The more adventurous version of the 9 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route. Ascending via the Western Breach has increased danger of rockfall and so has a separate mandatory waiver form for those that want to ascend this route. Nevertheless, absolutely spectacular and affords the ability to see much of the mountain that others don’t.

Please note: This route is inherently more dangerous than other routes for 2 reasons. Firstly, the amount of time spent at high altitude and accessing the western breach. This route should only be undertaken by fit individuals with experience of altitude and adventurous training.

Hike Distance – 42 miles / 67km

Vertical Gain – 12,451ft / 3795m

Drop – 13,961ft / 4,255m

Trekking Time – 44 hours

DAY 1 – LEMOSHO FOREST

START – 6,890FT / 2100M

END – 8,695FT / 2650M

DISTANCE – 4 MILES / 7KM

TIME – 4-6 HRS

CLIMATE ZONE – AFROMONTANE FOREST

After breakfast you depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park. At the gate your crew finalise packing and after finishing with formalities you return to your vehicle for another 30 minutes or so until you arrive at the start of the Lemosho Trail. Today’s hiking is through verdant afromontane forest and is steep in places. A picnic lunch is usually taken on trail during the hike before reaching Forest Camp for the night.

DAY 2 – SHIRA 1

START – 8,695FT / 2650M

END – 11,844FT / 3610M

DISTANCE – 4 MILES / 7KM

TIME – 5-7 HRS

CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH

From the forested slopes of Lemosho you ascend through Podocarpus and Juniper forest and break out of the forest on to the heath zone and the Shira Plateau. A hot lunch is taken at Shira 1 Camp and the rest of the afternoon is spent relaxing and acclimatising to the new environment.

DAY 3 – SHIRA 2

START – 11,844FT / 3610M

END – 12,632FT / 3850

DISTANCE – 6 MILES / 10KM

TIME – 3-5 HRS

CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH

After a relatively long hike and significant altitude gain, today is a short day and you arrive in Shira 2 camp well in time for lunch. A good day for acclimatisation with the option of an afternoon walk with your guides exploring the Shira Plateau.

DAY 4 – MOIR HUT

START – 12,632FT / 3850M

END – 13,780 / 4200M

DISTANCE – 6 MILES / 10KM

TIME – 4-6 HRS

CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT

From the Shira Plateau we head up to the very base of the Kibo massif. The hike is not overly steep and by lunch time we are in camp and take a hot lunch and then time to relax. An afternoon acclimatisation hike is a good option, this area is awash with flank eruptions that build the base of Kilimanjaro.

DAY 5 – LAVA TOWER

START – 13,780FT / 4200M

END – 15,093FT / 4600M

DISTANCE – 4 MILES / 7KM

TIME – 4-6 HRS

CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT

Another half day today as you start to cross glacial valleys on the western side of the mountain. By not ascending much today we allow our bodies better acclimatisation. A half day where lunch is taken in camp. In the afternoon there is time to go for an acclimatisation walk before dinner.

DAY 6 – ARROW GLACIER

START – 15,093FT / 4600M

END – 16,087FT / 4903M

DISTANCE – 0.6 MILES / 1KM

TIME – 1-2 HRS

CLIMATE ZONE – ARCTIC

The ascent to Arrow Glacier is relatively short and leaves plenty of time to rest for a large part of the day. Short walks are possible with the guides to enjoy views of the Great Barranco Wall and remnants of the once mighty glaciers that filled the breach before having dinner and an early night.

DAY 7 – CRATER CAMP

START – 16,0871FT / 4903M

END – 18,866FT / 5750M

DISTANCE – 2 MILES / 3KM

TIME – 6-8 HRS

CLIMATE ZONE – ARCTIC

The starting time this morning will be dependent on the previous day’s guides assessment of the weather, temperature, ice and snowfall conditions. All ascents are relatively early to avoid the part of the day when significant thawing occurs. Ascent to the crater floor takes around 4 to 6 hours and a picnic refuel stop is taken near the top of the breach wall. Once on the crater floor there is time to rest and for those that are feeling strong a hike to the ash pit is a superb option.

DAY 8 – KILIMANJARO SUMMIT / MWEKA CAMP

START – 18,866FT / 5750M

END – 10,171FT / 3100M

DISTANCE – 8 MILES / 13KM

TIME – 7-9 HRS

CLIMATE ZONE – ARCTIC, ALPINE DESERT, HEATH, AFROMONTANE FOREST

Unlike other routes with a night time ascent, your hike selection affords you a day time ascent to the summit. Leaving an hour before dawn you ascend to the Roof of Africa! From here you descend to Mweka Camp for the evening. Dinner and overnight Mweka Camp. Alt 3,100m,10,171ft (full board).

DAY 9 – ARUSHA

START – 10,171FT / 3100M

END – 5,381FT / 1640M

DISTANCE – 6 MILES / 10KM

TIME – 3-4 HRS

CLIMATE ZONE – AFROMONTANE FOREST

After breakfast you descend once again through afromontane forest and around midday, after lunch, diplomats collection and saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your lodge for a well deserved shower! Later that evening you will be visited by a Trip Champions representative to congratulate you, to find out how the trip went and to answer any final questions you may have about your onward journey.

END OF YOUR 9 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

9 Days Lemosho route Includes:

• Park fees, (entry fee camping/hut fees & rescue fees crew fees)

• 18% VAT on tour fees & services

• Three health and fresh meals

• Professional and experienced mountain Guide

• Professional and experienced cooks.

• Transportation to & from the airport

• Transportation to & from the mountain gates

• Enough number of porters for your luggage, food, water, and camping equipment.

• Food, shelters, and fair wages for the porters, cooks, and guides

• Camping gears (sleeping tents, dining tents, tables, chairs, and cooking gear)

• Radio and cell phone communication that help us to stay in contact within and outside the group therefore we can respond almost instantaneously to whatever issue that may arise

• We provide our guides with professional first aids kits and pulse oximeters for daily updates of acclimatization progress

• Assistance with climbing permit procedure

9 Days Lemosho route Excludes:

• Personal porters

• All international and domestic flights

• Tourist Visas

• Medical and Travel insurance

• Tips to mountain crew

• Mountain trekking gears e.g. walking poles (available for hire upon request)

• Sleeping Bag (available for hire upon request)

• A portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$200 per toilet + toilet tent)

• Others; Extra expenses as food or drinks separate from those described in the itinerary, satellite phone calls, transference fees, and other services not specified as included.

• Any other alterations to our itineraries

• Emergency Oxygen