Mount Kilimanjaro
Overview
Safari Highlights
Lush Rain forest
Shira Plateau
Lava Tower
Barranco Wall
Karanga Valley
Barafu Camp
Uhuru Peak
The Lemosho Route offers one of the best Kilimanjaro climbing experiences, allowing ample acclimatization and breathtaking views from west to east. Starting with a scenic drive through wild terrain, you’ll ascend the mountain’s remote western flank, passing jungles and Shira Plateau. Joining the Machame Route, highlights include Lava Tower, Barranco Valley, and Barafu Camp, culminating in a midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, for an unforgettable adventure.
Best time to visit: from December to March / June to October
DAY 1
Arrive in Tanzania
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will meet your Green Planet Safaris representative who will transfer you to your Hotel for overnight.
Overnight at Airport Planet lodge & Spa– Meals Dinner and Breakfast.
DAY 2
Lemosho Glade to Big Tree Camp
In the morning, depart from your hotel to Lemosho Gate on Kilimanjaro’s western side. After registration, begin your climb through lush Lemosho Glades to Big Tree Camp. Enjoy dinner while your head guide briefs you on the next day’s adventure.
- Elevation: 2,360m (7,742ft) to 2,895m (9,498ft)
- Distance: 7km (4.3 miles)
- Trekking Time: 4 hours
- Vegetation Zone: Rain forest
Overnight at Big Tree Camp – Meals Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 3
Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Continue your climb through rain forest into savannah with tall grasses, heather, and lichen-draped rocks. Gain altitude on steep sections, reaching Shira 1 Camp, where stunning views of Kibo Peak often await.
- Elevation: 2,895m (9,498ft) to 3,505m (11,500ft)
- Distance: 8.5km (5 miles)
- Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hours
- Vegetation Zone: Rain forest
Overnight at Shira 1 Camp – Meals Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 4
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Today’s light trek takes you from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp, offering breathtaking views of Africa and Kilimanjaro’s unique flora. After lunch and rest, enjoy an acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower, gaining 200m altitude, preparing for higher elevations.
- Elevation: 3,505m (11,500ft) to 3,810m (12,500ft)
- Distance: 8km (5 miles)
- Trekking Time: 5 hours
- Vegetation Zone: Low Alpine
Overnights at Shira 2 Camp – Meals Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 5
Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
Begin the day ascending to panoramic views through upland desert and lava ridges beneath the Western Breach glaciers. Reach Lava Tower (4600m) for lunch, then descend steeply to Barranco Valley Camp, nestled beneath towering cliffs with stunning plains below.
- Elevation: 3,810m (12,500ft) to 3,976m (13,044ft).
- Distance: 10km (6.2 miles).
- Trekking Time: 7 hours.
- Vegetation Zone: High Alpine.
Overnights at Barranco Camp – Meals Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 6
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Start early with a steep climb up Barranco Wall, passing the iconic Kissing Rock and enjoying breathtaking valley views. After photos at Kibo Volcano, continue the challenging trek with ascents and descents to Karanga Camp.
- Elevation: 3,976m (13,044ft) to 3,995m (13,106ft)
- Distance: 5.5km (3.4 miles)
- Trekking Time: 5 hours
- Vegetation Zone: High Alpine
Overnight at Karanga Camp – Meals Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
DAY 7
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Trek to Barafu Summit Camp, the base for your Uhuru Peak climb. Ascend steep slopes to acclimatize at Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800m) before returning. Rest after dinner, preparing for the midnight summit push to Africa’s highest peak.
- Elevation: 3,995m (13,106ft) to 4,673m (15,331ft)
- Distance: 3km (1.9 miles)
- Trekking Time: 3 hours
- Vegetation Zone: High Alpine
Overnight at Barafu Camp Meals Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
DAY 8
Summit Day
Begin the midnight summit climb, ascending steeply to Stella Point (5739m) as the sunrise illuminates Africa. Enjoy breathtaking views of ice cliffs and Mawenzi Peak before reaching Uhuru Peak (5895m). Descend to Barafu Camp for breakfast, then continue down to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
- Elevation: 4,673m (15,331ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) to 3,068m (10,065ft)
- Distance: 16km (9.6 miles)
- Trekking Time: 13-15 hours
- Vegetation Zone: Glacial, High Alpine, Low Alpine, Rain forest
Overnight at Mweka Camp – Meals Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
DAY 9
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Departure
A gentle trek takes us down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and present you with a certificate confirming you summited Mount Kilimanjaro. We are then met by our vehicles and transferred back to your lodge for day room before transferred to the airport.
- Elevation: 3,068m (10,065ft) to 1,640m (5,380ft)
- Distance: 9km (8 miles)
- Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
- Vegetation Zone: Rain forest
Day use at Airport Planet Lodge– Meal Lunch.
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Park fees
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Airport transfers
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Airport Planet & Spa Half Body
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Full board accommodation on the Mountain.
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Camp crew, cook and great team of porters
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Sleeping tent, mess tent, stools & toilet tent
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Water, tea, coffee & hot chocolate on the hike
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Services of an English- speaking guide 1:2 ratio
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All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
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Day room and lunch on the last day at Airport Planet.
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Tips
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Visa fees
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Rescue fees
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Climbing gear
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Any unforeseen tax
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International flights
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Soft drinks, beer and house wines
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Sleeping bag, pillow and 3-inch mattress
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All statutory increase beyond our control
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