From Moshi 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}

After completing your registration at the Lemosho Gate, you'll embark on a drive through diverse farmlands that offer sweeping views of the plains until you reach the Lemosho trailhead. A picturesque clearing in the forest often serves as the ideal spot for a pre-hike lunch. The journey begins with a gentle trek along a winding narrow path through a lush, vibrant forest where you may encounter wildlife such as buffalo. Your first day wraps up at Mti Mkubwa Camp—also known as Big Tree Camp—positioned 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 emerge from the forest and enter the moorland zone, where tall heather covers the terrain. As the path gradually ascends, expansive views begin to open up as you approach the edge of the Shira Plateau. If mist rolls in during the afternoon, the sense of isolation becomes even stronger. 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 stunning Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth. Enjoy a gentle trek eastward through moorland meadows toward the snow-covered summit of Kibo. The hike to Shira 2 Camp, located beside a scenic stream, is relatively short, allowing you to arrive in time for lunch. This day is perfect for acclimatization, with the option of an additional 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, leaving the moorland plateau behind and following lava ridges beneath the impressive glaciers of the Western Breach. Pause for lunch near Lava Tower at 14,900 feet, then descend into the picturesque Barranco Valley. Spend the night at Barranco Camp (12,790 ft), nestled below towering cliffs with breathtaking 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 of the Barranco Wall, followed by a gently rolling trail along Kibo’s southeastern flank, offering stunning views of the Southern Ice Fields. The landscape shifts to loose scree, with patches of greenery appearing in protected areas. A short hike 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.

Follow a gentle trail of compacted scree, steadily gaining elevation as you take in wide-reaching views, and arrive at Barafu Hut (14,800 ft) for lunch. In the afternoon, take a short acclimatization hike to the plateau at the foot of the southeast valley. Spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing for the early morning summit attempt.

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 routes that require a nighttime summit, this trek features a daytime ascent to the Kibo crater. You’ll move at a steady pace with continuous support from your climbing team, reaching the rim of Kibo before making a short descent into the caldera to arrive at Crater Camp. The afternoon is reserved for rest, with optional guided short walks available.

Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

After a night in the crater, you'll begin the final ascent to Kilimanjaro’s summit—just about an hour’s hike. This brief trek is perfectly timed to catch the breathtaking sunrise from the top. Standing at the peak of the world’s highest freestanding mountain, you'll enjoy an unforgettable moment. Then, descend through the heath zone to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain, where endemic Proteas bloom and vibrant Malachite Sunbirds are often seen.

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 descending toward Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificates. The trail can be wet and muddy in the lower areas, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Light clothing like T-shirts and shorts is usually enough, but keep rain gear and warm layers available. At Mweka Gate, an Africa Natural Tours vehicle will be ready to transfer you back to your mid-range hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Transfer from Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).