8 Days itinerary Kilimanjaro trek - Lemosho route

8 Days itinerary Kilimanjaro trek - Lemosho route

Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 metres), which is also the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Despite its height Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most accessible high summits, with most climbers reaching the peak (Uhuru Peak) with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropical rain forest on the lower slopes and alpine heath, to an almost bare alpine desert and finally the wintry Arctic summit of snow and ice.

The ascent of Kilimanjaro can be done from six routes: Mweka, Umbwe, Shira, Rongai, Machame, and the Marangu Route which is the easier one. Depending on which route one wants to take, the climb of Kilimanjaro can take between four to six nights on the mountain

Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha – Londorossi Gate 2250m – Big Tree Camp 2780m

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Early in the morning you will be taken to Londorisi Gate. Upon completion of all the entry formalities and a final 15 km drive on a bumpy road you will reach your starting point at the edge of the rainforest. You will enjoy lunch before you set out on the trail through the rainforest. Today’s walk is quite short, about 3 hours, compared to the days ahead, thus giving you time to enjoy the lush scenery which will drastically change over the course of your trek. You might even catch a glimpse of the thumbless colobus monkeys sitting in the branches above you. Your dinner and overnight awaits you at the beautiful Big Tree Camp 2780m.

Breakfast and dinner included
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Big Tree Camp 2780m

Day 2: Big Tree Camp 2780m – Shira Camp 1 – 3500m

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Along the thin trail through the rainforest, you will notice the vegetation becoming scarcer and scarcer until you finally reach moorland filled with Lobelia and Eric plants. Ascending through rolling hills, you will reach Shira Camp 1 in about 3-4 hours. Looking over the Shira Plateau from your camp you will be able to see the unmistakable snow-capped summit of Kibo. A hearty evening meal and a last glimpse at the starry sky will bring the day to a close.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Shira Camp 1 – 3500m

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 – 3500m – Shira Camp 2 -3900m

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Today you will cross Shira Ridge with its rocky ground, low grasses and shrubs. As the terrain is much flatter than the day before, your hike will seem more leisurely and you will enjoy fantastic views of the Great Rift Valley and Mount Meru. Beautiful and distinctive Giant Lobelias still dot the moor landscape. Walking on ground where lava used to flow you will reach Shira Camp 2, where you will have your evening meal and overnight stay.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Shira Camp 2 -3900m

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 3900m – Lava Tower 4640m – Barranco Camp 3960m

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Just after breakfast you will start your ascent to Lava Tower through a boulder-strewn terrain. In the distance you will see Kibo encouraging you to continue uphill. Reaching Lava Tower at an altitude of 4,640m, you will rest and allow your body to get used to the higher altitude, after which you continue downwards to Barranco Camp. This method of climbing high but sleeping low allows your body to acclimatize to the differing altitudes and gives you a good idea on how your body react to changes in Altitude. Along the way the scenery changes once more and soon you are surrounded by giant Senecias and smaller Lobelia plants. After 6 – 7 hours you will reach the beautiful and green Barranco Camp, which offers great views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. After dinner you will settle in for the night.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Barranco Camp 3960m

Day 5: Barranco Camp 3960m – Karanga Camp 4035m

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
The well-known Barranco wall, which is probably the steepest part of the entire route, awaits you after breakfast. Although no technical climbing is necessary, some spots do require you to use your hands for a better grip and to pull yourself up. Your guide will be close by to help you if necessary. After you have pulled yourself around the Kissing Rock you will make your way along the mountain ridge and through the Karanga Valley. You will also pass the last water spot as you finally reach Karanga Camp after 3 – 4 hours. After a well-deserved meal, it is off to bed.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Karanga Camp

Day 6: Karanga Camp 4035m – Barafu Camp 4640m

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Today you will make your way to Barafu Camp at around 4640m, which you will reach in about 3 – 4 hour. The landscape is very dry and the ground cracks like glass under your boots. As you make your way through the afro-alpine dessert to the rocky Barafu Camp, a sense of excitement sweeps over you as your final stretch is but a few hours away. The Barafu Camp with its rocky scenery allows for a stunning view of Mawenzi Peak and the summit path ahead. After an early dinner and last minute preparation for tomorrow, you will go to bed.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Barafu Camp 4640m

Day 7: Barafu Camp 4640m – Uhuru Peak 5895m – Mweka Camp 3080m

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
At around midnight you will be awoken with some hot tea and biscuits in order to get you ready for today’s ascents. You will ascend in a north-westerly direction through heavy scree toward Stella Point, arriving there in about 5 – 7 hours. At Stella Point you may rest if necessary before taking on another 1-2 hour stretch along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak – the highlight of your trip. A breath-taking view awaits you as you stand on the highest mountain in Africa. After taking as much pictures as your camera will allow, you will leave behind the glistening glaciers and snowy peak and make your way back down to Barafu Camp. Here you will have time to catch your breath before heading further down to Mweka Gate 3080m, an about 3 hour walk. A tempting dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep awaits you. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Duration: 13 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Mweka Camp 3080m

Day 8: Mweka Camp 3080m – Mweka Gate 1630m – Arusha

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
After a hearty breakfast and a traditional farewell ceremony by your mountain crew, you will start your final descent to Mweka Gate. A leisurely 2 – 3 hours walk will once again take you through the lush rainforest, where the endemic Impatiens Kilimanjaro flower grows. Reaching Mweka Gate you will be greeted by our transfer driver, who will take you back to the Tulia hotel and Spa Arusha. The rest of the day is for you to enjoy at leisure – enjoy an extensive shower, jump in the pool and relax at the Hotel and you will spend your last overnight.Bed and Breakfast included
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at t the Hotel