One Kilimanjaro
#Kilimanjaro Trekking Experts
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Day to Day Program

Click on each day to explore the detailed itinerary and highlights

Day
1

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Begin Kilimanjaro ascent through pristine rainforest

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Your 11-day adventure begins at Londorossi Gate (2,250m) where you'll complete registration formalities. We then drive to the Lemosho starting point and begin our gentle trek through the lush, untouched rainforest of Kilimanjaro's western side.

The trail meanders through beautiful montane forest with opportunities to spot blue monkeys and various bird species. We'll ascend gradually to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m), enjoying the peaceful surroundings and preparing for the days ahead. The Lemosho Route starts remote and beautiful, away from the crowds.

Pristine Rainforest
Gradual Ascent
Mti Mkubwa Camp

Trekking Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation: 2,650m

Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day
2

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Ascend through heather and moorland zones

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After breakfast, we continue our ascent, leaving the rainforest behind and entering the beautiful heather and moorland zone. The trail becomes more open with spectacular views of the Shira Plateau.

We'll trek through stunning volcanic landscape with unique vegetation including giant lobelias and groundsels. As we approach Shira 1 Camp (3,500m), we're rewarded with our first panoramic views of Kibo Peak. The gradual pace of the Lemosho Route allows for excellent acclimatization from the beginning.

Shira Plateau
Panoramic Views
Unique Vegetation

Trekking Time: 4-6 hours

Elevation: 3,500m

Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp

Day
3

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Traverse the Shira Plateau

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Today we enjoy a relatively easy day as we traverse the Shira Plateau toward Shira 2 Camp. The gentle walk allows for excellent acclimatization while enjoying spectacular views in all directions.

We'll explore the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro's three volcanic cones, and learn about the mountain's geology. The plateau offers unique landscapes and photographic opportunities. We arrive at Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) with plenty of time to rest and acclimatize.

Plateau Traverse
Photography Opportunities
Shira 2 Camp

Trekking Time: 3-5 hours

Elevation: 3,850m

Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp

Day
4

Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

Ascend to Lava Tower and descend to Barranco Valley

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Today we practice the essential "climb high, sleep low" acclimatization technique. We ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) for lunch, giving our bodies exposure to higher altitude, then descend to Barranco Camp (3,900m).

This strategic acclimatization day significantly increases your chances of summit success. The descent into the beautiful Barranco Valley offers spectacular views of the famous Barranco Wall, which we'll climb tomorrow. The varied scenery makes this one of the most rewarding days on the mountain.

Acclimatization Day
Lava Tower
Barranco Camp

Trekking Time: 6-8 hours

Maximum Altitude: 4,600m

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day
5

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Conquer the Barranco Wall and continue to Karanga

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Today features the exciting scramble up the Barranco Wall - a non-technical but impressive rock face that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This is one of the most enjoyable sections of the climb.

After conquering the wall, we traverse through valleys and ridges to Karanga Camp (3,995m). The camp sits in a beautiful valley with excellent views of the southern glaciers. Today's shorter trek allows for additional rest and acclimatization before our summit push.

Barranco Wall
Scenic Traverse
Karanga Valley

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation: 3,995m

Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Day
6

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Approach the base camp for summit attempt

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We continue our ascent to Barafu Camp (4,673m), which means "ice" in Swahili. The trail takes us through alpine desert with increasingly sparse vegetation as we approach the base of the summit cone.

Thanks to our optimal acclimatization on the 8-day Lemosho route, your body is now well-prepared for the high altitude. We'll arrive at Barafu Camp for lunch and spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the midnight summit attempt. We'll hydrate well, check our equipment, and get as much rest as possible before the challenging night ahead.

Alpine Desert
Base Camp Preparation
Hydration Focus

Trekking Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation: 4,673m

Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day
7

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Summit day - Reach the roof of Africa

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We begin our summit attempt around midnight, trekking by headlamp through the darkness. The climb to Stella Point (5,739m) is challenging, but witnessing the sunrise from this vantage point is an unforgettable experience.

