Lemosho 8 Day Via Stella Point – VIP
& 3 Day Safari
February 2025
Karibu sana (Welcome in Swahili)
“After a day’s walk,
everything has twice its usual value.”
G.M. Trevelyan
WHY THIS ITINERARY?
This is the complete Kilimanjaro experience with the highest specifications available on the mountain. It offers more acclimatization time and more spectacular scenery, and it ticks all the boxes for those wishing to see as many sights as possible that make Kilimanjaro famous.
DESCRIPTION
An 8-day ascent to the roof of Africa. Starting on the Lemosho Trail to the west, traversing across the most spectacular parts of the mountain, it joins the Machame. The route above Shira Camp on day 4, from Kosovo Camp, ascends to the summit via Stella Point. Descent is via the Mweka Route.
HIGHLIGHTS
Kilimanjaro! Afromontane forest, Shira plateau, glacial valleys, and alpine desert, views of Mawenzi, the ascent of Kibo, and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit. Glaciers and the roof of Africa!
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
Hike Distance - 37miles / 64 km
Vertical Gain - 15,441ft / 4706m
Drop - 16,070ft / 4898m
Trekking Time - 52 hours
Day 1: February 14, 2025 - Departing the USA for Tanzania
Day 2: February 15, 2025 - Arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport ( JRO)
You will be met at the International Airport of Kilimanjaro by your driver guide and field director and transferred to your accommodations in Arusha. ( Arusha region). The transfer will take about 45-60 min, so you can sit comfortably and enjoy the ride before arriving at your lodge for a well-deserved rest. Arusha is a leading international diplomatic center. This city is considered the de facto capital of the East African Community. Arusha is surrounded by some of the most famous landscapes in Africa, including African National Parks (N.P.). Dramatically set below Mount Meru, it has an authentic frontier atmosphere, its chaotic roads lined with colorful little local shops. Like many towns in East Africa, Arusha is a mix of old buildings left over from the colonial era alongside an increasing number of modern and contemporary buildings. It features a myriad of interesting shops, bustling markets, exciting cultural events, vibrant nightlife, and many bars and restaurants, providing plenty of fun experiences for travelers to Arusha. The semi-rural districts around the town include some lovely accommodation options, especially amongst the coffee plantations. Explore villages and farms on foot, visit the town and its busy central market, or lie by the pool, catch up on some sleep, and start a good book.
Accommodation: Tumbili Lodge Bed and Breakfast
Day 3: February 16, 2025 - Arusha
BRIEFING
Participate in a community orientation and safety overview, and welcome to Tanzania.
Today is at your leisure.
Later, you will be met by your guide and the Climbs Manager, who will brief you thoroughly on what to expect while on the mountain and conduct a kit check to ensure you have everything you need for the trip.
Accommodation: Tumbili Lodge or similar Breakfast and Dinner
Kilimanjaro Climb
An 8-day ascent to the roof of Africa. Starting at Lemosho on the Western side and traversing across the most spectacular parts of the mountain. It joins the Machame route above Shira Camp on day four and then, from Barafu camp, ascends to the summit via Stella Point. Descent is via the
Mweka route.
IN DETAILS
Hike Distance – 37miles / 64 km
Vertical Gain – 15,441ft / 4706m
Drop – 16,070ft / 4898m
Trekking Time – 52 hours
Welcome to the Jungle
DAY 4: February 17, 2025 – LEMOSHO FOREST
START – 6,890FT / 2100M
END – 8,695FT / 2650M
DISTANCE – 4 MILES / 7KM
TIME – 4-6 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – AFROMONTANE FOREST
After breakfast, you depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park. At the gate, your crew finalizes packing, and after finishing with formalities, you return to your vehicle for another 30 minutes or so until you arrive at the start of the Lemosho Trail. Today's hiking is through the verdant afromontane forest, which is steep in places. A picnic lunch is usually taken on the trail during the hike before reaching Forest Camp for the night. (Packed lunch, Dinner)
Forest to the Moorland
DAY 5: February 18, 2025 – SHIRA 1
START – 8,695FT / 2650M
END – 11,844FT / 3610M
DISTANCE – 4 MILES / 7KM
TIME – 5-7 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH
From the forested slopes of Lemosho, you ascend through Podocarpus and Juniper Forest and break out of the forest onto the heath zone and the Shira Plateau. A hot lunch is taken at Shira 1 Camp, and the rest of the afternoon is spent relaxing and acclimatizing to the new environment.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Camp on the Edge
DAY 6: February 19, 2025 – MOIR CAMP
