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Step 3 - Experience
We've worked with you in Step #2 to plan the perfect itinerary and have collected everything we need to ensure a smooth arrival here in Tanzania. Now it's time for you to sit back and relax while we do the work (unless you're climbing Kilimanjaro with us, in which case you still have some work to do). Regardless, we'll be with you every step of the way to ensure that the only surprises will be the kind you want to have. We'll be here waiting for you, and look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful Tanzania.
Step 2 - Customize
Connect with us to plan the perfect adventure. Since we own the company, and manage every detail of your itinerary, we are able to accommodate many special requests. We don't like cookie-cutter experiences any more than you do, and that's why we will work directly with you to craft an Africa trip that is truly special. Once you're completely satisfied with your custom itinerary we make it safe and easy to confirm your reservation. Now it's time to move on to the last, and arguably the most important step, the experience.
Step 1 - Discover
Take a look at our expertly designed trips on the website and narrow it down to your favorite, or contact us and let us suggest an itinerary if you prefer. Don't forget to look at our most popular extensions to get some ideas for other activities you can experience while you're here. Our "pre-designed" trips are wonderful trips that have become client and guide favorites because they include many of the highlights you might expect to see while you are in Tanzania. It's likely that one of these trips will catch your attention, and get you excited about taking the next step.
Africa Is Only Three Easy Steps Away With A Betheli Expedition
Expedition Overview
Embark on an unparalleled 9-day journey, delving into the heart of Africa as you ascend the world-renowned Mount Kilimanjaro through the pristine Lemosho route.
This meticulously crafted expedition stands out with its uncrowded paths, giving you an intimate experience of Kilimanjaro's diverse ecosystems and grandeur. From the lush, wildlife-rich forests at the base, to the barren, captivating landscapes at the peak, every step on this trek promises a unique adventure.
You will not only be treading on one of the world’s most iconic trails but also acclimatizing optimally, ensuring a smoother and safer ascent.
With our seasoned guides and meticulously planned itinerary, this trip is tailored for both the intrepid adventurer seeking a challenge and the nature enthusiast yearning to bask in the beauty of Kilimanjaro.
Your journey culminates at Uhuru Peak, offering a sense of accomplishment and panoramic views that are nothing short of magical.
Highlights:
Untouched Wilderness: Traverse the pristine and less frequented Lemosho route, offering a more secluded and intimate experience of Kilimanjaro.
Rich Biodiversity: Encounter a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat, with the chance to hike alongside an armed ranger on the first day.
Optimal Acclimatization: Spend 7 days trekking, allowing ample time for your body to adjust to the altitude, enhancing your chances of a successful summit.
Stunning Panoramas: Marvel at the breathtaking vistas of the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and the Great Barranco Wall.
Challenging Ascents: Push your limits as you navigate the Barranco Wall and make your midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Glacial Wonders: Witness the spectacular glaciers of Kilimanjaro, offering a stark contrast to the lush landscapes below.
Cultural Insights: Immerse yourself in local culture with opportunities to interact with your guides and porters, gaining insight into life on the mountain.
Comfortable Accommodations: Unwind before and after your trek at the serene Mount Meru Hotel located in Arusha, ensuring you are well-rested and ready for the adventure.
Expert Guidance: Benefit from the knowledge and support of experienced guides and crew, dedicated to ensuring a safe and memorable trek.
Memorable Moments: Collect a lifetime of memories and a sense of achievement as you stand on the roof of Africa, surrounded by awe-inspiring views.
Ready to conquer the Roof of Africa? Continue reading to delve deeper into the day-by-day journey, discover the detailed preparation, and learn how we ensure a safe, enjoyable, and successful summit attempt.
Your adventure of a lifetime awaits—let’s get started!
When To Come
Embarking on a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro is a profound adventure, and timing your visit right is crucial to enhance your experience.
The Lemosho Route is open for ascents year-round, but the best times to visit are during the mountain’s two prime trekking seasons: from late June to October and from late December to mid-March. During these periods, you can expect more stable weather, clearer skies, and a more pleasant trekking experience.
Best Times for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro:
June to October: This period marks the dry season and is generally considered the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. The weather is more stable, and the skies are clear, offering fantastic views of the mountain and surroundings. This is also the peak tourist season, so you’ll find the routes more crowded.
December to March: Another good window for climbing, this period offers slightly warmer temperatures and is also a popular choice among trekkers. The routes are less crowded compared to June to October, providing a more secluded experience.
