At a Glance
Embark on a memorable journey to the roof of Africa with complete ‘luxury in the wild’ camping facilities. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro with professional mountain certified guides and porters on this 10-day expert crafted voyage incorporating the perfect fusion of remote, beauty and acclimatisation. Spend your days tackling the peak as you rejuvenate to hot showers, fresh meals and cosy warm beds by night. Be inspired by Africa’s most iconic and vast landscape to achieve a personal once in a lifetime goal.
The elation one gets climbing the roof of Africa, a triumphant once in a lifetime goal, is an achievable dream. Summit Uhuru Peak (5895m/3663 feet) and immerse the raw adventure that a Kilimanjaro climb comes with. Beginning in Moshi, embark on the challenging and less travelled Lemosho route considered to ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 9 nights' accommodation in luxury lodge and campsites on a twin share basis
- All transfers specified in the itinerary by Land Cruiser
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- All hot and fresh meals during trekking voyage as specified in itinerary
- Dining tent and dining chair with back and armrest
- Professional English-speaking guides with WRC certification
- Wages and fees for porter, cook and mountain guides according to KPAP
- National Park and camping fees
- Assistant guide (depending on group size)
- Personal porter for day pack
- Cook and porter team
- Tour briefing and support and Kilimanjaro map
- Water filter with a two-stage Katadyn filter
- Portable camping facilities of private toilet and camp shower
- Solar lights and solar panel for charging USB devices
- Oximeter, emergency oxygen bottle, first aid kit and mountain rescue
- Cooking and camping equipment including walk-in tent, camp beds, pillow, extra sleeping pad or 1 double thick pad, hot water bottle in sleeping bag
Itinerary
Altitude: approx. 1350m (4500 feet) Your grand hiking adventure begins with a Land Cruiser transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to the capital of the region, Moshi, your gateway to the splendours of Mt Kilimanjaro. You’ll stay at an exclusive farm-style country guest house nestled on an organic coffee farm. Enjoy its location on the cultivated greenbelt slopes of Kilimanjaro at 1350m (4500 feet). Spend the rest of the day unwinding in one of just three intimate modern style double bungalows embraced by serene manicured gardens with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro. Your luxury spacious ensuite rooms are compete with terraces to keep you in harmony with its lush nature. The serene coffee farm beckons for a pleasant walk, a great way to ease the jetlag. Tonight, delight your tastebuds with a dining experience bursting of locally inspired flavours paired with international delights at its open dining room restaurant with serene mountain views. Retire by the fireplace or whisk away to your private terrace and embrace the peace of mountain living. |
Climb from Londrossi Park gate 2251m (7385 feet) to Mti Mkubwa Camp 2795m (9170 feet) Approx. 7km, (4.3 miles), 3 hours walking Enjoy breakfast before leaving the city life behind as you begin your ultimate journey to the highest point on the African continent. Begin with a 2 hour drive to the Londrossi Gate located on the west side of Kilimanjaro. Your professional guides and porters will pack the luggage and perform formalities to begin your trek. Start with an ascent through dense rainforest where exotic moss and flowers delight the eye while birds’ calls entertain the ear. Keep eyes peeled for back and white colobus monkeys as well as elephants and buffalos that may pay visit. Continue three hours through undisturbed forest arriving at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp. Unwind to a refreshing shower before a hearty three course camp dinner lovingly prepared by your guides and celebrate your first night with fellow travelers. Tonight, retire in your spacious walk-in tent fixed with warm beds beneath the stars in a true state of zen. |
Climb from Mti Mkubwa Camp 2795m (9170 feet) to Shira Camp 1 3610m (11844 feet) Approx. 8km, (5 miles), 5-6 hours walking Today brings opportunity for acclimatisation as you make your way to Shira Camp 1. Indulge in a piping hot coffee paired with a hearty English-styled breakfast. You’ll leave the rainforest behind and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather bushes, volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. Ascend through lush rolling hills and traverse several streams reaching the spectacular Shira Plateau at 3500 meters (11483 feet) altitude before an easy drop down Shira 1 Camp. Relax to a cup of tea and while away to your first glimpse of sweeping views of the mountains of Kibo and Meru. Note: For the experienced hikers, Shira Camp 1 can be skipped shortening your entire journey by a day. Today, you’ll hike a longer 14km of 7-8 hours through Senecio Forest before crossing the Shira Plateau and arriving at Shira Camp 2. |
