It is time to tick this awesome achievement off your bucket list, I am talking about standing on the roof of Africa, the continent where human life began! Grasp The Adventure is super excited to help make that possible for you, and more importantly, to be by your side when you first gain sight of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit at 5895 m above sea level. Our number 1 goal is to promote the spirit of adventure and the love of nature while forming bonds as strong as the mountains we hike on. I sincerely believe that a hike is not successful only when it has a 100% summit rate, but when every Grasper is overtaken by positive vibes, uplifting energy and the support of the entire Grasp The Adventure family.
WHY CLIMB MT. KILIMANJARO WITH GRASP THE ADVENTURE:
We've got countless reasons but here are some.
During our last visit to Kilimanjaro, we asked several guides which of the routes was their favorite and they all had the same response... the Lemosho Route! This 7 day trek is guaranteed to blow you away. The fact that we are going in August also means good weather and less crowds because lets be honest, you're there to escape traffic, not get stuck in one.
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The Lemosho route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west and then joins the Machame route. Hence all the advantages that you probably heard about the Machame route also apply to us. The first two days on the Lemosho route take you through beautiful and very remote rainforest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. The start of the trail is also known as the Lemosho Glades. Opting for an 7 day climb improves the acclimatization process which ultimately leads to higher chances of summiting comfortably and actually enjoying the climb. This route is a little more expensive than others due to its remoteness; however, that means less people to share the mountain with!
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I would be lying if I said this trip was only about the trek and getting to the summit. When we say it is about the journey and not the destination, we mean that it is about the people, singing and dancing with our guides and porters as one, big, grasper family, the late-night conversations in the mess tent and all the shenanigans that come along. Simply put, words cannot describe the feelings and emotions that we go through on this very special trek, you'll just have to come and experience it for yourself.
IS THIS HIKE FOR YOU?
Remain calm and read on!
It is important to remember that we are talking about summiting the highest mountain in Africa here, it is no joke! So you want to join but you’re also freaking out that you may not be experienced enough for this trek, well here are some things to consider:
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We are partnering with a local company in Tanzania with extensive experience on Kilimanjaro and a summit success rate of 98.9%
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Certified mountain guides will lead the hike while porters transport the group’s belongings, camping equipment, food, mess tent, etc.
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You will only be required to carry your day pack which will include whatever you may need during the hike, such as raincoat, snacks, camera and water.
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Professional chefs will be preparing your breakfasts, lunches and dinners with foods specific to the altitudes we’re at in order to minimize and avoid indigestion and altitude sickness issues
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The camp sites will be equipped with two portable toilets, one for each gender.
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First aid kits, safety equipment and an air cylinder will also be provided in case of emergencies.
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Blood oxygen levels and health checks will also be conducted regularly throughout the hike to ensure your wellbeing.
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The route has no steep climbs nor descents, it is not technical and you may not need to use your hands at any point.
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Taking an 7 day trek allows your body to acclimatize to the altitude.
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Hiking experience is not necessary to complete this trek.
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The summit push is very tough and will require high fitness levels.
The good news is that you have more than enough time to improve your fitness, strengthen your cardiovascular system and prepare for this trek. We will help you do so by sending out our Grasp The Fitness training regime.
PRICE INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Our price includes all the essentials from the moment you set foot in Arusha to the moment you depart. We do not believe in hidden costs that surprise travelers, that is why we include things like guide/ porter tips and all meals on and off the mountain. Please refer to the table below for more detail:
INCLUSIONS
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Specialized Fitness Training program
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Two nights in a hotel (pre and post the trek)
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7 Day guided Lemosho Route with all meals included
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Porters during the 8 day Lemosho Route
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Professional photography of the adventure
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Three meals per day throughout the entire trip
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Welcome and farewell reception dinners
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Top of the line camping equipment (mess tent, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, toilets etc.)
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All Kilimanjaro Hike and Park Fees
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All Transportation in Tanzania (Arrival & departure in Moshi)
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Tips for the local crew
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Grasper merchandise surprise
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Summit certificate
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Medical & emergency certified personnel during the trek
EXCLUSIONS
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International flight
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Tanzania visa if required
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Travel insurance
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Altitude sickness tablets (Diamox)
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Vaccinations and malaria pills
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Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks)
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Optional day tours after the trek (safari, etc.)
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Clothing (check packing list for details)
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Specialized/ Extra hiking gear
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PCR Test (Optional for $50)
MT. KILIMANJARO RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST
Prepare for -15 C temperature on the summit!
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Original Passport
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Backpack or duffle for clothes and equipment
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Day Pack with rain cover
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Insulated Water Storage (bladder or canteen)
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Hiking boots
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Gaiters
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4-5 wicking t-shirts
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2-3 hiking pants
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4-5 sets of undergarments
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4-5 sets of socks
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1-2 sets of winter socks
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1 fleece jacket (temperatures as low as -20 C on the summit)
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1 down jacket (temperatures as low as -20 C on the summit)
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Thermal base-layer top
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Thermal base-layer trousers
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Thermal glove liners
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Mittens or snow gloves
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1 rain jacket
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Head torch
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Power bank
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Warm, winter hat
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Sun hat
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Sun glasses
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Waterproof plastic bags to put clothes in
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Sandals or slippers or sneakers
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Hiking poles
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Microfibre face towel
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Microfibre body towel
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Toiletries kit (soap, shampoo, conditioner, nail clippers, toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, Fresh Buzz, toilet paper, hairbrush, feminine products)
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Personal First-Aid (Vitamins, hydration tablets, sleeping pills, altitude sickness pills)
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Lip balm
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Moisturizing cream
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Nose drops
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Sunscreen
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Insect repellent
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Pillow
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Sleeping bag liner
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Sleeping pad (Optional)
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Sleeping bag (Optional)
CARE FOR THE PORTERS
Doing Our Part
Many companies that run hikes to Kilimanjaro cut costs by mistreating porters and violating their human rights.
We ensure that any company we deal with provides the porters with good conditions, 3 meals a day, weight lifting limits and fully abide by Porter rights and guidelines. Moreover, the porters will be tipped generously, you do not need to worry about that as it is already included in the price you pay.
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Keep in mind that these guys will be doing the same hike as you while carrying all your load. They set up your tents and pack them, they cook, clean and ensure that we all have the most comfortable experience on the mountain. We will also be singing together, dancing together and playing games. They have the purest souls and you are guaranteed to fall in love with them just like our previous groups did. If you want to go the extra mile, you can always gift them with your hiking gear at the end of the trip. They do not have access to hiking equipment like we do so that gesture really goes a long way with them!
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
You will be greeted at the airport by our local team and transferred to Moshi in the peaceful surrounds of our pre and post trek hotel. You may choose to relax by the pool or go for a walk while we wait for the entire team to arrive. In the evening, we will meet our guides for the Kilimanjaro briefing where they’ll provide essential information about the trek to the roof of Africa. Following the briefing, we will head over to one of the local restaurants for the welcome dinner reception. After we fill our bellies with delicious food and hurt our cheeks with laughter, we head back to our hotel. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep because tomorrow is the day you set out on the adventure of a lifetime!
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Day 2: Moshi – Londorossi Gate (2100m) – Forest camp (2750m)
Hike Distance: 6 km
Hike Time: 3-4 hrs
After eating breakfast at the hotel, we will take a two hour bus ride from Moshi to Londorossi Park Gate (2100m). In a village near Londorossi, we will complete the entry formalities before continuing to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour in the bus). Upon arrival at the trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
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Day 3: Forest Camp (2750m) – Shira 1 Camp (3540m)
Hike Distance: 8 km
Hike Time: 5-6 hrs
Early morning, you will be awakened by our team with tea and coffee from the comfort of your tent. After a hefty breakfast, we continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grass, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
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Day 4: Shira 1 (3540m) – Shira 2 (3840m)- Moir Hut (4114m)
Hike Distance: 15 km
Hike Time: 5-7 hrs
The spectacular camp that we will be going to today is located beneath the Northern Ice Fields of Kilimanjaro. It is a gentle walk east towards Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. We then continue onwards to Moir Hut, on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
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Day 5: Moir Hut ( 4114)- Lava Tower ( 4600)-Barranco Camp (3950m)
Hike Distance: 7 km
Hike Time: 4-6 hrs
From Moir hut, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East, towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4877 m. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3950 m. Here, we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you are ending the day at the same elevation as you started, today is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
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Day 6: Barranco Camp (3950m) – Karanga Camp (4235m) - Barafu Camp (4600m)
Hike Distance: 9 km
Hike Time: 8-10 hrs
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, we have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest well before attempting the summit that very same night. Our guide will then brief us in detail on how to prepare for the summit push. Excitement and anxiety are some of the emotions you'll be feeling as we sit around the mess tent exchanging nervous laughs, it will be one of the most memorable nights of your life.
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Day 7: Summit Push from Barafu Camp (4600m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)
Hike Distance: 7 km ascent & 23 km descent
Hike Time: 8 hrs ascent & 8 hours descent
This is it. This is what you've been training for, working for and striving for. Our guide will wake us up at around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. We will then begin our summit attempt. The route heads northwest and we will ascend over stone scree. During the ascent, many hikers feel that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. In around 6 hours, we will reach Stella Point (5685m), located on the crater rim and you'll be greeted by one of the most magnificent views in the world. After enjoying a breathtaking sunrise, you will continue ascending for about 2 more hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment!
The hike back down to Barafu Camp takes around 3 hours. At camp, we will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, we will continue descending down to Mweka Hut (3100m). The Mweka Trail will lead us through the scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rain forest. Mweka Camp (3100m) is located in the upper rain forest, so fog and rain should be expected.
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Day 8: Mweka Camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m)
Hike Distance: 15 km
Hike Time: 3 hrs
Following a very well-deserved breakfast, the entire group, including our guides, chefs and porters will have a big celebration full of dancing, singing and perhaps even tears of joy! After celebrating, we will descend for three hours back to Mweka Gate. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving the certificates, we will descend into the Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometers). We will be served hot lunch at the village before heading back to our hotel in Moshi. After the most refreshing shower and a short rest, we will meet for dinner and spend the rest of the night recovering and sharing stories.
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Day 9: Free Day & Farewell Dinner
Today is free for you to check out what else Tanzania has to offer! You may choose from a variety of day tours such as a safari trip or a visit to one of the Masai Villages. On the other hand, you may opt for something a little more relaxing like get a massage or relax by the pool. There are two safari options starting in Moshi, speak to our team for pricing and details. In the evening, we will head to a local restaurant for the farewell dinner.
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Day 9: Departure
Depending on your flight departure time, our local team will transport you to the airport with a lifetime worth of memories and new Grasper Family!
You did it, you summited one of the 7 world summits and stood proudly on the Roof of Africa. Now that you caught the summit bug, your only question will be... which mountain are we grasping next?!
