Kili, at 5895m high, is the world’s highest free-standing mountain and its towering snow-capped symmetrical cone is an iconic image. A UNESCO world heritage site, the whole mountain is designated a national park. Kilimanjaro National park covers an area of some 755 sq km, consisting of vast areas of montane forest - with unique moorland flora and alpine desert at higher altitudes. This trek is the longer, less used Lemosho Route which parallels with the lower part of the Shira Route. The Lemosho Route is an unspoiled, remote and scenic way up to the Shira Plateau.
Acacia offers various trekking options for Kilimanjaro - ask us about these, or adding acclimatisation days to your trek.
Day 1. Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and check-in to Springlands Hotel (airport transfers are to be requested at the time of booking and are at an additional cost). Your guide or a staff member will meet you in the hotel to advise about the trek briefing (sometimes arranged for the morning of day 2). In the meantime, settle in and explore Moshi.Day 2. Moshi to Lemosho Glades to Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast, we drive to the Londorosi Park Gate, which is approximately 5 hours. The drive through the plateau is one of the best opportunities to see big game on Kilimanjaro. We then continue the 4x4 drive on to Lemosho Glades before walking up to the Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite, stopping for lunch en-route.Day 3. Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp
Today begins with the short hike from Mti Mkubwa to Shira hut campsite - the trail gradually steepens to an elevation of 3,840m. The west face of Kibo volcano (usually referred as Kilimanjaro) looms above the campsite. This hike traverses the lower moorland where large shrubs, streams and wildflowers dominate the landscape.Day 4. Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
After breakfast, we begin the steepening hike east to reach the prominent landmark called Lava Tower. This 5 to 6 hour hike continues through the lower moorland sometimes climbing steep rocky landscapes. Descending for about 2 hours (just as steeply) to reach Barranco Hut campsite directly below the south face of Kibo (stopping halfway for lunch). The view of northern Tanzania and Mount Meru to the west are amazing, not to mention the view of Kibo itself.Day 5. Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Wake to breakfast, after which we break camp and continue up the steep ridge to the great Barranco Wall. Take note of the Heim Glacier and how majestic Mount Kilimanjaro truly is before descending into the Karanga Valley.Day 6. Barafu Camp - Summit - Mweke Camp Highlights. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
We rise around 11:30pm for our final push to the summit. Our climb northwest - up through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers - to Stella Point on the crater rim, is the most challenging part of the route. After a short rest, we join the top part of the Marangu Route and continue the 2 hour trek to the summit. Depending on the season and current weather, we may encounter snow on our remaining hike around the rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m).Day 7. Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi Accommodation. Springlands Hotel, Moshi.
After breakfast, we break camp to begin a short 3 hour hike on to the park gate at Mweka. Today is the final trekking day where you can thank your porters with a tip (at your own discretion) and receive your Summit certificates. Climbers who reached Stella Point are issued green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. We then make our way driving/walking down to Mweka Village for a celebratory lunch. After saying goodbye to the team, we drive from the park gate back to Moshi and the Springlands Hotel - where a hot shower and comfortable bed await you.Day 8. Moshi
Today your tour ends after breakfast. Depart for the airport or other destination in Tanzania.Located on the southern slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro near Moshi, the professionally-run Springlands Hotel is set in relaxing tropical gardens with pool and is the ideal base to start/finish mountain treks. The hotel offers regular shuttle bus services into town or you can hire a bike, and there are pleasant walks into the adjacent forest.
Rooms – single, twin, double, triple en suite rooms.
Facilities – restaurant, bar, swimming pool, TV lounge, internet, laundry, gym, sauna.
Transfers are available from the Airport by pre-arrangement
* Suggested pre and post tour accommodation can be booked together with your tour. Please enquire at the time of booking.
Located on the southern slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro near Moshi, the professionally-run Springlands Hotel is set in relaxing tropical gardens with pool and is the ideal base to start/finish mountain treks. The hotel offers regular shuttle bus services into town or you can hire a bike, and there are pleasant walks into the adjacent forest.
Rooms – single, twin, double, triple en suite rooms.
Facilities – restaurant, bar, swimming pool, TV lounge, internet, laundry, gym, sauna.
Transfers are available from the Airport by pre-arrangement
* Suggested pre and post tour accommodation can be booked together with your tour. Please enquire at the time of booking.
Additional Info
The Lemosho Route
The longer, less-used Lemosho route parallels with the lower part of the Shira Route. The Lemosho Route is an unspoiled, remote and scenic way up to the Shira Plateau. Above the plateau, you approach Kilimanjaro's great Western Breach, then follow the south circuit to reach the easier Barafu Route. Since there are still animals in the forest around the Lemosho Glades, this is one of the few routes where an armed ranger accompanies our groups, giving the opportunity to encounter wildlife while completing your once in a lifetime experience.
Accommodation on the mountain is in tents pitched by the porters, at bush camps with few facilities.
Access to the trek start is 5 hours by vehicle from Moshi. The return is approximately 30 minutes.
TRANSPORT:
Mini bus, foot
MEALS:
Meals included are – Breakfast x5, Lunch x5, Dinner x5.
On the mountain, meals are prepared by the trek cook. If you have any dietary requirements, please ensure you inform Acacia at the time of booking.
OPERATOR:
This tour is operated by a respected local tour operator. You will benefit from their extensive local knowledge and enthusiasm - and will be helping Acacia support local businesses in Africa.
Meals
5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Accommodation
Local hotel with twin-share en suite rooms (2 nights), twin-share camping with basic facilities (5 nights)
Each small group tour, Short Safari & Trek, Short Break and City Stay has a Safari Pass which is paid to your tour leader in Africa at the beginning of the tour (or pre-paid by arrangement prior to your tour). This is separate and in addition to the Tour Price, and covers selected park entries, activities and excursions along the way where payment goes directly to the supplier to ensure local suppliers benefit directly from the income.
* This pass is a compulsory add-on for this tour.