Welcome to the roof of Africa
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain on the African continent and a proud member of the so called “7 summits” – the club og highest summits on each continent. Your ultimate goal and Kilimanjaro`s highest peak is called Uhuru, situated at almost 6.000 meter (5,895 m.a.s.l.) Although technically easy to climb, solid condition and preparation is still required.
The Catamount Adventures expedition via the less frequented Lemosho route will give you an unforgettable experience and leaves sufficient time for the most important thing during the tour – acclimatisation. Acclimatisation means letting your body adjust to the heights. The better you are acclimatized, the higher the chance to reach the summit.
The “Lemosho route” starts at Londorossi Gate at the western part of Kilimanjaro National park and is probably the most beautiful, unspoilt and least frequented route.
You will hike through a variety of landscapes and climate zones like woods and dense rainforest followed by wider and more rocky terrain. You will probably spot monkeys and if you are lucky wild game on the way up.
We hike over the Shira plateau where the route merges with the Machame route, pass the famous Lava Tower and climb the great Barranco Wall before moving on to the south to Karanga Valley for the final approach of the summit. The route descents along the Mweka Route, a descent-only route.
The Catamount Adventure team with its long-experienced guides has climbed Kilimanjaro via all routes and many times. The Lemosho routes is our favourite route. However if requested, we will be more than happy to guide you on any alternative route you like.
Our experienced head guide on Kilimanjaro is our friend Johnrick Peter Hongoa. With his 27 years he has climbed Kilimanjaro over 30 times.
Like every local guide he started out as a porter. We met Johnrick on our first Kilimanjaro climb in 2015 where he also worked as a waiter in the kitchen-tent. This led to enjoyable conversations with him during the whole trip. With his charm, experience and sense of humor he knew how to calm us down and motivate us when we were tired or uncertain whether we would reach the summit.
We were convinced that he would become a great guide one day. Johnrick followed his dream and 4 years later we are working together as team Catamount-Adventures
Day by day, an outline:
Day 1: Flight to Kilimanjaro Airport
The trip starts
Day 2: Arrival | Moshi
You arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be met by a representative of Catamount Adventures, who will drive you to the Hotel in the small town of Moshi – a drive of approx. 1 hour. The city is strongly influenced by African culture and atmosphere and offers exotic experiences, not least in the local market and in the many small shops. In the afternoon there is a welcome meeting where the head guide will review your equipment and explain the upcoming days in detail. As a routine, every evening after dinner your head guide will give you a briefing about the next expedition day.
Day 3: Moshi | Londorossi Gate | Mti Mkubwa Camp
Height: Moshi: 915 m. | Londorossi Gate: 2,250 m. | Lemosho Glades: 2,000 m. | Mti Mkubwa Camp: 2,750 m.
Distance: 10 km
Time: 4 hours
Accommodation: Tent
You are driven from Moshi to Londorossi Gate together with the rest of your team (guides, cook and porters). Londorossi Gate is the western gateway to the Kilimanjaro National Park. The drive takes about 3 hours.
On arrival at Londorossi Gate there is check-in and registration. After registration you continue by Jeep to Lemosho Glades – a drive of approx. 45 min. From here, the ascension to the top of Kilimanjaro begins!
Kilimanjaro consists of three extinct volcanoes; Kibo with the highest point Uhuru (5,895 m above sea level), Mawenzi (5,149 m.) and Shira (3,962 m.). You walk through forests and rainforests, where you may be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the very rare and very beautiful black and white colobus monkeys or some of the forest’s many other animals. Because of the wildlife, one of the guides might be an armed ranger on this piece of route. Throughout your expedition the porters are in advance so your tent is always ready when you arrive at the Camp.
Day 4: Mti Mkubwa Camp | Shira 1 Camp | Shira 2 Camp
Height: Mti Mkubwa Camp: 2,750 m. | Shira 1 Camp: 3,500 m. | Shira 2 Camp: 3.840 m.
