From Arusha in Tanzania: 9 Days Group Budget Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route

Kilimanjaro – Forest Camp

Lemosho Gate to Forest Camp.

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

Distance: 6 km.

Hiking Time:3-4 hours.

Habitat: Rain Forest.

Full board at Forest camp Known as {Big Tree Camp}

After finishing the registration process at the Lemosho Gate, you'll drive through diverse farmland with wide-open views of the plains to reach the Lemosho trailhead. Lunch is often enjoyed in a scenic glade before beginning the hike. The walk is gentle, following a narrow trail through a lush and beautiful forest, home to various wildlife such as buffalo. The day ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, located at 7,800 feet.

Kilimanjaro – Shira 1 Camp

Forest Camp to Shira One Camp.

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

Distance: 8 km.

Hiking Time 5-6 hours.

Habitat: Moorland.

Full Board at Shira One Camp

You’ll quickly emerge from the forest and enter the moorland zone, marked by towering heather. The trail gradually ascends, offering expansive views as you approach the edge of the Shira Plateau. The sense of wilderness deepens, if afternoon mist rolls in. Tonight, you’ll camp at Shira One, located at 11,500 feet in the heart of the plateau.

Kilimanjaro – Shira 2 Camp

Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2

Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft.

Distance: 14 km.

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours.

Habitat: Moorland.

Full Board at Shira 2 camp.

Spend the day exploring the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth. Enjoy a gentle trek eastward across moorland meadows toward the glaciated peak of Kibo, eventually reaching Shira 2 Camp by a scenic stream. Today’s hike is relatively short, allowing you to arrive at Shira 2 in time for lunch. It's a great opportunity for acclimatization, with the option of an afternoon walk guided by your team.

Kilimanjaro – Barranco Camp Via Lava Tower

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco.

Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft.

Distance: 7 km.

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours.

Habitat: Semi Desert.

Full Board at Shira 2

Begin the day with a gradual ascent offering sweeping views, as you leave the moorland plateau and follow lava ridges beneath the impressive glaciers of the Western Breach. After a lunch stop near Lava Tower (14,900 ft), make your descent into the Barranco Valley, where you’ll camp at Barranco Camp (12,790 ft), nestled beneath towering cliffs and overlooking the vast plains below.

Kilimanjaro – Karanga Camp

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp.

Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft.

Distance: 5km.

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.

Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Full Board at Karanga Camp.

A challenging ascent up the Barranco Wall brings us to a rolling trail along Kibo’s southeastern slope, offering stunning views of the Southern Ice Fields. The landscape shifts to loose scree, interspersed with patches of greenery in protected areas. From here, it’s a short trek to Karanga Camp (13,100 ft), the final water source before the summit.

Kilimanjaro – Barafu Camp

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp.

Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft.

Distance: 4 km.

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.

Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Full Board at Barafu Camp.

Take an easy trail over compacted scree, steadily gaining altitude while enjoying wide, open views, until you reach Barafu Hut (14,800 ft) for lunch. In the afternoon, take a short acclimatization walk to the plateau at the base of the southeast valley. Spend the rest of the day resting in preparation for the final ascent early the next morning.

Kilimanjaro – Crater

Barafu Camp to Crater Camp.

Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft.

Distance: 6 km ascent / 12 km descent.

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent.

Habitat: Arctic.

Unlike other routes that require a nighttime ascent, this hike allows for a daytime climb to the Kibo crater. The pace is steady, and with continuous support from your climbing team, you’ll reach the rim of Kibo before making a short descent into the caldera to Crater Camp. The afternoon is reserved for rest, with the option to take short walks guided by your team.

Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

After spending a night in the crater, you’ll begin the shortest final ascent to the summit of any Kilimanjaro route—just about an hour away. This brief distance makes it easier to time your arrival with the sunrise, offering a truly breathtaking experience. Standing at the summit, you'll be atop the world’s highest freestanding mountain. Afterward, you'll descend through the heath zone to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain, where you'll encounter abundant endemic Proteas, often visited by vibrant Malachite Sunbirds.

Overnight Mweka Camp (breakfast- lunch – dinner).

Kilimanjaro – Finish

Mweka Camp to Moshi.

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

Distance: 10 km.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.

Habitat: Rain Forest.

Half Board.

After breakfast, proceed with the descent to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. The lower areas may be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Lightweight clothing like shorts and T-shirts should be sufficient, but keep rain gear and warmer layers accessible. An Africa Natural Tours vehicle will be ready at Mweka Gate to transport you back to your hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)