Ethical Private Mount Kilimanjaro Climb (Lemosho Route) & Safari

From $5,050 pp

  • Duration

    14 days

  • Bookable From

    June - October December - March

  • Trip Style

    Privately Guided

  • Country

    Tanzania

  • Physical Rating

    Mildly Strenuous

Overview

This privately guided, ethical and carbon-offset climb takes you up to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route and then back down to reward you with a leisurely safari.


On this trip, you’ll first spend 8 days climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the newer Lemosho Route and then relax afterward with a classic 4-day safari in the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Lake Manyara National Park.

The Lemosho Route is an excellent choice for your climb as it balances low traffic with beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Most of our clients use this route and love it.

The total trip length is 14 days: arrival day, 8-day climb, 4-day safari, departure day.

There are many routes by which you can conquer Kili! If you're looking for a specific length or difficulty of climb, contact us about the best route options.

  • 6-7 day climb routes: Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Shira, Umbwe, and Marangu.
  • 8-10 day climb routes: Lemosho, Northern Circuit.

Safaris can range from 2-6 days. Depending on the length, you can visit Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, and Tarangire National Parks. Contact us to customize your Climb & Safari package.

Highlights

  • Summit the tallest mountain in Africa via a less-trafficked path
  • Trek through jungles and ravines
  • Soak in incredible panoramic views
  • See fabulous moorland views
  • Enjoy healthy, fresh-cooked meals designed for climbers
  • Support an ethical climbing company
  • Visit the Serengeti National Park
  • Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area
  • Visit Lake Manyara National Park
  • See the Big 5 safari animals

The Lemosho Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. Unlike the popular Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route crosses the entirety of the plain from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. About halfway through, the route joins the Machame route for the second half of the climb.

As you climb, you'll be nourished by three full meals daily. We provide plentiful, fresh food on the mountain and it’s well prepared by skilled professional chefs who join us on the trek. We also consider the choice of food that you would prefer (vegetarian and non-vegetarian). The menu is specially designed for climbers.

On our 4-day safari, we will visit both Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We'll also visit Lake Manyara National Park, which provides a more tranquil, unique, and off-the-beaten-path safari experience.

The Serengeti is also classified as a Biosphere Reserve and is one of Tanzanaia's main attractions for visitors looking to view big game animals. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the Ngorongoro Crater, well-known for being the biggest undisturbed volcanic crater in the world and attracting many popular animals. You should see all Big 5 safari animals on this safari: lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and buffalo.

We respect the animals on our game drives by not feeding them and informing our guests about the consequences of feeding the wildlife. We never lead hunting safaris; and we never participate in off-roading, which can kill some species.

Seasonal Notes

The best time for this ethical Mount Kilimanjaro climb is June through October and December through March. The best time for big game viewing on a safari is June through October, January, and February.

June through October will have less rain than December to March. Temperatures are relatively consistent year-round (around 75-80°F / 24-27°C), being on the warmer end from December to March. Please note that this route is very popular, which means it can be crowded at times - this can cause it to lose some of its splendor. Unfortunately, traveling during the shoulder season during April, May, and November is not advisable due to bad weather that can cause safety hazards.

Please ask us about less-trafficked routes (like this one!), which help promote tourism dispersal, for a different and more off-the-beaten-path climbing experience.

Please ask us about safaris to Manyara and Tarangire National Parks (this trip includes Manyara!). Visiting these parks can help with tourism dispersal and provide a more tranquil, unique safari experience.

Itinerary

Day 1 Moshi [Tanzania] (arrival day)

Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met by our guide at the airport and transferred to the hotel in Moshi. Hotel accommodation includes storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes.

Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort
Room plan: Double Occupancy

Day 2 Start Trek. Lemosho Gate (2100m) - Big Tree Camp (2800m)

The day begins with a long drive to Londrossi Park Gate (2100 m) for registration. Pass through village communities to the trailhead to start hiking on the route along a narrow forest path to reach Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite (2800 m).

  • Trekking Time: 2-3 hours
  • Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 411 m

Accommodation: Camping at Big Tree
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3 Big Tree Camp (2800m) - Shira Hut 1 (3500m)

Leaving the forest, the trail gets steeper as it enters the moorland zone towards the valley. A gentle grade walk takes you across the high altitude Shira Caldera past Shira Cave (views of Arrow glacier) at 3500 m and then gently downwards to Shira Hut 1 located near a stream on the Shira Plateau.

