10-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route

A guide and the mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle (roughly 3–4 hours) to Kilimanjaro National Park's western entrance: Londorossi Gate. After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group continues upwards towards their drop-off point by off-road vehicles (reaching 3,600 m / 11,811 ft). Here you will see stunning views of the Shira Plateau for the first time.

The route from your drop-off point to your first high-altitude camp, Shira 1 features a small gain in altitude and is not very challenging physically. Due to this, you will be able to begin the process of acclimatization properly. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will have already prepared everything necessary, put up the tents, and begun preparing dinner.

PLEASE NOTE: This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

• Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently);
• To help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness, consider using a preventive measure like a high-altitude aid medicine. Many mountain climbers take such pills in the morning, before they begin their ascent, to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. Our managers will provide more specific details together with your travel itinerary. We recommend consulting your doctor prior to the trip to discuss any potential allergies or health concerns.

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

 

Trekking time:

1-2 hours

Distance:

5 km (3.1 miles)

On this day you will depart from Shira 1 Camp in the morning and complete a light trek toward the second high-altitude camp: Shira 2 Camp. This trek is not difficult and you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of African savannahs and the unique flora of Kilimanjaro. Shira 2 Camp is the best place on the trip to see Mount Meru (the fifth summit of Africa and second-highest in Tanzania), weather permitting.

During the trek between camps, our guides will offer ascending Cathedral Peak - 3,872 m (12,703 ft), one of the highest points of the extinct Shira volcano. Besides the captivating hiking experience, reaching the summit of Cathedral Peak on a clear day offers breathtaking views down into the valley. In our decade of experience working on the mountain, the valley below resembling a lost world is among our favourite views. This is a straightforward hike with no technical challenges. Although the peak may be shrouded in clouds at times, there's a stella providing an opportunity for a memorable photograph. If you prefer to skip this ascent or encounter unfavorable weather, heading directly to Shira 2 is an option. This choice doesn't impact acclimatization since Shira 2 and Cathedral Peak stand at a similar elevation. Nevertheless, we believe the hike to Cathedral Peak is worth it and wholeheartedly recommend it.

When you arrive at the camp you will have lunch, and after a two-hour rest, everyone will complete an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp that features a 200 m (656 ft) gain in altitude.

PLEASE NOTE:The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.

Acclimatization hike:

Change in Elevation:

Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft)

Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,270 m / 14,009 ft)

Hiking distance:

2 km (1.2 miles)

Hiking time:

1-2 hours

 

Trekking time:

3-4 hours

Distance:

7 km (4.3 miles)

On this day you will depart from Shira 1 Camp in the morning and complete a light trek toward the second high-altitude camp: Shira 2 Camp. This trek is not difficult and you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of African savannahs and the unique flora of Kilimanjaro. Shira 2 Camp is the best place on the trip to see Mount Meru (the fifth summit of Africa and second-highest in Tanzania), weather permitting.

During the trek between camps, our guides will offer ascending Cathedral Peak - 3,872 m (12,703 ft), one of the highest points of the extinct Shira volcano. Besides the captivating hiking experience, reaching the summit of Cathedral Peak on a clear day offers breathtaking views down into the valley. In our decade of experience working on the mountain, the valley below resembling a lost world is among our favourite views. This is a straightforward hike with no technical challenges. Although the peak may be shrouded in clouds at times, there's a stella providing an opportunity for a memorable photograph. If you prefer to skip this ascent or encounter unfavorable weather, heading directly to Shira 2 is an option. This choice doesn't impact acclimatization since Shira 2 and Cathedral Peak stand at a similar elevation. Nevertheless, we believe the hike to Cathedral Peak is worth it and wholeheartedly recommend it.

When you arrive at the camp you will have lunch, and after a two-hour rest, everyone will complete an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp that features a 200 m (656 ft) gain in altitude.

PLEASE NOTE:The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.

Acclimatization hike:

Change in Elevation:

Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft)

Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,270 m / 14,009 ft)

Hiking distance:

2 km (1.2 miles)

Hiking time:

1-2 hours

 

Trekking time:

3-4 hours

Distance:

7 km (4.3 miles)

After breakfast, you will leave Shira 2 Camp and start your hike to the key point of the route: Lava Tower. This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end at a camp at over 4,600 m (15,091 ft) above sea level. It might be difficult, and it is common to feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here. For that reason, your group will enjoy your lunch at the top of Lava Tower, in order to help you acclimatize better.

Then you will descend to Barranco Camp. There you will see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! The next day you will be climbing it, but don't worry, it features a very simple hiking trail and is not intimidating at all.

 

Trekking time:

6-8 hours

Distance:

12 km (7.4 miles)

On this day your group will make an early start and after a filling breakfast, begin to hike Barranco Wall. We recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups, which can slow you down. Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.

Then you will start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents on the route, but don't worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch.

After a couple of hours, you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 200 m (656 ft) gain in altitude, and then descent back down to the camp.

Acclimatization hike:

Change in Elevation:

Karanga Camp (3,960 m / 12,992 ft)

Destination point en route to Barafu Camp (4,270 m / 14,009 ft)

Hiking distance:

2.5 km (1.5 miles)

Hiking time:

1-2 hours

 

Trekking time:

4-5 hours

Distance:

5 km (3.1 miles)

In the morning, after a warm and hearty breakfast, you will begin your hike to Barafu Summit Camp. This camp is the starting point for the final night summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft) - your end goal. Our team will set up camp ahead of time, so when you arrive your tents and sleeping bags will already be prepared, meaning you can just relax and rest when you reach Barafu Summit Camp. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before the night summit.

 

Trekking time:

4-5 hours

Distance:

6 km (3.7 miles)

Your group will depart from Barafu Camp at night and start the final summit to Uhuru Peak of Kilimanjaro (5,895 m / 19,340 ft). Technically speaking, the climb is relatively simple, however at the high altitude even regular physical activity can feel strenuous. Therefore, climbers will be paired into twos, under the care of a personal guide for the entire ascent, this is in order to monitor your physical and mental well-being more closely. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp.

PLEASE NOTE:Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including most broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.

 

Trekking time:

8-12 hours

Distance:

15 km (9.3 miles)

Millennium Camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the national park's exit: Mweka Gate. After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel.

 

Trekking time:

4-5 hours

Distance:

12 km (7.4 miles)

• Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport or continue to Zanzibar/safari
  Meals: Breakfast