Climb Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route with Berg Adventures
Lemosho Traverse
This is the ultimate experience on Africa’s greatest mountain, Kilimanjaro. Beginning at the western edge of Kilimanjaro, we traverse the wild and unspoiled Shira Plateau to reach the Kibo Circuit approach to the crater rim. We take extra days to acclimatize because we will have the option of actually sleeping inside the crater of Kilimanjaro, at 18,700 feet. Berg Adventures holds a special permit to use this area based on our excellent safety and environmental record. This is an exclusive chance to camp within the Kilimanjaro’s inner crater, against the backdrop of towering glacial walls of ice.
Climbing at this elevation is a serious undertaking. Equipment of the highest quality is used to ensure the comfort and safety of our climbers and our staff, as well as to protect the delicate and unique environment of Kilimanjaro. We carry medical oxygen, pulse oximeters and a Gamow bag and bring with us years of experience and judgment gained on the highest peaks of the world.
In addition Berg Adventures guides, cooks, camp staff and porters are the finest on the mountain. We are known for our exceptionally high standards of service and for our team spirit. We have a great deal of fun and the camaraderie between our climbers and staff is legendary.
This itinerary is for the climb only portion of your trip; our safari itineraries begin immediately after your climb. See detailed descriptions of our Wildlife Safari options.
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Depart from home.
Day 2 – Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met by our staff and transferred to your hotel.
- Altitude: 4,500ft (1,371m)
- Overnight Arusha
Climbers are welcomed to Tanzania by BAI staff
Day 3 – Team orientation in the morning, packing and trip preparation. Spend the afternoon visiting the markets of Arusha with your BAI guides, or sleep off jet lag.
- Altitude: 4,500ft (1,371m)
- Overnight Arusha
Our staff are always ready to help you sort out the necessary gear for the mountain.
The colorful markets of Arusha
Day 4 – Drive to Lemosho Glades 6,890ft (2100m). Meet the rest of the BAI staff and porters. Hike to Big Tree Camp in a beautiful old growth forest.
- Altitude: 6,890ft (2100m) - 9,200ft (2804m)
- Vertical Gain: 2,310ft (704m)
- Distance: 3 miles (5 km)
- Trekking Time: 3-4 Hours
- Overnight Big Tree Camp
Starting the climb through lush green forests
Berg Adventures climbers are always welcomed at camp with song and dance from our entertaining staff.
Day 5 – We cross the spectacular and remote Shira Ridge, then descend a short distance to Shira I Camp on the Shira Plateau 11,450 ft (3500m).
- Altitude: 9,200ft (2804m) - 11,450ft (3500m)
- Vertical Gain: 2,250ft (696m)
- Distance: 6 miles (10km)
- Trekking Time: 6-8 Hours
- Overnight Shira I Camp
BAI support staff, carrying medical supplies, with stunning views of Kilimanjaro ahead
Shira Camp
Day 6 – Today we move even higher to the Moir Camp, 13,500 ft. (4114m). This spectacular camp is located beneath the Northern Ice Fields of Kilimanjaro.
- Altitude: 11,450ft (3500m). - 13,500ft (4114m)
- Vertical Gain: 2,050ft (614m)
- Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km)
- Trekking Time: 3-4 Hours
- Overnight Moir Camp
Approaching Moir Camp
Celebrating another great day of climbing
Beautiful Moir Camp in the evening
Day 7 – We ascend through the moorland and alpine desert zones to the Lava Camp at 15,090 ft. (4600m).
- Altitude: 13,500ft (4114 m) - 15,090ft (4600m)
- Vertical Gain: 1,590ft (486m)
- Distance: 3 miles (5 km)
- Trekking Time: 2-3 Hours
- Overnight Lava Camp
Lava Camp
Climbing the Lava Tower
Day 8 – Travel from Lava Camp, we climb up the Barranco Wall to Karanga Valley Camp, 13,900 feet (4235m).
- Altitude: 15,090ft (4600m) - 13,900ft (4235m)
- Vertical Loss: 1,190ft (365m)
- Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
- Trekking Time: 7-9 Hours
- Overnight Karanga Valley Camp
The Barranco Wall is always a fun day on Kilimanjaro but here it shows that proper leadership and equipment (like helmets provided by BAI) is necessary for success!
Day 9 – - From Karanga Valley Camp we climb past the crowded Barafu Camp and make our way to our BAI secluded special use permit camp at 15,970 feet (4867m).
- Altitude: 13,900ft (4235m) – 15,790ft(4867m)
- Vertical Gain: 2070ft (632m)
- Distance: 2.2 miles (3.5km)
- Trekking Time: 3-4 Hours
- Overnight Special Use High Camp
Calling in a dispatch early in the morning before the climb to BAI Special Use Camp
Climbers should always be prepared for the weather to change as they climb higher on Kilimanjaro.
Day 10 – Today we climb during the daylight hours to reach Stella Point on the Crater Rim (18,840 ft. / 5,742 m). After an amazing high altitude lunch we will have the option of continuing on to the summit (19,340 ft. / 5894m). Our Crater Camp, surrounded by towering walls of glacial ice at 18,700 feet (5700m), will already be established when we arrive.
- Altitude: 15,970ft(4867m)- 19,340 (5,895m)
- Vertical Gain: 3370ft (1018m)
- Distance: 10 miles (16km)
- Trekking Time: 8-10 Hours
- Overnight Crater Camp
Check out this video taken by Bob Birkby of climbers preparing for their summit from BAI’s Special Use High Camp.
Brother and sister stand proud at Uhuru Peak, the Summit of Kilimanjaro 19,340ft
Descending to Crater Camp from the Summit of Kilimanjaro
Day 11 – Alternate Summit day; some groups decide to go for a morning time summit; this will involve only 1 ½ hour climb above our Crater Camp. Alternately this morning might be used to walk to the Ash Pit, the steaming vent where Kilimanjaro last erupted. In either case we will leave the Crater in the morning for our long descent all the way to the forest and the thick air of lower altitudes. We descend to Mweka Camp near 10,000 feet at the top of the forest.
- Altitude: 18,700ft (5700m) - 10,000ft (3048m)
- Vertical Loss: 8,700ft (2652m)
- Distance: 11 miles (18km)
- Trekking Time: 8-10 Hours
- Overnight Mweka Camp
A map of the top of Kilimanjaro and the Crater Camp where you have the option of spending an unforgettable night before your second possible summit day.
Life is not so bad at Crater Camp!
After a summit of Kilimanjaro there is always time to play around the glaciers on the crater rim .
Day 12 – We walk through the forest to the park gate, where our Land Cruisers are waiting to take us back to Arusha. After a festive and relaxing celebration with our mountain staff at the gate, we will return to our hotel in Arusha for hot showers and comfortable beds with clean sheets.
- Altitude: 10,000ft (3048m) - 4,500ft (1371m)
- Vertical Loss: 5,500ft (1677m)
- Overnight Arusha – Mount Meru Hotel
A climb of Kilimanjaro hardly feels complete without a celebration with our staff. The singing and dancing is just too contagious!
Day 13 – Depart Kilimanjaro international Airport. BAI trip end dates.
Day 14 – Arrive in home country.