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

Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

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

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time:3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

You’ll depart from Moshi and drive for about three hours to arrive at Lemosho Gate, where you’ll complete the required registration procedures. After lunch, you’ll start your trek along a pristine forest trail that leads to your first campsite (Mti Mkubwa Camp).

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira I Camp

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

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

You continue along the trail as it emerges from the forest and leads into a savannah landscape of tall grasses, heather, and lichen-covered volcanic rocks. As you ascend through green, undulating hills and cross several streams, you reach Shira Ridge, then descend gradually to Shira 1 Camp. The sweeping view of Kibo across the plateau is simply stunning.

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 the day discovering the vast Shira Plateau, enjoying a leisurely hike eastward toward the glacier-capped summit of Kibo. The route stretches across the wide plateau and ends at Shira II Camp, nestled in moorland grasslands near a stream. The Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.

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 heads east along a ridge, passing a junction leading toward Kibo’s summit. It then veers southeast to Lava Tower Camp, also known as the "Shark’s Tooth." After passing the tower, another junction leads up to the Arrow Glacier at 16,000 feet. The path then descends to Barranco Camp at 13,000 feet, where you'll have dinner and spend the night. Though you end the day at the same elevation as you started, this leg is crucial for acclimatization and getting your body ready for the summit.

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, leave Barranco Camp and climb the steep ridge leading up the famous Barranco Wall. Continue toward Karanga Valley, where you'll stop at the campsite before heading onward to the trail junction connecting with the Mweka Route. The journey ends at Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which offers stunning views of the summit from multiple angles. At Barafu, you'll set up camp, enjoy dinner, rest, and prepare for your summit attempt, with clear views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

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 between midnight and 2 a.m., the final ascent to the summit begins, guiding you between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You’ll head northwest, climbing over steep and loose scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This stretch is the toughest, both mentally and physically. Upon reaching Stella Point (18,600 ft), you’ll pause briefly and, if the weather is clear, witness a truly unforgettable sunrise. From there, a final hour’s trek—sometimes through snow—takes you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. Faster hikers might catch the sunrise right at the summit. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll begin your descent, heading directly to Mweka Camp with a lunch stop at Barafu. Due to the loose gravel, trekking poles and gaiters are highly recommended. Mweka Camp sits in the upper forest zone, where afternoon mist or rain is frequent. In the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned night of rest.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi

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

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, begin your descent to Mweka Gate, where you will be awarded your summit certificates. The trail at lower altitudes may be muddy and wet, so gaiters and trekking poles are useful. Lightweight clothing like shorts and T-shirts should be comfortable, but keep your rain gear and warmer layers accessible. A vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Gate to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).