14 Day Kilimanjaro’s Scenic Lemosho: Hike, Acclimatize, Conquer & Zanzibar Bliss (Camping)

Ready to kick off your incredible adventure? Whether you just touched down or are relaxing after your travels, head on over to the designated meeting spot (check the lobby notice or ask reception for details). There’s no set arrival time, so come whenever you’re settled and ready to mingle! Get to know your guide who will be guiding you throughout this exciting journey. There’s an optional opportunity to join the group for a delicious local meal

Embark on an epic African adventure as you begin your trek on the Lemosho route, one of the most scenic trails up Mount Kilimanjaro! Your first day will culminate at the Mti Mkubwa Campsite, nestled amidst the beauty of the mountain. The Lemosho route is known for its diverse landscapes, taking you through lush rainforests, expansive moorlands, and volcanic terrain. This gradual ascent allows for better acclimatization to the altitude, making it a great choice for those looking for a scenic and comfortable climb. Your first day’s hike will be a moderate 3-4 hours, covering roughly 6 kilometers (4 miles). As you ascend, the surrounding landscape transforms from the verdant rainforests at the base to the unique ecosystems found on the mountain slopes.Your destination for the day is the Mti Mkubwa Campsite, also known as the Big Tree Campsite. This campsite gets its name from a large tree that stands tall in the area. Here, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains after a day of trekking.

The trek from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp is a challenging but rewarding hike that takes you out of the montane forest and into the Shira Plateau. The first part of the hike is a steep climb that takes you over the Shira Ridge (3500m above sea level). On a clear day, you will have stunning views of Kibo, the peak of Kilimanjaro. From the ridge, you will descend to the Shira Plateau, where Shira 1 Camp is located. The camp is located next to a stream, which provides a refreshing place to relax after your hike.

Today’s journey offers a more relaxed pace, allowing you to truly appreciate the vastness of the Shira Plateau. With a relatively short hiking time of 3 hours, the focus shifts towards acclimatization walks around Shira 2 Camp. Here’s what you can expect: Shira 2 Camp: Compared to the previous camp, Shira 2 sits at a higher elevation, exposing you to a different environment. Expect stronger winds and colder temperatures, potentially dipping below freezing at night. Be prepared with proper layering and thermal wear.

Gear up for a demanding climb through loose rocks and scree slopes leading to the Lava Tower. This volcanic formation offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The scree terrain requires careful navigation and sturdy hiking poles for better balance. Be prepared for potentially colder temperatures and strong winds at higher elevations. Take a moment to appreciate the unique geological marvel of the Lava Tower, a remnant of volcanic activity. Soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the vastness of the Shira Plateau. After reaching the Lava Tower, the route descends dramatically into the Great Barranco Valley. This descent is a strategic move for acclimatization. By “climbing high and sleeping low,” your body benefits from exposure to higher altitude while resting at a lower elevation, promoting better adaptation. Set up camp in the Great Barranco Valley, a dramatic and scenic location surrounded by towering cliffs. Enjoy the scenic beauty and a well-deserved rest after a challenging ascent.

Get ready for a thrilling challenge today! You’ll be conquering the Great Barranco Wall, a unique feature of Mount Kilimanjaro, before reaching the high-altitude Karanga Valley. This imposing section is not a sheer cliff face, but a steep ridge with loose rocks and scree. It’s often called a scramble, meaning it requires use of your hands and good balance for some sections, but no technical climbing equipment. The ascent can be physically demanding due to the incline and loose terrain. Take your time, breathe deeply, and use your trekking poles for support. Mentally, the wall can be daunting for some. Trust your guides, focus on each step, and celebrate your achievement as you reach the top. The rewards are worth it! From the top of the Barranco Wall, be prepared for awe-inspiring panoramic views. You’ll likely see the vastness of the Barranco Valley stretching out below, framed by towering cliffs. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Kibo, the peak you’re striving towards. After conquering the wall, you’ll descend into the Karanga Valley (4,100m above sea level). This high-altitude zone marks the transition into an alpine desert environment. Expect sparser vegetation, colder temperatures, and potentially stronger winds. The landscape here is dramatic and otherworldly, with scree slopes, towering rock faces, and a unique ecosystem adapted to the harsh conditions. Your camp for the night will likely be set up in the Karanga Valley. Enjoy the opportunity to rest, rehydrate, and take in the beauty of this high-altitude environment

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the heart of Kilimanjaro’s harsher terrain, culminating in preparations for your midnight summit push. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect: Brace yourself for a challenging hike through the stark beauty of the alpine desert. The landscape will be dominated by scree slopes, minimal vegetation, and potentially strong winds. The trail may be uneven and rocky, requiring good balance and concentration. Take your time and enjoy the unique environment. Your destination for the night is Barafu Camp (4,600m above sea level), situated at a much higher elevation than your previous camp. This strategic move helps with acclimatization, allowing your body to further adjust to the thin air. The ascent to Barafu Camp might be physically demanding due to the incline and altitude. Pace yourself, breathe deeply, and take breaks as needed.

