From Arusha in Tanzania: 9 Days Group Mid-Range 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}

Once you complete registration at the Lemosho Gate, you'll drive across varied farmland with expansive views of the surrounding plains to arrive at the Lemosho trailhead. A scenic forest clearing is often the perfect spot for lunch before the hike begins. The trek starts gently along a narrow path that winds through a lush, vibrant forest inhabited by wildlife like buffalo. Your first day concludes at Mti Mkubwa Camp—also known as Big Tree Camp—at an elevation of 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 soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone, where tall heather dominates the landscape. As the trail gently climbs, wide-ranging views unfold on your way toward the edge of the Shira Plateau. If afternoon mist sets in, the feeling of remoteness intensifies. Tonight’s camp is at Shira One, situated at 11,500 feet in the plateau’s center.

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 discovering the Shira Plateau, among the highest plateaus in the world. Take a leisurely trek east across the moorland meadows, heading toward the ice-capped peak of Kibo. You’ll reach Shira 2 Camp near a picturesque stream, with the hike being relatively short, allowing for arrival in time for lunch. This day is ideal for acclimatization, and you may also enjoy 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, revealing expansive views as you depart the moorland plateau and trek along lava ridges beneath the striking glaciers of the Western Breach. After stopping for lunch near Lava Tower (14,900 ft), descend into the scenic Barranco Valley and settle in for the night at Barranco Camp (12,790 ft), tucked beneath soaring cliffs with sweeping vistas 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 begin with a demanding climb up the Barranco Wall, leading to a gently undulating path along the southeastern side of Kibo, where breathtaking views of the Southern Ice Fields unfold. The terrain transitions into loose scree, dotted with occasional greenery in sheltered spots. A brief hike from here takes us to Karanga Camp (13,100 ft), the last reliable water point 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.

Walk along an easy path of compacted scree, gradually climbing higher while taking in expansive views, until you arrive at Barafu Hut (14,800 ft) for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a brief acclimatization hike to the plateau at the base of the southeast valley. Spend the rest of the day resting and getting ready for the final climb 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 involve a nighttime climb, this trek offers a daytime ascent to the Kibo crater. The pace is steady, and with constant support from your climbing team, you'll arrive at the rim of Kibo before descending briefly into the caldera to reach Crater Camp. The afternoon is set aside for rest, with optional short walks guided by your team.

Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

After spending the night in the crater, you’ll embark on the shortest final climb to Kilimanjaro’s summit—only about an hour away. This short trek allows you to perfectly time your arrival for a stunning sunrise. At the summit, you’ll stand on the peak of the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. Afterwards, you’ll descend through the heath zone to Mweka Camp for your last night on the mountain, where you’ll see many endemic Proteas frequently visited by colorful 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, begin your descent to Mweka Gate, where you will be awarded your summit certificates. The lower sections can be wet and muddy, so using gaiters and trekking poles is advisable. Light clothing such as shorts and T-shirts will generally suffice, but be sure to have rain gear and warmer layers on hand. An Africa Natural Tours vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Gate to take you back to your hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Transfer from Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).