14 Days Kilimanjaro: 8-Day Lemosho Climb & 4 Days Safari

Overview

Climb Kilimanjaro on the 8-day Lemosho route, then a safari to Tarangire, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.

1. Day 1 Arrival in Tanzania at the Airport Transfer to the Hotel in Moshi Town

   You will be picked up from Kilimanjaro Airport by an MJ Safaris & Adventures guide and driven to your Accommodation in Moshi town. You will meet the Guide in the evening for a pre–climbing briefing and climbing equipment check.

   🛏 The Maridadi Hotel 🍽 Breakfast

2. Day 2 Starting point (2,300m) to Mti Mkubwa (2,750m)

   Walking Time: 3 hours Distance: 7 km Altitude Gain: 450m You will enjoy an enticing breakfast at the hotel before proceeding from Moshi to Londorossi Gate (1,800m). The three-hour drive travels on an unpaved stretch of bumpy road through the town of Boma N’gombe, and the Sanya Juu village offers motorists an intimate encounter with the natives. After completing the necessary park registration, you will be transported to the initial point of your trek at 2,350m. The glory of the forest is revealed in the illuminating radiance of the sun. Almond-brown trees stand serenely, brimming with a tender glow. Gems of amber encrust the bark exterior. Green canopies deliver shelter for the exotic blue monkeys. The short trek through the rainforest leads to the Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750m).

3. Day 3 Mti Mkubwa (2,750m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,550m)

   Walking Time: 6-7 hours Distance: 10 km Altitude Gain: 800m As the trail begins to move towards Shira Camp 1, the scenery transforms dramatically from the lush rainforest to the barren heather moorland zone. The parched landscape is speckled with enormous lobelias, contrasting white fauna and flora, and dusty dunes. We will journey up the steep ridges leading to the Shira Plateau, featuring the glorious views of the looming Kilimanjaro and the raging bloodshot orb of light slowly sinks beneath the horizon of Mount Meru in the west. We will cross several tranquil streams as we continue over the Shira Ridge (3,600m) and on a declining slope to Shira Camp 1.

4. Day 4 Shira Camp 1 (3,550m) to Shira Camp 2 (3,840m)

   Walking Time: 3-4hours Distance: 8km Altitude Gain: 290m You will begin the day with a delicious breakfast and trek in an exposed moorland zone. This route is less frequented, making it tranquil and untouched. Reaching Shira Plateau will reveal the stunning views of the peak of Kilimanjaro. The exhilarating sensation of witnessing the summit is magical. A hot lunch will be served at Shira Camp 2 (3,810m). Your guide will lead brief excursions for acclimatization, and afterwards, you are free to relax.

5. Day 5 Shira Camp 2 (3,840m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m) via Lava Tower

   Walking Time: 6-7 hours Distance: 11km Altitude Gain: 110m The Lemosho Route connects with the Machame Route before approaching the molten Lava Tower. The gentle incline leading to the Barranco Camp is encompassed in beautiful scenery and encrusted in vivid desert shrubberies (6-7hour hike). Shark’s Tooth is an enormous, serrated rock that a volcano discharged thousands of years ago. It is also an indication that we must travel south and cross the light valleys to the immense Lava Tower (4,600m). Specks of snow will gradually scatter themselves on the scenery, and as we descend to Barranco Camp, the frosted landscapes of the Western Breach will begin to sprout. The ashen Barranco Wall is engraved with extraordinary indents, and olive foliage is strewn across the ‘Breakfast Wall’.

6. Day 6 Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (3,930m)

   Walking Time: 4 – 5 hours Distance: 5km Altitude Gain: 200m Altitude Loss: 220m The day commences with a simple trek up the astonishing Barranco (200m high). For a short period, you will need to use your hands and feet to scramble up the wall, and upon reaching the surface, you will have an opportunity to marvel at the scenic splendor of the vistas of Kibo. The trail traverses up and down with various shallow streams leading to the flickering, glittery streams of the Karanga River. An appetizing lunch will be served at the Karanga campsite (3,930m). The short trek will assist your acclimatization.

