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A significant portion of the cost you pay for the trip supports underprivileged children & communities.
IFRE is a US-based 501(c)3 non-profit charity. We adhere to high standards of service and professionalism.
Since 2006, over 22,000 happy volunteers and travelers have contributed to making this world a better place with us.
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Are you excited for a once-in-a-lifetime Mount Kili trekking experience that will spark your soul? Are you passionate about giving back to the communities in need? Join us on the stunning Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expedition, where you can enhance the lives of underprivileged children while soaking in the breathtaking scenery of the Kilimanjaro region.
Embarking on the 10-day Lemosho route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is an extraordinary adventure that combines breathtaking scenery with excellent acclimatization opportunities. Considered one of the most beautiful routes, Lemosho takes trekkers through diverse landscapes, from dense rainforests to alpine deserts, offering a chance to witness the mountain's incredible biodiversity. With its longer duration, this route provides ample time for climbers to adjust to the altitude, increasing their chances of a successful summit.
When you join this Climbing adventure, you are not just embarking on a personal adventure but also supporting a noble cause. A portion of the savings from your trip directly supports less fortunate children, local schools, and women's groups, empowering communities and fostering brighter futures. Discover more about the impactful charity work facilitated by compassionate travelers like you on our website: ifrevolunteers.org/charity.
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You will be met on time of your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport by our transferring driver who will you will welcome and escort you to the waiting vehicle then drive to The Hotel in Moshi for the rest of the day your trek will start the next day morning. The rest of the day will be spent at the pool relaxing at the hotel or explore the town of Moshi. Your mountain guide will meet you in the evening for briefing on the next morning trek.
After eating breakfast at your hotel, your guide will brief you on the day. You will drive two hours from Arusha (1400m) to Londorossi Park Gate (2100m). In the village near Londorossi Gate, you will receive a packed lunch and can buy mineral water for the hike. Then the final 45 minutes of the drive leading up to the gate will be on a bumpy forest track requiring 4WD vehicles.
At the entrance gate, the guides and porters distribute the supplies and register with the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). You are now ready to begin your 3-hour hike into the rain forest. Be on the lookout for Colobus monkeys! Along the way, you will stop for an afternoon lunch break and arrive at Mti Mkubwa (“Big Tree”) Campsite (2750m) in the early evening.
The porters, who arrive at the campsite before the clients, will set up your tent and boil water for drinking and washing. The chef will prepare a snack then dinner for the clients. At nighttime, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared!
Hiking time: 3 hours
Habitat: Montane forest
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. Lunch is taken on trail and you arrive in camp mid afternoon.
Overnight Shira 1 Camp (breakfast- lunch – dinner)
After an early morning breakfast, you will begin your ascent out of the rainforest and into the heather moorland zone. You will cross many streams and walk over a plateau that leads to Shira 2 Camp (3840m). At this campsite, you will be next to a stream and have a spectacular view of the Western Breach and its glaciers in the East. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you.
You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.
Hiking time: 6.5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Following an early morning breakfast, you will leave the moorland environment and enter the semi desert and rocky landscape. After 5 hours of walking east, you will be come face to face with the Lava Tower (4630m). Packed lunches are served at the Tower and hikers have the option of climbing the massive Lava Tower weather permitting. At this point of the hike, it is normal for hikers to start feeling the effects from the altitude including headaches and shortness of breath.
After lunch, you will descend from Lava Tower (4630m) to the Barranco Campsite (3950m). The 6800m descent gives hikers a huge advantage to allow their bodies to adjust to the conditions of high altitude. The descent to camp takes around 2 hours to reach. It is located in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall (“Breakfast Wall”). Drinking and washing water and dinner will be served as hikers view the sun setting.
Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: Semi desert
This is a short hiking day meant for acclimatization. After an early morning breakfast, it is now time to conquer the Great Barranco Wall! Although it may look intimating at first glance, hikers state that this Class 2 hike is usually much easier than they anticipated. At the top of the Wall, you will have a view of Heim Glacier and will be above the clouds. The trail then winds up and down in the Karanga Valley. You will spend the night at Karanga Camp (3950m) and enjoy dinner and washing at the site.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: Approximately 5 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, you will begin your ascent. The trail intersects with the Mweka Route, which is the trail used to descend on the final two days. As you continue hiking for an hour, you will reach Barafu Hut. This is the last water stop for the porters because there is no accessible water at Barafu Camp (4550m). The word “barafu” in Swahili means “ice” and this camp is located on a rocky, exposed ridge.
