All-Women’s Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An all-female English-speaking team with extensive experience: chef, waiter, 4-5 porters per client for the equipment and your personal luggage (max 15 kg)
    • Experienced, Wilderness First Responder trained trekking guides with extensive local knowledge of the area (one guide for every 1-2 clients)
    • Reliable support by local staff during your whole stay
    • Accommodation in hotels and camps based on double occupancy for 9 to 11 nights, depending on the chosen program
    • All meals during Kilimanjaro trek (hot breakfasts, hot lunches, hot dinners, daily snacks)
    • Drinks during the climb (minimum 3 liters or sterilized water of trekking days plus water, tea and coffee at camps)
    • Airport transfers
    • Private bus from your hotel to Kilimanjaro National Park and back
    • Kilimanjaro National Park fees (entry, camping/hut, rescue, conservation, taxes)
    • Camping equipment (spacious twin-shared tent, 2-inch foam sleeping mattress, walk-in dining tent with table and chairs, wash basins with hot water in the mornings and evening, portable private toilet tent with toilet paper)
    • Safety equipment (pulse oximeter, first aid kit, oxygen bottle)

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to Tanzania
    • Visa fee ($100 for US citizens and $50 for others)
    • Personal gear rentals
    • Mountaineering insurance — necessary, needs to cover high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 m (20,000 ft)
    • Guide gratuities — customary
• How fit do I need to be?

  For this guided Kilimanjaro trek via the Lemosho route, a very good fitness level is crucial. That said, this journey is more akin to a hiking expedition than a technical climb. If you can run for 30 minutes two to three times a week, and enjoy an all-day hike at weekends, you should be fine. Kilimanjaro’s ascent involves endurance and stamina, qualities that should be nurtured through consistent cardiovascular exercises and strength training prior to your adventure.

  What truly sets the Lemosho route apart is its careful design that accommodates gradual acclimatization. While maintaining an active lifestyle is key, remember that the supportive team of guides and porters is there to make your journey possible. Their expertise, combined with the route’s manageable incline, maximizes your odds of success, making the summit an attainable goal. Remember that altitude sickness is a real concern, but following your guide’s advice is essential to ensure your safety and success (the success rate is higher than 90% via Lemosho route). Both of these extended timeline options allow your body to adjust to the changing altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

  As you prepare for this awe-inspiring adventure, keep in mind that mental resilience and a positive attitude are equally as vital as physical readiness. Embrace the camaraderie among fellow trekkers, relish the stunning landscapes, and trust in the guidance provided by your experienced team.

• What do I need to bring?

  You’re allowed to bring one duffel bag or backpack on the trek that will fit all your clothes and climbing gear. Please don’t bring suitcases or wheeled bags because porters carry your luggage on their shoulders or heads. The maximum weight of your luggage is 15 kg (30 lbs). Don’t over pack and make sure not to go over that limit. If you need anything from the lists below, let your guides know and they can help rent it. You should also keep in mind that your hotel offers a convenient storage solution for items you won’t be carrying on the trek.

  In general, bring comfortable riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking, wool, fleece, or synthetic material. Do not bring cotton blends. Please dress respectfully—it’s culturally appropriate and recommended in Tanzania to cover shoulders and ensure any skirts or pants are past the knees. Full-length tights while hiking are fine. Here’s a list of clothing we recommend you bring:

  • • Hiking boots
    • 3-4 heavyweight socks
    • 3-4 lightweight socks
    • 6-8 underpants
    • Thermal base layers (1 lightweight, 1 mid-weight)
    • 1-2 hiking pants (can be full-length tights)
    • 2 mid-layer bottoms (fleece/wool)
    • Waterproof/rain pants
    • 4-5 quick-drying t-shirts
    • 2 mid-layer tops (fleece)
    • Waterproof winter coat
    • Rain jacket
    • Hat with brim/visor
    • Warm hat
    • Ski mask/balaclava
    • Waterproof gloves
    • Optional: scarf, hand/foot warmers, gaiters, bandana

  Here’s a list of toiletries:

  • • Travel-size bottles in Ziploc bags (please note that it is illegal to bring plastic bags to Tanzania)
    • Shampoo and conditioner
    • Face and body wash
    • Toothbrush and toothpaste
    • Oxybenzone-free sunscreen (reef-safe), SPF 30+
    • Lip balm with SPF 30+
    • Bug spray with DEET
    • Feminine hygiene products
    • Ear plugs
    • Deodorant
    • Quick dry towel
    • Wet wipes
    • Female urinating device (funnel)
    • Personal mediation kit (painkiller like Aspirin/Paracetamol, malaria prophylaxis, possibly DIAMOX during the hike to prevent altitude sickness)

  Here’s a list of other equipment we recommend you bring:

  • • Daypack for things you might need throughout the day
    • Sleeping bag (0-20°F / -18 to -6°C) — if you don’t bring your own, you can rent it with your guides
    • Headtorch with extra batteries
    • Water bottles (Nalgene water bottles heavily suggested) — you will need to have a minimum of 3 liters in your daypack, a combination of water bottles and camelbags if you’d like, but make sure to have at least one bottle as camelbags will freeze on summit day)
    • Granola/power bars
    • Outlet power converter — Tanzania has 230V Plug Type G outlets
• What’s the accommodation like?

  During the Kilimanjaro guided tour, you will stay at campsites and sleep in a 2-person tent equipped with safari mattresses for added comfort. Tents are carried by the dedicated porters from campsite to campsite. While the camping experience doesn’t offer running water, showers, or electricity, you’ll be provided with warm water for a refreshing bowl wash in the evenings and mornings. Your camp will also feature a walk-in dining tent with table and chairs and a private portable toilet tent with toilet paper.

  Additionally, before and after the trek, you’ll enjoy the convenience and comfort of a mid-budget hotel in Moshi featuring double rooms. This will provide you with a relaxing space to unwind and rejuvenate before embarking on your adventure and after completing your trek.

• What kind of weather to expect?

  Expect diverse weather during your guided Kilimanjaro adventure in late June to early July and late September to early October. Base temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C, while Kibo crater averages -7°C, dropping to -26°C. Kilimanjaro features five ecological zones, from rainforest to arctic.

  Main climbing seasons are July to September and December to February, offering dry, clear conditions for better summit chances. June to October is the driest but slightly colder. Rainy seasons from March to May and October to December mean fewer climbers, lush landscapes, and more snow atop the peak, ideal for photographers.

• Should I tip the crew members?

  Tipping is customary and appreciated on your guided Kilimanjaro trekking trip. While your trek costs cover National Park fees, tipping the local team – guides, porters, and other crew members – is a meaningful way to show gratitude for their exceptional work. Tips significantly impact their lives and help support their families. The standard minimum is about 15% of your total trip cost per person, shared among the team. However, if service doesn’t meet expectations, tipping isn’t obligatory. Generous tipping is welcomed for outstanding service.

  Tipping is a historical tradition, recognizing crew efforts. This is crucial, especially after the pandemic’s impact on tourism and rising costs of living in Tanzania.

  To express gratitude, many also donate gear post-trip. Quality mountain gear is often unaffordable for local team members, making gear donations invaluable. Daily recommended tip rates vary:

  • • Lead guide: $20 – 30
    • Assistant guide: $15 – 25
    • Cook: $15 – 25
    • Waiter: $10 – 15
    • Porter: $8 – 10
    • Toilet porter: $10 – 15

  Tipping usually happens in US-Dollars on the climb’s last day during a Kilimanjaro tipping ceremony, involving an envelope for each member of the crew.

• What food will you be eating on the mountain?

