The Lemosho route is a growing favourite among tour operators, given its raw beauty and tranquility. As traffic on the the Marangu and Machame routes expands, the Lemosho route has remained relatively untouched on this bustling mountain. This trail weaves between iconic landmarks and spectacular vistas, cumulating at Uhuru Peak. The total climb takes between 6 – 8 days, depending on preferences. It is however long and challenging, relative to the sister trails. Covering 72 kilometers from gate to gate, we recommend hikers have an intermediate level of fitness if tackling this trail.

The Lemosho trail begins in the western foothills of Kilimanjaro and climbs through a stunning forest segment before traversing the Shira Plateau. By the fifth day of the hike, this trail will intersect with the Machame route as they climb the Lava Tower and descend into the Barranco Valley. At this point, the trail and campsites do become busier, however our guides will work to ensure you have plenty of privacy both while camping and hiking if desired.

What is particularly unique on the Lemosho Route is the numerous deviations and customizations available to hikers. In the following itinerary, we have outlined the standard route with options for additional rest days. There is however, an alternate and more challenging summit option, which climbs the Western Breach and camps near the peak of the mountain. With the numerous opportunities for rest and acclimatization days, the Lemosho route has possibly the highest summiting rate.

What to pack for Kilimanjaro

Those hiking Kilimanjaro will receive a comprehensive packing list upon booking your tour. The following list will however give you a rough idea of the necessary gear and equipment.

• Layered clothing (wicking material, fleece)
• Light down jacket
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Warm socks
• Trekking socks
• Gaiters
• Brimmed hat
• Warm hat
• Sunglasses
• Headlamp
• Gloves
• Trekking poles
• Day pack with rain cover
• Sleeping bag
• Pillow
• Thermal mat
• Water bottle
• Necessary medication
• Sunscreen
• Small first aid kit (pain killers, band aids etc.)
• Toiletries
• Camera!

Tour Program

Day 1: Welcome to Africa!

Today, after much anticipation, you will fly into Kilimanjaro International Aiport in Tanzania. As the plane descends, you will have incredible views of the mountain that you will begin to tackle tomorrow morning! After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, a member of the Aventura team will meet you at arrivals and drive you to your hotel. Note that the specific hotel will be decided based on your personal preferences, and lodge availability at the time of booking. Additional information on options will be provided.

The rest of your day will be spent in preparation for the hike. Aventura team members will provide a final briefing on what to expect and review packed items. Any non-essential hiking items will be stored with Aventura until your return from the mountain. When you are prepared to hike, it will be time for a final dinner and an early night since tomorrow, you will take off early for the base of the mountain!

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa/Big Tree Camp (2,895m)

This morning you will rise early and travel by road to the Londorossi Gate. Here you will complete necessary paperwork and entry formalities before driving onwards to the Lemosho trail’s official start. From here, it will be another hour in the car before you reach the beginning of the trail. Upon arrival, we will prepare a quick picnic lunch to enjoy before setting off into the rainforest.

Your first afternoon of hiking will be a gentle introduction through the lush slopes of lower Kilimanjaro. We will cover roughly 6km over 3 – 4 hours, gradually ascending through the deep green landscape. In this section, we have the best opportunity to spy monkeys and vibrant bird life so we will move slowly, pausing for water and rest as we hope to catch a glimpse of the wildlife.

Tonight we will camp at the Forest Camp, also referred to as Big Tree or Mti Mkubwa Camp. Your porters will have arrived earlier and begun to set up camp. In high season, this camp positively buzzes with the excitement of fellow hikers and the bevy of accompanying porters. It will likely seem surprising that this is among the quieter trails – but we promise, it is.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,505m)

Today you will rise early for breakfast, tea and coffee before emerging out of the rainforest. Coming out of the dense trees will help you appreciate the distance traveled, and the distance remaining. You will ascend above the clouds for much of today, which feels like a remarkable initial accomplishment. Gradually the terrain will transform into a mountain savannah of tall grasses, heather and lichen as you dip in and out of valleys. We will meander across the fields and gentle curves of the landscape crossing streams and pausing to admire your first spectacular view of snow-capped Kibo – the ultimate destination.

As the day progresses, you will enter the Shira Plateau. With dozens of shrubs and virtually no trees, this second landscape sits in stark contrast to the jungles left behind. Ascending slightly higher on this plateau, you will then descend into the Shira 1 Camp. Tonight you will be able to watch the sunset against the backdrop of Kibo, eventually watching the sky explode with stars. Today’s hike will last roughly 5 – 6 hours, covering a total of 8km.