Distance: 20 km
Time: 12 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Today’s leg passes through the last part of the forest, and the landscape opens with wild flowers, grass and rocky paths. You wander over the famous Shira plateau with great views to Kibo and Mt. Meru. When you arrive at Shira 1 Camp, you have views to Kilimanjaro`s western breach, the western crater with its amazing glacier. You continue the ascension across the plateau to Shira 2 Camp. There are several routes to follow, which makes the day an excellent acclimatization day. During the hiking you can have a view to the huge Kibo massif, and you can also experience clouds at eye level.
Day 5: Shira Camp 2 – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Height: Shira 2 Camp: 3.840 m. | Lava Tower: 4.630 m. | Barranco Camp: 3,950 m.
Distance: 6 km
Time: 5 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Today you are walking eastwards. The landscape gets drier and more rocky the higher you come. Along the way you will be rewarded with great views to Kibo and Mt. Meru that stands out of the white clouds behind you. After a couple of hours of hiking you reach the famous Lava Tower, which originates from Kilimanjaro’s former volcanic activity.
After lunch at the foot of the Lava Tower, the descent is waiting for Barranco Camp, located in a valley below the Great Barranco Wall (the so called “breakfast wall”).
Today’s stage is really impressing but might also be challenging with regards to both terrain and height. Even if you end the day with only 110 meters more in altitudes, you have reached an additional elevation of 790 meters at the Lava Tower before heading down to Barranco Camp. This is a very important part of the acclimatisation process. It is totally normal to notice first minor signs of altitude sickness in these heights, just be aware of it and inform our guides accordingly.
Day 6: Barranco Camp | Karanga Camp
Altitude: Barranco Camp: 3,950 m., Karanga Camp: 4,200 m.
Distance: 4 km
Time: 3.5 hours
Accommodation: Tent
After one night under the imposing breakfast wall, we climb up the famous rock wall – which fortunately is easier than it might first seem. Across the wall, just below the Heim-glacier, Kilimanjaro’s beauty unfolds in a magnificent way. The route leads down the Karanga Valley, where Karanga Camp is located. From here you have a view of Mawenzi’s gorgeous peaks that rise into the African sky.
Day 7: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Height: Karanga Camp: 4,200 m. | Barafu Camp: 4,550 m.
Distance: 4 km
Time: 3.5 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Today’s hiking trail goes to Barafu Camp. You walk through a landscape consisting of large and small volcanoes. Barafu Camp is located on a hillside. The ground is rocky and there can be some wind. The ascension to the top starts shortly after midnight. Prepare your equipment, put warm clothes on and keep drinking water in a thermos bottle so that it does not freeze to ice. Go to bed early, try to get some sleep and recharge your batteries for Kilimanjaro’s ultimate challenge – reaching the actual summit.
Day 8: Barafu Camp | Uhuru Peak | Mweka Camp
Altitude: Barafu Camp: 4,550 m., Uhuru Peak: 5,895 m., Mweka Camp: 3,100 m.
Distance: 5 km up and 12 km down
Time: 6-7 hours up and 7 hours down
Accommodation: Tent
Around midnight we will wake you up. After a light meal and tea, you put your headlight on and the last ascent to Uhuru Peak begins. The goal is to reach Stella Point at sunrise. You continue along the crater, and the last piece to Uhuru Peak is a steady rise. Depending on the season there may be snow the last piece of Uhuru Peak.
Standing at the top of 5,895 meters, you can pat yourself on the shoulder. Picture time – a memory for life!
The descent takes you back to Barafu Camp, before moving further down the rocky path to Mweka Camp.
Day 9: Mweka Gate | Moshi
Height: Mweka Gate: 1,850 m. | Moshi: 915 m.
Distance: approx. 10 km
Hiking time: 3 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast you will walk to Mweka Gate, where you will check out before you get back to the Hotel in Moshi. Anyone who has completed the climb will receive a diploma.
Day 10: Return journey (alternatively Zanzibar or Safari)
Today, you check out from the hotel and drive to the airport, where your return journey begins.
