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Summit
Mt Kilimanjaro
via the Lemosho Route
10 DAY/9 NIGHT SUMMIT ADVENTURE
Kilimanjaro
Walking
What does it mean to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro? Trekking to 19,341 feet above sea level on the Roof of Africa is the only way to find out! Mt. Kilimanjaro boasts the highest elevation peak on the African continent and is one of the Seven Summits. The dormant volcano commands respect as its impressive prominence makes it visible for hundreds of miles around. As a challenging and lengthy trek with no technical climbing, it is no wonder that Kilimanjaro is the crowning jewel atop many an adventurer's dream sheet.
The Lemosho Route is considered to be the most scenic and 8 days on the mountain will offer plenty of time to take in every aspect of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The ascent begins in lush afromontane forest, continues across the Shira Plateau which offers stunning views of the three peaks, and finishes atop Uhuru Peak. It is the longest and most difficult route to the summit, but boasts the highest success rate of any trail on the mountain.
The journey is fully supported including a shower tent, camp toilet, spacious walk-in guest tents, bed cots and pillow, as well as a mess tent with table, chairs and cutlery. Knowledgeable professional guides lead the way and a remote logistics team monitors each trip from start to finish. In partnership with Adventure International, we bring the safety and comfort so you can focus on the adventure!
Guest Itinerary*
Connection
Hiking Mt Kilimanjaro is an opportunity to forge profound bonds with your fellow climbers and connect to the stunning power of the Earth. You will forever feel the call of the mountain and know that part of your heart is home in Africa.
Itinerary
Please note that the details of this itinerary are subject to change. Many of the planned activities are organized according to availability, events or seasonal dates, appropriate weather conditions or the discretion of our guides. We make every effort to provide the experience described in the itinerary with the understanding that some things may change.
Day 1
Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you are met and transferred to the Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge in Arusha. The lodge is set among lush forest and crystal waters on the slopes of Mount Meru and offers stunning views of Mt Kilimanjaro right from the veranda. There is a comprehensive briefing and equipment check with the Climb Manager and trip guide.
Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodation: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge or Similar
Day 2
Kilimanjaro - Forest
From Arusha, set out in a vehicle to the starting point of the Lemosho Trail. Here you meet the rest of your crew and set off at a leisurely pace into afromontane forest. Lunch is taken on trail and camp is reached mid afternoon.
Distance: 6 km / ~1700 ft net elevation gain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Forest Camp
Day 3
Kilimanjaro - Shira Plateau
From the forested slopes of Lemosho, ascend through Podocarpus and Juniper forest before breaking out onto the heath zone and the Shira Plateau. Lunch is taken on trail and camp is reached by mid-afternoon.
Distance: 8 km / ~ 2000 ft net elevation gain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Day 4
Kilimanjaro - Moir Camp
Crossing the Shira plateau can be one of the most scenic parts of the trip and this is a full day on the trail. After an on trail lunch, ascend to Moir camp, arriving in the mid afternoon. For those with energy to spare, an additional hike in the late afternoon is available.
Distance: 14 km / ~ 2300 ft net elevation gain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Moir Hut Camp
Day 5
Kilimanjaro - Barranco Camp
From Moir, traverse across the slopes of Kibo. Here relatively little flora or fauna can survive the extreme temperature ranges and conditions that typify this zone. Lunch is normally taken close to Lava Tower and for those that are feeling ambitious, there is an optional ascent of Lava Tower before descending down to Barranco camp in the afternoon.
Distance: 7 km / ~ 800 ft net elevation loss
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day 6
Kilimanjaro - Karanga Camp
You now have a relatively short day to Karanga Camp, after conquering the Barranco Wall. The selection of Karanga Camp is strategic – significant time at altitude is essential for safe acclimatization and in the late afternoon you arrive in camp. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering 1000 meters (over 3000 feet) above.
Distance: 5 km / ~ 100 ft net elevation gain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Day 7
Kilimanjaro - Barafu
Spend a half day ascending to Barafu Camp, arriving before lunch. Desolate alpine desert surrounds the camp and splendid views of Mawenzi peak are the norm. High winds commonly sweep through the area. Dinner is served relatively early, allowing for an evening of rest before the summit bid.
Distance: 4 km / ~ 2200 ft net elevation gain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day 8
Kilimanjaro - Summit, Mweka
A true summit bid begins with an Alpine Start! Departing just before midnight for the final push. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach the summit and most arrive near the rim, in perfect time to view the sunrise. Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru peak, the Roof of Africa!
What goes up must come down and the goal is to return to Mweka camp before dusk.
Distance: 5 km ascent / ~ 4045 ft net elevation gain
12 km descent / ~ 9300 ft net elevation loss
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 9
Kilimanjaro - Descent, Arusha
After breakfast, descend once again through montane forest and return to the trailhead around mid day. Say farewell to the guide crew, before transferring back to the hotel for a well-deserved shower and celebratory dinner!
Distance: 10 km / ~ 4600 ft net elevation loss
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Day 10
Depart
Enjoy some relaxation time in the dayroom at the lodge, before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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