8 day Kilimanjaro Climb
Itinerary
Your Journey, Step by Step
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
As you travel around the Shira crater’s outer flanks, you may encounter some steep areas. You’ll leave the forest zone a little distance from the camp and enter a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock covered with beard-like lichens. As we climb higher, weaving through the beautiful rolling hills and passing multiple streams, we reach Shira Ridge before gradually dropping to Shira 1 Camp. The camp is located on the western edge of the Shira plateau. Here we get our first glimpse of the Kibo summit, which towers over the Shira flat.
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
The day is set aside to explore the ever-beautiful wide field of the Shira Plateau, a twisting grassland plain on Kilimanjaro’s Eastern moorland zone and one of the highest plateaus on the planet. The first several hours of today’s hike are rather straightforward, with the majority of it taking place on level ground. This trip takes us to Shira 2 Camp, then veers off to join the main road to our resting camp for the day, the rarely used Moir Hut Camp, nestled right beneath Mount Kilimanjaro’s Lent Hills. You will get spectacular views of the Shira plateau and Mount Meru, which will be visible through the clouds. The Lent hills are utilized for acclimatization on the mountain by ascending and descending their slopes.
Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
After leaving this wonderfully tranquil camp, your trail begins to wind over Kibo’s southern slopes. You’ll join the routes leading from the Shira camps, where Lemosho and Machame converge to form one trail. Hike up a ridge before reaching the beautiful and scenic Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s tooth,” which is a constructed volcanic feature located in the SouthEast direction from Moir Hut and is 300 feet tall. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see the Western Breach.
After ascending the mountain’s steep crest, we descend to Barranco Camp to aid in adequate acclimatization. This calm hike leads through the lovely Senecio plant that covers this alpine desert zone. Despite spending the most of your journey at the same heights, the time spent at a higher altitude is more important in ensuring that you are adequately acclimatized.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
The highlight of the day for many is the ascent in the morning. Leaping over the Barranco barrier. From a camp, it can appear daunting. Your guides will provide you with ample assistance on the uneven path, so the ascent is not too tough. The Kibo massif suddenly seems uncomfortably close as you approach the summit, perhaps rewarding you with an amazing vista. A trail that winds through the Karanga valley begins here. Reaching Karanga camp merely requires crossing a valley. You’ll have fantastic views of Kibo itself and the plains should the clouds break.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We travel from Karanga Camp to a track that meets the Mweka route after our morning meal as usual. A considerable amount of hiking remains till the rocky Barafu Hut Camp. At the conclusion of the journey across Kilimanjaro’s Southern Circuit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the peak of Kibo upon arriving at Barafu Camp.
Our overnight camp will be at Barafu Camp, where we will recover, have dinner, and prepare for our midnight summit attempt. We take an acclimatization tour to the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800m) before returning to Barafu Camp for a hot meal. This is done before dinner. The two towering peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mawenzi and Kibo, are plainly visible from a distance.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
We start our climb to the summit, known as Uhuru Peak, at approximately midnight. In addition to being physically taxing, the ascent to the summit requires mental toughness because you have to endure severe weather, wind, and often complete darkness during the night, unless you are doing the eight-day Lemosho route under a full moon.
We only have our headlamps and our guides to help us navigate the dense scree and twisting routes of the Ratzel and Rebmann Glaciers during our first six-hour ascent, which ends at Stella Point. Many claim that this is the hardest part of the entire climb, but the payoff is maybe the most breathtaking and emotional dawn you have ever seen or will ever see in your life.
We will join the final stretch of the Marangu trail after taking some photos at the sign and enjoying a quick break. It will take another one to two hours to reach your ultimate destination, the top of Africa’s highest mountain, Uhuru mountain, at 5,985 meters. Standing 5,895 meters above sea level, this peak is often known as the rooftop of Africa.
On the Lemosho path, you will now descend to Mweka Hut Camp from the peak, your final climbing point. En route, you will stop briefly for lunch at Barafu Camp. Keep an eye on your knees because it may be rather taxing to use your lower body to support and break your upper body. Trunks can be a big assistance in this situation. Rain or mist is likely to occur at any time of day, especially in the late afternoons, due to the erratic weather in the higher rainforest zone surrounding Mweka Camp. Our resting place, supper spot, and overnight stay is Mweka Hut Camp.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Today marks the conclusion of our 8 day trek, along the Lemosho route on Mount Kilimanjaro. As we make our way down the mountain towards Mweka Gate we will receive our deserved certificates for reaching the summit of this majestic peak. The area surrounding Mweka Gate is known for its damp conditions. On our journey we will pass through the heath and forest zones keeping an eye out for colobus monkeys along the trail. Once we have collected our certificates we will continue to Mweka Village, an one hour trek. There a vehicle provided by us awaits to transport us back to our hotel, in Moshi town.
