From Arusha in Tanzania: 9 Days Group Luxury 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 registering at the Lemosho Gate, you'll travel through diverse farmland offering wide views of the surrounding plains until you reach the Lemosho trailhead. A picturesque forest clearing nearby makes an ideal lunch spot before starting the hike. The trek begins gradually along a narrow trail that meanders through a rich, lively forest home to wildlife such as buffalo. Your day ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp, or Big Tree Camp, situated at 7,800 feet above sea level.

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 will soon exit the forest and enter the moorland zone, where tall heather covers the terrain. As the path gradually ascends, expansive views open up as you approach the edge of the Shira Plateau. If afternoon mist rolls in, the sense of isolation grows stronger. Tonight’s camp is 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 your day exploring the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus worldwide. Enjoy a gentle trek eastward across moorland meadows toward the ice-covered summit of Kibo. You’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp by a scenic stream after a relatively short hike, allowing plenty of time for lunch. This day is perfect for acclimatization, and you can opt for 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 your day with a steady ascent, uncovering wide-ranging views as you leave the moorland plateau and hike along lava ridges beneath the impressive glaciers of the Western Breach. After pausing for lunch near Lava Tower (14,900 ft), descend into the picturesque Barranco Valley and spend the night at Barranco Camp (12,790 ft), nestled beneath towering cliffs with panoramic 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.

We start with a challenging ascent up the Barranco Wall, followed by a gently rolling trail along Kibo’s southeastern flank, offering stunning views of the Southern Ice Fields. The landscape then shifts to loose scree, with patches of greenery in protected areas. A short trek from this point brings us to Karanga Camp (13,100 ft), the final dependable 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.

Stroll along a gentle trail of compacted scree, steadily ascending while enjoying wide, sweeping views, until you reach Barafu Hut (14,800 ft) for lunch. In the afternoon, take a short acclimatization hike to the plateau at the base of the southeast valley. Spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing for the early morning final ascent.

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 climbing at night, this trek features a daytime ascent to the Kibo crater. You’ll maintain a steady pace, supported continuously by your climbing team, reaching the Kibo rim before making a short descent into the caldera to arrive at Crater Camp. The afternoon is reserved for rest, with optional brief walks led by your guides.

Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Unlike other routes that require climbing at night, this trek features a daytime ascent to the Kibo crater. You’ll maintain a steady pace, supported continuously by your climbing team, reaching the Kibo rim before making a short descent into the caldera to arrive at Crater Camp. The afternoon is reserved for rest, with optional brief walks led by your guides.

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, you’ll start your descent to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your well-earned summit certificates. The lower trail sections are often muddy and wet, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Light attire like T-shirts and shorts is usually enough, but keep rain gear and a warm layer accessible. Upon arrival at the gate, an Africa Natural Tours vehicle will be ready to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Travel from Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) will be arranged.