The Lemosho Route is the most amazing journey on Kilimanjaro. This is a relatively new route. Become one of the first to enjoy the Northern Circuit’s tranquility and stunning panoramic scenery.
The best time to climb is Aug and Sept.
{DAY BY DAY TREKKING ITINERERAY}
DAY 1: ARRIVE AT KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Joppy Tours will arrange a private vehicle from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi at Kiliwonders Hotel for overnight stay.
We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check, we will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
We stay at Kiliwonders Hotel, which is a beautiful hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and is a perfect place to prepare you for Kilimanjaro trekking adventure.
Dinner and overnight at Kiliwonders Hotel: Bed, Dinner and Breakfast included.
DAY 2: LEMOSHO TRAILHEAD (2385m) TO BIG TREE CAMP (2780m)
◊Distance covered: 7km / 4.3mi
◊Approx. time taken: 4 hours
You will be picked up at your hotel at around 08:00am and transferred to the Lemosho gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After the registration process you will still start our climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp where you will be spending the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 3: BIG TREE CAMP TO SHIRA ONE CAMP
◊Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
◊Distance: 8 km/5 miles
◊Hiking Time 5-6 hours
◊Habitat: Heath
We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 4: SHIRA ONE CAMPTO SHIRA TWO CAMP
◊Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
◊Distance: 7 km/4 miles
◊Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
◊Habitat: Heath
We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 5: SHIRA TWO CAMP TO MOIR HUT
◊Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
◊Distance: 7 km/4 miles
◊Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
◊Habitat: Alpine Desert
LAVA TOWER TO MOIR HUT
◊Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft
◊Distance: 7 km/4 miles
◊Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
◊Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 6: BUFFALO CAMP TO THIRD CAVE
◊Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
◊Distance: 8 km/5 miles
◊Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
◊Habitat: Heath
As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 7: THIRD CAMP TO SCHOOL HUT
◊Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
◊Distance: 5 km/3 miles
◊Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
◊Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 8: SCHOOL HUT TO UURU PEAK TO MWEKA CAMP
◊Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
◊Distance: 6 km/4 miles
◊Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
UHURU PEAK TO MWEKA CAMP
◊Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065
◊Distance: 12 km/7 miles
◊Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
◊Habitat: Artic
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 9: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA CAMP
◊Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
◊Distance: 10 km/6 miles
◊Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
◊Habitat: Rain Forest
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch Included
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.
Dinner and overnight at Kiliwonders Hotel: Bed, Dinner and Breakfast included.
DAY 10 DEPARTING DAY
After saying bye to our team of guides then you need a private departure transfer which is included from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight unless you have an option to have a short safari or any other option we will discuss.
TREKKING KILIMANJARO FOR CHARITY CHALLENGE?
The above climb can be undertaken for your own personal charity or group charity.
NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE CLIMBING ITINERARY INCLUDES:
• Tanzania VAT on tourism activities and park fees
• Return transfers Kilimanjaro airport to Moshi and Moshi to Kilimanjaro airport
• Hotel Lodging the night before and the night after the climb, with dinner and breakfast included (double occupancy)
• with bed dinner and breakfast
• Transfer from your hotel to starting point for your climb and return to your hotel after your climb
• Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
• All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees, and climbing permits.
• Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
• Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid)
• Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
• Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook
• Salaries for the mountain crew as per guidelines set by Kilimanjaro National Park
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
• Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables & sleeping mattress
• Water for washing up daily
• Porter to carry your duffel bag (max weight 15kg / 32 lbs) from one camp to the next camp.
• Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
• A comprehensive Climbing Kilimanjaro travel info pack
• Flying Doctor Service
NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE CLIMBING ITINERARY EXCLUDES:
• Flights and airport taxes
• Items of a personal nature
• Compulsory tips for guides, porters and cook (average tip is anything from $ 230 to $ 300 per hiker – depending on the number of days / how many hikers in the group and route chosen)
• South African passport holders do NOT require a visa for Tanzania, however, most other nationalities require a visa for Tanzania
• Health requirements (Yellow Fever compulsory if traveling to Tanzania recommended)
• Highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
• Personal hiking/trekking gear – we can rent some of the gear from our equipment store in Tanzania
• Optional but highly recommended Portable toilet
• Snacks, personal medicine, and water purifying tablets
• Meals & drinks not specified and snacks
• Tips and any items of personal nature.