Inclusions
What’s Covered in Your Adventure
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Arusha hotel
- Airport Transfer
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries, and park fees
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents
- Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Tanzania Visa
- Gratuity For guides, Porter’s
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above
- Optional Safari Tours (short safari after your climb)
Good to Know
Your Journey, Step by Step
- Discover techniques, for using trekking poles to maintain balance and stability especially when navigating uphill and downhill sections.
- Learn the way to fit and utilize crampons for traction.
- If your climb involves traversing slopes it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with fundamental ice axe techniques for stability.
- Get acquainted with rope handling methods.
- Educate yourself about the impact of altitude including how to recognize symptoms of altitude sickness and effectively acclimatize.
- Be sure to familiarize yourself with emergency protocols, such, as responding to altitude related illnesses and other potential mountain hazards.
lothing:
Moisture-wicking base layers
fleece/down jacket
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Hiking pants/shorts
Sturdy hiking boots
Waterproof and insulated gloves
Warm hat and sun hat
Sunglasses with UV protection
Gear:
30-40L daypack
Sleeping bag suitable for low temperatures
Trekking poles
Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries
Camera and binoculars
Power bank
Personal Items:
Passport, visa, and travel insurance documents
Cash in local currency
Snacks and energy bars
Lip balm and sunscreen
Climbing permits
- Make sure you gradually acclimate to altitudes and consider spending time at each elevation to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
- Stay hydrated consistently. Maintain a diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
- Invest, in good quality clothing for the weather conditions make sure your hiking boots fit well and pack smartly with layers for varying weather situations.
- Show respect for the environment by following Leave No Trace principles and minimizing any impact on Kilimanjaro’s beauty.
- Pay attention to hygiene by using hand sanitizers and wet wipes.
- Keep communication with your trekking team and promptly share any concerns or symptoms you may have.
- Rely on the expertise of your guides maintain communication, with them and trust their experience to ensure a successful climb.
The price, for our Kilimanjaro trek using the Lemosho Route is set at a rate of 2200 USD per person. This comprehensive package includes the assistance of guides, high-quality gear, cozy accommodations, and a carefully planned schedule to ensure proper adjustment, to the altitude. Those services that are excluded from the Trip package and cost you extra money are transparently mentioned in the Include/Exclude section of this article.
FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
Yes climbers do require permits when trekking Kilimanjaro. Usually tour operators take care of organizing these permits as part of the trek package.
The Lemosho Route is considered difficult offering an ascent and stunning scenery. It’s longer than routes, which allows for acclimatization.
During the climb you’ll be provided with tented camps that include sleeping tents and communal dining areas. You might also come across huts along the way. Theres a Crater Camp available for a unique experience.
No technical mountaineering skills are not required for the Lemosho Route. Basic trekking skills and being physically fit are sufficient.
Temperatures can. At elevations it can drop below freezing point. It’s important to have layering and suitable gear to stay warm.
Certainly most tour operators are able to accommodate preferences or restrictions as long as they are communicated in advance.
Experienced guides have received training to identify symptoms of altitude sickness. In cases it may be necessary for the individual to descend. The itinerary includes acclimatization days to minimize any risks.
Essential equipment includes a high quality sleeping bag, waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots and gear suitable, for altitudes. It would be beneficial to consult the recommended gear list provided by your chosen tour operator.
Absolutely it is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers emergencies and trip cancellations when embarking on the Kilimanjaro climb.
There may be limited charging facilities at some camps so it’s an idea to bring chargers or power banks to make sure your devices stay charged.
While Kilimanjaro isn’t particularly known for its wildlife certain routes, like Lemosho pass through ecological zones providing opportunities to spot birds and smaller mammals.
Absolutely! Many climbers choose to explore Tanzania further once they’ve completed the climb. You can work with the tour operator to customize your itinerary based on your preferences.
Engage in cardiovascular and strength training exercises, such as hiking to build up stamina and endurance. It’s always an idea to consult with a fitness professional, for advice.
Experienced guides are well trained in assessing and responding to changing weather conditions. The flexibility of the itinerary allows for adjustments when
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