Lemosho Route Trekking Group Departure
OVERVIEW
Embark on a remarkable adventure climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, where you will join a group of climbers from various countries who have booked the same itinerary. Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport, followed by a smooth transfer to Springlands Hotel. Here, you’ll receive a detailed briefing from our experienced guides, who will prepare you for the trek ahead. Enjoy the hotel’s amenities, including a pool, garden, bar, and restaurant, ensuring a comfortable start to your adventure.
The trek kicks off with a drive to Lemosho Park Gate, where you’ll complete your registration before hiking through lush forest trails to Mti Mkubwa Camp. Over the next several days, you’ll traverse a diverse range of landscapes, including the scenic Shira 1 and Shira 2 camps, the imposing Lava Tower, and the iconic Barranco Wall. Each day presents new challenges and breathtaking views, leading up to the summit attempt at Uhuru Peak. After reaching the peak, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp and return to Springlands Hotel for a celebratory hot meal and a chance to reflect on your incredible achievement.
For those wishing to extend their journey, optional extensions include safaris and visits to Zanzibar, allowing you to further explore Tanzania’s diverse beauty and make the most of your adventure.
- Price per person
1 Person
Price From
$ 2,451
Per Person
2 Persons
Price From
$ 2,451
Per Person
3 Persons
Price From
$ 2,451
Per Person
4+ Persons
Price From
$ 2,451
Per Person
Detailed Itinerary
As you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our dedicated driver will be eagerly anticipating your arrival at the airport holding a sign with your name on it, ready to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome. From there, a seamless and comfortable transfer service will whisk you away to our enchanting Springlands Hotel.
Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be served a delicious meal. Later on, our experienced mountain coordinators and your Guide will give you a pre-trekking briefing, an exciting opportunity to learn about the wonders that await you in your upcoming expedition.
Enjoy the relaxing environment of Springland Hotel with a swimming pool, a beautiful garden with a bar and a restaurant.
Overnight: Springlands Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or similer
On the first day, after breakfast and a briefing from your guide at Springlands Hotel, you’ll be transferred to Lemosho Park Gate ( 2,100m), a 1.5-hour drive. At Londorossi Gate, you’ll complete the registration before starting your trek along scenic forest trails to Mti Mkubwa Campsite (2750m), a 3-hour hike. Upon arrival, the porters will set up the tents and our chef will prepare lunch. After enjoying your meal, you’ll have time to relax until dinner. In the evening, your guide will provide a briefing about the next day’s trek.
Altitude: 2,200 m – 2,780 m
Hiking distance: 7 km
Hiking time: 5 hours time
On the second day, you’ll start early with breakfast before embarking on a short hike from Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp, which typically takes up to 5 hours. As you trek, you’ll be treated to views of the west face of Kibo Volcano, often referred to as Kilimanjaro. The trail traverses lower moonland, showcasing large shrubs and vibrant wildflowers. Upon arrival at Shira 1 Camp, our porters will set up your tents while our chef prepares lunch. After your meal, you’ll have time to relax until dinner. In the evening, your guide will provide a briefing on the plans for the following day’s trek.
Altitude: 2,780 m – 3,500 m
Hiking distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
On the third day, you will wake up early for breakfast and commence the brief hike from Shira 1 to Shira 2 camp. This usually takes no more than 5-6 hours. The trek is relatively easy, allowing you to relish breathtaking views of Africa. Upon reaching the Shira 2 campsite, our dedicated porters will take care of all the arrangements, such as pitching tents, while our chef prepares your lunch. After enjoying your meal, you will have a chance to unwind and rest until dinnertime. In the evening, following dinner, our experienced guide will brief you about the trekking plans for the next day.
Altitude: 3,500m – 3,840 m
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Start the day with an early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast to fuel your trek. Today’s route includes a climb to the Lava Tower at 4,630m, passing through a semi-desert, rocky landscape. After a 5-hour hike, enjoy lunch before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower. This demanding day might test your endurance as you adjust to the higher altitude. After lunch, descend 680m to the Barranco campsite, where the true benefit of acclimatization becomes clear. The 2-hour descent offers stunning photo opportunities of the Western Breach. End the day with a memorable sunset and dinner at Barranco camp.
Altitude: 3,840 m – 3,960 m
Hiking distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 7–8 hours
Start your day early with a wake-up call and a nourishing breakfast to fuel your trek. The journey may involve ascending the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but rewarding section. After conquering the Wall, you’ll descend into the scenic Karanga Valley, known for its lush vegetation and breathtaking landscapes. Upon reaching the Karanga campsite, the porters will set up tents while our chef prepares lunch. After your meal, you’ll embark on an acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp, ascending 200 meters before returning to camp. In the evening, enjoy a hot meal prepared by the chef. Following dinner, your experienced guide will brief you on the next day’s trek, discussing the route, challenges, and key details.
Altitude: 3,960 m – 4,035 m
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 5 hours
Start your day with an early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast to fuel your trek toward Barafu campsite. The trail features varied terrain, including rocky sections and gradual slopes, offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude landscapes. As you ascend, focus on acclimatization to avoid altitude-related issues. Upon reaching Barafu, our porters will handle camp setup while the chef prepares lunch. After eating, rest until dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the upcoming summit attempt, covering the route, challenges, safety measures, and preparations. Try to rest well, as the summit ascent begins late in the evening.
Altitude: 4,035 m – 4,640 m
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 5 hours
You’ll rise around 11:30 PM and start the ascent after some tea and biscuits. Heading northwest, you’ll climb through scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The 6-hour trek to Stella Point (5685m) is often the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. After a brief rest at Stella Point, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise, weather permitting. From there, it’s a 2-hour snow-covered ascent to Uhuru Peak. Your time at the summit will depend on the weather, so don’t linger too long due to the cold and fatigue. The descent to Barafu takes about 3 hours for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.
Altitude: 4,640 m – 5, 895 m – 3,090 m
Hiking distance: 17 km
Hiking time: 15+ hours
After breakfast at Mweka Camp, you’ll descend to Mweka Gate and be driven back to Springlands Hotel, where a hot lunch and refreshing shower awaits. At the end of the trip, tipping the team is encouraged and appreciated; special envelopes for this purpose are available at the hotel. If you wish to extend your adventure with a safari, you can meet with our safari coordinator at the hotel. After some rest, the coordinator will provide a briefing on the various safari options available. We highly recommend booking a safari with us to experience Tanzania’s stunning wildlife and natural beauty, making your journey truly unforgettable.
Altitude: 3,090 m – 1,650 m
Hiking distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. If you wish to extend your adventure, you may choose to add a day trip to your itinerary, exploring nearby attractions or immersing yourself in local culture. For more details, we invite you to visit our Day Trip page. Alternatively, you can continue your journey with a visit to the stunning island of Zanzibar. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine beaches or delving into the island’s rich culture, Zanzibar offers something for everyone. Explore our Zanzibar page to discover the perfect package for your next excursion. If you’re interested in adding a safari experience, please visit our Safari page for more information on our exciting safari options.
Travel Information
Destination Location
Mount Kilimanjaro is located three degrees south of the equator in Northeastern Tanzania. It is the tallest mountain in Africa and is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Of the famous highest seven peaks in the world, this is the easiest to get to and the easiest to climb. It requires no technical climbing experience, and any moderately fit person can summit the mountain.
Is This Trip For You?
If you arrive at the Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. We recommend at least one rest day before starting your trek. If you are transferring from Nairobi, this can act as your rest day. If you have time, enjoy a guided walk through the local rice fields and rainforest, do a little shopping in the town of Moshi, relax at the swimming pool, or get a massage.
Your guide will provide a briefing the evening before your trek, and you must separate one bag for the trek from your other luggage. Rental equipment is available. Extra luggage can be stored in a locked storage room at your Moshi hotel at no charge.
The next morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast before last-minute trip preparations at the trekking office. Depending on the route you take, the drive to the trailhead can take up to one hour and can be very bumpy.
Once you reach the park gate, climbers are requested to make their final preparations for the climb and sign the national park registration book. Porters will be seen arranging their packs containing the food, water, and other equipment. Make sure that you have all your day pack items with you as the porters travel very quickly. Your guide will be pleased to assist with any additional information.
The average hiking day begins between 8-9am and is about 5 to 6 hours, walking very, very slowly. The distances you will hike each day are very moderate so as to acclimate a little at a time. Your guides will repeat over and over, "pole pole" (po-ly, po-ly), which means "go slowly" in Swahili.
The terrain lower down is absolutely gorgeous and fascinating. Higher up, the views are vast. There is little to do at the camps themselves, so take advantage of the slow pace to absorb the scenery and take every photo opportunity.
The hike to the summit starts around midnight depending on your route and speed of your group. You will go as high as you feel fit. Some people stop at the crater rim, and others continue to the very highest point on the mountain. Your guides will then take you down as quickly as possible to minimize any altitude problems. You will continue past your last campsite to the next one for overnight.
You can add an extra day at the Horombo Huts (3,690 m/12,100 ft). You can spend a full day and a second night at Horombo. On this day, you can either rest at the huts or take a stroll up to the Mawenzi basecamp then return to the Horombo Huts. This extra day will help your acclimatization, and further your understanding of the mountain’s weather and altitude. After your pause, you will continue up to the Kibo Huts on your fourth day for your midnight start to the summit.
Travel Companions
Groups are limited to 5-7 people. We will combine groups up to this limit if they are starting the same route on the same day. However, we can also arrange for private groups at no extra cost. We will try to add single travelers to a group if at all possible, but we cannot guarantee it. We can accommodate large groups of any size.
Guide(s)
A local guide is required to hike Kilimanjaro. We have guides that speak English, Spanish, French and German. Porters will also go on the trip to carry your luggage, food, and other equipment. You will only have to carry a day pack with your daily essentials.
Tips for guides and porters on Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru:
- You will be given an envelope at the Springlands Hotel after your trek for your tip money. You can use U.S. dollars, Euros, TZ shillings, or a combination of these. It helps if you have small bills to tip everyone individually. There is no need to take money on the mountain with you.
- The typical tip is $15/day for guides, $10/day for assistant guides and cooks, $7/day for porters. This is from the whole group, not per hiker.
- Expect 1 guide per 8 hikers, 1 assistant guide per 3 hikers, and 1 cook per 8 hikers:
- Expect porters as follows:
- 2 porters per hiker on the 5-day Marangu Route (minimum of 4 porters)
- 3 porters per hiker on a 6 or 7-day trek (minimum of 5 porters)
- 4 porters per hiker on the 8-day Lemosho Route (minimum of 8 porters)
- Sometimes extra porters are required based on the weight of your luggage. - Budget $200 per hiker for tips for a 6-day trek.
- Gifts: Guides and porters also appreciate your warm clothing, shoes, and packs. You may want to bring some older clothing items for this purpose.
Celebration: You are also welcome to invite your guides back to the Springlands Hotel for drinks and/or dinner (on you) as a thank-you in addition to their tip.
Transportation
With the exception of airfare, all Zara trips include all transportation costs and arrangements within the destination country. This includes all transfers and the equipment for all activities listed.
Money
The local currency is Tanzanian shillings. U.S. dollars, Euros, and credit cards may be accepted by larger stores and hotels, but the exchange rate is better with shillings. ATM's are only available in larger towns like Moshi and Arusha. Yahoo Currency Converter.
Kilimanjaro Climber’s Packing List Notes
- The pack that the porters carry is limited to 15 kg (35 pounds)
- Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter at $5/day
- Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double sealed if possible)
- Wrap clothing in plastic bags
- In the day pack, take along water, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, rain pants, and jacket at a minimum.
Add any other items you might need during the day, since you may not see your porters until the end of the day. - Zara Tours is interested in purchasing second-hand gear for rentals.
- You may want to bring some older items of warm clothing as gifts for your guides and porters or donations to the Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society.
- You can leave extra luggage in a locked storage room at the Springlands Hotel for no charge.
- You can leave valuables in a safe deposit box at the Springlands Hotel for $1/day.
- See the Zara Equipment list for details on what is provided by Zara Tours.
Baggage
- Day pack, for you to carry
- Large duffel bag or backpack, for porters to carry
- Plastic bags
Clothing You want your inner layer to be wicking – no cotton
Your next layer should be insulating and warm, and your top layer should be water proof but breathable.
You will need clothes for hiking during the day, lounging in the evening, and for sleeping.
Layers are important as temperatures vary greatly.
Kilimanjaro may be near the equator, but it gets cold up there!
- Shorts, for first and last day only
- Pants, for hiking and for lounging in the evenings
- Short-sleeved or t-shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts, for hiking and for lounging in the evenings
- Long underwear
- Fleece jacket or wool sweater
- Fleece pants
- Down jacket or ski parka (for temperatures well below freezing plus wind)
- Rain jacket, needed in hot rainforest and cold snow
- Rain pants, needed in hot rainforest and cold snow
- Underwear
- Sport bras, for women
Cold Weather Accessories
- Mittens and/or gloves (waterproof, one thin pair, one thick pair that can be layered)
- Wool or pile hat
- Balaclava or neck gaitor
- Hand and foot warmers (chemical activated)
Footwear
- Be sure to break in your shoes before the hike!
- Trekking shoes for hiking during the day, preferrably warm, waterproof, and with ankle-support – not too light and not too heavy
- Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
- Gaiters
- Hiking socks for warmer conditions
- Wool socks for colder conditions
- Sock liners to wick away moisture
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (Rated -25 degrees C/-10 degrees F or colder is recommended)
- Sleeping pad and repair kit
- Tents are supplied by Zara at no charge
- Foam sleeping pads are provided by Zara at no charge (Thermarest is highly recommended, however)
Other
- Water bottles and Camelback (2-3)
- Get 3 liters of bottled water before the trip (available at the Springlands Hotel).
Your guides will boil water for you along the route, or use steripens for water sanitization. - To prevent water from freezing on summit day, keep your water source inside your jacket.
For Camelbacks, blow air back into the bladder after each sip and drink often. - Gatorade or other drink mix helps with taste and minerals.
- Get 3 liters of bottled water before the trip (available at the Springlands Hotel).
- Water filter or iodine purification tablets
- Sun hat with brim
- Sunglasses
- Bandana
- Money ($400 or more in cash and/or travellers cheques, including some small <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region>, Euro, or Tanzanian bills)
- Ski or trekking poles
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Camera, film, tripod
- Video camera, tapes
- Batteries
- Bring extra sets for headlamp/flashlight and camera as cold weather shortens their life
- Binoculars
- Notebook, journal, pencil, and pen
- Pocket knife
- Electricity adapter
- Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
- Playing cards, games, books, frisbee, football, kite
- Chocolate or pens for village children, momentos for guides, porters, and other climbers
- Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season, can be purchased in the market for around $2
- Plastic bags and zip-lock bags for waterproofing
- Sewing kit
- Salt, pepper, and spices for bland food
- Business cards
- Alarm clock
- Calculator (for currency conversion)
- Swim suit for hotel swimming pool
Toiletries
- Toilet paper (and baggie to carry used paper while on trail)
- Small towel
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Handi-wipes (moist towelettes for cleaning)
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion
- Glasses, contacts, solution (take contacts out each night to prevent blurred vision)
- Comb, mirror
Documents
- Passport
- Yellow fever certificate
- <st1:country-region w:st="on">Tanzania</st1:country-region> Visa
- Medical insurance
- Address book
- Vaccination records
- Airline tickets
- Cash, travellers cheques, credit cards
- Maps, guidebooks
- Make copies of passport, TZ visa, airline tickets/schedule, and travellers cheques numbers.
Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a separate place in your luggage.
First Aid
- Ibuprofin, Aceteminophen, or Aspirin
- Throat losenges
- Bandaids
- Moleskin
- Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Disinfectant, Antiseptic cream
- Bandages and tape
- Diahrea medicine
- Antihistemines
- Ace bandage
- Melatonin (1-3mg) or other sleep aid
- Malaria pills (talk to your doctor)
- Antibiotics (talk to your doctor)
- Prescription drugs (talk to your doctor)
- Diamox (talk to your doctor)
Gifts for Guides, Porters, Locals
- Shoes
- Any warm clothing
- T-shirts
- Hats
- Nerf football, frisbees
- Candy
- Pens
Packing for your flight to Africa
- U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up)
- Books/magazines
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- Water
- Walkman and music
- Eye shades, ear plugs
- Melatonin or other sleep aid
- Critical climbing gear (in case baggage is delayed)
Springlands Hotel
Pembo Road
Moshi
Tanzania, United Republic of
The following locations are available:
We Accept: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Category: | Trekking | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Destination: | Tanzania | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Skill Level: | Intermediate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adventure Matrix: |
Cancellation of a booking or failure to join a tour will result in a retention of funds by ZaraTours Inc. as follows: Upon receipt of written cancellation by any member of the tour indicated on this reservation 30 days or longer prior to departure, 20% of the reservation of the canceling party will be retained by ZaraTours and the balance of the package price refunded. If a cancellation is received at least 14 days and up to 29 days prior to departure, 50% of the package price will be retained by ZaraTours Inc.
If a cancellation is received less than 14 days prior to departure, 100% of the total package price will be retained by ZaraTours Inc. and all outstanding payment will become payable immediately. Should the canceling party be able to find a replacement for themselves no less than 14 days prior to departure and the replacement completes this booking form individually, no retention of funds will take place.
However, should no replacement be found by 14 days prior to departure, a 100% cancellation penalty will apply to the canceling party. ZaraTours Inc. and its agents reserve the right to terminate, at their discretion and with immediate effect, the participation of any person on the tour.
Payment:
- A 20% deposit is due at time of reservation.
- Final payment is due 60 days prior to arrival.
- We accept Visa, AMEX, and Mastercard.
- You can also wire transfer your money directly to our bank.
- Please review our Cancellation Policy.
Price Increases:
- Price increases are permitted when an itinerary is changed at the request of customer(s)
- Prices will remain quoted unless otherwise add-ons and or other changes are requested and availed by customer(s) and such requests are provided by Zara Tours Inc.
Forms and Other Documents Required by all Passengers:
- VISA (as detailed below)
- All passengers must sign the waiver form and return to us.
- Your passport must be valid for six months.
- Entry to another country may be refused even if the required information and or travel documents are complete
VISA:
- Visas can be obtained upon arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar International Airport and the border posts of Namanga, Tunduma, Taveta and Holili.
- All Canadian Citizen who hold Canadian Passports are required to pay US$50.00 for the purpose of obtaining an ordinary VISA.
- All United States Passport holders are required to pay US$100.00 for the purpose of obtaining an ordinary VISA.
- All Passport holders with EU Citizenship are required to pay US$50.00 or €50.00 for the purpose of obtaining an ordinary VISA.
- For additional information on obtaining a VISA to Tanzania please go to https://reveccs.com/resources/
Living Standards:
- Living Standards and practices at the destination and the standards and conditions with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodation may differ from those found universally.
Insurance:
- In order to obtain travel Insurance coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss and or other travel insurance related matters, kindly follow the link to reach World Nomads, who provide such insurance coverage services
Cancellation Policy:
- Zara Tours Cancellation policy applies to the package offered, upon payment of deposit and confirmation of reservation.
Cancellation of booking or failure to join a tour will result in retention of funds by Zara Tours as described below:
- Upon receipt of written cancellation by any member of the tour indicated on this reservation 30 days or longer prior to departure, 20% of the reservation of the cancelling party will be retained by Zara Tours and the balance of the package price refunded.
- If a cancellation is received at least 14 days and up to 29 days prior to departure, 50% of the package price will be retained by Zara Tours.
- If a cancellation is received less than 14 days prior to departure, 100% of the total package price will be retained by Zara Tours and all outstanding payment will become payable immediately.
- Should the cancelling party be able to find a replacement for themselves no less than 14 days prior to departure and the replacement completes this booking form individually, no retention of funds will take place. However, should no replacement be found by 14 days prior to departure, a 100% cancellation penalty will apply to the cancelling party.
- Zara Tours and its agents reserve the right to terminate, at the discretion and with immediate effect, the participation of any person on the tour.
Refund Processing Fee:
- While processing a refund, a 3% credit card fee is charged to the client's Visa, AMEX, or MasterCard.
- When a refund is processed using a Bank Wire payment, bank charges apply.
Disclaimer of Liability:
Kindly check the details of your trip. Please contact us directly for any questions you may have at zara@zaratours.com or at 1-866-550-4447.
Thank you for choosing Zara Tours and you are most welcome again to adventure with us!
TICO Registration No. 50020519
Package Includes and Excludes
- Two nights accommodation at the Springlands Hotel in Moshi double or triple occupancy (before and after the climb)
- First night includes breakfast
- Last night includes dinner & breakfast
- Qualified guides with mountain crew
- National park fees
- Hut/camping fees and tents
- Tents foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and (Cutlery / Crockery) eating utensils.
- Rescue fees (required by the National Park)
- Pulse oximeters
- First aid kit
- Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries
- Boiled water on the mountain
- Airport transfers (JRO – Kilimanjaro International Airports)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain
- Single rooms supplement at Springlands Hotel.
- Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips
- Meals and drinks not specified
- Mountain equipment (eg sleeping bags)
- Gear for your climb, Some equipment is available for rent. See our rental price list.
- Car Supplement USD$145 per car for clients who go through Lemosho/Rongai/Shira Routes
- Items of personal nature (expenses)
- Emergency Oxygen
- Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
- Extra activities (waterfall tour, cultural village visit).
- Visa fees & travel insurance.
- Flight tickets.
Let's Plan your Trip
Our sample itineraries are fully adjustable and can be tailored to perfectly suit your unique preferences and interests.
Mountain Trekking
Kilimanjaro Group Departures
Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Group Departure
- 6 Days / 5 Nights
$1,738 | Per Person
Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Group Departure
- 8 Days /7 Nights
$2,251 | Per Person
Kilimanjaro Machame Route Group Departure
- 6 Days /5 Nights
$1,620 | Per Person
Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Group Departure
- 7 Days / 6 Nights
$1,969| Per Person
Kilimanjaro Machame Route 7 Days Group Departure
- 7 Days / 6 Nights
$2,598| Per Person