Avoiding the Rainy Seasons:
April to May: These months see the long rains in Tanzania, making the trails on Kilimanjaro wet and muddy. While climbing is still possible, it’s more challenging, and the views are often obscured by clouds.
November: This month marks the short rains. The precipitation is less intense than in April and May, but the trails can still be slippery, and the weather can be unpredictable.
Combining with a Safari:
The dry seasons (June to October and December to March) are also ideal for safaris, as the wildlife tends to congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot.
The Great Migration, one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife events, occurs in the Serengeti from June to July, and again in December to March, as the wildebeest and zebras move in search of fresh grazing grounds.
Tarangire National Park is particularly stunning in the dry season, with large herds of elephants and other wildlife drawn to the Tarangire River.
Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round, but it's at its best during the dry season when the grass on the crater floor is short, making animals easier to spot.
When to Book:
Due to the popularity of climbing Kilimanjaro and going on a safari during the dry seasons, it’s crucial to book your trip well in advance. This ensures you secure your preferred accommodations and trekking arrangements, as well as any necessary permits.
For those looking to avoid the crowds, considering the shoulder seasons (late March, early June, and late October) might be a wise choice. The weather is relatively stable, and there are fewer tourists on the mountain and in the national parks.
Your adventure to Mount Kilimanjaro and the wild landscapes of Tanzania awaits! By planning your trip during the optimal seasons, you're setting yourself up for a successful summit attempt and an unforgettable safari experience.
Whether you’re marveling at the majestic peak of Kilimanjaro or witnessing the awe-inspiring wildlife of Tanzania, this journey is sure to be a highlight of your travel adventures.
Expedition Summary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania's gateway city
Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp, Lava Tower, & Barranco Camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 7: Uhuru Peak Summit at 5,895 Meters
Day 8: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Day 9: Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Please note: This is our most popular itinerary for the Lemosho route. Customized itineries are available ranging from 5-9 days on the mountain.
Day 1 – Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the Hotel for your overnight stay on a half-board basis.
After a shower and rest our Tour consultant together with our mountain guide will meet with you for a comprehensive briefing of the tour, pack your mountain gear and equipment ready for trekking the
next morning (it all depends on your arrival time otherwise it will be done the next day morning
before departure).
Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel, located in Arusha.
Meals & Drinks: Dinner & Breakfast - Drinks not included
Day 2 – Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Hiking time: approximately 3 ½ hours
Distance: approximately 5.4 km
Habitat: Montane forest
Your day starts early with a briefing, breakfast, and a 3-4-hour drive from Arusha to the Londorossi Park Gate (2100m). After registration formality, we continue by vehicle, a further 12km on a forest
track that leads to the Lemosho starting point (2244m). The group continues toward their drop-off point by off-road vehicles (reaching 3,500 meters). Here you can see a spectacular view of the Shira
Plateau for the first time.
The route from your drop-off point to your first high-altitude camp Shira 2 features a moderate gain in altitude and is not too physically challenging. Due to this, you will be able to properly begin the
process of acclimatization. By the time you reach the camp, you will find our crew already set up your tent. The crew will prepare everything necessary, dinner and overnight.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: under the tent
Day 3 – Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Hiking time: approximately 8 hours
Distance: approximately 15.6 km
Habitat: Moorland
Wake up early morning for breakfast, thereafter start walking through the forest which may take an hour to the end of the forest and then the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. Several streams are crossed. After 8.1 km we reach Shira 1 camp (3504m) located on the Western edge of the Shira Plateau where we stop for lunch.
After lunch, we hike across the Shira plateau for another 7.5km to the Shira 2 Camp, situated on the moorland meadows (3875m).
From this point, you will be able to view the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. The crew will provide you washing water before the chef serves dinner.
The night at this exposed camp will even be colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: under the tent
Day 4 – Shira 2 Camp, Lava Tower, & Barranco Camp
Hiking time: approximately 8 hours
Distance: approximately 10.3 km
Habitat: Semi-desert
After an early breakfast trek from Shira 2 Camp east towards Lava Tower (4642m). As the hike progresses, the surrounding area turns into a semi-desert and rocky landscape. Shortly before reaching Lava Tower the Lemosho route links up with the Machame route. The last part of the hike, (just before reaching Lava Tower), it’s absolutely the toughest part of your hike so far. This is the point where some of the first-time hikers will start to experience the symptoms of breathlessness, irritability, and headaches. You will arrive in time for lunch at Lava Tower (4 642m) after hiking a distance of about 6.6 km.