Embark on an unforgettable midnight ascent, embarking on the final push towards the summit of Kilimanjaro. Conquer the rim of the main crater, navigating across challenging scree and snow to reach the triumphant peak of Uhuru. Descend to Mweka Camp, completing this demanding yet incredibly rewarding stage of the trek. The profound sense of accomplishment achieved by conquering Kilimanjaro will remain etched in your memory forever.

Get ready for an unforgettable sunrise! Your wake-up call is at 11:00 PM. We’ll be aiming to reach Stella Point (5,756 meters / 18,885 feet) in time to witness the spectacular sunrise over the crater rim (weather permitting). Enjoy a quick snack and a warm drink to fuel your ascent. We’ll begin our journey in the dark, navigating the challenging northwest scree. Take your time, as the terrain is rocky and demanding. We’ll pass between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers before arriving at Stella Point

Begin the final and most challenging stage of your Kilimanjaro ascent: a gradual, one-hour climb towards the summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet) along the snow-covered trail. Brace yourself for frigid temperatures, as summit conditions can range from -23°C (-9°F) in the morning to just below freezing overnight. With each step, you’ll be closer to achieving your goal. Finally, reach the summit of Uhuru Peak! Take a deep breath, soak in the breathtaking panoramic views, and celebrate this incredible accomplishment

Embark on the descent from the summit of Kilimanjaro, retracing your steps along the rocky and scree-strewn path towards Barafu Camp. Enjoy a brief respite at Barafu Camp, where you can relax and pack up before continuing your descent. The remainder of the journey will take you through diverse terrain, including moorland and lush forest, ultimately arriving at Mweka Hut in the late afternoon.

Your Kilimanjaro adventure comes to a close with a rewarding descent through lush forests and a heartwarming celebration in Moshi. You’ll navigate the lower slopes, enjoying the return to denser vegetation. Upon reaching Moshi, a special ceremony awaits, hosted by the inspiring Moshi Women’s Cooperative. These empowered women will acknowledge your accomplishment and present you with a gift and certificate, a cherished memento of your climb. As you relax and celebrate with your fellow trekkers, take a moment to raise a glass to conquering Kilimanjaro, the “Roof of Africa.” Soothing those tired muscles after conquering Kilimanjaro? Treat yourself to a relaxing in-hotel massage by the Lala Salama Spa & Beauty Aromatherapy Massage, which partners with Moshi Women’s Cooperative through business education.

Your Kilimanjaro adventure culminates in relaxation on the beautiful island of Zanzibar. After a scenic flight, you’ll arrive in Stone Town, the historic center of Zanzibar. Here, you can enjoy an orientation walk with your tour guide or opt for a longer exploration of the town. The longer tour includes visits to the Old Slave Market and the Palace Museum (entrance fees not included).

Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its narrow winding streets, coral stone buildings, and Swahili influences. It’s a fascinating place to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to relax at your hotel or explore Stone Town on your own.

Today we will explore Zanzibar’s eastern beaches with its magnificent turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. You will also get the chance to immerse yourself in a world of fragrant spices! Explore a guided tour where you’ll discover a bounty of delights like cloves, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, breadfruit, jackfruit, vanilla, and lemongrass, all while learning about their fascinating uses. However, it’s important to acknowledge the dark side of Zanzibar’s history. These very spice plantations fueled the island’s infamous slave trade, which began in the 1840s.

After conquering Kilimanjaro and exploring the historic Stone Town, Zanzibar offers the perfect paradise to unwind. Spend your free days lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun on the white sand and turquoise waters. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can explore the underwater world by snorkeling or embark on a tour to discover more of Zanzibar’s hidden gems. This idyllic island escape is the perfect way to relax and reflect on your incredible Kilimanjaro achievement.

Your Zanzibar relaxation comes to an end with a morning group transfer from the beach. After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred back to Stone Town for your departure. Allow ample time for your onward travel, booking no earlier than 2:30 pm. Please speak to your travel consultant if you wish to extend your stay on Zanzibar.