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Call /WhatsApp: +255 788 738494
11 Days Lemosho Crater Itinerary is a unique place. At 18,865 feet above sea level, it is the highest campsite on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is located just 475 feet below the summit. We offer the opportunity to stay at Crater Camp on the Lemosho route. This option will add one day to the standard itineraries making them the 9 Lemosho Crater Route on the mountain.
We leave for the summit during daylight hours and stay at Crater Camp after the summit for better acclimatization. On all other Kilimanjaro routes, only the guides and clients summit while the rest of the mountain crew remains at high camp (i.e. Barafu). Using Crater Camp requires significantly more effort on our part as the entire mountain crew, along with all of the expedition equipment, has to ascend 4,000 feet higher than they normally would. Therefore, there is considerable added cost to do a Crater Camp route.
From Crater Camp, one can take an optional one hour hike to Reusch Crater, or simply explore the areas around Furtwangler Glacier. Reusch Crater is a magnificent sight. It is almost perfectly circular and the ash pit measures 400 feet (120 m) deep and 1,300 feet (400 m) wide. This is rarely seen by tourists. The video below puts the size of the ash pit and crater into perspective
Your 11 Days Lemosho Crater Itinerary begins when you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by our knowledgeable driver-guide. After greetings and a careful check of your bags, you will be transferred to Moshi town, a drive of approximately 45 minutes. Once you reach the hotel, your professional Kilimanjaro guide will provide a detailed briefing. Additionally, your guide will inspect your climbing equipment, and if necessary, any missing items can be rented for you.
Following this introduction to your trek, you can take some time to relax and acclimatize to the local surroundings. This marks the perfect start of your 11 Days Lemosho Crater Itinerary.
Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort or Similar
The second day of the 11 Days Lemosho Crater Itinerary begins early in the morning. Firstly, your guide and the mountain support crew will arrive at your hotel to conduct another detailed briefing. Shortly afterwards, you will depart by vehicle for the 3–4 hour drive to Londorossi Gate (2,200 m), the western entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park. Upon arrival at the gate, you will complete the necessary formalities, including acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service.
Once this is completed, your trek officially starts. As you gradually walk through the lush rainforest, raincoats are highly recommended. Meanwhile, the dense and humid vegetation will offer your first immersive experience of the mountain environment. By the time you arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m), our professional support crew will have already prepared your tents, cooked lunch, and ensured everything is ready for a comfortable stay.
Following a short rest, the group will undertake an acclimatization hike towards Shira 1 Camp, gaining 300 meters in altitude. Subsequently, you will return to Mti Mkubwa Camp for a hot dinner and an overnight stay.
It is important to note that the acclimatization hike is designed to be gentle but essential. Therefore, you should take these hikes seriously, as they help improve your chances of a successful summit and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
During the night, you may notice your body adjusting to the high altitude. As a result, mild headaches or nausea may occur. For this reason, monitor your body closely and immediately inform your guide of any symptoms.
Acclimatization Hike:
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
On the third day of your 11 Days Lemosho Crater Itinerary, you will wake up early for breakfast. Then, you will begin a gradual trek upwards to 3,500 meters, where you will for the first time enjoy panoramic views of Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano.
Throughout the day, the trek from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) remains fairly easy, taking about 5–6 hours. This gradual ascent allows your body to adjust while offering breathtaking scenery. Upon arrival, your support team will prepare lunch, and afterwards, you can either rest in your tent or explore the surrounding plateau.
Subsequently, this gentle acclimatization continues to set the foundation for the more challenging sections ahead. Therefore, it is a crucial step in your 11 Days Lemosho Crater Itinerary for ensuring summit success.
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
On day four of the 11 Days Lemosho Crater Itinerary, after breakfast, you will explore the stunning Shira Plateau. Initially, the walk takes you east along the moorland meadows toward Shira 2 Camp. Then, you will divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a quieter site at the base of Lent Hills. During this trek, a variety of short walks are available on the Lent Hills, offering excellent acclimatization opportunities. As a result, this day allows you to enjoy one of the highest plateaus on Earth while preparing your body for higher altitudes.
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Accommodation: Moir Hut
The fifth day of your 11 Days Lemosho Crater Itinerary begins with an early breakfast. Following this, you will climb a ridge and continue southeast toward the Lava Tower, a striking 300 ft volcanic rock formation. After a short stop, the descent continues through the scenic Senecio Forest to Barranco Camp, situated at 13,000 ft. Although the starting and ending elevations are similar, the time spent at higher altitude is crucial for acclimatization.
Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
On day six of the 11 Days Lemosho Crater Itinerary, after breakfast, you will begin summiting Barranco Wall. It is recommended to start early to avoid crowds from other groups. Once you reach the top, you can rest and take photos in front of the magnificent Kibo Volcano. Subsequently, the trek continues along a route with several ascents and descents until reaching Karanga Camp. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a warm lunch, followed by an acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp with a 300-meter gain, before returning to Karanga Camp.
Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp:
Acclimatization Hike:
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Day seven of your 11 Days Lemosho Crater Itinerary starts with breakfast at Karanga Camp. Afterwards, you will hike to Barafu Camp (4,640 m), which serves as the base for your night summit attempt to Uhuru Peak. Meanwhile, your team will have pre-set your tents and sleeping arrangements so you can relax before the acclimatization hike. Following this, you will complete a short acclimatization walk to Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m) and then return to Barafu Camp for dinner. Finally, it is best to rest and prepare for the summit attempt later that night.
Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp:
Acclimatization Hike:
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
On day eight of the 11 Days Lemosho Crater Itinerary, you will begin your summit attempt at midnight. Throughout the climb, you will ascend slowly and steadily, taking frequent short breaks to manage the altitude. Eventually, the trail becomes steep scree leading to the crater rim. Upon reaching Stella Point (5,756 m), you will see the summit sign in the distance. Finally, you reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa.
After celebrating your summit, the descent begins to Crater Camp, where the team will have prepared tents. If desired, you can explore Reusch Crater and the ash pit, or walk around Furtwängler Glacier. During this high-altitude stay, your guides will monitor your health closely to prevent altitude-related complications.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp
Accommodation: Crater Camp
Day nine of your 11 Days Lemosho Crater Itinerary involves descending from Crater Camp to Mweka Camp. After an early breakfast, you will begin your descent, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Meanwhile, the rocky trail will test your knees, so trekking poles are recommended. Later in the afternoon, you will arrive at Mweka Camp in the upper forest zone. In the evening, enjoy your final dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.
Crater Camp to Mweka Camp
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
On day ten of the 11 Days Lemosho Crater Itinerary, you will wake up in a tropical rainforest and feel relief from the altitude. After breakfast, the trek continues to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), marking the official end of your climb. Following this, the group will gather for a celebration and certificate presentation. Finally, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi Town, where you can relax after an incredible journey.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort or Similar
The final day of your 11 Days Lemosho Crater Itinerary begins with breakfast at your hotel. Then, enjoy a short walk around Moshi town before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, connect with a local flight to Zanzibar. Overall, this concludes your remarkable 11 Days Lemosho Crater Itinerary, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Africa’s highest peak.
Price in $$ Per person sharing
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