  • Trekking Time: 3 hours
  • Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 719 m

Accommodation: Camping at Shira Hut 1
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4 Shira Hut 1 - Shira Hut 2

A gentle hike across the plateau within the moorland meadow takes you to Shira Hut 2 for the afternoon and overnight. Many hikes are available on the Plateau, making this a great day for acclimatization.

  • Trekking Time: 3 hours
  • Distance: 7 km (4.4 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 321 m

Accommodation: Camping at Shira Hut 2
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5 Shira Hut 2 (3500m) - Lava Tower (4600m) - Barranco Camp (3900m)

Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. You will traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach, finally reaching Barranco Camp (3900 m).
The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600 m), but you will have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to avoid altitude sickness by aiding your body in acclimatization.

  • Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
  • Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 60 m

Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6 Barranco Camp (3900m) - Karanga Valley (4000m)

Start the day by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. Then exit steeply, up what has been termed the Breakfast Wall, which divides you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It is a climb over rocks, although not technical. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, head towards the Karanga Valley (4000 m) to camp overnight.

  • Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 100 m

Accommodation: Camping at Karanga Valley
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7 Karanga Camp (4000m) - Barafu Camp (4600m)

The day is characterized by a short hike on terrain formed by scree. Walk through arid land towards Barafu Camp (4600 m) where you have the entire afternoon to rest before ascending towards the summit.

  • Trekking Time: 2-4 hours
  • Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 600 m

Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8 Barafu Camp (4600m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Millennium Camp (3000m)

We avoid walking too long in the heat of the sun today by starting around midnight and walking steeply upwards to the summit glaciers.
You will be climbing scree for 5 to 6 hours, but you gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. You should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5750 m) as the first rays of the sun emerge. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround you and the views to Mawenzi Peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walk takes you to your goal, the summit of Uhuru (5896 m), the highest point. Uhuru means freedom in Swahili.

  • Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 1296 m

After a quick celebration and photos at the top, you will begin the descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on Scree Slope back to Barafu Camp for breakfast and a short rest before finally heading down to Millennium Camp (3000 m) for a well-earned rest. On the descent, you will have fabulous views of the plains and Mawenzi Peak.

  • Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
  • Altitude Loss: 2896 m

Accommodation: Camping at Millennium Camp
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 9 Millennium Camp (3000m) - Mweka Gate (1640m); End Trek

A gentle trek takes you down through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate (1640 m), where park formalities will be completed, you will be met by our vehicles, and receive your certificate of ascent courtesy of the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. Thereafter, drive back to Moshi where you can treat yourself to a well-earned shower and a cold beer or two.

  • Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
  • Altitude Loss: 1360 m

Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort
Room plan: Double Occupancy
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 Start Safari. Moshi - Serengeti National Park

Today we will start by driving from Moshi to the Serengeti National Park, crossing the Maasai Steppe and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and entering the Serengeti via Naabi Hill Gate. We will spend the afternoon doing game drives in Serengeti until late afternoon when you will drive and check in to Tented Safari Camp for dinner and overnight. 

Accommodation: Embalakai Tented Lodge or similar safari lodge
Room plan: Double Occupancy
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 11 Serengeti National Park

Wake up for a full day of game drives in the Serengeti plains with a picnic lunch taken at one of the designated sites, or if you wish, you can do an early morning game drive, then go back to the lodge/tented camp for breakfast then relax until in the afternoon. You can then go for a sunset game drive in the endless plain.

Accommodation: Embalakai Tented Lodge or similar safari lodge
Room plan: Double Occupancy
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 12 Ngorongoro Crater & Conservation Area

After breakfast in the morning, we drive back slowly through the Central Serengeti with game viewing on the way until we reach the Naabi Hill Gate where we will check out of the Serengeti National Park.

From there, we will drive to the Ngorongoro Crater rim. The Ngorongoro Crater is famous for being the largest, fully intact volcanic crater in the world. It’s also well-known for attracting lots of big-game animals.

You will have a chance to visit the Olduvai Gorge or a Maasai Village (at extra costs) if you wish.

After arriving at Rhino Lodge, we'll drive to the starting point on the Crater's rim which is about 5 kilometers away from Rhino Lodge. Then we will walk along the Western rim of the Crater past the Oloirobi viewpoint. There are patches of forest to begin with, and later it opens up into thicket and grassland, giving beautiful views down into the Crater on your right and eventually equally good views towards Olduvai Gorge, the Serengeti, and the Gol mountains to your left. This is an easy-paced walk with no arduous climbs, just a few short gradients. It lasts about 2 hours and can be done at any time of day.