  Participants will eat a combination of local Tanzanian dishes and more western-style dishes during their guided Kilimanjaro trekking tour. Breakfasts typically include porridge, breads, eggs, pancakes and fruit. Lunches and dinners range from traditional Tanzanian staples of rice, beans, chapati (pancakes) and ugali (maize porridge), to coastal Tanzanian beef stews and vegetable curries, to more western soups, pastas, fried fish, stir fries, and salads.

  You will be accompanied by a team of chefs who will prepare meals for you in accordance with the altitudes you’re climbing. We also recommend bringing along some of your favorite snacks, especially granola or protein bars.

  Note for anaphylactic participants: Your guides will control the diet and take very careful precautions with allergies, but due to a number of other hikers on the mountain, some risk of cross-contamination exists. If you are comfortable with that, you can be accommodated on the program.

• What about staying clean and fresh while on trek?

  As you will be drinking lots of water during your guided Kilimanjaro hike/climb, you will be urinating a lot. Also, high altitude makes you urinate more frequently, even more so if you’re taking Diamonix. Using a female urinating device (a funnel) will be a great option to make it easier when there’s no bush or rock to hide behind! A portable toilet tent will be available for the night that you’re camping out, but all other nights you will be using the toilet in the hut.

  Regarding keeping your body clean on the mountain, you will be given a bowl of hot water in the mornings and once you reach the accommodation after hiking. Using wet wipes for “washing” your body is what most women do. You will probably not be able to give your hair a proper wash during your Kilimanjaro trek, so dry shampoo may be an option. Regarding your period, even if you don’t expect to have it during the climb, the altitude can mess with your hormones and induce it. Make sure to bring enough tampons and other sanitary products you might need.

  Please do not leave any toilet paper, wipes, etc. on the mountain. Pack biodegradable (compostable) disposable bags to put your hygienic rubbish in. You can get rid of these mornings before heading off.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For this all-women Kilimanjaro trekking tour/guided climb, groups can consist of 12-15 participants. In case of more participants, the group will be separated into two.
    • It takes a minimum of 5 people for this tour to operate.

  Kilimanjaro trekking via Lemosho route can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Kilimanjaro trekking tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has trekkers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To reach the starting point of your expedition, you will need to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport on Day 1 of your itinerary (Day 0 for the 9-day program). This is where your incredible journey begins. Upon your arrival at the airport, your designated guide will be there to warmly welcome you. They will ensure a smooth transition by providing you with an airport transfer to your hotel in Moshi.

• Safety measures in Tanzania

  Medical and travel protection is mandatory for this Kilimanjaro women’s climb via Lemosho. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

   

  Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  To secure your spot, a deposit in the amount of 30% is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid 90 calendar days prior to the trip departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If you cancel the booking…

  • • Anytime prior to 90 (ninety) calendar days prior to departure, Client is entitled to a full refund.
    • 90-45 (ninety to forty-five) calendar days prior to departure, Client is entitled to a full refund minus the deposit.
    • 45-30 (forty-five to thirty) calendar days prior to departure, Client is entitled to a 75% refund of the total trip price.
    • 30-15 (thirty to fifteen) calendar days prior to departure, Client is entitled to a 50% refund of the total trip price.
    • 15-8 (fifteen to eight) calendar days prior to departure, Client is entitled to a 25% refund of the total trip price.
    • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund.

  Your guides reserve the right to cancel any tour without prior notice where it is unavoidable. In that case, they agree to refund all payments made by the client. Clients can also transfer the amount paid to an alternate date. In circumstances where the cancellation is due to force majeure, refunds will be less unrecoverable costs. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, your guides are entitled to withdraw from the contract before the start of the trip.

  Trip prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practice within the travel industry. Your guides reserve the right to impose surcharges due to unfavorable changes in exchange rates, increases in transportation or local operator costs, taxes, or if government action should require us to do so. If any surcharges result in an increase of more than 10% of the trip price, you may cancel the booking within 14 days of notification of the surcharges and obtain a full refund.

  Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.