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

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 from Moshi and journey for about three hours to the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Gate, where you will finalize the necessary entry procedures. Following this, you will have lunch before beginning the trek. Your ascent will start along an unspoiled forest trail that takes you to the initial 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

Proceed along the path as it leaves the Kilimanjaro forest and transitions into a savannah adorned with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks covered in lichen. Trek through the lively undulating hills, traversing multiple river streams, until you arrive at Shira Ridge. From this point, gradually descend into the Kilimanjaro Shira 1 Camp Valley.

The magnificent sight of Kibo Summit across the plateau is genuinely awe-inspiring.

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

Spend a full day trekking across the Shira Plateau, taking a gentle eastward route toward Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s glaciated summit. The trail traverses the vast Shira Plateau, leading you to the Shira II Campsite, nestled among moorland meadows beside a flowing river. Renowned as one of the highest plateaus globally, the Shira Plateau offers breathtaking scenery.

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

Beginning at Shira II Camp, the Kilimanjaro trail proceeds eastward along a ridge, encountering a junction that directs towards the magnificent Kibo Peak. Subsequently, the Lemosho route shifts southeast towards Lava Tower Camp, commonly referred to as the ‘Shark’s Tooth.’ After passing the tower and having lunch, you reach another junction that descends to Arrow Glacier at an elevation of 16,000 feet. From this point, you descend to Barranco Camp at 13,000 feet, where you will rest, dine, and spend the night. Although you conclude the day at the same altitude, Barranco Camp acts as an acclimatization stop to ready your body for the ascent to 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, begin your trek to Barafu Camp by ascending a steep ridge and crossing the famous Barranco Wall on your way to Karanga Camp. From there, continue to the junction connecting with the Mweka Route before heading onward to Barafu Camp. This trail completes the Southern Circuit of Kilimanjaro, providing stunning views of the peak from multiple angles. At Barafu Camp, you’ll rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for your summit attempt.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak 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

At around 2 a.m., your ascent to the Kilimanjaro summit begins, as you navigate between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You climb northwest along the steep, loose scree towards Stella Point, located near Kilimanjaro’s crater rim. This section is the most challenging, testing both your mental and physical endurance. Upon reaching Stella Point, you’ll take a short break and, weather permitting, witness a breathtaking sunrise. From there, a final one-hour push—possibly through snow—leads to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Faster climbers may even catch the sunrise from the summit itself. After conquering the summit, you start your descent to Mweka Campsite, stopping at Barafu Camp for rest and lunch. Trekking poles and gaiters are recommended due to loose gravel on the way down. Mweka Campsite sits in the upper Kilimanjaro forest zone, where afternoon mist or rain is common. In the evening, enjoy your last dinner and a well-earned rest.

Mweka Camp to Moshi

Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Following breakfast, you will commence your descent to Mweka Gate, where you will be presented with your Kilimanjaro summit certificate. The lower slopes of Kilimanjaro may be damp and muddy, thus it is advisable to use gaiters and hiking poles. Lightweight attire such as shorts and T-shirts will be appropriate, but it is wise to have rain gear and warmer layers readily available. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, our 4x4 vehicle will be prepared to transport you back to your luxury hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Nairobi or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

You will be taken to Nairobi or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure.