Mt Kilimanjaro Lemosho Climb
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
FROM RAINFORESTS TO GLACIERS
Where else can you start in a jungle and end up on an icy summit in just a few days? Kilimanjaro packs every possible landscape into one.
BRAGGING RIGHTS FOR LIFE
This is Africa’s highest peak! At 5,895 metres, getting to the top takes a few days, but it’s about the journey, one you’ll surely not ever forget!
SUMMIT UNDER THE STARS
You’ll start your final push to the top at midnight, with only your headlamp and the Milky Way lighting your way. By the time the sun rises, you’ll be standing on the Roof of Africa, watching the world wake up beneath you.
CAMP LIFE LIKE NO OTHER
Tented camps under a blanket of stars, steaming cups of tea at sunrise and falling asleep to the sound of the wind whispering through the mountains are all on the menu.
A CREW THAT’LL GET YOU TO THE TOP
Kili might be a solo achievement, but you’re never alone. Your local guides and porters are absolute legends, cheering you on, sharing stories and making sure you’ve got the strength (and snacks) to succeed.
Uncover more info by clicking the tabs below!
Trip Details
| Dates | Price AUD (per person twin share) |
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Price
- $1,900 deposit.
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available only for hotel nights (not available during camping): max 4 spots
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
12 days, 11 nights
Meeting point
Arusha Serenea Lodge & Spa, Arusha, Tanzania
Departure point
Airport Planet Lodge, Arusha, Tanzania
Group size
Maximum 14
Participation requirements
- You’re open-minded and open-hearted.
- You try to embrace the little things.
- You love adventure and the surprises that come with it.
- You are gracious to others and a team player.
Fitness
Level 5 – Strenuous Plus
To truly enjoy this Level 5 trip, and squeeze out every last drop of adventure, you’ll need an advanced level of fitness. A ‘strenuous plus’-labelled trip can include challenging treks over steep mountainous terrain and other rigorous activities. Many of the locations on the trip are remote and only reached through a hard-won journey. You will be sleeping in a tent for 7 nights. Also, you will be hiking at very high altitudes on various types of terrain.
You may need to prepare a few months or weeks in advance by training with long days of walking in varying terrain and testing your physical limits. Your body and mind should be prepared for consecutive days with hours of activities that can be difficult. Another element to consider with a Level 5 trip is altitude that can be significant.
Included
- Meals: 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 11 dinners
- Private vehicle transportation/4WD transportation
- 4 nights of hotel accommodation
- 7 nights of wildlife camping
- Airport transfers
- Park entry fees
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Personal trekking equipment
- Late check-out at hotels
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Tip kitty
- Personal expenditure
- Visa Fee
Accommodation Preview
Arusha Serena Lodge & Spa, Arusha
Airport Planet Lodge, Arusha
Overview
Trip Summary By Days
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Hello Tanzania! | |||||
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Spend the day getting to know Arusha beyond the guidebook | |||||
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Prepare for the trek: Guide briefing and preparation to start the trek | |||||
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Trekking Lemosho Gate to Forest Camp | 6 | 3-4 | |||
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Trekking Forest Camp to Shira Camp I | 8 | 5-6 | |||
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Trekking Shira Camp I to Moir Hut Camp | 14 | 6-7 | |||
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Trekking Moir Hut Camp to Barranco Hut Camp | 7 | 5-6 | |||
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Trekking Barranco Hut to Karanga Valley Campsite | 5 | 4-5 | |||
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Trekking Karanga Camp Barafu Hut Camp | 4 | 4-5 | |||
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Summit Day, afterwards trekking down to Mweka Camp | 17 | 13-16 | |||
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Trekking Mweka Camp to Mweka Park Gate | 10 | 3-4 | |||
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Farewell Friends! | |||||
| Totals: | 71 | 43-53 | 11 | 10 | 11 |
Trip Map
Get to Know Your Mt Kili Lemosho Climb Itinerary
What You'll See & Do
Day 1 – Hello Tanzania!
Touchdown at the aptly named Kilimanjaro International Airport – any guesses what the star attraction around these parts is? Your friendly driver will be waiting to greet you on arrival, ready to whisk you away to your lodge in Arusha for some well-earned recovery after the long flight.
Leap hiking-boots-and-all straight into your adventure tonight, with a briefing with your guide of all things Kili, followed by a welcome dinner with your expedition-bound Camino Women crew.
Accommodation: Arusha Serena Lodge & Spa, Arusha (or similar)
Included: Dinner
Day 2 – Arusha City
It’s your first full day, and no, we’re not throwing you straight onto the trails just yet. Instead, you’ll spend the day getting to know Arusha beyond the guidebooks, diving into its markets, communities and a few local initiatives.
First up: Arusha’s markets, where stalls overflow with fresh produce, kaleidoscopic fabrics and handcrafted trinkets as far as the eye can see. Then, we’ll switch it up and visit some of Arusha’s most inspiring community projects: a clean water initiative, a rescue centre for children with albinism and a craft workshop run by disabled artisans. It’s a thought-provoking look at how grassroots efforts are making a real difference here, and you’ll feel like part of the family in no time!
