11 Days Group Budget Safari and Climbing Kilimanjaro from Moshi in Tanzania (2026 - 2027)

Moshi to Lemosho Gate to Forest Camp

Elevation (ft): 7,800 ? 9,500

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, drive to Lemosho Gate for registration before proceeding to the Lemosho trailhead. The trek begins in lush rainforest filled with vibrant birdlife and playful colobus monkeys. The path ascends gently as you make your way deeper into the forest, where the air is cool and fresh. You will enjoy your first mountain lunch before reaching Forest Camp, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of nature, making it the perfect first stop on your Kilimanjaro climb.

Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation (ft): 9,500 ? 11,500

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Leaving the rainforest behind, today’s hike takes you into the moorland zone. The trail opens up with rolling hills covered in heather and volcanic rocks. As you ascend, you will cross small streams and enjoy sweeping views of the Shira Plateau. The highlight of the day is reaching Shira Ridge, from where you can see Kilimanjaro’s majestic Kibo Peak in the distance. A gentle descent brings you to Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll settle for the night under starry skies.

Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

Elevation (ft): 11,500 ? 13,800

Distance: 14 km

Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Today’s trek crosses the beautiful Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. The walk is gentle and offers stunning views of Kibo’s glaciers and the surrounding landscapes. You will pass through meadows filled with unique alpine plants before pausing at Shira 2 Camp for rest and overnight.

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,800 ? 13,000

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

Habitat: Semi Desert

Climbing steadily from Shira 2 Camp, you head towards the impressive Lava Tower (15,190 ft), also called the “Shark’s Tooth.” The higher altitude provides a challenging but important acclimatization stop, and you’ll enjoy lunch here before descending into the Barranco Valley. The landscape changes as giant lobelias and groundsels dot the path, giving it a surreal feel. The day ends at Barranco Camp, a stunning location surrounded by towering cliffs and close to the famous Barranco Wall.

Barranco Camp to Karanga – Barafu Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,000 ? 15,000

Distance: 9 km

Hiking Time: 8–10 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

The day starts with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, a non-technical but adventurous scramble offering breathtaking views. Once on top, the trail continues through ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp for a short rest. From here, you proceed into the alpine desert to reach Barafu Camp, perched on a windswept ridge. This final base camp offers spectacular views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. An early dinner and rest prepare you for the midnight summit attempt.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp

Elevation (ft): 15,300 ? 19,345 (summit) ? 10,000

Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

Hiking Time: 7–8 hrs ascent / 4–6 hrs descent

Habitat: Arctic

Summit day begins between midnight and 2 AM as you climb slowly through scree and ice fields. Reaching Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with an unforgettable sunrise. From here, continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), the highest point in Africa. After photos and celebrations, descend back to Barafu for a meal, then continue to Mweka Camp. This long and demanding day ends with a well-deserved rest.

Mweka Camp to Moshi and transfer to Arusha

The final descent takes you through a lush rainforest alive with birds and monkeys. At Mweka Gate, you will receive your summit certificates and celebrate your successful climb. Afterward, a driver will transfer you back to Moshi and then to Arusha. Here, you can relax at your hotel and prepare for the safari section of your adventure beginning the next day.

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Depart Arusha in the morning and drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. The park is also home to lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and over 500 bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife lovers. You will enjoy a full game drive through diverse landscapes, from river valleys to open savannahs. In the evening, head to Mto wa Mbu for your overnight stay.

Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands toward Serengeti National Park. Along the way, enjoy views of the crater and stop for a picnic lunch on a kopje (rocky hill). The Serengeti National Park welcomes you with its endless plains teeming with wildlife, from migrating wildebeest to prowling predators. Spend the afternoon on a game drive before settling into your campsite in central Serengeti National Park.

Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater

Start the day with a sunrise game drive in the Serengeti National Park, when predators are most active. Afterward, journey towards Ngorongoro Crater, stopping for wildlife sightings along the way. Arrive at the rim of the crater by evening, where you’ll enjoy dinner and overnight with spectacular views of this natural wonder.

Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Big Five. Enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch by a hippo pool. The crater floor is alive with zebras, wildebeest, flamingos, and predators, offering an unmatched safari experience. In the late afternoon, drive back to Arusha for overnight.

Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable adventure in Tanzania.