From Moshi 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 leave Moshi and travel approximately three hours to the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Gate, where you will complete the required entry procedures. Afterward, enjoy lunch before starting the trek. Your climb will commence along a pristine forest path that leads 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 along the trail as it exits the Kilimanjaro forest and enters a savannah dotted with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks blanketed in lichen. Trek through the vibrant rolling hills, crossing several river streams, until you reach Shira Ridge. From there, gently descend into the Kilimanjaro Shira 1 Camp Valley. The stunning view of Kibo Summit 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

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

Starting from Shira II Camp, the Kilimanjaro trail continues eastward along a ridge, passing a junction that leads to the impressive Kibo Peak. The Lemosho route then veers southeast toward Lava Tower Camp, also called the ‘Shark’s Tooth.’ After passing the tower and enjoying lunch, you arrive at another junction that descends to Arrow Glacier at 16,000 feet. From there, you descend to Barranco Camp at 13,000 feet, where you rest, dine, and spend the night. Although you end the day at the same altitude, Barranco Camp serves as an acclimatization stop to prepare your body for the 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, 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 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

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

After breakfast, you will begin the descent to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate. The lower slopes of Kilimanjaro can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and hiking poles are recommended. Light clothing such as shorts and T-shirts will be suitable, but keep rain gear and warmer layers nearby. At Mweka Gate, our 4x4 ve

Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

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