Day 4: Moir Hut (4,200m)

Today we will continue to traverse the rocky Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth, as we continue east towards Kibo. After yesterday’s ascent, today will traverse a largely flat landscape allowing you to acclimatize to the new height. Giant lobelias and senecio plants will emerge throughout the day, towering up to three meters in the air. These marvelous plants are endemic to the region but a fire unfortunately wiped many of them out years ago. Breaking for lunch in a sheltered area near Shira Camp 2 after 3 – 4 hours, you will have covered the first 10km of today’s hike. Note that there is an option to camp here for the night, if taking additional days.

Pushing on for another 3 – 4 hours, you will cover 4km this afternoon. Nearing Kibo, the peak will begin to loom over you creating impressive – and perhaps somewhat daunting – imagery. Tonight we will camp at Moir Hut, a seldom used campsite at the base of the Lent Hills. Depending on arrival time and energy, you may wish to walk throughout the Lent Hills in order to aid with acclimatization.

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,976m)

Tonight you will likely wake up to one of your first frosty African mornings. Warming up with tea and coffee, you will then leave the moorland and Shira Plateau behind, ascending towards the Lava Tower in the alpine desert over one of the most difficult pitches thus far. Today is a strongly recommended acclimatization day, where hikers will ascend to the Lava Tower before descending into the Great Barranco Valley’s campsite on a 7km hike (4 – 6 hours). “Hiking high and sleeping low” is a long-standing strategy for mountain climbing that enables the body to adjust to higher altitudes more easily, and this day will make the ultimate ascent to Uhuru much more attainable.

Following a picnic lunch, there is a quick scramble up a rocky path to reach the impressive Lava Tower, a volcanic plug on the mountain. Adventurous individuals can climb the side of the tower for spectacular views from the top, as well as aiding with acclimatization. Take a moment to look for Mount Meru from this vantage point, as it is visible on a clear day. At this point, it is also possible to camp here rather than descending into the valley if preferred.

Descending, you will join the Machame Route as you move through the Arrow Glacier and down into the valley. At this point, you will feel the benefits of today’s ascent to the Lava Tower, as your body will be much more acclimatized to these lower altitudes. As the landscape transforms with senecios and lobelias, we will be nearing the end of the day. Camping within the “Garden of Senecios”, the Barranco Campsite has a prehistoric and almost eerie feel to it. Sheltered by the Great Barranco Wall and the glaciers above, this will be a cozy campsite for a fire and star gazing.

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Having slept at the base of the Great Barranco Wall last night, this morning you will rise early to tackle the climb. Covering 13km over 7 – 8 hours, you will be rewarded today with incredible views of Kilimanjaro while you enter the Alpine Desert as below the Heim Glacier.

In the afternoon, the trail will descend into the Karanga Valley before joining with the Mweka route, your ultimate route down. Here, your porters will stop to fill up water canisters at the final water source before the summit! In the early afternoon, you will reach the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks at Barafu Camp. Barafu means ice in Swahili, which is most certainly indicative of the conditions on this windswept and chilly campsite. Luckily, you will retire to the shelter of your tent very early tonight since you will rise early tomorrow to catch the sunrise at the top of Africa.

OPTIONAL REST DAY: Note that some climbers opt to split today’s climb into two portions, spending a night at the Karanga campsite atop the Great Barranco Wall. This will be further discussed with Aventura as you finalize plans for your climb.

Day 7: Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,068m)

Today you will rise at midnight in order to begin the ascent to Uhuru Peak in time for sunrise. After fueling yourself with tea and biscuits, you will turn on your headlamp and join a trail of lights that are ascending to the very top of Africa. You will first work to reach Stella Point, which sits on the crater rim. This portion of the ascent is the most challenging – both physically and mentally. However, once you reach Stella Point you will be able to pause before pushing on for the final two-hour ascent to Uhuru. From somewhere along this trail you will witness the spectacular sunrise from the roof of Africa as a sense of elation overtakes you.

Weather will determine the length of time you can spend at the peak before seeking refuge at lower altitudes, passing other hikers who are completing the ascent. Having absorbed the experience of summiting, you will turn around and descend right down to Mweka Hut campsite, at the top of the forest. This campsite bustles with hikers from numerous trails, allowing you the opportunity to exchange stories over a well-deserved soft drink.

