Kilema Kyaro (Kilimanjaro) Climb via Lemosho Route (11 days / 10 nights)
11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS
group departure dates
2024
january 17 - 27
august 23 - september 2
december 24, 2024 - january 3, 2025
As part of the mission of Equity Global Treks, we are organizing a climb to the summit of Kilema Kyaro - the correct & indigenous name of Kilimanjaro - to elevate the roles of women as porters and guides.
Kilema Kyaro is one of the 7 Summits - and the highest peak in Africa. It's completely non-technical but what makes it challenging is the altitude. More than anything, a climb up this peak is a mental game. There are various routes one can take to the peak but the rule is to go as slow as possible for a successful summit day. As the locals say, "POLE, POLE! (Swahili for slowly, slowly). It's the only way to go. The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail that takes you to the summit and it provides a longer time to acclimatize to increase the chances of a successful summit.
This trek is open to everyone and is led by female guides and porters to elevate their roles in the outdoor travel industry. We will have a mix of male and female porters as part of our mission to create inclusion in the industry.
THE PORTER VOICE COLLECTIVE
Collectively, we
Listen.
Celebrate.
Amplify.
Elevate.
The Porter Voic
This trek is also in support of the work to elevate the voices of the porters via The Porter Voice Collective (PVC). Portion of the trip cost will be used to support the work of the PVC in Kilimanjaro to tell stories from the viewpoint of the porters. The funds will be used towards supporting the PVC film crew in Tanzania by way of gear purchases and in employing filmmakers/videographers to create video interviews and documentaries about the lives of porters in Kilimanjaro. The PVC works with porters in Nepal, Peru and Tanzania by creating content that celebrates, amplifies and elevates their voices.
Read The Fight for Workforce Equity in Kilimanjaro
We will run this program in compliance with the fair and equitable treatment of porters in Kilimanjaro to include the following:
Paying them the minimum standard salary of $15 a day.
Ensuring that they do not pay for extra expenses on the trek.
Providing them with tents that are in good condition without overcrowding.
Providing them with a sleeping mat and sleeping bags/blankets.
Providing them with proper meals 3 times a day.
Ensuring that porters eat alongside tourists.
Ensuring that they have proper hiking clothes and shoes.
Ensuring they carry a maximum of 20 kgs.
Inclusion of women as porters.
Tipping is provided directly to the porters.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL AT KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Arrive at Kilimanjaro airport and then transfer to hotel in Moshi or similar for overnight.
DAY 2 - VISIT TO PORTERS' COMMUNITY
Today, we meet some of our porters and visit an actual community to learn more about their families and community. We encourage full immersion and interaction between our clients and the trekking team as a way to educate travelers about the realities of working as a porter and how you can be an ally in improving the current industry practices on the trails. Take this as an opportunity to become a more responsible tourist. In the afternoon, we do gear preparation.
DAY 3 - MOSHI (915 m/3,000 ft) to LONDROSSI GATE (2,250 m/7,380 ft) to LEMOSHO GLADES (2,000 m/6,560 ft) to MTI MKUBWA CAMP (2,750 m/9,948 ft)
Drive from Moshi to the Londorossi Park Gate early morning after having your breakfast. From Moshi to Londorossi Gate, it will takes about 4 hours where you will complete entry formalities. Then, we drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which leads to the first camp site at Mti Mkubwa.
Elevation: 7,742 ft. to 9,498 ft.
Distance: 6 km/ 4 miles
Hiking Time; 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
DAY 4 - MTI MKUBWA CAMP (2,750 m/9,498 ft) to SHIRA CAMP 1 (3,500 m/11,485 ft)
In the morning after the breakfast, we will continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we will reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
Elevation: 9498 ft. to 11,500 ft.
Distance: 8 km/ 5 miles
HikingTime: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath
DAY 5 - SHIRA 1 CAMP to MOIR CAMP (13,800 ft. / 4,205m)
After breakfast, we explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadow towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Elevation: 11,500 ft. to 13,800 ft.
Distance: 11 km/ 7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
DAY 6 - MOIR CAMP to LAVA TOWER (15,190 ft. / 4630 m) to BARRANCO CAMP (13,044 ft./ 3,975m)
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft. tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization. Overnight at Barranco Camp.
Elevation: 13, 800 ft. to 15, 190 ft.
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft. to 13,044 ft.
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 7 - BARRANCO CAMP to KARANGA CAMP (13,106 ft./ 3,995m)
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Elevation: 13,044 ft. to 13,106 ft.
