kilimanjaro hiking: 7-Day Private Kilimajaro Hiking Tour - Lemosho RouteMulti-day Tours & Adventures

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kilimanjaro hiking: 7-Day Private Kilimajaro Hiking Tour - Lemosho Route

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About this experience

✔ Quieter & scenic
✔ Good acclimatization
✔ Success rate: 90-96%

DURATION: 7 Days trekking, 5 and a half days ascending, 1 and a half days descending
OPENING SEASON: Year-round. The best time for your Kilimanjaro hiking adventure is the months of January through early March and June through October. The clear skies, great views, and sunshine make for spectacular photo opportunities and comfortable trekking conditions. These are also usually the drier months of the year albeit the busiest
WHO CAN COME: Kilimanjaro hiking is private. Only your group will participate. This hiking experience is suitable for anyone in good health and reasonably fit. Don't underestimate the climb. Train for the adventure.
  • Who can comeMount Kilimanjaro is a hard climb and should never be underestimated. Every year, several hundred people are evacuated from the mountain and about 10 deaths are reported. You're strongly suggested to prepare well, and do the necessary research

Overview

Kilimanjaro hiking is a life-changing experience, strongly recommended for the extra adrenaline seekers. The Lemosho route is a preferred route due to its low traffic, beautiful scenery, and high summit success rate.

The Lemosho route starts off from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the lush rainforest to Shira Plateau. The Lemosho route joins the Machame route at Shira 2 Camp and then follows the same route through the southern circuit and descending at Mweka Gate.

24/7 Available Support

For this Kilimanjaro hiking, there is 24/7 support. Are you interested but not sure about payment procedures or other safety and logistics issues? Please contact us at support@gofreedly.com

About this experience

✔ Quieter & scenic
✔ Good acclimatization
✔ Success rate: 90-96%

DURATION: 7 Days trekking, 5 and a half days ascending, 1 and a half days descending
OPENING SEASON: Year-round. The best time for your Kilimanjaro hiking adventure is the months of January through early March and June through October. The clear skies, great views, and sunshine make for spectacular photo opportunities and comfortable trekking conditions. These are also usually the drier months of the year albeit the busiest
WHO CAN COME: Kilimanjaro hiking is private. Only your group will participate. This hiking experience is suitable for anyone in good health and reasonably fit. Don't underestimate the climb. Train for the adventure.

Description - What to expect

Kilimanjaro hiking Itinerary

◾ Arrival day
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day. Overnight at Weru Weru River Lodge or equal quality.

◾ Day 1: Lemosho Glades (2385m) to Big Tree Camp (2780m)
You will be picked up at your hotel at around 08:00 am and transferred to the Lemosho gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After the registration process, you will start your Kilimanjaro hiking steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp where you will be spending the night.
Distance covered: 7km / 4.3mi
Approximate climbing time: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

◾ Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)
Today you will cover a lot of ground as you trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. You will trek through Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds as you head towards your destination, Shira 2 camp. You will gain a reasonable amount of altitude as you head towards Shira 1 and parts of the route are fairly steep.

As you proceed towards Shira 2 camp you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Your steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and you can enjoy great panoramic views.
Distance covered: 16.5km / 10.3mi
Approximate climbing time: 9 – 11 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

◾ Day 3: Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)
Your Kilimanjaro hiking starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking into the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), your high point for the day, and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located at the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.
Distance covered: 10km / 6.2mi
Approximate climbing time: 7 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

◾ Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)
Your day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. Then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, head towards the Karanga valley. From here have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to your night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong, you can go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi
Approximate climbing time: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

◾ Day 5: Karanga Camp (3963) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
After a good night’s rest and breakfast set off on your walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take you across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around you at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp eat and spend the afternoon resting as you prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. You will have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as you will be getting up between 11 pm and 12 pm to start the climb to the summit.
Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi
Approximate climbing time: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)
Start off your last part of Kilimanjaro hiking at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. You will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. You should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit you. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround you and the views of the jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes you to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m).

After celebrating your achievement and taking stunning photos, begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on the scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi
Approximate time both ascending and descending: 12 – 15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 7: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
A gentle trek takes you down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! Then you are met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower (and a cold beer or two!) before your big celebration. Overnight at the Weru Weru River Lodge (or alternative)
Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi
Approximate time: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included

◾ Departure day
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.

Free Cancellation

Free cancellation is available for this Kilimanjaro hiking up to one month before the start of your trek

What's included, what's not

✔ Experienced guides and porters (number depending on group size)
✔ All Mount Kilimanjaro Park entry fees
✔ 1-night bed & breakfast in Arusha or Moshi
✔ All camping fees
✔ Rescue fees
✔ Airport transfers
✔ All accommodations on the mountain
✔ 3 meals a day
✔ Experienced cook and all kitchen utensils
✖ International and domestic flights (can be arranged on request)
✖ Accommodation on the last day after the climb (can be arranged at extra cost)
✖ Travel insurance
✖ Tips, drinks, and all items of personal nature
✖ Tips for the guide and the porters
✖ Sleeping bags (can be provided for hire on request)
✖ Mountain gears (can be provided for hire on request)

Bring with you

For this Kilimanjaro hiking experience, make sure you bring appropriate adventure gear that should include a small personal backpack, thick hiking socks, windproof/waterproof pants, and jacket, heavy gloves, heavy winter jacket, water bottles, gaiters (covers the top of boots and bottom of pants), hiking boots, larger backpack for clothes, cold weather sleeping bags, safari-style hat protecting face and neck from sun, headlamp style flashlight, your camera, dried fruit and energy bars, sunblock, malaria pills, water purification tablets, inflatable pillows, and your regular clothes.

