From Arusha in Tanzania: 7 Days Group Mid-Range 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 will leave Moshi and drive for about 3 hours to reach the Lemosho Gate, complete the necessary entry formalities  then enjoy your lunch. You will begin your Kilimanjaro trek through the untouched forest trail leading to the 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

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

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 exploring the Shira Plateau, taking a gentle walk eastward toward the glaciated peak of Kibo Peak. The trail crosses the expansive Shira plateau and leads you to Shira II Camp, set in moorland meadows beside a river stream. The most popular 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 II Camp, the trip leads you eastward up a ridge, passing a junction that heads toward Kibo Peak. The Lemosho route then turns southeast toward Lava Tower Camp, also known as the 'Shark’s Tooth’. Shortly after passing via the tower and after lunch, you reach another junction that ascends to the Arrow Glacier at 16,000 feet. From here, you descend to Barranco Campsite, located at 13,000 feet, where you rest, have dinner, and spend the night. Although you finish the day at the same altitude you began, this camp is for acclimatization and prepares your body for the Kilimanjaro 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 for Barafu Camp and climb Kilimanjaro a steep ridge, crossing the iconic Barranco Wall on your way to the Karanga Camp. From Karanga Camp, continue to the route junction that joins with the Mweka Route and proceed to Barafu Camp. This trail of today marks the completion of the Southern Circuit of Mount Kilimanjaro, which offer the most spectacular views of the Kilimanjaro summit from various directions. At the Barafu Camp, you will relax, have dinner, and get ready for your Kilimanjaro summit attempt.

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 at 2 a.m. your trail to the Kilimanjaro summit continues, navigating between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You Kilimanjaro climb northwest via the steep, loose scree towards Stella Point near the crater rim of Mount Kilimanjaro. This part of the Kilimanjaro trek is the most demanding, both mentally and physically. Upon reaching Stella Point (18,600 ft), you’ll have a short break and if weather permits, you will witness one of the most wonderful sunrises imaginable. From there, a final one-hour summit push—possibly through snow—leads you to the Uhuru Peak - Kilimanjaro, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in all of Africa. Faster climbers on Kilimanjaro may catch the sunrise from the summit itself. After soaking into your summit achievement, you begin the climbing down session, heading straight down to Mweka Camp with a stop at Barafu for rest and lunch. Kilimanjaro Trekking poles and gaiters are mostly recommended 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 proceed the climbing down to the Mweka Gate - Kilimanjaro to receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and Kilimanjaro trekking 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 Mweka gate to drive you back to the mid-range hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for departure.