Day 11: Arrival in Norway
You arrive in Norway – after an experience of a lifetime.
Price package:
NOK 29.900 – NOK 34.900 (depending on total number of guests, number of expedition days, number of nights in hotel)
Tour dates:
09.05. – 20.05.2023 (still places available)
13.06. – 24.06.2023 (still places available)
11.07. – 22.07.2023 (still places available)
08.08. – 19.08.2023 (still places available)
05.09. – 16.09.2023 (still places available)
Included in your package
- Return flight from Norway to Tanzania
- Transfer to the city of Moshi / airport
- 2 hotel nights in a double room
- Transfer to Park entrance / Londorossi Gate
- Kilimanjaro climbing via the Lemosho route
- All park fees and permits
- Experienced local guides who know Kilimanjaro inside out
- Porters carry your equipment. You only need to carry your personal (small) backpack
- All nights on Kilimanjaro in a tent. Tents are set up by porters before you reach the camps
- Portable toilet – a luxury you do not want to miss
- All food on the expedition which is freshly cooked by our local chef
- Water
- Help and assistance with any questions you might have
- Detailed equipment lists and assistance in acquiring necessary gear
Not Included in your package
- Lunch or dinner during your stay in the hotel.
- Visa
- Vaccinations
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, chef and porters – dependent on the number of participants in the group – USD 250-400
Special requests and optional upgrades for your Kilimanjaro climb
- No minimum number of guests required – we organize trips from 1-9 guests per group
- Do you prefer a single room / single tent?
- Do you fancy an alternative route? We can accommodate!
- Flexible start-date all year round
Options after your Kilimanjaro climb – Zanzibar Island / Safari
- We are happy to extend your stay in Africa with a holiday on beautiful and relaxing Zanzibar island or by going on safari. Just contact us.
- There is a lot of individual possibilities when it comes to length of your stay and your requested comfort and luxury. We will happily offer you a tailor-made package – just contact us.
Additional information:
How difficult is it to climb Kilimanjaro?
Reaching the top of a nearly 6000 meters high mountain will always be a challenge. Although this is a demanding tour (where not anyone will be able to reach the top) we believe that the top is achievable for many – with the right preparation and mindset.
We therefore require good physics, attitude, patience and curiosity. It’s not a problem if you have not climbed in similar height before, but you must be prepared for some exhausting surprises and headaches. This is absolutely normal and we will give you a lot of good advice in advance.
Time zone
Norway/Germany + 1 hour.
Money
The local currency is Tanzania Shilling. You should bring US Dollar in cash. Everything can be paid with US Dollar, but you can exchange USD in local currency along the way. The hotel and many restaurants and supermarket chains also accept credit cards.
Accommodation
On the expedition, two people share a spacious 3-men tents. You can also book single tent, meaning you sleep in a 3-men tent individually. Before starting our Kilimanjaro tour and after descending we stay in a good hotel with nice rooms, good beds and decent food.
Climate
In Tanzania it is basically summer all year, interrupted by some rainy seasons. Statistically, there is a rather rainy season from April until end of May and a short rainy season in November.
Temperature is approx. 20-25 degrees in Moshi/Arusha. In the mountains you can walk in shorts during the day until ca. 3800 meters, but it is generally below 0 degrees in the night. You can experience down to minus 20 degrees in the summit night.
Passport, visa and vaccination card
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after return date.
A visa is required for Tanzania which can be obtained at arrival at the Airport in Tanzania and costs 50 USD. You also need to bring your yellow vaccination card
Vaccinations and health
Contact your doctor for further information about recommended/ required vaccinations for Tanzania – especially if you want to go on Safari or to Zanzibar island afterwards.
Insurance
You must have a proper sickness and accident insurance that also covers a possible home transport. Make sure the insurance covers the selected geographical area and heights above 4000 meters. Remember to bring proof of travel insurance on your trip. Although not required we also recommend you sign appropriate cancellation insurances as well as luggage insurance.
Disclaimers
We reserve the right to change prices. The day-to-day program is indicative and changes may occur.
