Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route tour, a journey through Tanzania's breathtaking landscapes. Begin your trek from the vibrant city of Arusha, nestled at the base of Mt Meru, and traverse through lush forests, moorlands, and volcanic rock formations. Experience the thrill of reaching the rim of the Shira Plateau and be mesmerized by panoramic views and the stunning Southern Icefields. The highlight of your journey is the ascent to Uhuru Peak, where you'll witness a spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Enjoy fully supported camping with experienced local guides, cooks, and porters, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. Conclude your adventure with a descent through tropical forests, returning to Arusha for a well-deserved rest. This tour promises an exhilarating blend of natural beauty and cultural discovery, perfect for adventure seekers. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Arusha
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: Moivaro Coffee Plantation
Today is an arrival day. If you choose to fly into Kilimanjaro Airport we recommend a private transfer to Arusha where the rest of the day is at leisure. We stay at the Moivaro Coffee Plantation which has spacious rooms, a pool, and restaurant. This afternoon at 16:30 you will meet the rest of the group and your guide for a trip briefing. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Drive to Lemosho Gate, commence climb to Lemosho Big Tree Camp (2650m)
Location: Lemosho Gate, Lemosho Big Tree Camp
Accommodation Name: Lemosho Big Tree Camp
After completing the necessary registration formalities, we drive through varied farmland with open views over the plains to reach the Lemosho Gate roadhead. The last section of the road is of poor quality and difficult to drive after rain, and the drive there should be considered as part of the adventure, sometimes we start walking a kilometre or two below the roadhead. We often have our lunch at the roadhead before starting to walk. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through beautiful and lush forest. We camp at Lemosho Big Tree Camp (2650m); [2-3 hours walking]
Day 3 : To Shira One camp (3550m)
Location: Shira Plateau
Accommodation Name: Shira One Camp
We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a tangible sense of wilderness, especially if afternoon mists come in! We camp in the centre of the plateau at “Shira One” (3550m). [6-7 hours walking]
Day 4 : To Shira Hut camp (3840m)
Location: Shira Plateau, Shira Cathedral, Shira Hut, Kibo, Mt. Meru
Accommodation Name: Shira Hut Camp
An easy day to help acclimatisation, and to explore the volcanic rock formations of Shira Plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral before reaching the next camp at Shira Hut (3840m). This campsite has stunning views, close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. The views from here of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. [4-5 hours walking]
Day 5 : Trek near Lava Tower junction (4550m)
Location: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation Name: Great Barranco Valley Camp
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4550m) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3900 m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking]
Day 6 : To Karanga (4000m)
Location: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation Name: Karanga Camp
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga (4000m), the last water point on the way to the summit. [4-5 hours walking]
Day 7 : To Barafu campsite (4600m)
Location: Barafu Camp
Accommodation Name: Barafu Camp
We follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach the Barafu campsite (4600m) for lunch. There is a short acclimatisation walk to the plateau at the bottom of the South-East valley (4800m). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. [3-5 hours walking]
Day 8 : Summit Uhuru Peak (5895m), then descend to Millenium Camp (3800m)
Location: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation Name: Millenium Camp
We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5735m), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite Millenium (3800m). [11-15 hours walking]
Day 9 : Descend to Mweka, transfer to Arusha
Location: Mweka, Arusha
Accommodation Name: Moivaro Coffee Plantation
A sustained descent on a well constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1650m). Here we sign out from the National Park before walking on for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where our vehicle awaits. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalisingly close! Overnight at Moivaro Coffee Plantation. [4-6 hours walking]
Day 10 : In Arusha, trip concludes
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: Moivaro Coffee Plantation
Meals Included: Breakfast
In Arusha, after breakfast at your hotel, the trip arrangements end.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
7 nights camping -
Drive to Lemosho Gate
The tour includes a drive through varied farmland to reach the Lemosho Gate roadhead, with the last section of the road being an adventurous drive.
