Trip reference number: ITN-TZA032

Trip Operator: Rainbow Tours

Kilimanjaro Group Climb - Lemosho Route

From: £3960.00

Summiting Africa's largest mountain is a challenge that tops many traveller and hiker's to-do list'. The Lemosho Route up Kilimanjaro is slightly longer than some of the other climbs as it allows longer time to aclimatise to the altitude. A specifically designed balance of walking and time to admire the view (and how far you have come) allows you the best of both worlds as the scenery on the southern slopes of the mountain is truly spectacular.

We take your safety on the mountain very seriously and we will never make any compromises. With a ratio of one knowledgeable and qualified guide for every 2 climbers, and a support team of porters and a cook, it ensures that if you are a bit slower than the rest, or get ill and have to descend, you will always be well looked after. The success rate to the summit is around 90%.

Porter welfare is also paramount and strict controls are in place to ensure that their wellbeing is catered for. We ensure that the porters on our tours use are paid in excess of the average wage and are regularly required to demonstrate that they have appropriate equipment and clothing for the climb and are never exploited in anyway. We enforce a very strict luggage weight allowance for his reason.

All the climbs are accompanied with a medical kit. There is a stretcher and an Altox emergency oxygen system as additional safety measures.

After you have conquered Mount Kilimanjaro why not wind down with a few days on an exhillarating wildlife safari nearby in Northern Tanzania or extend your stay at the beach on the exotic island of Zanzibar (optional packages available).


Day 1 Depart from the UK on an overnight flight to Kilimanjaro (via the Middle East).

Day 2 On arrival into Kilimanjaro Airport, you'll clear Customs and Immigration and will be met in the arrivals lounge to be transferred to the nearby town of Arusha. Check into the well located and comfortable Moivaro Coffee Lodge for one night, and recover from your flight. Dinner and breakfast included are included in this hotel. Later in the afternoon you will be met by a senior guide to receive your pre-climb briefing and have the chance to meet your group of fellow climbers who will also be joining your expedition.

Day 3 You'll rise early for breakfast today and start with a drive to Londorossi, where you will meet the rest of the trek guides and porters. Once the formalities at the gate have been completed, hop back in the minibus for a short drive to reach the start of your trek. The day's climb starts out gently with 3-4 hours walking along a small path through lush green forest and stunning scenery at the foot of Kilimanjaro. Be sure to listen to your guides - they'll be pointing out some of the wild game that inhabit the slopes. You'll spend the night in Lemosho Big Tree Camp at an altitude of 2,650 metres.

Day 4 A steady ascent in the early morning will take you up through the lush montane forests before emerging onto the moorland zone, where you'll walk through giant heather. Soon you'll reach the rim of the Shira Plateau where flat, dry scrub land stretches between you and the foot of Kilimanjaro. Your camp for night lies in the center of the plateau amidst the true wilderness, and you'll reach it after 6 or 7 hours' walking. Overnight Shira One Camp. (3,550 metres)

Day 5 Today you'll spend time acclimatising, exploring the grassy moorlands and striking volcanic rock formations that tower through the landscape. Take a walk to the Shira Cathedral to admire the natural rocky pinnacles and spires and continue on towards your next camp (taking between 4 and 5 hours). Here, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax, adjust to the new altitudes and soak up the stunning surroundings. Overnight Shira Hut Camp. (3,840 meters)

Day 6 Today's route traverses the lava ridges that lie beneath the glaciers of Kilimanjaro's Western Breach and lasts for between 5 and 7 hours. Stop for lunch at the lava tower junction and take in the magnificent views before descending through the Great Barranco Valley to reach the camp. Overnight Barranco Camp (3,900 meters).

Day 7 A short but steep climb of the famous Barranco Wall takes you to the south-eastern flank of Kibo today. You'll start surrounded by stunning views of ice fields and as your walk continues, watch your surroundings change to volcanic scree terrain. After 4-5 hours walking, reach Karanga Camp for the night (4,000 meters).

Day 8 The upwards journey continues, today in the direction of the Barafu Ridge. Once you've enjoyed a lunch in the camp, embark on a short acclimatisation walk (3-5 hours) to reach the bottom of the southeast valley. Head to bed early to get a good night's sleep in readiness for the final ascent tomorrow. Overnight Barafu Camp (4,800 meters).

Day 9 Today is the day you've been waiting and working hard for! Get up early (around midnight) to start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight. Taking it easy with your guides, plod slowly and steadily through the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach Stella Point. From here you'll enjoy a spectacular sunrise the sunrise over Mawenzi and rest, celebrating your achievement. If you are still feeling strong, you can opt to make the two hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), passing close to the staggering glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, you'll continue the downward stretch to reach camp. This final day is strenuous and encompasses 11 to 15 hours of walking. Overnight Millenium Camp (3,800 meters).

Day 10 A steady descent takes you down through verdant tropical forest for 4 to 6 hours. On your way down you'll pass coffee and banana farms en route to Mweka village. Rest your feet with a well-deserved break, taking to the open road to transfer (approximately 100 kms) back to Arusha. Check back into Moivaro Coffee Lodge and enjoy a hot shower and an evening of celebration with dinner and breakfast included.

Day 11 After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport. From here you will begin the journey home or continue your holiday, setting off to embark on a safari or in the direction of the beach for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Day 12 Early morning arrival back into the UK.



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