8 Days Lemosho Trek & 4 Days Safari

Tour Overview

In this tour you will conquer the world’s  highest free standing mountain via the Lemosho route using the most recommended 8 days itinerary, followed by an unforgettable 4-day safari through the Serengeti, Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro crater.

The Lemosho Route is renowned for its stunning landscapes, low crowds, and high success rates. This route offers a gradual ascent, crossing diverse ecosystems from lush rainforest to alpine desert before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa. It is the perfect trek for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Kilimanjaro while maximizing their chances of a successful summit.

After the exhilarating climb, your adventure continues with a 4-day safari to Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro—some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations. Witness vast elephant herds, the Great Migration, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, where wildlife roams freely in one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders.

With expert guides, seamless logistics, and a passion for adventure, we ensure a safe, professional, and unforgettable experience. Join us for this extraordinary journey that takes you from the summit of Kilimanjaro to the heart of the African wilderness.

What to Expect

  • A scenic and well-paced 8-day trek on the Lemosho Route, offering gradual acclimatization and high success rates.
  • Expert high-altitude guides with years of experience leading Kilimanjaro expeditions.
  • Stunning landscapes, from lush rainforests and Shira Plateau’s open plains to the rugged alpine desert and Uhuru Peak.
  • A thrilling 4-day safari to Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, with opportunities to see the Big Five and witness the Great Migration (seasonal).
  • Comfortable midrange tented camps and lodges, providing relaxation after days of trekking and game drives.
  • Seamless logistics ensuring a safe and stress-free adventure, from Kilimanjaro’s summit to Africa’s iconic wildlife destinations.

8 Days Lemosho Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,385m) to Big Tree Camp (2,780m)

Your adventure begins at Londorossi Gate, where you will register with Kilimanjaro National Park. After a short drive to the trailhead, you will start trekking through the lush rainforest, encountering unique flora and possibly spotting colobus monkeys and other wildlife. The trail is relatively gentle today, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the forest as you make your way to Big Tree Camp.

  • Elevation Gain: 395 meters
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: 4.8 km (3 miles)
  • Habitat: Rainforest
  • Key Highlights:
    • Walking through dense rainforest with towering trees and moss-covered paths
    • Spotting monkeys, exotic birds, and diverse plant species

Arriving at Big Tree Camp, a peaceful setting for your first night on the mountain

Leaving the rainforest behind, today’s hike takes you into the moorland zone, where the vegetation starts to change dramatically. As you ascend towards the Shira Plateau, you will witness expansive views of Kilimanjaro’s western slopes. The day ends at Shira 1 Camp, where you can soak in the breathtaking scenery.

  • Elevation Gain: 720 meters
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
  • Habitat: Moorland
  • Key Highlights:
    • Transitioning from rainforest to open moorland
    • Stunning views of the Shira Plateau and surrounding landscapes
    • Enjoying the first clear glimpses of Kibo Peak, Kilimanjaro’s main summit

Today’s trek continues across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in Africa. The terrain becomes rockier as you gain altitude. You will pass by Shira 2 Camp before heading to Moir Hut, which sits beneath Lent Hills, offering an optional short acclimatization hike.

  • Elevation Gain: 700 meters
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
  • Habitat: Moorland
  • Key Highlights:
    • Walking across the vast and surreal Shira Plateau
    • Optional acclimatization hike on the Lent Hills for better altitude adaptation
    • Spectacular views of Kibo Peak in the distance

This is a crucial acclimatization day as you climb to Lava Tower (4,630m) before descending to Barranco Camp. The principle of “hike high, sleep low” helps your body adjust to the altitude, increasing your chances of reaching the summit. The landscape changes into an alpine desert with fascinating rock formations.

  • Elevation Gain: 430 meters to Lava Tower; descent of 670 meters to Barranco Camp
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Key Highlights:
    • Acclimatization through the hike high, sleep low technique
    • Reaching the iconic Lava Tower, a massive volcanic rock formation
    • Descending into the Barranco Valley, home to unique giant senecios

An exciting day begins with the famous Barranco Wall—a thrilling yet manageable scramble. At the top, you will be rewarded with some of the best views of the journey. The trek then continues over undulating terrain towards Karanga Camp, your last water point before the summit push.