-
Experienced local mountain guides, cook and camp crew
The tour provides experienced local mountain guides, a cook, and camp crew to assist during the trek.
-
Porters to carry personal and group equipment
Porters are included to carry personal and group equipment during the trek.
-
Park entrance fees
Park entrance fees valued at US$1109 are included in the tour.
-
Emergency oxygen
Emergency oxygen is provided during the trek.
What's Not Included
-
Transfers in Arusha
Transfers in Arusha are not included in the tour.
-
International or domestic flights
International or domestic flights are not included in the tour.
-
Arrival or departure transfers in Arusha
Arrival or departure transfers in Arusha are not included.
-
Sleeping bags and mats
Sleeping bags and mats are not included but can be hired locally.
-
Aerated and alcoholic drinks
Aerated and alcoholic drinks are not included in the tour.
-
Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc., are not included.
-
Tips
Tips are not included in the tour.
-
Airport and departure taxes
Airport and departure taxes are not included.
-
Visa
Visa is not included in the tour.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is compulsory but not included in the tour.
-
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc.
Grading
As with all our Moderate to Challenging programs, we expect clients to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around three to four times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance hill walking, with and without a daypack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear.
Whilst this ascent of Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb, it is nevertheless a short and steep trek at altitude, and for many people it will be the hardest physical walk of their life. In order to get the most out of the trip, people should join in Arusha with a maximum state of fitness. There is not time to ‘get fit on the trek’ as with some of our other longer trekker programs elsewhere.
Come and talk to us if you are unsure about your suitability; we would be happy to discuss your level of experience and fitness with you and put you in touch with one of our guides to help you make your decision.
...more ...less
Mode of Transport
The tour includes a drive through varied farmland to reach the Lemosho Gate roadhead, with the last section of the road being an adventurous drive. Transfers in Arusha are not included, and international or domestic flights are also excluded.
Accommodation
Enjoy 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Arusha on a twin-share basis, and experience 7 nights of fully supported camping on a twin-share tent basis, with group camping equipment provided. Please note that sleeping bags and mats are not included but can be hired locally.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of accommodation is provided during the Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route tour?
The tour includes 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Arusha on a twin-share basis and 7 nights of fully supported camping on a twin-share tent basis. Group camping equipment is provided, but sleeping bags and mats are not included and can be hired locally.
-
Are meals included in the Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route tour?
Yes, the tour includes 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 9 dinners.
-
What should I carry in my daypack during the trek?
You should carry extra warm clothing, a rain jacket, a water bottle, camera gear, valuables, and personal items such as sunscreen and lip balm in your daypack.
-
What is the level of difficulty for the Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route trek?
The trek is considered moderate to challenging. It is a short and steep trek at altitude, and for many, it will be the hardest physical walk of their life. Participants are expected to be regular outdoors people with a good level of fitness.
-
Is there any special equipment I need to bring for the trek?
While group camping equipment is provided, you will need to bring or hire locally a sleeping bag and mat. Additionally, you should have appropriate clothing and footwear for trekking.
-
What kind of support is provided during the trek?
The trek is supported by experienced local mountain guides, a cook, camp crew, and porters who carry personal and group equipment. Emergency oxygen is also available.
-
Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs not included are international or domestic flights, arrival or departure transfers in Arusha, sleeping bags and mats, aerated and alcoholic drinks, personal items such as phone calls and laundry, tips, airport and departure taxes, visa, and compulsory travel insurance.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
-
What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
-
What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
-
Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
-
Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
-
Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route
10 Days Starting and ending in Arusha, Tanzania
Visiting: Arusha, Lemosho Gate, Lemosho Big Tree Camp, Shira Plateau, Shira Cathedral, Shira Hut, Kibo, Mt. Meru, Mount Kilimanjaro, Barafu Camp, Mweka ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KLL
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 15
Trip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Camping, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
