Tanzania, Mount Kilimajaro
This trip is for: Friends, Couples & Solos
Trip Length: 11 days • 10 nights
Activity Levels: Strenuous Hiking
Hotels: Premium Hotels, Luxury Tented Camps
Elevation Reached
• 19,341 ft
• 19,341 ft
From $4,500/person
Dates & Prices »
Dates & Prices »
Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Trek to the Roof of Africa
Mount Kilimanjaro offers an unparalleled variety of experiences
At 19,341 feet, the ice-capped roof of Mount Kilimanjaro towers high above the African plains. It is an awe-inspiring sight. As the least technical of the famed Seven Summits, Kilimanjaro is an excellent objective for aspiring climbers chasing their first major summit and for trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Mountain Gurus has an approximately 98% success rate on Kilimanjaro. We take great pride in our ability to offer safe and exciting climbs to the top of Africa’s tallest mountain.
Our 11-day expedition follows the Lemosho Route to Uhuru Peak, also known as Kibo’s Summit. This is widely considered the most scenic route on the mountain as it traverses from the Shira Plateau Western Breach and Lava Tower to the Barranco Wall under the mountain’s impressive southern glaciers. The Lemosho Route allows for an additional night of acclimatization while crossing the vast Shira Plateau before connecting with the Machame Route, making summit day more achievable.
Our guides are trained professionals, and our mountain services are simply fantastic. We are members of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) because we are committed to paying our porters fair and ethical wages and equipping them with proper gear. Our climbing itineraries may be extended with magnificent safaris to the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, famous for their abundant wildlife and unforgettable landscapes.
Tanzania • Start Arusha • End Arusha Travel & Airport details »
Tour Highlights
- 11 days of adventure in Tanzania
- English speaking trekking guides
- Our trek allows ample time for acclimatization and allows you to trek at your own pace
- Guided climb of Kilimanjaro on the Lemosho route
- Fully supported trek includes porter service
- Scheduled airport transfers
- Emergency oxygen and O2 sat meter
- 3 nights at a premium hotel in Arusha
- 7 nights in a tented camp on the Lemosho route
- 10 Breakfast, 8 Lunch, 7 Dinner
“It was a fabulous trip! The entire crew were absolutely fantastic! Just wanted to share how outstanding everyone was and how smoothly the entire trek went!” ~ Mark H., summited 2023
DAY 1
Arrive Arusha, Tanzania
Arrive late evening at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania (JRO). Mountain Gurus representatives will transfer you to the hotel.
The Arusha Hotel, Arusha (2 nights)
DAY 2
Gear check and orientation
Today we relax in Arusha, the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro and the legendary Serengeti National Park. In the afternoon we gather for an orientation and gear check at our lodge with our guide.
The Arusha Hotel, Arusha (2 nights)
DAY 3
First day on Kilimanjaro
We enjoy breakfast at our hotel in Arusha, then drive approximately two hours through the countryside to the Londorossi Gate on the west side of Kilimanjaro. We walk three hours through a peaceful forest to our camp for the night. With luck, we will catch sight of Colobus monkeys and signs of elephants and other forest wildlife as we walk to camp.
Tented Camp at Big Tree (1 night)
Activity Strenuous Hiking
DAY 4-5
The Shira Plateau
If we take our time as we walk through the forest, we will be more likely to spot some of the abundant birds and animals that live on the flanks of Kilimanjaro. We watch the vegetation change as we ascend through the Montane and Hagenia forest zones. After a night’s rest, we hike cross the Shira Plateau, a World Heritage Site, and then up the western slope of the Kibo Massif. We camp in the upper heath zone with a spectacular view of the Western Breach.
Tented Camp at Shira 1 (1 night)
Tented Camp at Moir Camp (1 night)
Activity Strenuous Hiking
DAY 6-7
Acclimatize in the Barranco and Karanga Valleys
Our trek takes us up to 14,000 feet just below Lava Tower and then down to our camp in the Great Barranco Valley, providing valuable acclimatization. From there, we enjoy some of the best possible views of the Great Breach Wall. The next day, we climb up out of the valley and again ascend above 14,000 feet. We traverse under the glaciers on the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro before descending into the Karanga Valley for the night. This final night below 14,000 feet before attempting the summit greatly increases the odds of a successful summit day.
Tented Camp at Barranco (1 night)
Tented Camp at Karanga (1 night)
Activity Strenuous Hiking
DAY 8
Kosovo High Camp
We continue our traverse from the Karanga Valley with close-up views of the Kilimanjaro’s Southern Glaciers. After walking for about two hours, we ascend 2,000 feet to Kosovo Camp. We are now within striking distance of the Roof of Africa.
Tented Camp at Kosovo Camp (1 night)
Activity Strenuous Hiking
DAY 9
Trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro
We start our summit ascent well before dawn. This will allow us to be near the crater rim as the morning sun is rising. After taking in the view from Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest point, we begin the long descent to Mweka Hut where we camp for the night.
Tented Camp at Mweka (1 night)
Activity Strenuous Hiking
DAY 10
Descend to Arusha
Today we descend the final 4,500 feet to the road, where we eat lunch and drive to our hotel to shower, rest, and re-pack.