7. Day 7 Karanga Camp (3,930m) to Barafu Camp (4,700m)

   Walking Time: 2- 4 hours Distance: 4km Altitude Gain: 770m The rocky zone provides an uphill path that features landscapes battered in the crystal glow of the Southern Glaciers. Intersecting with the Mweka route allows us to witness the splendid vistas. A sixty-minute climb up a steep, rock-strewn Lava Ridge is your ticket to the Barafu Camp (4681m). Reaching the camp signifies that you have dominated the Southern Circuit of the mountain, and the enchanting, sky-piercing view of the summit is submerged in an ocean of clouds. The terrain at the campsite resembles an unfinished painting. The landscape is blanketed in a thin layer of snow with sparse vegetation. A substantial, warm meal will be served, and we suggest that you jump into your sleeping bag as soon as possible. We will embark on our journey to the summit at midnight.

8. Day 8 Barafu Camp (4,700m) to Summit (5,895m) (midnight start), descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

   Walking Time: 14 – 16 hours Distance: 19km Altitude Gain: 1195m You will be awoken at 11:00 pm, and we will provide you with a light snack and a steaming cup of tea before you begin your 5km trek to the summit. This is an extended hike that lasts approximately 16 hours, making this the most challenging day on the 10-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route. Temperatures typically range between 5°C and -10°C. The gradually increasing incline of the valley located near the eerily tranquil scree fields traverses amongst the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers – the view is so astounding that the freezing temperatures will be forgotten. At Stella’s Point (5,672m), brilliant gold and orange hues bleed like fire over the rocks. The first sliver of the sun peeks over the skyline in a radiant, white form, and the snow turns liquid gold and silver. After sixty minutes, you will reach the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak (5,89m). You will have an opportunity to take some photos and marvel at the surrounding scenery, glinting ice cliffs, and the jagged Mawenzi Peak. Our descent requires us to turn around and embark on the trail to Barafu Camp, where we will have a brief resting period. The spectacular, vast plains of Kilimanjaro are so enchanting that the 9km route to Mweka Camp (3,100m) feels rapid. The route is moderate and lasts four to five hours. As you venture on the declining rocky spree trail, the scenery will start to sprout, and the ice will melt away. The barren landscapes of the moorland will be the first milestone, and dense vegetation and exotic wildlife will begin to radiate as we approach the forest habitat. We will Proceed to the campsite where you can scoff down a scrumptious, piping hot dinner whilst seizing the last opportunity to observe the Milky Way.

9. Day 9 Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,800m) to Moshi

   Walking Time: 4 – 5 hours Distance: 10km Altitude Loss: 1300m The melodies of your porters' celebration will fill the air whilst you enjoy an appetizing breakfast. The 1,300m descent to the Mweka gate is classified as an easy trek and will only last a few hours. Gold Summit Certificates will be awarded to every member in your group as a small souvenir. Our drivers are a relaxed stroll to the Mweka village away, and they will transport you to the hotel where an invigorating hot shower, plush mattress, and clean clothes await you. Accommodation: The Maridadi Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)

   🛏 The Maridadi Hotel 🍽 Breakfast

10. Day 10 Arusha - Tarangire National Park

    Dedicate a game drive to exploring Tarangire’s diverse habitats through morning and afternoon game drives. Witness spectacular wildlife sightings — herds of elephants, predators stalking prey, and prolific birdlife, including the park’s famous birds of prey. Capture stunning images of the landscape and animals. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight, enjoying the tranquility of the wilderness.

    🛏 Marela View Lodge or similar

11. Day 11 Tarangire – Serengeti National Park

    After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park via the beautiful highlands of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the endless plains of the Serengeti, the heart of wild Africa known for its annual migration and abundant wildlife. Arrive in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive in the Seronera area, rich in wildlife and home to the Seronera River.

    🛏 Canopy Tented Camp

12. Day 12 Full Day in Serengeti National Park

    Enjoy an early morning game drive before breakfast to witness the park at its most active time. After breakfast, relax and later proceed for a full-day game drive with picnic lunch. Explore the vast plains and spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and many more. Optional of doing Hot Air Balloon in Serengeti early in the morning on extra cost and the late continue with game drive.

    🛏 Canopy Tented Camp

13. Day 13 Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha Town

    Early in the morning after breakfast, drive and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day crater tour with picnic lunch. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” home to a variety of wildlife including the Big Five. Later in the afternoon, proceed to Arusha town where the tour ends.

    🛏 Arusha Planet Lodge or similar 🍽 Breakfast

14. Day 14 Departure, Airport Transfer to Back home

    Our driver from MJ Safaris & Adventures will bring you to the Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport, from where you will take your flight back home or to another destination like Safari or Zanzibar Beach tour. If you’ve booked a safari with us, we’ll make sure to drop you off at the recommended hotel, and we'll give you the briefing about your safari departure.

Photos

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