Day 8: Mweka Gate and onwards to Kilimanjaro or Arusha

Today, your tired bodies will make the final 3 – 4 hour descent to the Mweka Gate where your vehicle will await your arrival. This trail will carry you through more moorland and then deep into the lush montane forest rich with enormous ferns – a final climactic zone for you to explore. With increased oxygen and warmer temperatures, you will fly down these final pitches covering 10km in 3 – 4 hours.

At the bottom, hikers are rewarded with summit certificates before heading back to your hotel for a hot shower, hot meal and celebrations before collapsing in a soft warm bed. Again, we will provide a variety of lodging options for you to select from, depending on your preferences.

Day 9: Onwards!

Having recovered from the hike today you will either begin your journey home – or onwards to another fantastic location in Tanzania! We strongly recommend coupling a hike up Kilimanjaro with a few days unwinding and relaxing on the tranquil shores of the Zanzibar Archipelago. Aventura will coordinate either a transfer to your outbound airport, or transfers on to additional packages.

No matter where you choose to continue on to, today you can feel incredibly proud of yourself for conquering the tallest mountain in Africa. Congratulations!Kwaheri na Safari Njema!End of TourKindly consult our team if you’d like to incorporate this Safari with any other of our packages.

Includes

• All accommodation, on a full board basis
• Airport welcome
• All domestic transfers (air and road)
• Some activities, as indicated in your tour package
• Soft drinks, house wine, local spirits, local beers, tea and coffee
• Laundry, communication and internet access are included at some destinations, as noted in your tour package

Excludes

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Premium brand wine, beer and spirits
• Additional activities
• Gratuities
• Costs associated with obtaining visas or passports
• Airport departure taxes and excess baggage charges

CONTENTS

1. Tours with Aventura
2. Visiting Tanzania
3. Travel Logistics
4. Price, Payment and Cash
5. Communication
6. Health and Safety

TOUR WITH AVENTURA

• How far in advance should I book my tour?

Aventura will work to accommodate you whenever you make your booking with us. Provided there is space at our partnering lodges, we can work on very short notice. However, ideally our guests will book roughly 6 months – 1 year in advance of their vacation.

• Do you allow children on Aventura tours?

Definitely! Many of our partnering lodges have accommodation and child friendly options that we will gladly connect you with – just let us know you want to bring children ahead of time. Some of our partnering lodges do have policies that prohibit children on particular activities/locations so we will be sure to work around that.

• Who guides the tours?

Aventura will fully organize your entire tour with various local lodges, and your guides will be provided from these particular lodges. If your tour is to various national parks and lodges, your guide and vehicles will change from location to location, and Aventura will ensure that these transitions are flawless. We have worked thoroughly with each of our partners to ensure every guide and driver is of top quality and able to reflect the values of Aventura.

• Do you provide references from people who have been on tours with you?

Absolutely! You can see some guest testimonials on our website and we are building a profile on Your African Safari, a website devoted to independently reviewing operators across Africa. If you would like to speak directly with past guests, we will also happily make that connection for you.

• Is there electricity? Will I be able to recharge cameras/phones?

Yes, there is electricity though it may not be available 24 hours a day. Many of our partnering lodges run off solar energy or generators, which means they have to conserve usage during certain hours of the day. You will however always have at least a few hours a day where you are able to re-charge camera and cell phone batteries.

• Are there opportunities to meet with local people?

Definitely! Most of our tour packages incorporate at least one visit to a local village, where you can meet with and learn about various Tanzanian tribes and individuals. If you are very interested in a cultural tour of Tanzania, are also able to build you a customized tour that exposes you to the various facets of the population. Check out our Bespoke options for more information!

• Is there laundry?

The majority – though not all – of our partnering lodges do offer a laundry service. The availability and cost differs between locations, and we will provide specifics about access in your particular tour package.

VISITING TANXANIA

• What visa do I need for Tanzania?

The visa required for entry into Tanzania depends on what country you are traveling from. Since immigration policies change frequently, we recommend that you contact the Tanzanian embassy in your home country at least 2 months prior to departure to confirm the most recent requirements.

• When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Hikers climb Kilimanjaro year round, but many prefer to climb it during the driest and warmest months (January – February, July – September). These months do however mean that there are high crowds – if you prefer a quieter hike, June, October and December have moderate temperatures and moderate precipitation. March – May and November are among the coolest and wettest months in the country and consequently the quietest on the mountain.

