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‘Quest from the West’ tackles the Lemosho route over 8 days, leading you through spectacular and unspoilt scenery and giving you an excellent chance of reaching the summit. The trail rises from the forest, opening out onto the Shira Plateau. From here you’ll be rewarded with your first up-close view of Kibo, the daunting but surmountable summit cone. Track around the south of the mountain, climbing over ridges, passing the impressive Lava Tower and scrambling the imposing Barranco Wall. These trekking days give you ample opportunity to acclimatise, as you climb higher during the day but lose height to camp. Arriving in the smaller high camp Kosovo, in time for lunch and a rest before the summit, will stand you in excellent stead for the climb ahead and give you a head start on those staying at the larger camp below. One of our favourite routes!
Arrival & BriefingUpon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be transferred to your accommodation where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check. Overnight Simba Farm Lodge (Classic) or Ndarakwai Ranch (Premium) Trek Day 1Lemosho Trailhead (2,400m/7,880ft) to Big Tree Camp (2,800m/9,190ft)Elevation Gain: 400m/1,310ft This morning you will drive to the Londorossi gate where you will complete entry formalities. From here your drive continues for around 1 hour to the Lemosho trailhead. Enjoy lunch before commencing your trek through lush undisturbed forest where you may be lucky enough to see Colobus monkeys. The path undulates, steeply in places, to arrive at the first camp after 2-3 hours of trekking. Overnight Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa) Trek Day 2Big Tree Camp (2,800m/9,190ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,550m/11,650ft)Elevation Gain: 750m/2,460ft Your trek will begin in the forest; however, you will soon leave it behind, taking a steep track into a zone of giant heather and volcanic rock. This is a full day ascending the lush rolling hills below the Shira Plateau. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. The trail begins to ease as you reach the edge of the plateau, reaching camp after 5-6 hours. The view of Kibo across the plateau is incredible. Overnight Shira 1 Camp Trek Day 3Shira 1 Camp (3,550m/11,650ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,650ft)Elevation Gain: 300m/1,000ft Trek across the Shira Plateau with an optional climb to Shira Cathedral (3,880m). Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. The day finishes with a gradual climb to Shira 2 Camp. Trekking time without the optional excursion is approximately 3 hours. Including acclimatisation to the peak of Shira Cathedral will add approximately 1 hour. Overnight Shira 2 Camp Trek Day 4Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,650ft) to Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,800ft)Elevation Gain: 750m/2,400ft Elevation Loss: 700m/2,300ft Your climb today will take you steadily up and over the expansive ridge lines of high desert to Lava Tower at 4,600m. The trek to the base of the tower, a 300-foot-high volcanic plug, takes around 4-5 hours. From here begin a steep descent into the Barranco Valley, passing exotic large flowering plants, Senecio Kilimanjaro. This descent will take 1-2 hours. Although you end your day at almost the same elevation as you started, today is important for acclimatisation. Camp is in a beautiful, sheltered valley below the imposing Barranco Wall. Overnight Barranco Camp Trek Day 5Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,800ft) to Karanga Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)Elevation Gain: 300m/1,000ft Elevation Loss: 250m/820ft Begin the day climbing the Barranco Wall, an impressive scramble that will reward you with fantastic views back towards camp. From the top, at 4,200m, follow an undulating path around the mountain side. On a clear day there are spectacular views of Kibo to your left and Mount Meru to your right. After descending into the Karanga Valley your climb takes you up a short steep path to camp. Walking time approximately 3-4 hours. Overnight Karanga Camp Trek Day 6Karanga Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Kosovo Camp (4,800m/15,750ft)Elevation Gain: 850m/2,790ft Spend the morning climbing steadily up to Barafu Camp, which is Swahili for ice, and then continuing up a rocky slab to Kosovo. This small camp is located on the ridge below the summit cone. You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views from many different angles. The walk will take around 4-5 hours, meaning you will arrive at Kosovo in time for lunch and a full summit briefing, before spending the afternoon resting. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position. Overnight Kosovo Camp Trek Day 7Kosovo Camp (4,800m/15,750ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) then descending to Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft)Elevation Gain: 1,095m/3,590ft Elevation Loss: 2,785m/9,140ft In the early hours of the morning begin your final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro, taking approximately 5-7 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be warm by the end of the hiking day and you need clothing for both extremes. Just when you think you’ve reached your limit, the sun will rise and you’ll be rewarded with a rich red sky framing Mawenzi. At Stella Point (5,750m) join the crater rim. From here, climb less steeply to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. From the summit descend to Mweka Hut, with lunch served on the way, taking around 6 hours. Enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Overnight Mweka Hut Camp Trek Day 8Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft) to Mweka Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)Elevation Loss: 1,280m/4,200ft Descend to the gate through lush forest (2-3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. You will be collected from Mweka Village and taken to your hotel in Moshi. Overnight Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel (Premium) Departure or Onwards TravelToday you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your flight, or if you’ve decided to extend your Tanzanian adventure, begin the next part of your journey! Start Planning your Journey | ![]() |
![]() Simba Farm LodgeSimba Farm is a working farm in West Kilimanjaro, offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. The old guest house and country cottages maintain their original rustic charm and warmth, surrounded by lush gardens. All meals are prepared with fresh vegetables from the farm’s own gardens. | ![]() Mountain CampsSleep in spacious, all weather tents, designed for an extreme mountain environment, erected by our crew alongside a fully equipped mess tent with chairs and tables and private toilet tents. Upon arrival each day warm washing water will be available, followed by hot drinks and snacks. Hot meals are prepared from fresh ingredients by our cook. | ![]() Ameg LodgeConveniently close to Moshi town, the lodge itself is located in a tranquil setting, surrounded by extensive gardens. Ensuite, air-conditioned rooms with private verandas are complimented with a large, serene swimming pool and views of Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. The hotel restaurant offers a variety of continental and international cuisine. |
All dates and prices are based on Classic Kilimanjaro Climbs; however Premium Climb packages are available at an increased cost.
2020
ARRIVE | DEPART | PRICE | AVAILABILITY |
Dec 18, Fri** | Dec 27, Sun | USD $2548 | Book Now |
** Christmas Morning Summit
2021
ARRIVE | DEPART | PRICE | AVAILABILITY |
Jan 3, Sun | Jan 12, Tue | USD $2548 | Book Now |
Jan 21, Thu | Jan 30, Sat | USD $2548 | Book Now |
Feb 21, Sun* | Mar 2, Tue | USD $2548 | Book Now |
May 30, Sun | June 8, Tue | USD $2548 | Book Now |
June 27, Sun | July 6, Tue | USD $2548 | Book Now |
July 22, Thu | July 31, Sat | USD $2548 | Book Now |
Sept 5, Sun | Sept 14, Tue | USD $2548 | Book Now |
Oct 7, Thu | Oct 16, Sat | USD $2548 | Book Now |
Nov 7, Sun | Nov, 16 Tue | USD $2548 | Book Now |
Dec 25, Sat*** | Jan 3, Mon | USD $2548 | Book Now |
* Full Moon Climb
*** New Year Summit
Dec 18, Fri - Dec 27, Sun - 2020 | |
Jan 3, Sun - Jan 12, Tue - 2021 | |
Jan 21, Thu - Jan 30, Sat - 2021 | |
Feb 21, Sun - Mar 2, Tue - 2021 | |
May 30, Sun - June 8, Tue - 2021 | |
June 27, Sun - July 6, Tue - 2021 | |
July 22, Thu - July 31, Sat - 2021 | |
Sept 5, Sun - Sept 14, Tue - 2021 | |
Oct 7, Thu - Oct 16, Sat - 2021 | |
Nov 7, Sun - Nov, 16 Tue - 2021 | |
Dec 25, Sat - Jan 3, Mon - 2021 2022 |