Kilimanjaro - 8 Day Lemosho

Kilimanjaro

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,800m/9,100ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m/11,500ft) Elevation Gain:  700 metres / 2,400 feet Hiking Time: Approximately 5 hours Habitat: Moorland On the second day, you’ll rise early for breakfast and begin climbing a slightly steeper gradient through the moorland vegetation zone. Here you will start to get fantastic views of Kibo, the summit cone of Mt. Kilimanjaro, while continuing along a rocky ridge to Shira Plateau. Shira is actually a collapsed volcanic crater and was the first of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones to expire. Once on the plateau, the trail becomes a little easier as you make your way to Shira Camp. If it’s a clear day, you’ll also get to enjoy superb panoramic views.

Day 4:  Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,650ft) via Lava Tower (4,550m/14,900ft) Elevation Gain: 710 metres / 2,300 feet Elevation Loss: 700 metres / 2,250 feet Hiking Time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours Habitat: Alpine desert The route now takes you into semi-desert and rocky landscapes surrounding Lava Tower, a 300ft high volcanic rock formation. You’ll then ascend the rocky scree path to Lava Tower for great panoramic views, before a steep descent into the Barranco Valley. You may find this trek a little tougher than the previous days as some hikers usually start to experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Although you will finish today’s climb at almost the same elevation as you started, this is very good practice for acclimatisation and will help prepare your body for summit day. Barranco Camp lies below the imposing Barranco Wall in a beautiful, sheltered valley.

Kilimanjaro

Day 6: Karanga Camp (3,995m /13,106ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m /15,100ft) Elevation Gain: 605 metres / 1,994 feet Hiking Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours Habitat: Alpine desert After breakfast, you will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects to the famous Mweka Trail. You will then continue along the rocky ridge for 1 to 2 hours before reaching Barafu Camp, which offers stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit from various angles. Your tents will be pitched along a narrow and rocky ridge with high winds. It’s therefore worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings before it gets dark. Rest for the night at Barafu Camp and prepare for the upcoming hike to the summit.

Kilimanjaro

Day 8: Mweka Hut (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,980m) Elevation Loss: 1,280 metres / 4,220 feet Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours Habitat: Rainforest After eating breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via a scenic path through the forest to Mweka Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate. Then it’s time to drive back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner and celebrations with a Kilimanjaro beer! This price will include the following services: All park fees (entry, camping, forest department and rescue fees) Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) while on the mountain Accommodation and facilities Salaries for the team (guide, assistant guide, cook and porters (you will have two guides for every two people - subject to a minimum of two guides - and three porters for every person. So, you can see how the cost for the crew can add up!) Transport to and from the gate Drinking water Oxygen cylinder and ox meter The price does not include: Tips for the team (guide, assistant guide, cook and porters) All personal mountain climbing gear and equipment Alcoholic and soft drinks Travel insurance and visa You may be wondering - why is it so expensive to climb Kilimanjaro? Kilimanjaro National Park charges three separate daily fees: an entrance, camping, and rescue fee. All these costs amount to over $135 US dollars per person for each day on the trek. The rest of the cost includes incredible food, accommodation, additional fees, and most importantly your hardworking crew. Ethical Climbs We are now in the process of becoming certified for ethical climbs through the Kili Porters Association KPAP which ensures the fair and ethical treatment of mountain crews. They ensure every climb has been certified to provide fair salaries, conditions, food, clothing and sleeping conditions for crew members. While others may offer at a lower rate, BEWARE!! They may not offer adequate crew numbers or guides properly trained in First Responders Wilderness Safety. These operators cannot ensure fair and ethical treatment to their porters, which sadly are very exploited in this industry.   Why should you book with us? By supporting us as a local business, you are helping support job security here in the community. We believe in strong corporate social responsibility and support many community development projects that you can learn about on our website. Our experienced and dedicated staff will always go the extra mile to ensure that you enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But don't just take our word for it - check out what our other clients have to say about us on Tripadvisor and see why we say, “come as a client and leave as a friend."