  • Elevation Gain: 75 meters
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Key Highlights:
    • Climbing the Barranco Wall, a fun and rewarding challenge
    • Spectacular views of glaciers and valleys below
    • Arriving at Karanga Camp, an important rest point before the summit

Today’s trek is short but steep as you ascend to Barafu Camp, the final stop before the summit attempt. You will have an early dinner and rest, preparing for the toughest part of the climb—summit night.

  • Elevation Gain: 605 meters
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Key Highlights:
    • A steady climb with stunning views of Mawenzi Peak
    • Arriving at Barafu Camp, the starting point for your summit push

Resting and hydrating for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak

The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek! You will start the ascent around midnight, hiking through the cold, dark night to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. After celebrating your achievement, you will descend to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

  • Elevation Gain: 1,255 meters to Uhuru Peak; descent of 2,815 meters to Mweka Camp
  • Hiking Time: Ascent: 6-8 hours; Descent: 4-6 hours
  • Distance: Ascent: 5 km (3.1 miles); Descent: 12 km (7.5 miles)
  • Habitat: Arctic conditions at the summit; descending through alpine desert and moorland
  • Key Highlights:
    • Summiting Kilimanjaro! Standing at 5,895m, the highest point in Africa
    • Watching a breathtaking sunrise over Tanzania

A long but fulfilling descent to Mweka Camp

Your final descent through the lush rainforest is a time for reflection. After receiving your summit certificates, you will celebrate your achievement before departing for your next adventure.

  • Elevation Loss: 1,440 meters
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
  • Habitat: Rainforest
  • Key Highlights:
    • A leisurely descent through the green, oxygen-rich rainforest
    • Receiving your official summit certificate at Mweka Gate
    • Celebrating your successful Kilimanjaro summit!

4 Days Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Full-Day Game Drive in Tarangire National Park:

You will begin your safari adventure with a full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park, renowned for its dense elephant populations and majestic baobab trees. The park’s varied ecosystems, including river valleys, swamps, and acacia woodlands, support a wide array of wildlife. During the dry season (June to November), animals such as zebras, wildebeests, and buffaloes congregate near the Tarangire River, the park’s lifeline. Predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs are also prevalent. Bird enthusiasts can delight in over 550 bird species, making Tarangire a premier bird-watching destination.

Key highlights:

  • Observing large elephant herds in their natural habitat.
  • Exploring diverse landscapes adorned with ancient baobab trees.
  • Spotting a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, buffaloes, and numerous bird species.

After breakfast in Karatu town, journey to the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts a dense population of wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceroses. Notably, giraffes are absent from the crater due to its steep walls. The crater’s diverse habitats also support a multitude of bird species. After a picnic lunch, proceed to Serengeti National Park for an overnight stay.

Key highlights:

  • Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater to witness its unique ecosystem.
  • Encountering the Big Five in a relatively confined area.
  • Enjoying panoramic views of the crater’s expansive landscape.

You will wake very early for an amazing game drive in search for the big five. Witness the savannahs stretching as far as the eye can see. Spot predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards in their natural habitat.

Key highlights:

  • Witnessing the Great Migration (season-dependent).
  • Observing predators in action within their natural environment.
  • Experiencing the vastness of the Serengeti’s savannahs.

Conclude your safari with an early morning game drive, maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities during the animals’ active hours. Afterward, transfer to the airport for your departure, carrying with you memories of Tanzania’s remarkable landscapes and wildlife encounters.

Why Choose This Tour?

  • Achieve a Life Goal – Summiting Kilimanjaro is an extraordinary personal accomplishment.
  • Unwind in Nature – A safari is the perfect reward after the trek, allowing you to relax while still experiencing adventure.
  • Best of Both Worlds – This package combines the thrill of climbing and the serenity of wildlife exploration.
  • Experienced Operators – With 20+ years in the industry, we ensure a professional and unforgettable journey.
  • Tailored for Success – The 7-day Machame route optimizes acclimatization, and the 5-day safari maximizes wildlife encounters.

If you wish to do these tours separately, check options below:

Tour Price: Ask for a quote

Our 8 Days Lemosho Trek and 4 Days Safari tour is fully customizable to fit your needs. Reach out for a quote, and we can talk about your budget and individual preferences.

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