• How fit do I need to be to climb Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is the highest ‘walkable’ mountain, meaning that no technical hiking experience is required. In spite of its incredible height, guides recommend only a basic level of fitness and strong motivation. Many say the greatest challenge of the hike is adjusting to the altitude. Depending on your fitness level, we offer four possible trails that vary in difficulty for you to choose between.

• When is the best time to view wildlife in Tanzania?

The dry season in Tanzania (June – October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, since animals concentrate around limited waterholes and there is less vegetation obstructing views. Birding however is better during the northern winter (November – March) when rainfall is high and over 160 species of birds migrate south.

• When is the best time to view the wildebeest migration?

The wildebeest migration follows annual rain patterns that push wildlife to search for greener pastures. This means that specific predictions about when and where the migration will be are difficult. However, in a typical year, guests have the best chance of viewing the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti in June and July. If you are interested in seeing the wildebeest calving, the best time to visit is late January – February.

• When is the best time to visit the islands?

The archipelago is popular year round, with August – October being among the most popular months. There are long rains between March and May that may make the coast somewhat less idyllic.

• Is Zanzibar in the same country as Tanzania?

Yes, they have been part of the same country since 1963, though the region is semi-autonomous.

• What kind of plug is used in Tanzania?

Tanzania uses the same outlets as are found in the United Kingdom – A Type G 3 pronged flat pin plug (see Figure 1). Occasionally Tanzanians also use the Old British plug – A Type D 3 pronged circular pin (see Figure 2). The voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. We recommend purchasing at least one travel adaptor prior to departing for Tanzania.

TRAVEL LOGISTIC

• Do you handle airline tickets?

Airline tickets are not included in the packages we offer, but we can offer support in booking tickets for our guests. Please let us know if you would like assistance here.

• Do you handle travel insurance?

We do not book insurance for our clients; however, we will help you find a provider that suits your particular needs. We recommend all guests read the following document published by ABTA on selecting an insurance provider, and if you would like additional guidance please reach out to us.

• How do we get around once in Tanzania?

Aventura will organize all local transport associated with your tour, beginning with an airport pickup minute you land on Tanzanian soil. All transport costs are included in your package. Depending on your particular package, transport may involve domestic flights, road transfers and boats. Particular details of your transport will be included in your package details upon booking.

• Is there a suggested packing list?

Of course! Once you have selected a package with us, we will email you a packing list that is tailored perfectly to your particular activities. However, in general we recommend the following items:

• • Long loose light coloured clothing, offering protection from insects and sun
  • A fleece sweater for chilly evenings
  • Wide brimmed hat, sunglasses
  • Bathing suit and sarong
  • Comfortable walking shoes, hiking boots if climbing Kilimanjaro
  • Thermal underwear, if climbing Kilimanjaro

• Are there luggage limits?

International airlines will independently set baggage restrictions and it is important you check with your airline prior to departing. Once in Tanzania, baggage restrictions will depend on your particular tour package. We will include customized baggage restrictions with your customized packing list upon booking your flight.

PRICE, PAYMENT & CASH

• What if I have to cancel my reservation?

Cancellation policies vary depending on the lodges in which you are booked and specifics will be provided upon booking.

• What is included in the tour price?

Your tour price includes the following:

• • Meet and greet service upon arrival
  • Transfers as shown
  • Exclusive use of 4×4 safari vehicles with photo roof during the safari portion
  • Services of English speaking drivers and guides
  • Meals and accommodation as specified (varies between packages)
  • All park fees and government taxes
  • One bottle of water per day on game drives

• What is not included in the tour price?

Your tour price does not include the following items:

• • International flights
  • Airport taxes on any flights not booked through Aventura
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Gratuities
  • Activities not included on the itinerary
  • Personal travel, baggage and medical insurance
  • Laundry (varies between packages, as some lodges build this into their cost)
  • Telephone bills and items of a personal nature
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal shopping
  • Select alcoholic beverages
  • Gear (walking stick, flashlight, hat, sunglasses, bed mats etc.)

• Can’t we save money by booking with the lodges directly?

No. The benefit to booking through Aventura is that we are able to use our industry connections to secure discounted rates with various lodges, hotels and transport providers within the country. While you will pay a small service fee to our company, this fee will save you the headache and complications of organizing a trip on your own. This fee also ensure that your entire trip will run smoothly, and that no minute of your vacation is wasted with negotiations, disappointments or frustrations.

• Do you accept credit cards?

Absolutely! We are fully equipped to accept payments online from all major credit cards.

• Do I need to bring cash with me? Which currency should I bring?

