VIP-8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Lemosho Route

Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,821m)

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: Approximately 5.4 km
Habitat: Montane forest

Your trek begins with a scenic drive from Arusha or Moshi to Londorossi Park Gate (2,100m), followed by registration and a 12 km drive through the forest to the Lemosho starting point (2,244m). From here, you'll begin your trek, gradually ascending through lush rainforests filled with vibrant flora and fauna. The initial climb is gentle, giving you the chance to start acclimatizing as you make your way to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,821m). The camp is nestled in the forest, and after a long day of hiking, you'll settle in for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Under the tent

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,821m) – Shira 1 Camp (3,504m)

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Habitat: Heath and moorland

After breakfast, you begin the trek through heathland and moorland, gradually ascending toward Shira 1 Camp. The terrain becomes drier as you leave the rainforest behind, and the landscape opens up, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. During the trek, you'll see the stunning Shira Plateau, and as you reach Shira 1 Camp (3,504m), you'll enjoy the expansive views and sense of accomplishment from your progress. It's a perfect spot to rest and acclimatize.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Under the tent

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,504m) – Shira 2 Camp (3,875m)

Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Distance: Approximately 7.5 km
Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, you begin the trek across the Shira Plateau, continuing to Shira 2 Camp (3,875m). The terrain remains relatively gentle, and you’ll have plenty of time to acclimatize while exploring the plateau. Along the way, you'll enjoy panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s Western Breach and glaciers. This day allows for a gradual ascent, which is crucial for acclimatization, and you'll find the camp to be a great spot to rest and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Under the tent

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,875m) – Lava Tower (4,642m) – Barranco Camp (3,984m)

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: Approximately 10.3 km
Habitat: Semi-desert

This is one of the most interesting days of the trek. You will ascend to Lava Tower (4,642m), a dramatic rock formation that marks a significant high point on the route. The hike to Lava Tower is challenging, especially due to the altitude, but it's an important part of the "climb high, sleep low" strategy for acclimatization. After a break and lunch at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp (3,984m), where you'll enjoy the beautiful views of the Breach Wall and prepare for the challenging climb ahead.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Under the tent

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,984m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m)

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Habitat: Alpine desert

Today, you'll tackle the famous Barranco Wall, a challenging but rewarding climb. It’s a short but steep ascent, and it provides great views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Once at the top, the terrain becomes more manageable, and you’ll continue to Karanga Camp (4,035m). The camp is situated in an alpine desert environment, providing spectacular views of the mountain's ice fields. After a rest and warm lunch, you will complete an acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp (4,600m) before returning to Karanga Camp for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Under the tent

Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Barafu Camp (4,600m)

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: Approximately 6 km
Habitat: Alpine desert

Today, you’ll begin your trek to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit ascent. The trail takes you through alpine desert terrain, with expansive views of Kilimanjaro's glaciers and the surrounding landscape. After reaching Barafu Camp (4,600m), you’ll have time to rest, enjoy a warm meal, and prepare for the summit push. A short acclimatization hike toward the Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800m) is recommended, but the main focus today is on resting for your early morning ascent.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Under the tent

Day 7: Ascend to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and Descend to Millennium Camp (3,820m)

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 5-7 hours to descend to Millennium Camp
Distance: 4.5 km ascent and 10.8 km descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Rise around midnight, have some tea and biscuits, and then begin your summit attempt. The climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) begins in the early hours of the morning, with headlamps guiding your way. The ascent is challenging, as you’ll be climbing in the dark and dealing with freezing temperatures, but the reward of reaching the roof of Africa at sunrise is unparalleled. After spending time at the summit, you will descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest before continuing your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820m) for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Under the tent

Day 8: Descend from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 12 km
Habitat: Rainforest

Your final day on Kilimanjaro begins with a descent through lush rainforest, where you’ll feel the relief of lower altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After breakfast, you’ll head toward Mweka Gate (1,640m). Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your guides and fellow trekkers, and a celebration will take place. You will receive your summit certificate before being driven back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi to relax and enjoy a hot shower.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

End of Service

Our treks include the following: - Our top-ranked guiding team available on the trekking dates selected - Exquisite cuisine prepared fresh on the mountain by our highest ranked chefs - Very large sleeping tents for single / double occupation with en-suite ablutions facilities that include a modern take on Victorian-style bathing in a tub with jug and generous warm water supply, and individual lavatories - A personal day sack porter for each climber, negating any requirement for the climber to carry any luggage whatever, including their own small personal daypack (containing their water, waterproof clothing, camera, etc) - Red Level Junior Suites at Gran Melia in Arusha (subject to availability on your chosen dates) on the nights both preceding and following the trek -VIP Kilimanjaro Bedroom Tent Descent of Kilimanjaro by Helicopter is Sometimes Possible ( In Optional ) There is currently only one helicopter operator licensed to arrange collections and evacuations from Mount Kilimanjaro. Absent any investors in the field of aviation being inspired to invest in additional aircraft, it should be understood that the possibility of chartering this helicopter on the day that we need it is far from a certainty - even where we book the service long in advance. However, where weather and availability allow, it is sometimes possible to curtail the descent by one day and opt to use the helicopter descent service. VIPs anticipating requesting a helicopter descent should however ensure they have allowed the original extra day for the descent on foot in their itinerary, as cloud cover, high winds and the helicopter's relatively unpredictable maintenance cycle preclude this option as being something that is guaranteed to happen. Where a climb group opts to use the helicopter to descend, pick up will usually be from high camp at approximately 4,700m, back to civilization. Each helicopter descent is able to transport up to four persons, with 30-60 minutes' waiting time at leisure at high camp between successive pick-ups.

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- Visas to Tanzania and items of a personal nature and any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary.