Lemosho Crater Route

Day 1 Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft Distance: 6 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

DAY 3 Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft Distance: 11 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Heath We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

DAY 5 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Kilimanjaro

DAY 7 Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 7-8 hours Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp Elevation: 19,341 ft to 18,865 ft Distance: 1 km/.6 miles Hiking Time: 0.5-1 hours Habitat: Artic During normal morning hours, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We ascend for several hours at a slow but steady pace while taking frequent, but short, breaks. The trail turns into heavy scree as we make the steep climb to the crater rim. At Stella Point (18,900 ft), we see the summit sign in the distance. We continue the around the crater rim until finally we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. We then descend a short distance to Crater Camp, where the rest of the staff will join us to set up camp. There is an option to hike to Reutsch Crater and the ash pit, or simply explore the areas around Furtwangler Glacier. Sleeping at this high altitude can be dangerous. Serious AMS can develop if adequate altitude acclimatization has not been achieved so the guides will monitor you very closely.

Kilimanjaro

DAY 9 Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft Distance: 10 km/6 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi. Included in the Prices: -- 2 Airport Transfers, from JRO Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi when you arrive, then transfer back to the Airport for your flight home. -- 2 nights Hotel Lodging on Bed and Breakfast basis, Double or Triple Occupancy (3 star hotel you will need to pay extra if you want to have a 4 or 5 star hotel) -- 3 Delicious meals a days plud snacks if applicable, boiled and filtered drinking water while on the mountain. -- Warm water for washing to be provided every morning and evening. -- Oxygen Cylinder - only for emergency -- English Speaking Guides (Wilderness First Responder certified), cook and porters -- Staff salaries and fees. --All huts and camping fee -- Transport to/from national park gates. -- Emergency telephone between the guides and our office in Moshi town. -- 3 litres of bottled drinking water to be provided on the first day your hike, on the mountain porters will fetch water from the streams to be boiled and filtered for you Camping equipment on Machame/ Shira/ Lemosho/ Rongai & Umbwe routes (tents) Portable oxygen for emergencies (returnable on completion of climb) Certificate of successful completion Tanzania government taxes.   Excluded From the Prices: -- Prices do not include sleeping bags – Gratuities (tips for guides and porters) -- Soda/alcohol unless otherwise noted (plenty of water will be provided for hydration) -- Health insurance -- International airfare -- Laundry -- All Meals and drinks in Moshi town --Round-trip airfare to and from Kilimanjaro (JRO airport) --Travel and visa documents --Optional travel insurance --Additional equipment rental (walking sticks, sleeping pads, etc.) --Personal items   Cancellation Policy: -- Cancellation before 1 month: full refund of advance paid -- Before 15 days: 75% refund -- Before 7 days: 50% refund -- Less than 7 days: no refund