Who can come/Other requirements

Mount Kilimanjaro is a hard climb and should never be underestimated. Every year, several hundred people are evacuated from the mountain and about 10 deaths are reported. You're strongly suggested to prepare well, and do the necessary research

Good to know

For your Kilimanjaro hiking, you should consider bringing with you the following:

◾ Baggage and Sleeping
Large holdall, to contain everything you’ll need while on the trek
Daysack, 25-35 liters, for personal use while on your trek
Sleeping Bag, rated to -10C
Waterproof rucksack liner
Elasticated waterproof rucksack cover. Sleeping mattresses are not required as we provide these for you

◾ Clothing
Sweat-wicking T-shirts/vests – Fleece
Insulated down jacket or similar
Down mittens or similar
Thermal long-johns for summit night
Underwear (briefs are usually better than boxer shorts which gather and chafe)
Very good quality hiking socks and thin-liner socks. (We advise that socks should be at least a size too small otherwise they stretch and bunch causing blisters)
Breathable lightweight waterproofs
Waterproof walking boots – Calf gaiters
Balaclava, a Wide-brimmed sun hat to protect the face, ears, and neck

◾ Hygiene
Toothbrush, toothpaste & deodorant
Flat-packed Wet Ones, travel wipes, or similar for personal hygiene on the mountain
Kleenex tissues in plastic travel pouches or toilet paper
Hairbrush/comb
Sanitary products
Lip salve with UV protection
Vaseline, to prevent chafing skin and heel friction blisters

◾ Health
Malaria Tablets (if you choose to take these). Ask your GP. Some anti-malarial courses need to commence several weeks before departure
Sun cream. Organic sun barriers or loose-fitting clothes that cover the skin are regarded by many as preferable.

◾ Documents
Passport (with additional 6 months’ validity after proposed trip return date)
Tanzanian entry visa & Air travel documents
Cash in US dollars or Euro in denominations of $10 and $20 (tipping allowance and local purchases, taxis, meals, etc)
Credit Cards (recommended for eventualities only & obtaining extra cash from ATMs)
Travel insurance documents
Vaccination Certificates (where applicable) – Traveller’s Cheques are not recommended as they are subject to extremely poor conversion rates in Arusha.

◾ Other stuff
Camera and spare memory cards, batteries & charger
Sunglasses with UV-filter lenses
High-energy snacks (Cereal bars, dried fruit, and nuts)
Spare contact lenses and fluid
Head torch with spare batteries
Water bottles & Camelbak (3 liters carrying capacity
Water Purification Tablets / Iodine drops
Ear Plugs
Plastic bags (for dirty washing, used wrappers, etc.)
Telescopic walking poles
Mobile phone

◾ Personal Small First Aid Kit
Pain Killers
Zinc oxide tape and small scissors
Compeed blister pads
Immodium / Loperamide anti-diarrhea tablets
Any medication you normally use

Health and safety

✔ Provider complies with local legislation and applicable health recommendations with regard to Covid-19 prevention measures

Description - What to expect

Kilimanjaro hiking Itinerary

◾ Arrival day
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day. Overnight at Weru Weru River Lodge or equal quality.

◾ Day 1: Lemosho Glades (2385m) to Big Tree Camp (2780m)
You will be picked up at your hotel at around 08:00 am and transferred to the Lemosho gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After the registration process, you will start your Kilimanjaro hiking steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp where you will be spending the night.
Distance covered: 7km / 4.3mi
Approximate climbing time: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

◾ Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)
Today you will cover a lot of ground as you trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. You will trek through Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds as you head towards your destination, Shira 2 camp. You will gain a reasonable amount of altitude as you head towards Shira 1 and parts of the route are fairly steep.

As you proceed towards Shira 2 camp you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Your steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and you can enjoy great panoramic views.
Distance covered: 16.5km / 10.3mi
Approximate climbing time: 9 – 11 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

◾ Day 3: Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)
Your Kilimanjaro hiking starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking into the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), your high point for the day, and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located at the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.
Distance covered: 10km / 6.2mi
Approximate climbing time: 7 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

◾ Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)
Your day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. Then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, head towards the Karanga valley. From here have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to your night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong, you can go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi
Approximate climbing time: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

◾ Day 5: Karanga Camp (3963) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
After a good night’s rest and breakfast set off on your walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take you across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around you at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp eat and spend the afternoon resting as you prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. You will have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as you will be getting up between 11 pm and 12 pm to start the climb to the summit.
Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi
Approximate climbing time: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)
Start off your last part of Kilimanjaro hiking at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. You will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. You should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit you. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround you and the views of the jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes you to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m).

After celebrating your achievement and taking stunning photos, begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on the scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi
Approximate time both ascending and descending: 12 – 15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 7: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
A gentle trek takes you down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! Then you are met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower (and a cold beer or two!) before your big celebration. Overnight at the Weru Weru River Lodge (or alternative)
Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi
Approximate time: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included

◾ Departure day
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
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