On this trip, travelers will summit Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, the tallest free-standing mountain on Earth, and one of the Seven Summits. Kilimanjaro’s Lemosho route is ideal for travelers seeking a slow acclimatization process and the opportunity to enjoy spectacular scenery across rainforests, alpine deserts, and volcanic plateaus. While the Lemosho route takes longer than other popular routes (7-8 days instead of the average 5-6 days), it offers a steadier pace up the mountain and the highest success rate among travelers summiting. Unlike the Machame and Marangu routes, this route is less crowded and offers more tranquil scenery before meeting up with the other trails. During the hike, travelers will explore pristine rainforests at the base of the mountain, before beginning the trek through volcanic plateaus, moorlands, and alpine deserts. Highlights of this trip include the Barranca Wall, a steep climb reportedly easier than it seems, the Kibo Crater, one of the 3 craters that make up the mountain, and the Lava Tower, a 300-foot lava pillar. Travelers should be in good physical condition and prepared to hike from morning until evening each day, including at high altitudes and in changing weather. While reaching the Uhuru summit is a daunting and exciting goal, the Lemosho route offers a scenic, less-traveled path and a gradual, well-paced ascent.
This is a 7 to 9-day trip that costs $2,935, led by Follow Alice, a sustainable travel company offering adventurous small group tours that offer hiking, safari, and cultural exploration across Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe. The company was founded when cofounder Reno and his lead guide Chris climbed Kilimanjaro and made their dream a reality. All trips are led by local guides and 70% of all trip costs go back to the local community. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s 8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.