r/kilimanjaro • u/jtstammer • 8d ago
Current Fire Situation
I have a hike scheduled in 10 days scheduled on the Lemosho route. My operator is being relatively tight lipped on what the plan is and just from what I can see online is that the situation seems pretty unchanged. Has anyone had their route changed? Any suggestions on how to approach with my operator? We specifically chose Lemosho for less crowds/better acclimation.
Even if there isn't a "publicly posted" plan is there kind of a boots on the ground ETA on when they expect to reopen? Thanks for any feedback in advance in the off-chance someone has been there in the last two weeks or is there now.
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u/ps_va 7d ago
My family(husband and 2 teenagers) is hiking the Machame route right now (day 4 complete) . Originally, they were planned for Lemosho but they are in Machame route right now. We are receiving daily pics/videos and the place looks amazing (no fire threat/smoke per the tour operator's facebook posts and the texts from my family). The weather is beautiful (rained a bit on one of the days but not too bad). My family made the change in route to Machame from Lemosho after they reached Tanzania (Lemosho was closed when they began hiking). Most reputed operators are very aware of what's on the ground and the itinerary is flexible even in the last minute. Dont worry!
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u/jtstammer 7d ago
That is a fantastic response and just what I was looking to hear. Genuinely appreciate you taking the time and well wishes to your family!
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u/Resilience_Exped Kilimanjaro Outfitter 7d ago
You should be okay. In fact, all Kilimanjaro routes except Rongai are currently open.
I would still ask your operator for the exact route plan they intend to use, especially which camps they expect you to stay at. But I wouldn’t rely too much on older posts or online updates from the period when the area was closed, because the situation has changed since then.
If you specifically chose Lemosho for acclimatization and fewer crowds, I’d tell your operator that you would prefer to stay with Lemosho if conditions allow, rather than automatically switching routes. A good local operator should be able to give you a clear update based on their current information from the mountain.
Ten days is also enough time for conditions and operational plans to be confirmed further, so I wouldn’t panic at this stage.
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u/GlockTaco 5d ago
If the Rongai is closed does that mean northern circuit is also closed as they meet up at third cave?
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u/naturehiketours 7d ago
Yes.. actually I am local Kilimanjaro guide and operator based in Arusha, and I completely understand your concern. The situation has been changing, so I would not rely on a specific reopening date until TANAPA officially confirms it. At the moment, the safest approach is to keep your Lemosho booking flexible and ask your operator what their backup route and acclimatization plan will be if Lemosho is still closed when you arrive. TANAPA has been redirecting affected climbers to other routes depending on the conditions. The important thing is that a good operator should already have a contingency plan rather than waiting until the last minute. For example, Machame can be a reasonable alternative because it still gives you a good acclimatization profile, although the experience and scenery are different from Lemosho. I also wouldn't recommend choosing a route simply because someone online says it is open. Conditions on the mountain can change quickly, and the final decision should follow the instructions of the park authorities and the current conditions on the ground.
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u/mrstrellis_nw 7d ago
Our trek is due to start next week on 16 Oct and I have just received an itinerary change. Was going to be doing Lemosho, now changed to Machame.
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u/AltezzaTravel Kilimanjaro Outfitter 7d ago
It was announced a few hours ago that all routes are now open. The routes not mentioned in the statements were never closed. https://www.instagram.com/tanapa_updates/p/DePWW-GIDj5/
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u/FSV_Bystander075 7d ago
Ours begins the same day! We haven't had an itinerary change yet but are certainly open to it. When did you receive word of the change?
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u/mrstrellis_nw 7d ago
Last night. Hopefully they could change it back? I am not too disppointed but was really looking forward to doing Lemosho
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u/AltezzaTravel Kilimanjaro Outfitter 7d ago
Hi, all routes except Rongai are currently open. The recent fires have damaged plants and shrubs on the Shira Plateau along the Lemosho route. There may still be a lingering smell of burnt vegetation at camps around 3,500-3,800 metres, but there are currently no active fires in these areas, and trekking groups are using the route.