START – 11,844FT / 3610M
END – 13,780FT / 4200M
DISTANCE – 6 MILES / 10KM
TIME – 4-5 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT
Crossing the Shira plateau can be one of the most scenic parts of the trip, and this morning, we hiked for around 4-5 hours to Moir Camp, where lunch is taken. The afternoon is spent acclimatizing, and for those with the energy, a hike in the late afternoon up to a viewpoint is highly recommended to keep the blood flowing. ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Climb High, Sleep Low
DAY 7: February 20, 2025 – BARRANCO CAMP
START – 13,780FT / 4200M
END – 12,796FT / 3900M
DISTANCE – 7 MILES / 11KM
TIME – 7-9 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT
From Moir, we traverse the slopes of Kibo. Here, relatively few flora or fauna can survive the extreme temperature ranges and conditions that typify this zone. Today is a “walk high, sleep low” day. You ascend into the alpine desert to Lava Tower (Alt: 15,092ft, 4600m), where lunch is taken before descending to Barranco Camp. This is a long day, but note that the next time you head to this altitude is in two days' time at base camp – a great acclimatization day! (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Scaling the Wall
DAY 8: February 21, 2025 - KARANGA CAMP
START – 12,796FT / 3900M
END – 13,108FT / 3995M
DISTANCE – 3 MILES / 5KM
TIME – 4-5 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT
From Barranco Camp, famous for its giant groundsels (Senecio species), you ascend the Barranco Wall and hike glacial valleys to Karanga Camp. Today is a relatively short day’s hike, and lunch is taken at Karanga camp. The afternoon is spent relaxing and acclimatizing. In the evening, a practice walk for the summit is taken to make sure you are completely comfortable with the kit you are
going to submit in. (Breakfast Lunch, Dinner)
Moonwalk to Barafu
DAY 9: February 22, 2025 – BARAFU CAMP
START – 13,108 / 3,995M
END – 15,332FT / 4673M
DISTANCE – 2.5 MILES / 4KM
TIME – 4-5 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT
Today is another half day ascending to Barafu Camp. Once again, lunch is taken in camp, allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and, at times, strong winds rip over this camp, yet in the evening, splendid views of Mawenzi are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before heading to rest for the remainder of the evening. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
The Snows of Kilimanjaro
DAY 10: February 23, 2025 - KILIMANJARO SUMMIT / MILLENIUM CAMP
START – 15,332FT / 4673M
END – 12,959FT / 3950M
DISTANCE – 11 MILES / 18KM
TIME – 14-16 HRS
CLIMATE ZONES – ALPINE DESERT, ARCTIC, HEATH
Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence are the name of the game to reach the summit (Uhuru Peak: 19341ft, 5895m), and by dawn, as the first rays of light start to appear, most arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point (Alt: 18,865ft, 5750m) affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! What goes up must come down, however. The first stage is to get back to our base camp for a quick change of clothes and refuel before the long hike downhill to Mweka Camp. The downhill is hard on the knees, and walking poles are highly recommended at this stage. You should reach Mweka Camp before dusk for your final night on the mountain. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 11: February 24, 2025 – ARUSHA
START – 12,959FT / 3950M
END – 5,381FT / 1640M
DISTANCE – 6 MILES / 10KM
TIME – 3-4 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – AFROMONTANE FOREST
After breakfast and farewell to your crew, you return to your lodge for a well-deserved shower! Later that evening, you will be visited by a Representative to congratulate you, find out how the trip went, and answer any final questions you may have about your future journey. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Accommodation: Tumbili Lodge Half Board
Tipping guidelines
Guide - $20 to $30 per day
Assistant Guide - $15 to 20 per day
Chef - $15 to $20 per day
Porters - $5 to $7 per day per porter
Out of the group of porters, some will have additional duties during the entire climb, such as
Being the tent master, waiter, and toilet attendant (if using private toilet tents). We suggest giving these porters an
an additional $3/day. Summit porters will have additional duties during summit day only. We suggest $20/trip per summit porter.
These tips are paid as a group rather than by each climber. For example, in a group of 5 climbers, each climber would contribute $4 - $6/day for the guide’s tip. As is the very nature of tipping, it is your discretion to vary the amounts.
Examples of climb staff numbers:
For a group of 8, you would typically have one guide, three assistant guides, one cook, and 25 - 27
Porters.
