Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) is one of the most famous peaks not only in Africa but also in the world. Climbing it is part of the program "7 peaks" and attracts thousands of tourists every year.
In this program we suggest climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route, which runs along the western slopes of the mountain. This route has several advantages. First, thanks to the long duration (10 days, of which 8 days are on the mountain) and a smooth ascent the participants can get an optimal acclimatization. It is the insufficient adaptation to altitude that makes the majority of Kili climbers on other routes turn off the trail. Lemosho does well with this, with a success rate of about 90%, surpassing all other routes except the unofficial Northern Circuit.
Second, Lemosho is considered one of the most beautiful routes. In addition to the classic landscapes of Kilimanjaro, travelers can enjoy views of the Shire Highlands – one of the largest high mountain plateaus in the world.
Third, this route is one of the most deserted. For the first few days, before the trail converges with Machame and Umbwe, the group will walk all alone, enjoying the pristine nature of Africa. With some luck, you may see elephants, antelope, buffalo, and other inhabitants of the region in these areas.
Take a note. Consider also our climbing Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe route. This is a classic program that we have been conducting for more than 6 years.
And if you want to climb as quickly and on a budget as possible, our route to Kili with local guides may be suitable for you.
If to Tanzania, then to a safari too! We offer safari programs in the parks of Ngorongoro and Tarangire (4 days), as well as Serengeti and Ngorongoro (6 days).
The Lemosho route implies smooth qualitative acclimatization, thanks to which the success rate of ascents on it is 90%.
We have been climbing Kili for many years and have helped hundreds of climbers to get to the top.
We do not cancel or reschedule groups. If manager gave the go-ahead to buy the ticket, you can buy it with confidence. Through our fault there will be no cancellation.
The cooks cook the food, the porters carry the stuff. Your job is to enjoy!
Experienced Team Leaders of Kuluar Club, who have been to Tanzania many times, will accompany participants throughout the program.
Our manager has been to Tanzania personally and will advise you knowledgeably.
More than 15,000 participants have already been with Kuluar and 97.8% have been satisfied. We are sure you will be too!
Participants of the Kilimanjaro ascent meet at the airport in Moshi, Tanzania. From there we move to the hotel, where we rest after the long journey. In the evening the team leader will give a briefing with all the details of the upcoming adventure.
In the morning we drive from Moshi to the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, called Londorossi Gate, located on the western side of the volcano. Here we will need to arrange the necessary documents, as well as pack all the necessary things and equipment. Then we will start hiking part of the climb of Kilimanjaro. The goal of the day is Mti Mkubwa camp, the way to which takes about three hours through the jungle. At the place we will have a delicious lunch and prepared tents waiting for us. In the afternoon we walk up the hillside for a better acclimatization.
The climb of Kilimanjaro via Lemosho route continues, and today we will ascend to Camp Shira 1, located on the plateau of the same name. In about an hour and a half after leaving the sleeping place we will reach the 3,000-meter mark. At this altitude the forest zone will end and be replaced by grassy savannah. The first views of Kibo Volcano, the highest peak in Kili, will open up to us. After passing several hills we will climb the Shira Highlands – a picturesque place with majestic rocks and unique vegetation. During the day we'll walk about six kilometers, and travel time will be 5-6 hours.
Today we have a relatively easy hike with a slight elevation gain on the Shire HIghlands. We enjoy the scenery of alpine meadows and the view of the approaching Kilimanjaro. Camp Shira 2 is located in a picturesque location next to a creek. It is also used by climbers following the Machame route, so the trail will become more crowded starting from this point. After lunch, we will climb a couple hundred meters more to get better accustomed to the altitude, and then go down to camp for the night.
Not an easy day, which will be key in the question of acclimatization. The first part of it is to go to the foot of the Lava Tower, a massive 100-meter cliff located at an altitude of 4,600 meters. The ascent to it will not be easy and will take about five hours. Here we will have lunch and try to spend a couple of hours to adapt to the altitude and ease the subsequent ascent to the summit. After a hearty lunch we will have a two-hour descent to Barranco camp, which is located at the foot of the wall of the same name. In the evening we will enjoy an unforgettable sunset as a reward for the difficult climb.
The first part of the trip is climbing of Barranco Wall, which at first glance seems impregnable, but in reality is not so scary. The greatest difficulty is not the terrain you have to climb, but the queues of tourists and "traffic" on the way, so we will try to get out as early as possible to avoid them. The ascent to the wall will take about an hour and then a series of ascents and descents will bring us to Karanga camp at an altitude of just under four kilometers. Many climbers start showing symptoms of mountain sickness here, but we will feel fine after yesterday's ascent to Lava Tower.
