Lemosho With Crater Camp

11 DAYS LEMOSHO WITH CRATER CAMP

$3260-3285 USD

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Safari summary

Crater Camp is a remarkable destination. Situated at 18,865 feet above sea level, it stands as the highest campsite on Mount Kilimanjaro, a mere 475 feet below the summit. This exclusive experience is available on both the Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes, extending the standard itineraries to the 9-day Lemosho Crater Route and the 10-day Northern Crater Route.
Departing for the summit during daylight hours, we opt to stay at Crater Camp post-summit for enhanced acclimatization. Unlike other Kilimanjaro routes where only guides and clients summit while the support crew remains at high camp (e.g., Barafu), utilizing Crater Camp entails a considerable effort. The entire mountain crew, along with all expedition equipment, must ascend 4,000 feet higher than usual, resulting in added costs for this route.
At Crater Camp, guests have the option to embark on a one-hour hike to Reusch Crater or explore the surrounding areas, including the Furtwangler Glacier. Reusch Crater presents a magnificent sight, boasting an almost perfectly circular shape with an ash pit measuring 400 feet (120 m) deep and 1,300 feet (400 m) wide. This hidden gem is rarely witnessed by tourists, offering a unique perspective showcased in the accompanying video.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Bird watching—with professional guide
Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
All drinks
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

ARRIVE IN TANZANIA KILIMANJARO MOSH

Kilimanjaro

Aritive any time at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). We will arrange a private transifer from Kilimanjaro Internatinal Airport (JRO) to Moshi, we will gather in the hotel for a pre-climb breafing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance. The Kilimanjaro trekking bigins and ends at Moshi.

hotel

Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Kilimanjaro

We depart from Moshi towards Lemosho Gate, a journey taking approximately 4 hours. At the gate, you will complete entry formalities before commencing the hike through undisturbed forest, which meanders to the first campsite. Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft Distance: 6 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest

camping

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Kilimanjaro

Continuing on the trail out of the rainforest, we enter a savannah adorned with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen. Ascending through lush rolling hills and crossing several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp, where the first views of Kibo across the plateau greet us. Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft Distance: 8 km/5 miles Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Heath

camping

Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

Kilimanjaro

Today, we explore the Shira Plateau extensively, walking east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. We then veer off the main trail towards Moir Hut, a lesser-used site at the base of Lent Hills. Numerous walks on Lent Hills offer excellent acclimatization opportunities. Shira Plateau stands as one of the highest plateaus on earth. Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft Distance: 11 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Heath

camping

Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco

Kilimanjaro

Our day begins with a climb up a ridge before heading southeast towards the Lava Tower, a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Descending to Barranco Camp through the beautiful Senecio Forest at an altitude of 13,000 ft, despite starting and ending at the same elevation, spending time at higher altitudes aids acclimatization.

camping

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Kilimanjaro

Descending into a ravine, we approach the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Climbing the non-technical yet steep 900 ft cliff, we cross hills and valleys before descending sharply into Karanga Valley. Another steep climb leads us to Karanga Camp, a shorter day designed for acclimatization. Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

camping

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro

Leaving Karanga, we join the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail, then ascend to Barafu Hut through a rocky section. Completing the Southern Circuit, this vantage point offers varied views of the summit. Here, we rest, dine early, and prepare for summit day, with Mawenzi and Kibo peaks visible. Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft Distance: 4 km/2 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

camping

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Crater

Kilimanjaro

Embarking on our summit push during daylight hours, this segment proves the most physically and mentally demanding. We ascend steadily, taking frequent short breaks as the trail transforms into heavy scree. Reaching Stella Point at 18,900 ft, the summit sign at Uhuru Peak finally comes into view. Descending briefly to Crater Camp, the staff joins us to set up camp. Options include a hike to Reusch Crater or exploration around Furtwangler Glacier.

camping

Crater Camp to Mweka Camp

Kilimanjaro

Descending from Crater Camp, we continue to Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail, rocky and demanding on the knees, passes through upper forest where mist or rain may occur in the late afternoon. The day concludes with dinner and a well-deserved rest. Elevation: 18,865 ft to 10,065 ft Distance: 12 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Arctic

camping

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Kilimanjaro

On our final day, we descend to Mweka Gate to collect summit certificates. Expect wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations. From the gate, we proceed to Mweka Village, where a vehicle awaits to transfer us back to the hotel in Moshi. Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft Distance: 10 km/6 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest

hotel

Depart Tanzania

Kilimanjaro

This day left for your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.

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