Safari Itinerary for 2 Nights/3/Days
Day 12: February 25, 2025 (Day 1 on Safari)- ARUSHA TO TARANGIRE National Park
After your delicious breakfast at Tumbili Lodge, an elegant accommodation that offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, you will meet our safari director and start your drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, which will take approximately two hours. Once you arrive at Tarangire National Park, you will start your game drive through the stunning landscape dotted with ancient unique baobab trees and swaying savannah grassland. On your journey, you will also have a chance to spot various wild animals. After a thrilling morning of exploring Tarangire National Park, you will break for a delicious lunch at a designated picnic site. In the afternoon, you will continue with your game drive through the park, searching for more amazing wildlife sightings. As the day ends, you will drive to Ngorongoro Farm House for meals overnight.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Farm House or similar ( FB)
I N C L U D E D: 4 X 4 O P E N - T O P. P R I V A T E E N G L I S H S P E A K I N G G U I D E, P A R K F E E S A N D D A Y S A F A R I
Day 13: February 26, 2025 - NDUTU - SERENGETI
After a delicious breakfast from your lodge, you will embark on a scenic game viewing. Ndutu is the perfect place to witness the annual wildebeest migration, especially in January, which mis the calving season. During this period, the vast plains of Ndutu are teeming with millions of wildebeest-dropping babies and other animals as they move in such greener pastures. Apart from wildebeest migration, Ndutu is also home to a diverse range of wildlife and birds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. After half a day of game viewing and wildlife sightings, you will enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch/hot lunch amid beautiful scenery before heading to central Serengeti. After lunch, you will begin your drive to central Serengeti, which is known for its high concentration of carnivores/herbivores omnivores and its unique landscape. As the day draws to a close. You will make your way to Lake Masek Tented camp for meals and overnight, where you can relax and reflect on the amazing experience of the day.
Overnight at Lake Masek Tented Camp or similar ( FB)
I N C L U D E D: 4 X 4 O P E N - T O P , . P R I V A T E E N G L I S H S P E A K I N G G U I D E, P A R K F E E S A N D D A Y S A F A R I
Day 14: February 27, 2025 -Departure
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your camp, you will leave for Arusha for your return flight home or on to your next adventure.
Arusha - Airport Transfer
Included:
Airport transfers
Three days /2nights private safari in Tanzania
Transport and wildlife drives in a modified 4WD Land Cruiser or Land Rover with a photographic
roof hatch
Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide
All wildlife reserve entry fees
Game drives at Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti
Unlimited mineral water per person per safari day Coffee/Tea/Wine and Beer with picnic lunches
Bush Lunch
According to the itinerary, functions are available at great safari lodges/tented camps board accommodate.
AMREF Flying Doctor
PRICING: $ Please inquire ( Kilimanjaro only)
Single supplement $500.00 per person
CLIMB BREAKDOWN
The prices below are per person and include the climb ONLY.
Prices include all taxes and VAT.
The price is based on 4-8 pax only.
The quote is based on the VIP Spec.
*Forced singles are not charged
TRIP LEADER PRICING. ( THIS IS OPTIONAL BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.) $1760.00 (to cover park and porterage costs) minus their professional fees.
Pricing for Safari add-on for two nights and three days
Total Cost: $Please inquire ( Safari only)
Single supplement $550.00 per person
ACCOMMODATION
OVERVIEW
If you are looking for a peaceful getaway, Tumbili Lodge is the perfect place to start your safari in Tanzania or to relax. Enjoy a few days before you return home. Tumbili Lodge is a small boutique hotel in a beautiful lush garden with a stunning view of Mount Meru.
All rooms and bandas are individually furnished and designed to offer great comfort and relaxation to its guests.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Land Cruiser Safari Car. Vehicle for a return trip to the airport. Each vehicle can transport up to 6 passengers,
Optional
Mt Meru Hike (Acclimatization) - $189 per person net
Includes: ( Kilimanjaro)
Trained Kilimanjaro guides (1: 2 ratio)
Camp crew, cook a great team of porters.
All transfers are included (Coaster). Each vehicle can be transported up to a maximum of 20 pax.
All relevant Park fees & rescue fees
Emergency medical evacuation
Supplemental oxygen & pulse Oximeter
All accommodation, meals, and drinks as described in the itinerary
Sleeping tent with mattress, mess tent, stools, toilet tent
Sleeping bags, pillow + 3-inch foam mats
EXCLUDES
Tips
International flights
Entry visas
Items of a personal nature
Alterations to this itinerary (i.e., if different accommodations and services are provided then the
price will most likely vary up or down)
Airport departure taxes (unless stated)
Laundry
Beverages in hotels (except those in your personal safari vehicle)
Hospital bills and international evacuation in the event of an emergency