After lunch, you'll descend almost 680m to the Barranco camping area, and after reaching the high altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, the true acclimatization benefit of this day becomes clear. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours (3.3 km) and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall.
The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco enjoys the panoramic view of sundown. Dinner and overnight.
Meals: breakfast lunch and dinner
Accommodation: under the tent
Day 5 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Hiking time: approximately 4-5 hours
Distance: approximately 5 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Early wakeup, breakfast, and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.
Afterward, you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents along the route, but don’t worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group.
After reaching the camp you will be offered a warm lunch. After a couple of hours, you will complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 300-meter gain in altitude before descending back down to the camp.
Meals: breakfast lunch and dinner
Accommodation: under the tent
Day 6 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Hiking time: approximately 4-5 hours
Distance: approximately 6 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
In the morning after breakfast, you begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp (4,600 m), the starting point for a night summiting Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Our team will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax. After regaining strength, you will complete an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m) and then back to Barafu Camp, where you will be served a hot dinner, spending the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before the upcoming night summit.
Meals: breakfast lunch and dinner
Accommodation: under the tent
Day 7 – Uhuru Peak Summit at 5,895 Meters
Hiking time: approximately 6 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak followed by 5 to 7 hours to descend to Millennium Camp
Distance: approximately 4.5 km ascent and 10.8 km descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Wake up around 23h20, and have some tea and biscuits, before departing from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) and start summiting Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude. Each pair of climbers will be accompanied by a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a short rest proceed to Millennium Camp (3,820 m).
Meals: breakfast lunch and dinner
Accommodation: under the tent
Day 8 – Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Hiking time: approximately 4-5 hours
Distance: approximately 12 km
The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit.
After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit “Mweka Gate 1,650m”. After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, here you will have a chance to share your feelings with the crew.
Lastly, we will present you with a commemorative certificate provided by the park’s management “KINAPA” before you are transferred back to the hotel in Arusha for a hot shower, dinner, and a comfortable bed.
Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel, located in Arusha.
Meals & Drinks: Dinner & Breakfast - Drinks not included
Day 9 – Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Unless you've booked a safari or other extension with us, you'll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport after breakfast, arriving in time for your departure flight.
If your flight is later in the day, we will be happy to set up an optional Arusha city tour, visiting the Maasai Market and a Tanzanite shop where you can buy gifts for loved ones back home.
Meal: Breakfast
Every Day for the Rest of Your Life - Amazing Memories!
Expedition Rates & Inclusions
Rates are quoted in US$ per person, based on double occupancy (two guests traveling together, sharing accommodations). If you're traveling alone, or if there are more than 2 guests in your party we will work with you to ensure you get the best rates for whatever your group may require.
June 1, 2024 - December 31, 2025
$2,499
Rates are quoted in US$ and may fluctuate. Additionally, our hotel and lodging partners are wonderful, and as a result availability can change quickly. The rates above are accurate as of the time published, and are intended to help you easily choose a trip that fits within your budget.
Quoted or advertised rates are not guaranteed until our expert expedition planners have prepared your customized expedition proposal, you've agreed to the booking terms and conditions, and you have confirmed your chosen expedition with a deposit. We make the process very easy, and accept many credit cards.
Unlike many operators, we include those items that you're most likely to want or need, while attempting to give you the flexibility of choosing those optional activities or services that may be of particular interest to you. If you have any questions, or would like to modify your trip to include or exclude anything, just let us know and we'll be happy to work with you to create a customized Betheli Expedition that is the perfect fit.
Included
Personalized trip planning assistance and comprehensive planning materials, including detailed packing lists
Round trip transfers from/to Kilimanjaro Internatonal Airport (JRO)
Transfers to/from the base of the mountain
Full board accommodation whilst on the trek
3 Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
Two nights total at the hotel in Arusha, before and after trekking
Accommodation in tents on the mountain as per the itinerary
All park entrance fees including government taxes
Service of a professional English-speaking Mountain guide
Porters and skilled cook
Treated water and boiled water on the trek
Oxygen tank
Flight evacuation
Mobile toilet
First AID Kit
Not Included
International Airfare: Arrange your international flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Visas to Tanzania (if required)
Tips
Laundry
Sleeping bags/mattress (available for hiring, though we recommend bringing your own)
Drinks
Climbing gear
Items of a personal nature and any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary