Climb Kilimanjaro

Highlights

Conquer legendary Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest free-standing mountain and experience the only place on land where you can see the curvature of the Earth. Long considered the pinnacle of trekking challenges, our Kilimanjaro treks are suited to charities, corporate groups, individuals and more.

At a glance

With a range of routes available, you’ll journey through a sprawling dense jungle, astonishing alpine deserts and witness remarkable permanent glaciers. Soaring rates of ascent means you’ll need to overcome fatigue and the altitude to reach this jaw-dropping summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

• Conquer the pinnacle of international expeditions
• Privately guided by a qualified British Mountain Leader
• Choose from three famous routes
• Flexible fundraising options for charities
• Acclimatisation day to see the sights
• Very high success rates
• Stay in authentic hotels and camp while trekking

Groups we cater for

• Individuals, families and small groups of friends
• School and education groups
• Stag and hen parties
• Team building
• Charities
• Film and TV
• Military and cadets

We’re Responsible Travel Partners with KPAP

Responsible travel is at the heart of every trek, activity and event we provide. We are proud partners with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) and the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC). You can find out more about these programmes here.

Prices

Privately guided tours from £2,395 (land only)

All our Kilimanjaro tours are for private groups. Each route is priced exactly the same. You can add deluxe extras, upgrade hotels and go on safari as part of your trip.

We can accommodate any group size. Just contact us and we’ll quote a price within 24 hours.

Without flights

With flights

A deposit of £200 secures your place on the trip and the balance is due 60 days before the start of the tour. Monthly payment plans can be set up on request. If you book less than 60 days before the start of the trip then the full amount is due immediately.

If you are a previous client of Lost Earth Adventures, you will receive a loyalty discount of 5% on your trip.

Single Traveller?

We don’t charge a single supplement fee for solo travellers. Our prices are based on staying in twin share rooms and tents with members of your group. If you’d prefer to stay in your own room, a £250 charge applies and must be paid with your final balance.

Will there be any surcharges or price changes?

Once you pay your deposit, we guarantee there will be no price change. There are no hidden charges or extras either. The price we quote you when you book is the price you and your group pay.

Lemosho Route

A quieter trip with panoramic views and wildlife spots

Begin on the western side of Kilimanjaro in a largely untouched area of rainforest. Antelope, buffalo and elephants can be spotted. A relatively new route and one of the most remote with spectacular views. This is a generally difficult route as you’ll need to traverse Barranco Wall. It has very high success rates and is much quieter than other routes. You’ll gradually descend via the Mweka route before heading back to the hotel.

Trip Grading

This trip is considered difficult. Barranco Wall is the most technical aspect of this climb. Managing the altitude is crucial if you want to succeed. Read our advice on altitude to help you reach the summit.

Itinerary

• Day 1: Depart from the UK for the adventure of a lifetime
• Day 2: Arrive in Moshi, Tanzania. Settle in and relax around the hotel pool
• Day 3: We drive to Londorossi Gate and begin our trek through the rainforest to Lemosho Forest Camp (2,650m)
• Day 4: A full day of trekking through forest and moorland up to Shira Camp (3,500m)
• Day 5: A remarkably scenic trekking day, we ascend and descend to reach the legendary Barranco Wall (3,950m)
• Day 6: Start the day with a difficult scramble over the volcanic rock at Barranco before reaching Karanga Camp (4,040m)
• Day 7: Make way for Barafu Camp (4,600m), ready for Summit Day. Today is a shorter trek and helps you to acclimatise
• Day 8: Summit Day! The gruelling trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Take in the captivating views. Then, begin the descent down Kilimanjaro
• Day 9: After an early breakfast, we continue the descent to the rainforest at Mweka Gate and on to our hotel at Moshi
• Day 10: Breakfast, a free morning and then depart for home

If you want to arrive early or depart later then we can arrange accommodation and transport for you. Please contact us with any requests.

When is the best time to trek Kilimanjaro?

You can trek the Lemosho route all year round. However, some months are characterised by colder weather, rain and snow.

June – October: Recommended. The weather is cold to moderate with lower rainfall than other months. There may be more crowds than other months, but bear in mind Lemosho is a quieter route than others.

December – March: Recommended. The weather is generally warm with an average amount of rainfall. In December, January and February, the route may be busy. In March, the route should be fairly quiet.

Other months: April and May are characterised by a lot of rainfall and low visibility, and so is not generally recommended. If you must trek in these months, we advise you take the Rongai route which is north of the mountain and usually drier. Trekking in November is not recommended.

Note that the weather can be unpredictable. Sometimes, there can be heavy rainfall in the dry season and no rainfall in the wet season.

Machame Route

The most popular route to climb Kilimanjaro

Begin on the western side in the scenic rainforest location. Around 50% of all trekkers take this route, so it’s not for those looking for quiet treks. You’ll walk high, sleep low which helps with acclimatisation. Like Lemosho, this route sees you traverse Barranco Wall. It’s better suited for more adventurous trekkers and, with our British Mountain Leaders guiding you, has high success rates. You’ll descend via the Mweka route.

Trip Grading

This trip is considered difficult. Barranco Wall is the most technical aspect of this climb. Managing the altitude is crucial if you want to succeed. Read our advice on altitude to help you reach the summit.

Itinerary

• Day 1: Depart from the UK for the adventure of a lifetime
• Day 2: Arrive in Moshi, Tanzania. Settle in and relax around the hotel pool
• Day 3: We drive to Machame Gate and begin our trek through the rainforest to Machame Camp (3,100m)
• Day 4: A full day of trekking up into the High Alpine Desert zone of Shira Camp (3,850m)
• Day 5: A remarkably scenic trekking day, we ascend and descend to reach the legendary Barranco Wall (3,972m)
• Day 6: Start the day with a difficult scramble over the volcanic rock at Barranco before reaching Karanga Camp (4,100m)
• Day 7: Make way for Barafu Camp (4,600m), ready for Summit Day. Today is a shorter trek and helps you to acclimatise
• Day 8: Summit Day! The gruelling trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Take in the captivating views. Then, begin the descent down Kilimanjaro
• Day 9: After an early breakfast, we continue the descent to the rainforest at Mweka Gate and on to our hotel at Moshi
• Day 10: Breakfast, a free morning and then depart for home

If you want to arrive early or depart later then we can arrange accommodation and transport for you. Please contact us with any requests.

When is the best time to trek Kilimanjaro?

You can trek the Machame route all year round. However, some months are characterised by colder weather, rain and snow.

June – October: Recommended. The weather is cold to moderate with lower rainfall than other months. In this peak season, there’s more chance of crowds. Remember that this route is usually the busiest, too.

December – March: Recommended. The weather is generally warm with an average amount of rainfall. In December, January and February, the route may be busy. In March, the route should be much quieter.

Other months: April and May are characterised by a lot of rainfall and low visibility, and so is not generally recommended. If you must trek in these months, we advise you take the Rongai route which is north of the mountain and usually drier. Trekking in November is not recommended.

Note that the weather can be unpredictable. Sometimes, there can be heavy rainfall in the dry season and no rainfall in the wet season.

Rongai Route

Start north and enjoy tranquil landscapes and unspoilt wilderness

Begin on the north side of the mountain. This is the quietest route, so there’s less chance of seeing fellow trekkers and more chance of seeing buffalo, antelope and elephants. With untouched wilderness all around and much less rain, enjoy clear views of the mountain. Much flatter than other routes, trekkers may take more time to get acclimatised, but the route itself is generally easier than most. You’ll descend via Marangu route.

Trip Grading

This trip is considered medium. There are no technical climbs on this route. However, managing the altitude is crucial if you want to succeed. Read our advice on altitude to help you reach the summit.

Itinerary

• Day 1: Depart from the UK for the adventure of a lifetime
• Day 2: Arrive in Moshi, Tanzania. Settle in and relax around the hotel pool
• Day 3: We drive to Nale Moru Gate and begin our trek through lush habitats to Simba Camp (2,668m)
• Day 4: Through mesmerising scenery, we trek to Kikelewa Caves Camp (3,679m). A tour day but good for acclimatisation
• Day 5: Trek steep altitudes at a steady pace to reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m), probably the most scenic camp on Kilimanjaro
• Day 6: An acclimatisation day. Relaxed walking up to a maximum of 4,500m. A great day to relax and enjoy the Kenyan plains
• Day 7: We trek to Kibo Camp (4,720m) at a steady pace in preparation for Summit Day tomorrow. This desert is vast, bleak and unlike anything you’ve ever seen
• Day 8: Summit Day! The gruelling trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Take in the captivating views. Then, begin the descent down Kilimanjaro
• Day 9: After an early breakfast, we continue the descent to the rainforest at Marangu Gate and on to our hotel at Moshi
• Day 10: Breakfast, a free morning and then depart for home

If you want to arrive early or depart later then we can arrange accommodation and transport for you. Please contact us with any requests.

When is the best time to trek Kilimanjaro?

You can trek the Rongai route all year round. However, some months are characterised by colder weather, rain and snow.

June – October: Recommended. The weather is cold to moderate with lower rainfall than other months. In this peak season, there may be more chance of crowds.

December – March: Recommended. The weather is generally warm with an average amount of rainfall. In December, January and February, the route may be busy. In March, the route should be much quieter.

Other months: April and May are characterised by a lot of rainfall and low visibility and is not generally recommended. However, if you must trek in these months, this is the best route. As you begin north, there will be less rain and more visibility. The route is also usually quiet at this time. Trekking in November is not recommended.

Note that the weather can be unpredictable. Sometimes, there can be heavy rainfall in the dry season and no rainfall in the wet season.

Inclusions, Exclusions & Extras

What’s included?

• 2 nights in hotel accommodation with swimming pool: the hotels we use are of a good standard, are clean, comfortable and authentic
• Included meals: All meals while trekking, breakfasts, welcome and farewell dinner in Moshi
• 6 nights camping
• Airport transfers to and from the airport on the first and last day
• All transportation for duration of tour (unless otherwise specified)
• Entrance fees and trekking permits
• Porters and support staff to carry luggage
• Qualified British Mountain Leader
• Local guides
• Satellite phone
• Guides will check in with our office to get regular weather updates and confirm locations
• Financial protection
• Pre-departure support and advice by email or phone. Face-to-face meetings in York optional. We’ll also send you a comprehensive trip information pack
• Remote medical support from specialist doctors
• Trekking kit bag
• We don’t force a fast or slow pace. We support our treks with plenty of staff so we let you walk at the pace that is right for you
• Our guides and porters are paid fairly, properly equipped and fully insured for rescue and medical emergencies
• T-shirt
• If you’d like to meet some of our team and experience our services beforehand you can join us on one of our UK adventures

What’s not included?

• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Items of a personal nature (drinks, snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
• Tanzanian visa (available to buy for USD50)
• Tips to porters/local guide
• Airport transfers taken outside of the itinerary’s arrival and departure dates

Luxury extras

We know that having some home comforts or deluxe extras can make your trip that one bit more enjoyable. Need any of the below? Just let us know.

• Upgrade to luxury hotel in Moshi: £50 per person per night
• Upgrade to luxury hotel in Arusha: £50 per person per night
• 1 or 2 day safari adventure: see ‘Safari’ tab for more
• Luxury mattress (double thickness, larger): £35
• Higher profile tent: £40 per tent
• Camp cot: £50 per cot (higher profile tent required)
• Single tent: £50 per trip
• Post-climb masssage: £20 per half hour
• Private shower tent: £150 per tent
• Hot water bottle: Free on request

Chanya Lodge, Moshi

Enjoy true Tanzanian hospitality mixed with nature’s charm at the wonderful Chanya Hotel. Four-poster beds, private verandas and hot rain showers are just some of the special features on offer here, while a pool, massage, spa, yoga and a range of top-quality food make your trip that one bit more magical.

Arusha Villa, Arusha

Stroll through beautiful gardens and enjoy stunning views of Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro at the luxurious Arusha Villa, one of the best hotels in Arusha. Perfect for winding down your Tanzanian adventure, Arusha Villa’s rooms are genuinely blissful. With locally-sourced dishes and lots of options for excursions (hikes, walks, trips to local markets and more), we’re sure you won’t want to leave.

Travelling to Tanzania

Before you travel, you will need a passport valid for at least 6 months and a Tanzanian visa. You can get a visa from the Tanzanian High Commission. Tanzania has introduced an e-visa system which allows applications to be submitted and approved online without the need to visit their High Commission in London.

You will need to buy travel insurance for your trip which you can find out about here.

You also need to visit your GP or travel health professional at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to check what vaccinations you need. You can get advice about vaccinations here.

For more information about travelling safely and obtaining passports, you can see more at the FCO Know Before You Go Travel Aware Campaign.

Safari

Make your Tanzanian adventure even more memorable

Enjoy lush scenery and captivating wildlife with Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro as the backdrops of this truly unforgettable safari experience.

Extend your trip overnight and stay in a peaceful lodge. See hippos, elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, leopards, African wild dogs and more. An unmissable end to your journey.

1-day Arusha National Park Safari

We’ll pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Arusha National Park for a full day spotting wildlife and be immersed in this special place. You’ll see elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo and more. After a packed lunch, tea and coffee, we’ll drive you back to your hotel or to Kilimanjaro International Airport depending on what suits you.

Prices

2-day Arusha National Park & Tarangire National Park Safari

We’ll pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Arusha National Park for a full day spotting wildlife. You’ll see elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo and more. We’ll then drive to Tarangire National Park where we’ll stay at Lake Burunge Tented Lodge. The next day, we’ll spend the full day on safari. A haven for birdwatchers, Tarangire is home to more than 500 bird species. Keep your eyes peeled, though. It’s also home to lions, cheetahs, leopards, honey badgers, African wild dogs and more. An exceptional, unbelievable experience.

Prices

The tented lodge at Burunge is on a twin-share basis. If you’d prefer a single room, a supplement of £70 applies. This must be paid with your final balance.

Interested?

If you’d like to add a safari trip to your adventure, just let us know when you book.