Accommodation: Rhino Lodge
Room plan: Double Occupancy
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 13 Ngorongoro Crater & Conservation Area; End Safari

In the very early morning, we'll drive down the Ngorongoro Crater walls to the Crater floor where we will spend the better part of the day doing game drives in this 8th wonder of the world, also referred to as the Eden of Africa.

Here we will get the chance to spot the animals that we might have missed at Serengeti and, with a little luck, you'll be able to spot the Big 5: Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, and Rhinos, all in a single day’s game drive.

Later in the afternoon, we will drive back to your hotel in Moshi where your safari ends.

Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort
Room plan: Double Occupancy
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 14 Moshi (Departure day)

We will transfer you from the hotel in Moshi to the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where you will fly back home.

Included Meal: Breakfast

Customization

Contact us if you wish to:

  • Spend only 7 days (instead of 8) climbing Kili via the Lemosho Route.
  • Adjust the number of safari days. With more time, you can also visit Tarangire National Park.
  • Upgrade your safari accommodations.
  • Visit the Olduvai Gorge or a Maasai Village.
  • Enjoy a hot air balloon safari.
  • Continue on to Zanzibar.

Pricing will be adjusted based on the final itinerary.

Route Map

A route map for Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, showing all of the possible climbing and trekking routes, color-coded by route.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • 2-way transfer to/from Kilimanjaro Airport.

  • 3 nights in a Moshi hotel.

  • 2-way transfer to and from the route gate(s).

  • 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 10 dinners.

  • 3-4 liters of mineral water (per climber) provided daily during the climb.

  • Hot drinks and hot water for washing are provided daily during the climb.

  • All park, camping, & team fees.

  • Guides, cooks, & mountain support crew for your trek.

  • Crew's equipment for the trek.

  • Pulse Ox meter for blood-oxygen level readings, carried by the chief guide.

  • Porter to carry your duffel bag.

  • Sleeping mattress pad(s) and tent(s).

  • Dining tent(s).

  • Portable toilets with a tent.

  • Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid).

  • Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only).

  • Emergency evacuation with the Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter (see Health & Safety section).

  • Kilimanjaro National Park rescue team fees.

  • Carbon offset certificate.

  • Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.

  • Professional, licensed, English-speaking safari guide.

  • Full boarding at safari lodges or tented camps as per itinerary.

  • Wine & beer during the safaris.

  • 03 x 0.5L mineral water per person per day during game drives.

  • All wildlife reserve entry fees.

  • Concession fees.

  • Government taxes.

  • Tanzania 18% VAT on tourism activities and park fees.

  • International flights to/from Tanzania.

  • Travel insurance.

  • Extra nights at the hotel.

  • Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Drinks and beverages in the Moshi hotel.

  • Drinks and beverages at the safari lodge.

  • Airport taxes (amount depends on where you’re flying from).

  • Tipping for the Mountain Crew.

  • Visa fees, to be paid upon arrival (ranges from $50 to $100 USD).

  • Personal hiking/trekking gear – you can rent some gear in Tanzania.

  • Snacks, personal medicine, and water purifying tablets.

Pricing

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

TIPPING RECOMMENDATION

  • Climbing Guide - $15 to $20 per day.
  • Climbing Assistant Guide - $10 to $15 per day.
  • Climbing Cook - $10 to $15 per day.
  • Climbing Porters - $6 to $10 per day per porter.
  • Safari Guides & Lodge Staff - please tip ~$30-50 USD per day per car. Cars hold 4-7 passengers.

  • Deposit per person

    30% of trip price

  • [Private Climb] Shared room - sleeps 2 - price per adult

    $5,050 pp

  • Single Supplement

    $250 for the Climb only $550 for the Safari only

Optional Add-ons

Climb:

  • Sleeping bag rental (Mountain Hardware Lamina, synthetic -30F): $50 per person.
  • Telescopic trekking poles rental: $20 per trip.
  • Extra porter (personal porter) for excess gear: $30 per day.
  • Extra night at the hotel: $90 for double occupancy, $70 for single occupancy

Safari:

  • Visits to the Olduvai Gorge or Maasai Village: ~$30-50 per person.
  • Hot Air Balloon Safari: ~$650 USD per person; typically starts around sunrise and lasts for 3 hours. Can be done on the first safari day, in the early morning, and then travelers can meet up with the game drive.

