10 Days Kilimanjaro – Lemosho Trekking + Crater
- 5.0/5 (20 + Reviews)
Mount Kilimanjaro
Africa’s Highest Peak and the Lemosho Route
Mount Kilimanjaro, towering over Tanzania, holds the title of Africa’s loftiest peak, reaching a majestic elevation of 19,341 feet. This dormant volcano is a geological wonder, boasting three distinct cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kilimanjaro beckons thousands of visitors annually, establishing itself as one of the world’s premier trekking destinations. The mountain offers five trekking routes, each with its unique appeal: Marangu, Machame, Rongai, Umbwe, and Lemosho.
Why Choose Lemosho Route: Among these routes, the Lemosho Route emerges as the trekkers’ favorite, celebrated for its scenic beauty. Its extended duration allows for crucial acclimatization, mitigating altitude sickness risks. Moreover, it stands out for its low traffic, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the stunning scenery in tranquil solitude. The Lemosho Route also presents a fascinating array of flora and fauna, and trekkers can savor the exceptional vistas of the Shira Plateau.
Day 1
- Arrival
- ✈️ Airport Pick-Up: We’ll greet you at Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport and provide transportation, including your return trip to the airport.
- 🏨 Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy your first night in a comfortable hotel.
🛌🏻 Spend the night in a hotel, the same one as your first night’s stay.
🚌 Note: Transportation to the airport is included after your last night spent in the hotel.Day 2
- Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa
- Start your hike with an elevation gain from 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft over a distance of 6 km (4 miles) through the rainforest habitat. The hiking time for this section is 3-4 hours.
- After completing this hike, drive to the Lemosho Gate. Upon your arrival at the trailhead, you’ll commence hiking through undisturbed forest, making your way to the first campsite.
Day 3
- Mti Mkubwa To Shira 1 Camp
- Continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah landscape featuring tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock covered with lichen beards.
- As you ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, you’ll reach the Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp. This is where you’ll catch your first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Day 4
- Shira 1 To Shira 2 Camp
- Begin your exploration of the Shira Plateau, with an elevation gain from 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft, covering a distance of 7 km (4 miles). The hiking time for this section is approximately 3-4 hours, and you’ll be in the moorland habitat.
- During your journey, enjoy a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Along the way, you’ll encounter the heath zone with abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.
Day 5
- Shira 2 To Lava Tower To Moir Hut
- Continue your trek to the east, ascending a ridge.
- Head southeast toward the Lava Tower, which is a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation.
- Afterward, divert from the main trail to reach Moir Hut, a less commonly used site located at the base of Lent Hills. You’ll find various walking options on Lent Hills, providing an excellent opportunity for acclimatization. Shira Plateau is recognized as one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Day 6
- Moir Hut To Buffalo Camp
- Trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb.
- Hike to the summit of Lent Hills and then return to the main trail.
- During this part of the journey, the path will lead you across a rock field and gently undulate before you reach Buffalo Camp. Along the way, you’ll be treated to fantastic views across the plains located north of Kilimanjaro, extending towards the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.
Day 7
- Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
- Begin the hike with an elevation change from 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft, covering a distance of 8 km (5 miles). You’ll be in the heath habitat, and the hiking time for this segment is approximately 5-7 hours.
- As you head up Buffalo Ridge, you’ll notice the terrain becoming increasingly sparse. This less-traveled route provides a genuine mountain wilderness experience.
- Continue trekking through remote valleys, making your way to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, until you reach your destination at Third Cave.
Day 8
- Third Cave To Kibo Hut
- Embark on a hike with an elevation gain from 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft, covering a distance of 5 km (3 miles). This part of the journey takes you through the alpine desert habitat, and the hiking time is approximately 4-5 hours.
- During this stage, you’ll steadily ascend up and over the “Saddle,” which is the area between Kibo and Mawenzi.
- Continue until you reach your camp, Kibo Hut, where you’ll have the opportunity to rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the upcoming summit day.
Day 9
- Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak To Crater Camp
- In the early morning, begin the challenging push to the summit, which is mentally and physically demanding. Ascend steadily for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks. The trail transitions into heavy scree as you make the steep climb to the crater rim.
- Reach Gilman’s Point at 18,600 ft, where you’ll spot the summit sign in the distance. Continue your trek around the crater rim until you finally arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa.
- Descend a short distance to Crater Camp, where the rest of the staff will join you to set up camp. You’ll have the option to hike to Reutsch Crater and the ash pit or explore the areas around Furtwangler Glacier. It’s important to note that sleeping at this high altitude can be risky, and the guides will closely monitor you for signs of serious AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) due to insufficient acclimatization.
Day 10
- CraterCamp to Mweka Camp
- Starting from Crater Camp, make your descent, heading straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite. On the way, stop at Barafu for lunch.
- The trail is characterized by its rocky terrain, which can be strenuous on the knees. Trekking poles can be helpful for this portion.
- Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, and you may anticipate mist or rain in the late afternoon. In the evening, enjoy your final dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.
Day 11
- Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
- On your last day, continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates.
- At lower elevations, expect potentially wet and muddy conditions. From the gate, continue for another hour to reach Mweka Village. A vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.
LEMOSHO 10 DAYS 9 NIGHTS PLUS CRATER : Price/per
No. of Persons | Days | Luxury($) | Mid-Range($) | Budget($) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 10 | 3,930 | 3,680 | 3,165 |
2 | 3,525 | 3,275 | 2,357 | |
3-4 | 3,355 | 2,950 | 2,250 | |
More than 4 | 3,350 | 2,950 | 2,141 |
Your Package Categories:
Luxury | Mid-Range | Budget |
---|---|---|
Park fees | Park fees | Park fees |
Rescue Fee | Rescue Fee | Rescue Fee |
Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) | Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) | Airport transportation is not included, can be arranged for an additional fee. |
Two-night stay at a luxurious hotel such as the Mount Meru Hotel |
Two-night stay at a mid-range hotel such as the Tulia Boutique Hotel |
Accommodation before and after the climb is not provided and can be arranged for an additional fee. For budget-friendly options, consider Merves Hotel for accommodation |
3 luxury meals per day for all days spent in the mountain |
3 mid-range meals per day for all days spent in the mountain |
3 budget meals per day for all days spent in the mountain |
Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, big luxury tents, luxury tent table and chairs, luxury mattress and camping beds | Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, mid-range tents, mid-range tent table and chairs and mid-range mattress | Equipment offered: budget tent, tent with table and chair. Add-ons available for extra charges: oxygen tank, private toilet. |
camping fees for guides, cooks and porters | camping fees for guides, cooks and porters | camping fees for guides, cooks and porters |
- If you would like to have an overview about all our price packages, please check our entire price package list.
- Click here to get more details about the price categories.
Included
- Book your flights to the airport in Arusha or Kilimanjaro and share with us your flight details
- Transfer from and back to the hotel is included in your package and we will organize it to you.
$2,141 to $3,930 pp. (USD)