certain climbing equipment is essential. Please check this trip's comprehensive checklist. Check available trip start dates.
Logistics
Your 9 days finish where they began, in Kilimanjaro Airport Rd.
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