Distance; 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 8 - KARANGA CAMP to BARAFU CAMP (15,331 ft./ 4,673m)
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Elevation: 13,106 ft. to 15,331 ft.
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 9 - BARAFU CAMP to UHURU PEAK (19,341 ft./ 4,750m)
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft.), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation: 15,331 ft. to 19,341 ft.
Distance: 5 km/ 3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19341 ft. to 10,065 ft.
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
DAY 10 - MWEKA CAMP ~ MWEKA GATE (6,000 ft. /1,830m)
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi. Overnight at hotel.
Elevation: 10,065 ft. to 5,380 ft.
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
DAY 11 - FLY HOME
The group will be transferred to Kilimanjaro airport.
NOTE: The guide and expedition team reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary to accommodate the group, as needed.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Watch the recording of our trip meeting on Kilimanjaro via this link.
TREK STYLE
This is a STRENUOUS trek. Recent hiking and/or backpacking experience is highly recommended. You will need to prepare in terms of cardio workout and consult with your doctor prior to joining the trip given the high altitude reaching up to almost 6000 meters / 20,000 feet. You will be required to familiarize yourself with the hazards and risks of high altitude trekking, sign a liability waiver and terms & conditions forms.
Read: How to Prepare for a Successful Climb of Mount Kilimanjaro
PRICING
$3375 per person
Minimum group size: 1
Maximum group size: 8
DEPOSIT: $840
A completed booking form and non-refundable deposit are required to book. Balance is due 90 days prior to the departure date.
Single supplement: $150 for 3 nights Hotel stay in Moshi
For solo hotel stay, a single supplement fee applies.
Private tours with your date of choosing are available upon request.
For questions, send us an email at equity@browngaltrekker.com.
Click on BOOK NOW to reserve your spot!
INCLUSIONS
Portable toilet tent.
3 Nights Hotel accommodations in Moshi.
Transportation to and from your selected route.
Transfer from Airport/Bus station in Moshi on arrival and return to airport/Bus station after climb.
Quality, Waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tent.
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs.
Certified, experienced, English speaking mountain guides.
All Tanzanian National Park Fees.
Government Climbing Taxes.
Climbing permits.
All hot Meals prepared by our cook while on Mountain.
Guides, Porters and Cook Salaries.
Fair and ethical treatment of Porters.
Enough porters to carry your luggage
Safety Equipment: Emergency Oxygen and Pulse Ox meter
Hot drinks at every meal.
Water provided on climb, mineral water for the first day and boiled water every day.
Emergency rescue fees
Personal Summit Certificate signed by the National Park and your Guide
EXCLUSIONS
Personal items and toiletries
Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain.
Tipping on Kilimanjaro from the trekking group (not per climber):
Guides: $20/day/guide
Cook: $15/day
Porter: $10/day/porter
Alcoholic/nonalcoholic drinks.
Laundry services International airfares and departure taxes
All items of person nature such as telephone call, fax, email etc.
Visa and International flight ticket fees.
GEAR LIST This will be provided to confirmed attendees.
COVID-19 TRAVEL CONDITIONS
Tanzania remains open to travelers with restrictions in place. Please consult with the U.S. State Department, the CDC website or the website of your embassy in Tanzania for up-to-date information on travel. The Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources promulgated the Standard Operating Procedures that remain in place. For reference, read Mt. Kilimanjaro is Open for Tourism. But is it Safe During the Pandemic?
FLIGHTS
International flights are excluded. You must fly to Kilimanjaro Airport from your home country. Clients must book their own flights and send a copy of their flight itinerary by e-mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date.
TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIRED
After making a deposit, you are required to obtain appropriate travel and medical evacuation insurance through Global Rescue. Proof of travel insurance must be provided via electronic mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date. Failure to obtain travel insurance by the trip balance due date will result in cancellation and no refund of your trip deposit and/or applicable cancellation fees as noted in the Terms & Conditions.
Note: If you opt to buy your insurance from a company other than what we recommend, please ensure that the insurance you purchase covers high-altitude trekking as there is a limited number of companies that provides such type of coverage.
VISA & VACCINATIONS
Please check ahead of time as to the visa requirements. You are responsible for securing your own visa if required. Check the CDC website for up-to-date information on vaccine requirements for Tanzania.
TRIP NOTES
Upon booking, you will receive trip notes that include the recommended gear list and specific trek information.