Climb from Shira Camp 1 3610m (11844 feet) to Shira Camp 2 (Cathedral) 3750m (12303 feet) Approx. 6km, (3.7 miles), 4-5 hours walking Enjoy breakfast under the warmth of the African sun and take pleasure in a short hike today to 3900 metres (12795 feet) in altitude. Traversing some slopes, meander through extensive upland moor with heather bushes. As the altitude increases so does your landscape to the emerging vistas of lobelia and senecios. Be captivated by the sight of the largest senecios in the world reaching heights of up to nine metres. Indulge in another warm three course dinner out in the mountains, soak in the serene views and savour the peace embraced by your surroundings as you retire to another night watching the sky light before you. |
Climb from Shira Camp 2 (Cathedral) 3750m (12303 feet) to Barranco Camp 3965m (13009 feet) Approx. 10km, (6.2 miles), 6-7hours walking Kick start your morning with a piping hot coffee or tea paired with a warm full breakfast. Today is a long day but with emphasis on acclimatisation as you climb high with sleep low. Begin with an acclimatisation hike to a tall volcanic rock formation at Lava Tower, 4600m (15092 feet). Along the way enjoy a picnic lunch with picturesque vistas before descending to Barranco Camp from Lava Rock. The scenery is breathtaking today, passing through an array of mountain zones. Soak in the views at the most scenic campsite on route nestled amongst a canyon among forests beneath majestic glaciers. Unwind with a warm cup of coffee as you are given front row seats to the magnificent views of Meru and Kibo mountains, pristine glaciers and the imposing Barranco Wall. |
Climb from Barranco Camp 3965m (13009 feet) to Karanga Camp 3970m (13025 feet) Approx. 6km, (3.7 miles), 3-4hours walking Take pleasure to a little sleep in this morning before enjoying a relaxed breakfast under the warmth of the African sun. Today, you’ll continue to acclimatise and let your body adjust to these higher altitudes in preparation for your upcoming summit push. Begin with a short scramble up the steep volcanic rock of the 366m (1201 feet) Barranco Wall. The top gives staggering views of the surrounding mountains including Mount Meru. Continue another three hours, meander a series of hills and valleys beneath the serene icefalls and along glacier springs before descending sharply into Karanga Camp. Tonight, settle into your pitched tents before indulging in another delicious camp dinner and sharing stories of your adventures thus far. |
Climb from Karanga Camp 3970m (13025 feet) to Barafu Camp 4540m (14895 feet) Approx. 4km, (2.5miles), 3-4hours walking Begin with a pleasant and picturesque walk boasting stunning views of the Karanga Valley, mountain peaks and majestic glaciers. Journey though intriguing desolate desert and valley before rising to Barafu Camp embraced by volcanic foothills. Absorb the scenery on a moraine with views of sublime Mawenzi Peak at 5100m (16732 feet) and looming Kibo Peak overhead. Embrace views of surrounding scenic desert terrain that is largely mineral and features some lichens and moss. Refresh with the luxury of a shower before indulging in an early hearty dinner. Turn in early this evening with a good sleep in your warm bed. A rise before midnight see’s you making a thrilling start to the summit! |
Climb from Barafu Camp 4540m (14895 feet) to Uhuru Peak 5895m (19341 feet), descent to Millenium Camp 3790m (12434 feet) Approx. 16km, (9.9 miles), 12-15hours walking The long-awaited moment. Today is the day you make your own history and summit the magnificent and mighty Mount Kilimanjaro! A midnight hike will see you beginning the summit. The next 6-9 hours is a constantly steep and exhausting rise over rubble and snow in the dark and cold to Stella Point at 5745m (18848 feet) on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging section of the trek as your body will feel the high exposure of the altitude. A short 150m (492 feet) walk, throw your hands to the heavens as you conquer Uhuru Peak at 5895m (19341 feet) in time for sunrise. Celebrate in victory as you finish what you set out to do – summit the mighty Kilimanjaro! You'll be further rewarded as the magnificence of your surrounds is revealed with the first sun rays lighting over the majestic mountain peaks as you stand on top of the world. Soak in the moment before descending via Stella Point to Millennium Camp. This evening, delight your tastebuds to a well-deserved three course camp dinner as you celebrate in a convivial affair a monumental day. Unwind to one final magical evening in the mountain under a canopy of stars. |
Descent from Millennium Camp 790m (12434 feet) to Park Gate Mweka 1700m (5577 feet) Approx. 13km, (8.1 miles), 4-5hours walking Savour your last mountain breakfast before an easy descent through dense lush rainforest to Mweka Gate and be rewarded with your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Bid Kilimanjaro National Park farewell and be transferred to your hotel in Moshi for a glorious well deserved hot shower. You’ll stay back at the exclusive farm-style country guest house nestled on an organic coffee farm. Tonight, celebrate in a convivial affair over a hearty and delicious dinner with your guides overlooking Mount Kilimanjaro.