Yes, you should bring additional cash for personal purchases. We recommend bringing US Dollars (issued after 2003) and converting them into Tanzanian Shillings upon arrival. It is possible to convert Travellers Cheques in major cities as well, but these are often more hassle than they are worth. You are also able to use local ATMs to make withdrawals off your credit card in our local currency. Be sure you alert your bank if you plan to use your credit card abroad, and that you confirm charges for international transactions and withdrawals.

COMMUNICATION

• What language is spoken in Tanzania?

English and Swahili are the national languages. All tourism operators, and most Tanzanians, will speak English.

• Is there cell phone reception?

Most of our lodges are located in regions of Tanzania that have reception (though of course, not all of them). Lodge staff will always have a means of communicating with our head office.

• Is there internet available?

Internet is available at some of our partnering lodges, though not many. Details regarding internet accessibility will be included in your particular package details. Should you require constant access, we recommend researching data roaming packages with your local cell phone provider.

• What if there is an emergency at home?

We will provide you with an emergency number that you can pass on to friends and family at home. Should there be an in emergency at home, they can contact the Aventura Head Office and we will connect to you – wherever you are – as quickly as possible. Depending on the nature of the emergency, we will take steps to connect you to friends and family at home.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Is it safe to visit Tanzania?

Tanzania is safe to visit, however there are always risks taken when traveling. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is of paramount importance when designing a tour and we will be sure to have you stay only in reputable locations and provide transport only from trusted sources. We brief every guest on safety policies and procedures, in addition to risk mitigation strategies.

• What vaccinations do I need?

We recommend that all guests visit a local travel clinic prior to departure, where a medical professional can review your medical history and explain the vaccination options. Visitors to Tanzania must be able to show a Yellow Fever vaccination card upon arrival, otherwise you will likely be vaccinated at the airport.

• Is malaria a concern?

Tanzania does have malaria and we strongly recommend guests take appropriate prophylaxis, which can be prescribed by a local travel doctor.

• Where does drinking water come from?

Guests will always have access to ample amounts of treated bottled water.

• Is the food safe to eat?

Yes. We work with lodges that we know intimately, and have reviewed not only for comfort but also for their quality of food. Partnering lodges will serve delicious balanced meals prepared by expert chefs using fresh and safe ingredients.

• I have special dietary needs – will I be accommodated?

Definitely – but please make us aware of any dietary needs as far in advance as possible so that we can work with you and our partnering lodges to develop a tour that accommodates your needs.

Reviews

How to book a safari with us:

You can Email us on: info@aventurasafaris.com, or contact us via phone on: +255 (0)762 493 434 | +44 (0) 800 7561 114 or reach us via our website enquiry form. Giving us as much detail and information as possible about what you are looking for and any extra add-ons you might require.

Let us know the following:

• The month you are interested experiencing the dream come true
• The length of time you will want to enjoy your safari
• Number of people who will share this life experience with you
• Style of lodging you would like to use during your trip – you just mention what and we will arrange it for you
• Extra activities besides wildlife viewing. For example: go up in a balloon, take a walk in the bush, a canoe ride, or night game drives
• Any special requests you have for your wildlife safari

Create you safari plan, then book:

Together we will create your safari as you want it to be. The safari plan will accommodate your interests
and time schedule. We enjoy talking to you about your trip, so please provide us with your phone number.

Once you have agreed to our safari proposal:

By signing our invoice sent to you and accepting the terms and conditions of Aventura Safaris Ltd.

Get your travel dates fixed:

This will give us chance to start checking the availability of the accommodations of your choice. Traveling from/to the Americas and Asia takes about 2 days; from most of Europe, one day.

Confirm your Safari with us:

We will start booking the lodges and camps of choice for your safari. Once we have all the lodges confirmed then you can pay the deposit.

Place a deposit with us:

Once we have confirmed the lodges and activities of your choice, a deposit of 30% is required. The deposit can be made by wire transfer to our bank, by certified check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or PayPal. Your other payments will be specified in the safari plan we will send you – generally at 90 and 45 days before the start of your safari.

Once we have a confirmed itinerary for you and us to work from, you should make your international travel reservations. We also strongly recommend that you obtain adequate travel insurance to protect you against any unforeseen problems.

Following the receipt of your deposit, we will send you a package containing: your confirmed itinerary, acknowledgement of your deposit, and information about safaris and how to prepare for your adventure. We will also provide contact telephone numbers for you to leave with family or friends to use should they need to reach you while on safari.