Experience 9-Day Kilimanjaro Expedition via Lemosho Route

Welcome to Kilimanjaro International Airport where your thrilling adventure begins! A kitano Tours driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. After you settle, the Kitano Tours managers will meet with you to talk about the climb and make sure you're all set and excited for your upcoming climb. On a private tour, we have group airport rides included in the package. If anyone arrives separately from the group, this individual transfer is subject to an extra cost.

In the morning, your guide and mountain support crew will meet you at the hotel before you embark on your adventure to Kilimanjaro National Park's western gate: Londorossi Gate. This drive, spanning roughly 3-4 hours, is merely a glimpse of the wonders that await you. A quick session of registering at the gate - and you'll be taken up to the altitude of 3,600 m (11,482 ft). Here, the scenic vistas of the Shira Plateau will greet you for the first time. From your drop-off point, the journey to your first high-altitude camp, Shira One, is a very gentle trail with minimal ascent, offering you a comfortable start to your mountain adventure and the ideal start to your acclimatization process. As you arrive at the camp, you'll be greeted by our expert mountain team who will have set up your tents and started preparing a warm and welcoming dinner.

As dawn breaks at Shira 1 Camp, prepare for a trek to your next camp - Shira Two. It is a true spectacle of Kilimanjaro that offers, weather permitting, sweeping vistas of Mount Meru - the fifth highest peak in Africa and Tanzania's second loftiest point. During the day's trek, our guides may propose a detour to Cathedral Peak – standing at an impressive 3872 meters (12,703 feet), one of the highest points of the extinct Shira volcano. This is more than just a hike; it's a journey into the heart of Kilimanjaro's breathtaking landscape. On a clear day, the summit of Cathedral Peak unveils a sprawling valley vista that resembles a hidden paradise, a sight that tops our list of favorite views. This is a low-risk trek with no technical challenges. If you prefer a more straightforward path or if the weather is not on our side, you can hike directly to Shira 2. This won't affect your acclimatization as both Cathedral Peak and Shira 2 share a similar elevation.

After breakfast, brace yourself for a lengthy journey from Shira 2 Camp towards the Lava Tower. This leg of your adventure is a rollercoaster of ascents and descents, culminating at acamp perched over 4,600 m /15,088 ft above sea level. This trek might challenge you, and it's normal to feel uncomfortable. However, spending at least 1-2 hours here is crucial for successful altitude acclimatization. You will be resting during lunch at the summit of Lava Tower, aiding your body's adjustment to the high altitude. Post-lunch, you'll start your descent towards Barranco Camp. Here, you'll get your first glimpse of the awe-inspiring Barranco Wall. Its immense size and steep incline are a sight to behold! While it may seem daunting now, rest easy. Your ascent up this giant the next day is via a straightforward hiking trail, posing no significant challenges.

This morning, prepare for the ascent up the iconic Barranco Wall. To stay ahead of the other trekkers and maintain a steady pace, we suggest an early departure from the camp. Scaling the towering wall is less daunting than it appears, typically taking merely an hour. Once you conquer the wall, reward yourself with a well-deserved break, capturing memories in the backdrop of the magnificent Kibo volcano. Next, a more challenging trek to Karanga Camp. This trail features a few small ascents and descents over the hilly and vast Karanga valley. But our experienced guides are adept at setting a pace that suits the group's capabilities. After a brief rest at the camp, it's time for another acclimatization hike, this time aiming towards Barafu Camp. Expect to gain an altitude of 200 m /656 ft before you descend back to the camp.

As the morning sun rises, fill up on a warming breakfast and gear up for the journey to Barafu Summit Camp. This camp serves as the launchpad for your final night ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,340 ft) - the crowning glory of your adventure. Our mountain team will advance ahead, ensuring that by the time you arrive, your tents are pitched and everything is in place for you to relax at Barafu Summit Camp. We recommend you spend the remaining daylight hours resting and replenishing your energy, preparing both body and mind for the thrilling, starlit climb to the summit that lies ahead. It's not every day one gets to sleep beneath the stars, on the threshold of conquering the tallest peak in Africa!

Your group will depart from Barafu Camp and begin the ultimate ascent to the top of Kilimanjaro - the majestic Uhuru Peak, standing tall at 5,895 m /19,340 ft. While technically the climb isn't overly complex, the sheer altitude can make even simple physical efforts feel challenging. To ensure your wellbeing during this critical phase, climbers will pair up, each duo under the eye of a personal guide. This allows us to closely monitor your physical and mental condition. At Uhuru Peak, if you wish, you can hike to the closest glacier for a captivating sight. You'll then descend back to Barafu Camp where after a 2-hour rest, the descent towards Millennium Camp continues. Bear in mind that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, which includes the majority of broken or twisted arms and legs. Extreme caution is needed, especially with regards to your feet, as the risk of toenail damage is high. Stay alert and safe as you navigate this final stage of your epic Kilimanjaro adventure.

Nestled amidst lush tropical rainforest, Millennium Camp offers a much-needed respite from the high-altitudes and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment from conquering the summit. Today, you journey towards the national park's exit: the Mweka Gate. Upon reaching the gate, a grand celebration awaits! After lunch, the whole team will assemble to congratulate you on your achievement. Finally, we will arrange a transfer back to the comfort of your hotel, concluding your epic Kilimanjaro adventure on a high note.

Take some time to unwind in the comfort of your hotel before the drive to the airport for your journey home. You'll need to check out of the hotel by 11:00 AM. If your flight isn't until later in the evening and you'd like to extend your stay, there's an option to book the room for a little while longer at an additional cost.