From Arusha in Tanzania: 7 Days Group Budget Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route

Lemosho Gate to Forest Camp

Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time:3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

You will leave Moshi and drive for approximately three hours to reach the Lemosho Gate, where you will complete the necessary entry formalities. After enjoying your lunch, you will begin your trek through the untouched forest trail leading to the first campsite.

Forest Camp to Shira I Camp

Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

You follow the trail as it leaves the forest and enters a savannah filled with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks covered in lichen. Climbing through lush, rolling hills and crossing a number of streams, you arrive at Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp. The view of Kibo across the plateau is truly breathtaking.

Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp

Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft

Distance: 14 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Moorland

You’ll spend a full day exploring the Shira Plateau, taking a gentle walk eastward toward the glaciated peak of Kibo. The trail crosses the expansive plateau and leads to Shira II Camp, set in moorland meadows beside a stream. The Shira Plateau ranks among the highest plateaus in the world.

Shira II Camp to Lava Tower Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Semi Desert

From the Shira Plateau, the trail leads eastward up a ridge, passing a junction that heads toward Kibo’s peak. The route then turns southeast toward Lava Tower Camp, also known as the 'Shark’s Tooth.' Shortly after passing the tower, you reach another junction that ascends to the Arrow Glacier at 16,000 feet. From there, you descend to Barranco Camp, located at 13,000 feet, where you’ll rest, have dinner, and spend the night. Although you finish the day at the same altitude you began, this stage is vital for acclimatization and prepares your body for the summit attempt.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft

Distance: 9km

Hiking Time: 8-10 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, depart from Barranco Camp and ascend a steep ridge, crossing the iconic Barranco Wall on your way to the Karanga Valley campsite. From Karanga, you continue to the trail junction that joins with the Mweka Route and proceed onward to Barafu Camp. This marks the completion of the South Circuit, which provides spectacular views of the summit from various perspectives. At Barafu, you’ll set up camp, relax, have dinner, and get ready for your summit attempt. From this vantage point, the twin peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are clearly visible.

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)

Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

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

Habitat: Arctic

In the early hours of the mid-night time (between midnight and 2 a.m.), your journey to the summit continues, navigating between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You climb northwest through steep, loose scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This part of the trek is the most demanding, both mentally and physically. Upon reaching Stella Point (18,600 ft), you’ll take a short break and, weather permitting, witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises imaginable. From there, a final one-hour push—possibly through snow—leads you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in all of Africa. Faster climbers may catch the sunrise from the summit itself. After soaking in your achievement, you begin the descent, heading straight down to Mweka Camp with a stop at Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles and gaiters are recommended due to the loose gravel on the way down. Mweka Camp lies within the upper forest zone, where afternoon mist or rain is common. In the evening, enjoy your final mountain dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Mweka Camp to Moshi

Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, you continue the descent down to the Mweka Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).