Tents will be exposed to wind and rocks so it is important for hikers to familiarize themselves with the campsite before dark. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!
Hiking time: 2-3 hours
Distance: Approximately 4 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine desert
Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The route heads northwest and you 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 about 6 hours, you will reach Stella Point (5685m), located on the crater rim.
After enjoying the magnificent sunrise, you will continue ascending for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours.
At camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Mweka Hut (3100m). The Mweka Trail will lead you 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. You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at camp.
Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 4-5 hours to descend to Mweka
Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers ascent and 16 kilometers descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you 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 certificates, hikers will descend into the Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometers). You will be served a hot lunch then you will drive back to Moshi for long overdue showers and more celebrations.
Hiking time: 3 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: Forest
Your trip ends today and you will depart to your home country.
When it comes to embarking on the Climb Mount Kilimanjaro Trek, choosing IFRE is a decision that combines adventure with purpose.
Our experienced team of local guides and staff provide expert guidance throughout your tour, ensuring your safety, comfort, and meaningful connections with the local communities.
Our trips have guaranteed departure dates. Once booking is confirmed, your trip is guaranteed to run irrespective of the number of participants, giving you the peace of mind.
Our website provides secure encryption technology to ensure the safety of your personal and payment information, giving you peace of mind when making reservations.
We believe that every trekker is different and deserves a personalized itinerary. We customize your trek itineraries based on your preferences and ensure that you have a wonderful time.
Through our commitment to social responsibility, we actively contribute to the betterment of communities, fostering positive change and inspiring others to join us in creating a brighter future for all.
Our track record of satisfied customers speaks for itself. Many of our clients have returned to travel with us again, and we receive numerous referrals from happy travelers.
You can fly either to Julius Nyerere International Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport as per your travel itinerary.
Yes, we will reschedule your pickup time if your flight gets delayed. Our representative will be waiting for you at the airport’s arrival point with your nameplate and will transfer you to your hotel accommodation from the airport.
Yes, you will receive a detailed orientation the day you arrive at your hotel from our highly experienced guide. The orientation will cover essential information such as the trip route, day-to-day itinerary, safety measures, and any specific instructions or recommendations required for your trip.
You will be provided with the contact details of your tour guide and tour manager once your booking is confirmed. They can be reached via phone or email and will be readily available to address any concerns or emergencies you may have.
There are no specific age restrictions for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, but it is recommended that climbers be at least 10-12 years old. Climbers under the age of 18 should be accompanied by an adult for safety and support.
It is mandatory to hire a registered guide when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Additionally, porters are available to assist with carrying equipment and supplies during the trek, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
The optimal time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons, which typically occur from late June to October and from December to February. These periods offer clearer skies, better climbing conditions, and higher chances of a successful ascent.
Altitude sickness is a potential risk when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Proper acclimatization, staying hydrated, and following the guidance of your guide are crucial to minimize the risks. It is advisable to prepare yourself physically and consult a healthcare professional before the climb.
The currency used in Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). It is recommended to carry some cash in the local currency for small expenses. Major tourist areas also accept credit cards, but it's advisable to have some cash on hand.
Yes, appropriate clothing and equipment are essential for the Mount Kilimanjaro trek. It is recommended to have proper hiking boots, layered clothing for varying temperatures, a waterproof jacket, a high-quality backpack, and other necessary gear to ensure your comfort and safety during the climb.
To reach Mount Kilimanjaro, you have several options depending on your preferences and travel arrangements. You can fly directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is the closest airport to the mountain. Alternatively, you can fly to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam and then take a domestic flight or travel overland to the Kilimanjaro region. Overland travel via bus or private vehicle is also an option if you are already in Tanzania. The road network connects major cities and towns to the starting points of the climb.
While prior hiking experience is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to have a reasonable level of fitness and preparation before attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Regular exercise and training can greatly enhance your chances of a successful ascent and an enjoyable experience.
We recommend arriving at least one day early, which we refer to as "arrival day." This allows you to acclimate, rest, and prepare yourself before the start of the climb.
Yes, most foreigners visiting Tanzania require a visa. US, Canadian, British, and many European citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport. The visa fee is $100 for US passport holders and $50 for others, with US citizens eligible for a longer visa duration. However, it is important to verify with your embassy or consulate if you are eligible for a visa upon arrival or if you need to obtain one in advance. Some African nationals may be exempt from the visa requirement. Additionally, ensure that your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.