From Stella Point, we continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - the highest point in Africa. After celebrating our achievement and taking photos, we descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for the night. The optimal acclimatization of the 8-day route makes this challenging day much more manageable.

Summit Success
Sunrise from Stella Point
Uhuru Peak Achievement

Summit Trek: 6-8 hours

Descent: 4-6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 5,895m

Day
8

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate & Transfer to Arusha

Final descent and transition to safari

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After a well-deserved breakfast, we begin our final descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m). The trek down is much easier and faster than the ascent, giving us time to reflect on our incredible achievement.

At Mweka Gate, you'll receive your summit certificates - gold for those who reached Uhuru Peak and green for Stella Point. We'll then transfer you back to Arusha where you'll check into your lodge for a hot shower, celebration dinner, and a good night's rest before beginning your safari adventure the next day.

Summit Certificates
Rainforest Descent
Transfer to Arusha

Descent Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation: 1,640m

Accommodation: Arusha Lodge

Day
9

Arusha to Serengeti National Park

Begin your wildlife safari adventure

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After breakfast, we depart Arusha for the world-famous Serengeti National Park. The journey takes us through the scenic landscapes of northern Tanzania, with a stop at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area viewpoint.

We enter Serengeti National Park and begin our game drive en route to our accommodation. The Serengeti is renowned for its vast plains, incredible wildlife density, and the Great Migration (seasonal). We'll have our first opportunities to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and countless other species in their natural habitat.

Big Cats
First Game Drive
Ngorongoro Viewpoint

Drive Time: 6-7 hours

Game Drives: Afternoon

Accommodation: Serengeti Tented Camp

Day
10

Full Day Serengeti Safari

Immerse in the ultimate wildlife experience

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Today we have a full day to explore the endless plains of the Serengeti. We'll embark on morning and afternoon game drives, with a break for lunch at our camp. The Serengeti offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa.

Depending on the season, we may witness the Great Migration with thousands of wildebeest and zebra, or explore different regions of the park to find resident wildlife. We'll search for the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) and countless other species while learning about the ecosystem from our expert guide.

Big Five
Great Migration
Photography Opportunities

Full Day Game Drives

All Meals Included

Accommodation: Serengeti Tented Camp

Day
11

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha & Departure

Crater exploration and journey back

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We start early with a morning game drive in the Serengeti before departing for Ngorongoro Crater. We descend into the crater for a spectacular game drive in this natural wonder, often called "Africa's Eden."

The Ngorongoro Crater is home to over 25,000 large animals including the rare black rhino. We'll explore the crater floor, searching for the Big Five and enjoying a picnic lunch. After an incredible wildlife experience, we ascend the crater walls and begin our journey back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon for your departure or overnight stay.

World Heritage Site
Big Five
Airport Transfer

Game Drives: Full Day

Drive to Arusha: 3-4 hours

Departure from Arusha/JRO

Book Your Premium Kilimanjaro & Safari Adventure

Reserve your spot for this unforgettable mountain and wildlife experience

What's Included

Package Details

Everything you need to know about what's included in your premium Kilimanjaro and safari adventure

What's Included

All these services are covered in your package

Professional Mountain Guides

Licensed, experienced Kilimanjaro guides with wilderness first responder certification

Expert Safari Guide

Knowledgeable English-speaking driver-guide for safari portion

All Meals

All meals during Kilimanjaro climb and safari (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Mountain Camping

Quality tent accommodation on Lemosho Route with sleeping mats

Safari Accommodation

2 nights tented camp in Serengeti, 1 night lodge in Arusha

All Transfers & Park Fees

All park entry fees, crater service fees, rescue fees, and transfers

Porter Support Team

Dedicated porters to carry equipment and food on Kilimanjaro

Summit Certificate

Official Kilimanjaro National Park summit certificate

What's Not Included

Additional expenses to consider

International Flights

Airfare to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Visa Fees

Tanzania tourist visa (approximately $50-100 depending on nationality)

