From Moshi 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 completing registration at the Lemosho Gate, you\'ll drive through varied farmland with sweeping views of the plains to reach the Lemosho trailhead. A scenic glade often serves as the perfect spot for lunch before the hike begins. The trail is narrow and the walk is gentle, winding through a lush forest teeming with wildlife like buffalo. Your day concludes at Mti Mkubwa Camp—also called Big Tree Camp—situated at an elevation of 7,800 feet.

Kilimanjaro – Shira 1

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 soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone, where tall heather dominates the landscape. As the trail steadily climbs, sweeping views unfold, leading you toward the edge of the Shira Plateau. If afternoon mist settles in, the feeling of remoteness intensifies. Tonight’s campsite is Shira One, situated at 11,500 feet in the center 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 discovering the stunning Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. Take a relaxed trek eastward through moorland meadows toward the glaciated summit of Kibo, arriving at Shira 2 Camp near a picturesque stream. Today’s hike is fairly short, allowing you to reach camp in time for lunch. This day also offers a valuable chance to acclimatize, with an optional afternoon walk led by your guides.

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

Start your day with a steady climb that reveals expansive views as you leave the moorland plateau behind and follow lava ridges below the striking glaciers of the Western Breach. After a lunch break near Lava Tower at 14,900 feet, descend into the scenic Barranco Valley, where you\'ll set up camp at Barranco Camp (12,790 ft), tucked beneath towering cliffs with sweeping views of the 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 demanding climb up the Barranco Wall leads to a gently undulating path along the southeastern flank of Kibo, revealing breathtaking views of the Southern Ice Fields. The terrain transitions into loose scree, with occasional pockets of vegetation sheltered from the elements. From this point, it’s a brief hike to Karanga Camp (13,100 ft), the last water source before the summit push.

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.

Follow a gentle path across compacted scree, gradually climbing in elevation while taking in expansive views. Arrive at Barafu Hut (14,800 ft) for lunch. In the afternoon, take a brief acclimatization hike to the plateau at the base of the southeast valley, then spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing 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.

Full Board at Mweka Hut Camp.

Unlike other routes that involve climbing at night, this hike offers a daytime ascent to the Kibo crater. You’ll maintain a steady pace, supported by your climbing team all the way to the Kibo rim, followed by a brief descent into the caldera to reach Crater Camp. The afternoon is dedicated to rest, with the option of short guided walks led by your team.

Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

After an overnight stay in the crater, you’ll make the shortest final push to Kilimanjaro’s summit—only about an hour away. This short climb allows you to reach the top around sunrise, creating an unforgettable moment. From the summit, you’ll stand on the world’s highest freestanding mountain. Later, descend through the heath zone to Mweka Camp for your last night on the mountain, where you’ll spot unique Protea plants and the colorful Malachite Sunbirds that visit them.

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, begin your descent to Mweka Gate, where you’ll be awarded your summit certificates. The trail can be wet and muddy in the lower sections, so trekking poles and gaiters are advisable. Light clothing such as shorts and T-shirts is usually adequate, but keep your rain gear and warm layers handy. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, an Africa Natural Tours vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your budget hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Transportation from Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).