The Arusha Hotel, Arusha (1 night)
Activity Strenuous Hiking
DAY 11
Departure (If not continuing on safari)
We transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport, or continue on an unforgettable five-day safari.
DAY 11-15
Extend your stay with a Serengeti Safari
Embark on a five-day safari exploring the very best of Tanzania’s national parks. We’ll spend our nights in premium lodges and luxury tented safari camps, and our days taking in the sights of the most fabulous wildlife and scenery in all of Africa.
This fully supported itinerary includes all meals and land transportation, as well as the friendly and knowledgeable tour guide staff you’ve come to expect from Mountain Gurus. Tanzania, Serengeti Safari »
Premium Lodge in Karatu Town (1 night)
Luxury Tented Camps in Serengeti National Park (3 nights)
Premium Hotels, Luxury Tented Camps
Our hand-selected hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore. In the mountains, our tented camps offer superior comfort and amenities born of our years of experience refining what camp life can mean*
NIGHTS 1-2, 10
The Arusha Hotel in Arusha
Your adventure begins and ends in Arusha, the gateway to the natural marvels of Tanzania. You’ll stay at The Arusha Hotel, a modern and nicely appointed hotel chosen for its convenient location for our tour and its high standards for guests’ comfort.
NIGHTS 3-9
Tented Camps on Mount Kilimanjaro
We are immensely proud of the quality of our tented camp experience on Mount Kilimanjaro which offers a spacious, comfortable dining tent and 4-season sleeping tents while on the mountain, full-backed dining chairs and private toilet tent, as well as healthful fresh meals prepared by professional mountain cooks.
*Hotels may vary based on departure.
The Lemosho Climb is the premium route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. It sees less traffic than other routes and offers an incredibly beautiful and pristine wilderness journey including a crossing of the Shira Plateau World Heritage Site. This itinerary features a longer, slower ascent, giving our bodies more time to acclimatize. As such, we have an exceptionally high success rate on this route.
Mountain Gurus has been leading trips to East Africa and Tanzania since 2001. We know Kilimanjaro and we know how to provide safe, successful and enjoyable treks. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned trekker, a journey to Mount Kilimanjaro is an awe-inspiring adventure.
Tanzania
• Start Arusha • End Arusha
International Destinations
Itineraries reflect the date and time you will need to arrive in country for a program. Mountain Gurus programs begin and end in-country in the destination city. When booking your flight, you will need to account for travel time and crossing the international dateline if needed. It is easiest to give your booking agent the day and time you will need to arrive.
Entry/Visa
A passport and visa are required for travel to Tanzania. American citizens should obtain a visa prior to arriving in Tanzania. The fee for a tourist visa is $100 for 12 month multiple-entry.
Meals
All meals are provided as per meal schedule.
Gear
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a pre-departure information packet upon booking. For your safety and comfort, it is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list. Request a detailed itinerary.
Things you should know about this trip
What are the physical requirements needed for this trek?
To climb Mount Kilimanjaro, you must be able to hike for 6 to 8 hours per day while carrying a small daypack. Porters will carry all overnight gear and group expedition equipment. For your comfort, your daypack will not weigh more than 15 to 20 pounds. On the longest days, you will ascend between 2,000 and 3,000 vertical feet. To fully enjoy this expedition, you should have strong hiking skills and excellent physical fitness. No technical mountaineering is required on this trek.
Who will guide my trek?
Our Lemosho treks are led by a Tanzanian guide with extensive experience with our trekking teams. Your guide will be assisted by additional Tanzanian guides and porters. Our guides and staff are native to the Kilimanjaro area.
On occasion we offer specialty treks led by an experienced American mountain guide. These climbs typically cost more due to the expense of hiring a Western guide.
What are the Kilimanjaro trekking seasons?
The best periods to trek are December through March and June through October. Tanzania experiences a long rainy season from March to May, and a short rainy season in November.
What is Mountain Gurus' summit success rate?
Our Mount Kilimanjaro climbs sees very high success rates. Over many years, we have led 98% of our climbers to the summit. We customize this trek to provide a slightly longer, slower ascent, which allows climbers more time to acclimatize to the altitude, greatly increasing your chance of summiting.
Although the route we take to the summit of Kilimanjaro is less steep and challenging than climbing routes on the other Seven Summits, our guides must still be alert for other hazards, and altitude is foremost among them. The symptoms of altitude illness can range from mild headaches to more serious issues such Acute Mountain Sickness and edema. These ailments must be recognized and treated promptly. Our guides pride themselves on their ability to recognize and treat altitude ailments before they become serious.
Our local trek leader has summited Kilimanjaro more than 100 times, and our guides and support staff can show you the best of Tanzanian wildlife and culture throughout your adventure. All of our guides speak English fluently and are trained in Wilderness First Aid. Mountain Gurus will see you safely to the summit and ensure your adventure is enjoyable, memorable and safe!
Do you offer custom or private safari options?
Why not have your family and friends join you on safari after your climb? From luxury lodges and camps to unforgettable safaris, Mountain Gurus can plan a getaway for you on Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. Contact our team for options!
Learn more about this tour? Request a detailed itinerary.
Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, gear list, and more. Let us help you plan your adventure.