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Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take time to savour final views surrounding the lodge. A perfect time to reflect on your incredible achievement and journey before a transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward journey. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Departure daily on request. Please contact us for group bookings or private departures. Peak/festival season surcharge applies.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Moshi in Tanzania
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Moshi
Day 1: Arrive in Moshi
Day 2: Approximately 7 km (4.3 miles), 3 hours; Elevation gain: 2251m-2795m
Day 3: Approximately 8 km (5 miles), 5-6 hours; Elevation gain: 2795m-3610m
Day 4: Approximately 6km ( 3.7miles), 4-5 hours; Elevation gain: 3610m-3750m
Day 5: Approximately 10 km (6.2miles), 6-7hours; Elevation gain: 3750m-3965m
Day 6: Approximately 6 km (3.7 miles), 3-4 hours; Elevation gain: 3965m-3970m
Day 7: Approximately 4 km (2.5 miles), 3-4 hours; Elevation gain: 3970m-4540m
Day 8: Approximately 16 km (9.9 miles), 12-15 hours; Elevation gain: 4540m-5895m-3790m
Day 9: Approximately 13 km (8.1 miles), 4-5 hours; Elevation gain: 3790m-1680m
The Mount Kilimanjaro climate is generally cool and temperate. As hikers climb from the base of the mountain to the peak, they will see a large amount of climate variety. The best time to climb Kilimanjaro are the months of January through early-March and June through October. The clear skies, great views, and sunshine make for spectacular photo-opportunities and comfortable hiking conditions. These are also usually the drier months of the year and the busiest.
The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro can vary from very hot to extremely cold within the same day although it does not experience wide temperature changes from season to season. Instead, the temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro are determined more by the altitude and time of day. At the base of the mountain, the average temperature is around 21 to 27 °C and at the summit, Uhuru Peak, the night time temperatures can range between 20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Like all great mountains, Kilimanjaro creates its own weather which can be extremely variable and difficult to predict. Hikers need to be prepared for warm, sunny conditions, and rain, wind, cold, and even snow.
Classic Camping: is set up with spacious tents complete with sleeping pads, sleeping bag and portable toilet. |
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Luxury Camping: is set up with slightly larger tents complete with camp beds and pillow, extra sleeping pad or 1 double thick pad and a hot water bottle in sleeping bag. It includes solar panel for charging USB devices and portable toilet as well as a portable camp shower. Dine in style with a dining tent complete with dining chairs with back and armrest. |
- Requirements of Kilimanjaro: The ascent of Kilimanjaro is not very demanding in terms of mountaineering skills. However, a high degree of endurance and altitude tolerance is required. The walking times of the individual daily stages amount to approx. 5 -7 hours (on the summit day mostly between 12 and 14 hours) in extremely different terrain. Morass, thicket, rock and scree have to be overcome. The increasingly thin air, cold and the steeply ascending path of the last stage to the summit demand a good condition and physical fitness. It is advisable to have your heart and circulation checked before starting the trip, as exertion and high altitude put a lot of strain on the body
- Travel: Travel in a developing country can be fraught with the unexpected. Tolerance, patience and camaraderie are important prerequisites for a good tour and unforgettable experiences. A spirit of adventure will help you overcome tour delays or even changes due to bad weather, sovereign orders, technical defects or other reasons. On the Kilimanjaro climb there are very basic outhouses in the camps.
- Age Restrictions: Minium age for this tour is 10 years old
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.