From Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: 7 Day Group Mid-Range Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route

Moshi to Mti Mkubwa Camp via Lemosho Gate

Destination: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Elevation: 7,800 ft / 2,380 m to 9,500 ft / 2,900 m

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp

From Moshi, a scenic three-hour drive transports you to Lemosho Gate, passing Tanzania’s picturesque mountains and villages. After completing entry formalities and enjoying a nourishing lunch, embark on your trek through the pristine rainforest. The trail, alive with vibrant flora and fauna, leads to Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you’ll rest in comfortable tents, savor a gourmet dinner, and prepare for the journey ahead under the forest’s serene canopy.

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Destination: Shira 1 Camp

Elevation: 9,500 ft / 2,900 m to 11,500 ft / 3,505 m

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Overnight: Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, depart the rainforest for a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and lichen-covered volcanic rocks. Crossing streams and rolling hills, ascend to Shira Ridge, then gently descend to Shira 1 Camp in a verdant valley. The breathtaking vista of Kibo Peak across the Shira Plateau captivates, offering a memorable backdrop as you settle into camp with three hearty meals, readying for the next stage of your ascent.

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Destination: Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 11,500 ft / 3,505 m to 13,800 ft / 4,205 m

Distance: 14 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Overnight: Shira 2 Camp

Explore the vast Shira Plateau, one of the world’s highest, on a leisurely eastward trek toward Kibo Peak’s snow-capped summit. The trail weaves through moorland meadows beside a flowing river, culminating at Shira 2 Camp. This scenic day enhances acclimatization, with stunning views and unique flora. Relish three gourmet meals and rest in comfortable tents, surrounded by the plateau’s tranquil beauty under a starlit sky.

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Camp to Barranco Camp

Destination: Barranco Camp

Elevation: 13,800 ft / 4,205 m to 13,000 ft / 3,960 m

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Semi Desert

Overnight: Barranco Camp

From Shira II Camp, trek east along a ridge toward Kibo Peak, veering southeast to the striking Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” After lunch, descend from this 16,000 ft junction to Barranco Camp at 13,000 ft. This critical acclimatization day, ending at the starting elevation, prepares you for the summit push. Savor three meals and rest in tents, marveling at the dramatic landscape of the Southern Circuit.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Destination: Barafu Camp

Elevation: 13,000 ft / 3,960 m to 15,000 ft / 4,570 m

Distance: 9 km

Hiking Time: 8-10 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Overnight: Barafu Camp

Ascend the formidable Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp, then proceed to the junction with the Mweka Trail, reaching Barafu Camp. This Southern Circuit traverse offers multifaceted views of Kilimanjaro’s summit. The stark alpine desert tests endurance, but expert guides ensure safety. Enjoy three hearty meals and rest in tents at Barafu, mentally and physically preparing for the pre-dawn summit attempt, with the peak tantalizingly close.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Summit to Mweka Camp

Destination: Mweka Camp

Elevation: 15,300 ft / 4,670 m to 19,345 ft / 5,895 m to 10,000 ft / 3,050 m

Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent

Habitat: Arctic

Overnight: Mweka Camp

At 2 a.m., begin the summit push, navigating steep scree between Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point (18,600 ft). Rest briefly, witnessing a spectacular sunrise, weather permitting, before the final hour-long ascent—possibly through snow—to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s apex. Celebrate with photos, then descend to Barafu for lunch and rest, continuing to Mweka Camp in the misty upper forest. Trekking poles and gaiters aid the gravelly descent. Enjoy a final dinner and rest.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi

Destination: Moshi

Elevation: 10,000 ft / 3,050 m to 5,400 ft / 1,645 m

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where muddy trails may require gaiters and trekking poles. Light attire suffices, but keep rain gear handy. Receive your summit certificate at the gate, then transfer by 4x4 vehicle to your Moshi hotel. Reflect on your triumph, tip your guides and porters, and enjoy a restful night, celebrating your conquest of Kilimanjaro.

Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

After breakfast, arrange your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your journey to Dar es Salaam or beyond, with meals and accommodation as your responsibility. Reflect on traversing Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to Arctic peaks, carrying indelible memories of Tanzania’s natural majesty and your adventurous spirit.