Pre/Post Trek Accommodation

Hotel nights before Day 1 and after Day 11 (can be arranged separately)

Alcoholic Beverages

Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks throughout the trip

Tips for Crew

Gratuities for guides, cooks, porters, and safari staff (recommended $500-600)

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation

Personal Gear

Clothing, sleeping bags, trekking poles (available for rental)

Personal Expenses

Souvenirs, additional snacks, phone calls, laundry services

Premium Adventure Preparation

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemosho Route & Safari

Find answers to common questions about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route and premium safari experiences.



What makes the Lemosho Route superior to other Kilimanjaro routes?

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The Lemosho Route is considered the premium route on Kilimanjaro for several reasons: It offers the best acclimatization profile with its 8-day itinerary, achieving over 90% success rates. It starts on the remote western side of the mountain, providing beautiful scenery and fewer crowds. The route offers a complete circumnavigation of the mountain with varied landscapes, and the "climb high, sleep low" acclimatization strategy is built into the itinerary. It's the most scenic route with the highest success rate.

What is the success rate for the 8-day Lemosho Route?

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The 8-day Lemosho Route has the highest success rate of all Kilimanjaro routes, typically achieving 90-95% for properly prepared trekkers. The extended duration allows for optimal acclimatization, and the route's profile includes strategic "climb high, sleep low" days that significantly reduce altitude sickness risks. This is why we recommend the Lemosho Route for those prioritizing summit success.

What type of accommodation is provided during the safari?

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During the safari portion, we provide comfortable tented camp accommodation in the Serengeti and lodge accommodation in Arusha. Our tented camps offer en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and dining facilities while maintaining an authentic safari atmosphere. The camps are strategically located for optimal wildlife viewing and provide a genuine African wilderness experience.

How difficult is the Lemosho Route compared to other routes?

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The Lemosho Route is considered moderate to strenuous, but the 8-day itinerary makes it more manageable than shorter routes. While the daily distances are reasonable, the extended duration requires good endurance. The route's excellent acclimatization profile actually makes the summit day feel easier than on shorter routes. Good physical fitness is required, but the gradual ascent helps manage the physical demands.

What wildlife viewing opportunities does this package offer?

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This premium package offers exceptional wildlife viewing in two of Africa's most famous parks. The Serengeti hosts the Great Migration (seasonal) and is home to all the Big Five. Ngorongoro Crater offers incredibly dense wildlife populations in a spectacular setting, including the rare black rhino. You can expect to see lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, cheetahs, hippos, and countless other species in these world-renowned ecosystems.

Can I upgrade to luxury accommodation during the safari?

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Yes, we offer accommodation upgrades to luxury tented camps or lodges. Luxury tented camps provide additional amenities such as swimming pools, spa services, gourmet dining, and more spacious accommodations while maintaining the authentic safari experience. The package price will vary accordingly. Please indicate your preference when booking, and we'll arrange the appropriate accommodation level.

What is the best time of year for this combination package?

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The best time for the Lemosho Route and Serengeti/Ngorongoro combination is during the dry seasons: January-March and June-October. January-March offers warmer climbing conditions with clearer skies, while June-October has excellent wildlife viewing. The Great Migration is typically in the Serengeti from December-July, with the river crossings occurring June-August. Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round.

Why is the Lemosho Route more expensive than other routes?

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The Lemosho Route costs more due to several factors: The longer duration (8 days) requires more food, fuel, and porter wages. The remote starting point involves longer transfers. The route requires more camping equipment and support staff. However, the higher cost is justified by the significantly higher success rate, better experience, and reduced risk of altitude sickness. It's an investment in both safety and summit success.

Premium Experiences

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Start Planning Your Adventure Today

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