After morning meal we will have a five-hour hike to the high altitude Barafu Camp, from where the next night we will start the climb of the summit of Kilimanjaro. After lunch we walk up the slope of the volcano to Kosovo Camp (4,800 m) to better adapt to the altitude. We go to bed early, because at midnight we have to get up and get ready to go out.
This is the decisive day of our ascent of Kilimanjaro via Lemosho route! We will try to climb the highest point of Kibo volcano, Uhuru Peak. It will not be easy, so the participants will have to do their best to reach the goal. We will leave Barafu Camp around 1am. The hardest part of the climb will be the route to Stella Point (5,756 m). Around this point we will encounter a sunrise that will be one of the most beautiful you have ever seen in your life. After that it will become warmer and easier. In about an hour we will reach the main summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak. We take commemorative photos on the highest peak in Africa, rest, and start walking down.
We take the special Mweka descent route to Millenium Camp.
We continue our descent to the exit of Kilimanjaro National Park. Here, at the Mweka gate, the hiking part of our journey will end. We will once again celebrate our achievement together, say goodbye to the local support team, and move to the hotel in Moshi, where we can rest after all our adventures on the mountain.
The Lemosho climb of Kilimanjaro is over, it's time to fly home. Or you can continue your vacation in Tanzania by going on safari or to the paradise island of Zanzibar.
You must not have any of the diseases on this list in order to participate in the program
A yellow fever vaccination is not necessary to visit Tanzania. The exception is if you are traveling from potentially dangerous countries (mostly central Africa).
There are no vaccinations against malaria, you don't need to take medicine in advance either - it's a big burden on the organism. Just in case, we buy medicines against malaria on the spot, but there have been no cases in our groups yet.
Subject to weather conditions, conditions and general wishes of the group the guide has the right to make changes in the itinerary.
Citizens of the USA and EU have to get a visa to the passport on arrival. The fee is $100 and $50.
Climbing Kilimanjaro opens to you many peaks. After Kili we recommend:
We have prepared for you the Kilimanjaro Commemorative Medal, which you will receive after the ascent.
You need to buy your tickets in advance, as soon as we confirm your participation in the trek.
Our recommendations for flight selection services can be found in this article.
You need good insurance to participate in the program. Please do not ignore this point. It has saved some participants thousands of dollars. Our recommendations for insurance can be found here: "Insurance for Kuluar Hikes Participants".
On arrival in Moshi you can rent some equipment:
Prices are for the whole period of the ascent (6 days) as of 2020. The actual prices may vary slightly.
Unlike most other well-known mountains, Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of year. But in April, May and November it is the "rainy season," which makes the rocks slippery. There are far fewer people on the mountain at this time. See our timetable and choose the best dates!
Kilimanjaro has a pronounced altitude belt. At the beginning of the program in the jungle can be +25 and above, and on the sixth day, when the summit is stormed, the temperature can drop to -10 degrees and below. Because of this it is important to choose the right clothes and sleeping bag. Read the relevant section.
The best way to prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro is to run. Start training 3-4 months before the start of the program, gradually increasing the running time. A good result can be considered a 10-kilometer run without stopping. If you have any doubts about your physical condition, please contact our manager for advice.
To participate in the ascent of Kilimanjaro, it is recommended to have experience in hiking in mountains above 3000 meters. But even if you have not been at such a height, then if you are in good physical shape, you can take part in the program. Due to the geographical location of the mountain, acclimatization is easier here, so the chance of a successful ascent is quite high even for beginners.
During the program, participants do not have the opportunity to charge phones and other devices, so it is worth stocking up on spare batteries or power banks.
The cost depends on the number of participants:
Total additional expenses will be about $400 + airflights. Take a few hundred dollars for souvenirs.
*Please note: It is not the manager's task to select an individual flight for each participant. The manager gives general recommendations, based on his experience and shares flights of other participants, so you can fly together. It's up to the participant to select and purchase his own convenient airticket. If you want the manager to buy you a ticket, book a hotel or an extra excursion, read the conditions on the page: additional services.
Full payment for the program is made on the first day of the trip to the guide in dollars.
To reserve a place in the group you need to make a prepayment of $250. You can do it by contacting us or by using the payment form on the website.
Important: The cancellation prepayment must be paid back:
In case of quitting the route you won't get your money back.
Friends! It's compulsory to take 2006 or newer dollars to Africa. Dollars from 2003 and the 90's are not accepted! Thank you for your understanding and new dollars to all:)
