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

Lemosho Gate to Big Tree Camp

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

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time:3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

You will depart Moshi and drive for about 3 hours to reach the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Gate, complete the necessary entry formalities, enjoy your lunch before the trail start. You will begin your Kilimanjaro climb through the untouched forest trail leading to the first campsite (Big Tree Camp).

Big Tree Camp to Shira I Camp

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

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Continue with the trail as it leaves the Kilimanjaro forest and enters a savannah filled with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks covered in lichen. Trek through the lush, rolling hills and crossing a number of river streams, arrive at the Shira Ridge before descending gently in to Kilimanjaro Shira 1 Camp Valley. The best view of Kibo Summit across the plateau is truly wonderful.

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

Climb in a full day exploring the Shira Plateau, with a gentle walk eastward toward the Kilimanjaro glaciated peak of Kibo. Our trail crosses the most expansive Shira plateau and leads you to Shira II Campsite, set in moorland meadows vegetation beside a river stream. The most famous 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

Ascend from the Shira II Camp, the Kilimanjaro trail continue leading you eastward up a ridge, passing a junction that heads toward the magnificent Kibo Peak. The Kilimanjaro Lemosho route then turns southeast toward Kilimanjaro Lava Tower Camp, also known as the 'Shark’s Tooth’. Shortly after passing via the tower and after lunch, you reach another junction that lead down to the Arrow Glacier at 16,000 feet where you descend to Barranco Camp which is located at 13,000 feet, where you rest, have dinner, and spend the night. Although you finish this day at the same altitud, the Barranco camp is for acclimatization and prepares your body for the Kilimanjaro summit push.

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, commence for the Barafu Camp and climb Mount Kilimanjaro a steep ridge, crossing the most iconic Barranco Wall on your way to the Karanga Camp. From there, continue to the junction that joins with the Mweka Route and then proceed to Barafu Camp. This trail marks the completion of the Southern Circuit of Kilimanjaro, which offer the most wonderful views of the Kilimanjaro peak from your various directions. At the Barafu Camp - Kilimanjaro, you will relax, have dinner, and get ready for your Kilimanjaro summit push.

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 mid-night hours from 2 a.m. your journey to the Kilimanjaro summit commences, navigating between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You Kilimanjaro climb northwest via the steep, loose scree towards Stella Point near the crater rim of Kilimanjaro. This part is the most demanding one, both mentally and physically. Upon aarriving at Stella Point, you’ll have the short break and if weather allow, you will witness one of the most wonderful sunrises imaginable. From there, a final one-hour Kilimanjaro summit push—possibly through snow—leads you to the Uhuru, the most highest point in Africa. Faster climbers on Mount Kilimanjaro may catch the sunrise from the summit itself. After your Kilimanjaro summit achievement, you begin the climbing down session, heading straight down to Mweka Campsite with a stop at Barafu Camp for rest and lunch. Kilimanjaro Trekking poles and gaiters are mostly required due to the loose gravel on the way down. Mweka Campsite lies within the upper Kilimanjaro forest zone, where afternoon mist or rain is common. In the evening, enjoy your final 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 with descent to the Mweka Gate on Kilimanjaro to receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificates. At lower elevations of Mount Kilimanjaro, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and Kilimanjaro hiking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Our 4 x 4 vehicle will meet you at the Mweka gate to drive you back to the luxury hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for home departure.