Accommodation: Arusha Serena Lodge & Spa, Arusha (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 – Kili Prep Day
Start the day with breakfast at the lodge before diving into the final preparations for your trek. Your guide will run through the plan, safety measures and what to expect in the days ahead, and then there’s also a full gear check. If you need to rent any last-minute equipment, now’s the time!
You’ll get help packing to make sure everything is good to go (because no one wants to lug extra weight up a mountain), but after that, the rest of the day is yours to take it easy, double-check your layers and mentally get in the zone. Dinner is at the lodge tonight and tomorrow’s the big day you’ve been dreaming about, so get a good nights’ sleep!
Accommodation: Arusha Serena Lodge & Spa, Arusha (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 – Arrive at the National Park!
After breakfast, it’s time to hit the road for the two hour drive to Lemosho Gate, where you’ll check in to Kilimanjaro National Park, grab a packed lunch, and get your first real glimpse of the mountain. Hold back your gasps!
Then, boots on, packs strapped and… you’re off. The first leg is a six-kilometre, three to four hour trek through the emerald-dipped forest, where you’ll find ancient trees dripping with moss, ferns carpeting the ground and a certain magic in the air… or maybe that’s just the rustle of the colobus monkeys swinging through the trees.
By late afternoon, you’ll reach camp, sitting among heather plants at 2,895 metres. Some trekkers start to feel the altitude here, but your guides are on hand to help you settle in. Dinner is under the stars and as you zip up for the night, the realisation hits – you’re officially on the mountain!
Accommodation: Forest Camp
Included: Add Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 – Full Day on the Trails
Wave goodbye to the forest. Today, you’re swapping tangled trees for wide-open moorland, where the views stretch forever and the air starts to feel a little thinner. The altitude is definitely changing! The trail climbs steadily, and as you gain height, you’ll start seeing some of Kilimanjaro’s weirder plant life, like giant lobelias and senecios straight out of a sci-fi movie.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot a herd of eland antelope as they munch their way across the plains. By afternoon and 8 kilometres later, you’ll hit Shira Camp I (3,505 metres), where the sunsets are next-level, and yes, your legs might be filing a complaint or two.
If you’re super hardcore and have energy to spare, there’s an optional walk to check out some funky volcanic rock formations. Otherwise, stretch out, rest your feet, and take in your new reality. You’re officially above the clouds now!
Accommodation: Shira Camp I
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 – Shira Plateau
Today’s trek is 14 kilometres long, but the views will keep you distracted. You’ll start with an easy stroll across the Shira Plateau, heading straight for Kilimanjaro’s ice-laden peak, which feels just close enough to tempt you… but still ridiculously far away. Sorry!
The land around you will shift as you move through rolling meadows, patches of strange alien-like plants and rocky stretches that make you feel like you’ve wandered onto another planet. By afternoon, you’ll reach Moir Hut Camp (4,200 metres).
Tuck into bed early for your beauty sleep, because tomorrow you’re heading onward and upward and maxing out at an altitude of 4,877m.
Accommodation: Moir Hut Camp
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7 – Lava Tower
Today, your legs are about to put in some extra work. The climb starts with a steady push up a ridge, passing a major trail junction before arriving at the lava tower – a jagged rock formation nicknamed Shark’s Tooth. The altitude has got enough bite to remind you that you’re climbing a huge, freestanding mountain. It’s no wonder today’s seven-kilometre trek is drawn out over six hours.
Lunch is served with a side of big-sky views and thin air – so take it slow, chew thoroughly and hydrate like your summit depends on it (because it kind of does). After that, it’s time to head down to Barranco Camp (3,964 metres). Dropping altitude might feel counterproductive, but this descent is the secret weapon to acclimatisation. Promise!
Once you reach camp, your body will silently thank you and you’ll be rewarded with your first up-close view of the infamous Barranco Wall, the next day’s challenge. Sleep tight, because tomorrow, you climb it.
Accommodation: Barranco Hut Camp
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8 – Karanga Valley
We weren’t kidding – today kicks off with the Barranco Wall. It looks intimidating, but don’t worry, it’s fun to use your hands as you scramble. With each carefully placed step, you’ll gain altitude and bragging rights, with unbeatable views to boot.
Once you crest the top, take a well-earned stop to catch your breath before continuing toward Karanga Camp. Compared to the past few days, today’s trek is a breeze – just enough walking to stretch the legs without completely destroying them. The lower elevation makes for a great acclimatisation boost, too. Enjoy the lighter, five-kilometre hiking load while it lasts, because tomorrow, things start getting serious. Can you believe you’re six days into this mammoth achievement and it’s only one-and-a-half more sleeps until the final push to the summit?
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9 – Mweka Trail
Today’s trek to Barafu Hut Camp is just four kilometres, but don’t be fooled – this is where the real anticipation kicks in. You’ll gradually ascend through an increasingly barren landscape, where the oxygen gets thinner and the reality of tonight’s summit attempt starts sinking in. Excited? Nervous? Both? Welcome to the club!
Once at camp, it’s all about prepping for the final push. Your guides will go over the game plan while you tuck into an early dinner (not that anyone has much of an appetite at 4,665 metres. After that, it’s straight to your tent to pretend to sleep, because let’s be real, your brain will be buzzing with what’s to come.
By midnight, you’ll be up, layered up and lacing up for the summit. The peak of Kilimanjaro is calling. Time to answer.
Accommodation: Barafu Hut Camp
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10 – Kibo Summit
This is it. The moment you’ve been building up to. Wake-up call: 11:00 PM. No, that’s not a typo. You’ll force down a light snack (who’s actually hungry at this hour?) before stepping out into the icy night air. Under a sky bursting with stars, you’ll start the slow, steady march up the steep, frozen scree toward Stella Point. It’s dark. It’s cold. Your legs will question every life choice that led you here. But just when you think you can’t take another step – boom! Sunrise over Africa.
One last push, and Uhuru Peak is yours – the highest point on the continent. You’ve made it! Snap the photos, soak it in, and embrace the surreal, mind-blowing moment. Then, reality kicks in – it’s time to head down. After a much-needed rest at Barafu Hut Camp, you’ll continue the descent to Mweka Camp, where food and a massive sense of achievement await. Seventeen kilometres and fifteen-or-so hours later… YOU DID IT! It’s time for a Camino group hug – without each other’s unending support, the going would have been so much tougher!
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 – Mweka Park Gate
It’s all downhill from here – literally. After breakfast, you’ll lace up your boots one last time and descend through the lush rainforest, the very same one you hiked up days ago (except now, with a summit under your belt). Keep your eyes peeled for blue monkeys swinging through the trees as you power through the final three to four hours to Mweka Gate.
At the bottom, it’s time for certificates, more hugs and possibly tears – you really did it! You’ll swap high-fives with your team, take your final group selfies and then it’s back to Arusha for a well-earned hot shower, soft bed and celebratory feast. Since when did food taste this good?!
The evening calls for raising a glass to your epic achievement. So… a cold beer, a warm tea, or just a mountain of food? Either way, you’ve conquered Kilimanjaro and that’s something worth celebrating!
Accommodation: Airport Planet Lodge, Arusha (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12 – Farewell Friends!
One last breakfast feast at the hotel, one last round of bear hugs with your trekking crew, and then it’s time to head to the airport. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Your driver will handle the logistics, whisking you straight to departures so you can focus on reminiscing about your once-in-a-lifetime adventure (and maybe planning your next one). See you next time!
Included: Breakfast
FAQs
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD:0.62 USD.
A deposit of $1,900 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
Applying for a Tanzanian e-visa is a straightforward process. Simply fill out a few pages of personal details online, pay the fee using a credit card, and print your confirmation page. Be sure to bring this confirmation with you to the airport, where Tanzanian immigration officials will stamp you in.
Important Notes:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date in Tanzania.
- Apply for your visa at least 10 business days in advance (preferably earlier) to allow for processing.
- You’ll need to upload a scanned passport photo, a copy of the photo page of your passport, and a PDF copy of your onward flight ticket.
- The usual port of entry and departure is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Level 5 – Strenuous Plus
To truly enjoy this Level 5 trip, and squeeze out every last drop of adventure, you’ll need an advanced level of fitness. A ‘strenuous plus’-labelled trip can include challenging treks over steep mountainous terrain and other rigorous activities. Many of the locations on the trip are remote and only reached through a hard-won journey. You will be sleeping in a tent for 7 nights. Also, you will be hiking at very high altitudes on various types of terrain.
You may need to prepare a few months or weeks in advance by training with long days of walking in varying terrain and testing your physical limits. Your body and mind should be prepared for consecutive days with hours of activities that can be difficult. Another element to consider with a Level 5 trip is altitude that can be significant.
January and February are part of Mount Kilimanjaro’s short dry season, offering favorable climbing conditions. Here’s an overview of the typical weather during these months:
General Conditions:
- Temperature: These months tend to be colder than other times of the year.
- Precipitation: While generally dry, occasional rainfall or snow can occur, especially at higher elevations.
Climatic Zones and Temperatures:
- Bushland / Lower Slopes (800–1,800 meters): Warm and tropical conditions prevail.
- Rainforest Zone (1,800–2,800 meters): Humid with lush vegetation; temperatures are cooler, and there’s a possibility of light rain.
- Heather / Moorland Zone (2,800–4,000 meters): Temperatures drop further; daytime temperatures can be moderate, but nights are colder.
- Alpine Desert Zone (4,000–5,000 meters): Conditions become arid and windy; temperatures can range from below freezing at night to moderately warm during the day.
- Arctic Zone (5,000 meters and above): Characterized by extreme cold; nighttime temperatures can drop significantly below freezing, and snow or ice is common.
The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
You only need a yellow fever vaccination if you’re arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic, such as Kenya or Ethiopia. Simply transiting through these countries without leaving the airport does not require vaccination.
