ABOUT 12-Day Extra Comfort Kilimanjaro Lemosho & Crater Route - Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at 19,341 feet, is a geological wonder with three distinct cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts thousands yearly, offering five trekking routes: Marangu, Machame, Rongai, Umbwe, and Lemosho, making it a premier global trekking destination.
- Duration: 12 days
- Route: Lemosho Route
- Starts at: USD 3360
Highlights for 12-Day Extra Comfort Kilimanjaro Lemosho & Crater Route - Kilimanjaro
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa To Shira 1 Camp
Day 4: Shira 1 To Shira 2 Camp
Day 5: Shira 2 To Lava Tower To Moir Hut
Day 6: Moir Hut To Buffalo Camp
Day 7: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Day 8: Third Cave To Kibo Hut
Day 9: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak To Crater Camp
Day 10: CraterCamp to Mweka Camp
Day 11: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
Day 12: Departure
Day 1: Arrival
>> Airport Pick-Up: We’ll greet you at Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport and provide transportation, including your return trip to the airport.
Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy your first night in a comfortable hotel.
Spend the night in a hotel, the same one as your first night’s stay.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: Meals at own expense Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation:Greenside Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Arusha (City)
Day 2: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa
>> Start your hike with an elevation gain from 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft over a distance of 6 km (4 miles) through the rainforest habitat. The hiking time for this section is 3-4 hours.
After completing this hike, drive to the Lemosho Gate. Upon your arrival at the trailhead, you’ll commence hiking through undisturbed forest, making your way to the first campsite. Accommodation will be in a spacious comfortable tent with a private toilet and hot shower. Staff manages all camp chores.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation:Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa To Shira 1 Camp
>> Continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah landscape featuring tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock covered with lichen beards.
As you ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, you’ll reach the Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp. This is where you’ll catch your first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. Accommodation will be in a spacious comfortable tent with a private toilet and hot shower. Staff manages all camp chores.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation:Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 4: Shira 1 To Shira 2 Camp
>> Begin your exploration of the Shira Plateau, with an elevation gain from 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft, covering a distance of 7 km (4 miles). The hiking time for this section is approximately 3-4 hours, and you’ll be in the moorland habitat.
During your journey, enjoy a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Along the way, you’ll encounter the heath zone with abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees. Accommodation will be in a spacious comfortable tent with a private toilet and hot shower. Staff manages all camp chores.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation:Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 5: Shira 2 To Lava Tower To Moir Hut
>> Continue your trek to the east, ascending a ridge.
Head southeast toward the Lava Tower, which is a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation.
Afterward, divert from the main trail to reach Moir Hut, a less commonly used site located at the base of Lent Hills. You’ll find various walking options on Lent Hills, providing an excellent opportunity for acclimatization. Shira Plateau is recognized as one of the highest plateaus on earth. Accommodation will be in a spacious comfortable tent with a private toilet and hot shower. Staff manages all camp chores.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation:Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 6: Moir Hut To Buffalo Camp
>> Trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb.
Hike to the summit of Lent Hills and then return to the main trail.
During this part of the journey, the path will lead you across a rock field and gently undulate before you reach Buffalo Camp. Along the way, you’ll be treated to fantastic views across the plains located north of Kilimanjaro, extending towards the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. Accommodation will be in a spacious comfortable tent with a private toilet and hot shower. Staff manages all camp chores.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation:Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 7: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
>> Begin the hike with an elevation change from 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft, covering a distance of 8 km (5 miles). You’ll be in the heath habitat, and the hiking time for this segment is approximately 5-7 hours.
As you head up Buffalo Ridge, you’ll notice the terrain becoming increasingly sparse. This less-traveled route provides a genuine mountain wilderness experience.
Continue trekking through remote valleys, making your way to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, until you reach your destination at Third Cave. Accommodation will be in a spacious comfortable tent with a private toilet and hot shower. Staff manages all camp chores.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation:Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 8: Third Cave To Kibo Hut
>> Embark on a hike with an elevation gain from 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft, covering a distance of 5 km (3 miles). This part of the journey takes you through the alpine desert habitat, and the hiking time is approximately 4-5 hours.
During this stage, you’ll steadily ascend up and over the “Saddle,” which is the area between Kibo and Mawenzi.
Continue until you reach your camp, Kibo Hut, where you’ll have the opportunity to rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the upcoming summit day. Accommodation will be in a spacious comfortable tent with a private toilet and hot shower. Staff manages all camp chores.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation:Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 9: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak To Crater Camp
>> Begin the challenging push to the summit. Ascend steadily for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks. The trail transitions into heavy scree as you make the steep climb to the crater rim.
Reach Gilman’s Point at 18,600 ft, where you’ll spot the summit sign in the distance. Continue your trek around the crater rim until you finally arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa.
Descend a short distance to Crater Camp, where the rest of the staff will join you to set up camp. You’ll have the option to hike to Reutsch Crater and the ash pit or explore the areas around Furtwangler Glacier. It’s important to note that sleeping at this high altitude can be risky, and the guides will closely monitor you for signs of serious AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) due to insufficient acclimatization. Accommodation will be in a spacious comfortable tent with a private toilet and hot shower. Staff manages all camp chores.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation:Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 10: CraterCamp to Mweka Camp
>> Starting from Crater Camp, make your descent, heading straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite. On the way, stop at Barafu for lunch.
The trail is characterized by its rocky terrain, which can be strenuous on the knees. Trekking poles can be helpful for this portion.
Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, and you may anticipate mist or rain in the late afternoon. In the evening, enjoy your final dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest. Accommodation will be in a spacious comfortable tent with a private toilet and hot shower. Staff manages all camp chores.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation:Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 11: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
>> On your last day, continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates.
At lower elevations, expect potentially wet and muddy conditions. From the gate, continue for another hour to reach Mweka Village. A vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
- Accommodation:Greenside Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Arusha (City)
Day 12: Departure
>> Transportation to the airport is included after your last night spent in the hotel.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation:No accommodation (End of tour)
Inclusions
- Porterage
- Rescue fee
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- Camping equipment
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Exclusions
- Climbing gear
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Sleeping bag
- Bath towels
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)