Sustainability

We pride ourselves on taking good care of our mountain crew, who make our climbs possible, and also giving back to our local community in Moshi.

We focus on organizing responsible and ethical tours that make places better for people to both live in and visit. Our dream is to combine community development with cultural tourism and conservation. We believe that the tourism industry has an obligation and a great opportunity to protect the world's natural habitats, cultural heritage sites, and communities.

We are a member of Carbon Offsetting Tanzania and for every climbing trip done with us, we offset the carbon impact and travelers will receive their carbon offset certificate. We provide Leave No Trace Tanzania training to our workers and donate some of our profits to planting trees in Moshi.

We do not indulge in animal slavery, cruelty, or luring through bait during the wildlife experiences. We stay at hotels that use or are trying to use renewable energy and eco-friendly cleaning products. We also stay in tents during the climb.

Our company has created employment opportunities for more than 400 locals (porters, guides, chefs), which helps with Tanzania's unemployment problem. We do not believe in "cheap climbs." Our prices reflect fair and ethical wages for all. We do not exploit any of our Mountain Crew (porters, guides, and chefs), without whom our climbs would not be possible. To ensure this, we are a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) which requires that our Mountain Crew are paid fair wages, receive proper equipment and sleeping conditions, and are fed well. KPAP audits our climbs raises public awareness of fair treatment of porters.

We also collaborate with KPAP to provide financial education to our Mountain Crew about saving, spending, and investing their money. We profit share with our community to ensure they benefit from the tourism revenue as well (for example, we support disabled children and help fund the building of schools.)

For every client, we ensure one child in Moshi gets health insurance for 1 year.

Health & Safety

It is mandatory to have travel insurance that covers up to 6000 meters above sea level. Proof is required prior to arrival. Coverage is needed in case an emergency evacuation with the Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter is required. We recommend two partners:

  • Wanderwell (US travelers only): B-Corp Certified, 1% for the Planet member. Request a free quote for their Wanderwell GO program with the Extreme Sports upgrade.
  • World Nomads (All travelers <66 years old): Request a free quote for their Explorer Plan.

FAQs

What does the Physical Rating of "Mildly Strenuous" mean?

Kilimanjaro climbing involves physical training. You will have to be fit for this trip as it involves hiking for long hours. The safari portion is easy as it involves sitting in the car and watching animals during game drives.

What are the accommodations like?

This is a mid-range tour that includes 3 to 4-star hotels at Moshi. While on the climb you will be sleeping in a four-season tent. During the safari you will be staying in tented lodges or camps. If you want a more luxurious safari stay, contact us for pricing.

Is this tour fully escorted?

Yes, this trip is fully guided by a professional Mountain Guide who will escort you throughout the climb, as well as the adequate and appropriate number of guides, porters, and cooks. Your safari will include an English-speaking guide.

Is this trip safe for solo travelers?

Yes, it is safe and feasible for solo travelers. Solo travelers can book this as a private tour. Contact us for pricing.

Do I need a visa?

Yes, you will need a visa upon arrival in Tanzania.

How much can my bag weigh? (For the climb)

Your bag that a porter will carry for you from one camp to the next can have a maximum weight of 15kg / 32 lbs.

How frequently will our blood-oxygen levels be checked? (For the climb)

The Pulse Ox meter, carried by the chief guide, will be used to take blood-oxygen level readings twice a day.

Reviews

A group of 6 women (2 are Black, on the far left and right, with 4 Caucasian women in the middle) stand atop a snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, with three Black men sitting in the front. They are holding a sign that reads "Women Climb Kili" and they are in front of the "Mount Kilimanjaro: Congratulations" sign post - the text is bright yellow. It's a sunny and cloudy day.

Maddi S.

Jul 29, 2024

Unforgettable, environmentally conscious experience

Amazing experience with Yugen Earthside for my Kilimanjaro climb and safari! An unforgettable experience in Tanzania with extremely attentive and kind staff. The practices were ethical and environmentally conscious. I would highly recommend!

Kris B.

Mar 13, 2023

8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb (Lemosho Route) + 4 Days Safari

Hilary assisted me in finding the perfect Kilimanjaro climb and safari! The trip was everything we dreamed of.

Guides and Porters were amazing and friendly and helped us make it to the top as well as see every African animal! Food was good and energizing but repetitive. We were eating for sustenance.

Would recommend Yugen Earthside.

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