10 Days via Lemosho Route Group Luxury Climbing Tour

Altitude: 890m (JRO) - 1,200m (Moshi) 

 

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be greeted by your guide representative and transferred to Moshi, the gateway town to Mount Kilimanjaro. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, passing through scenic landscapes of coffee plantations and local villages. Once in Moshi, you’ll check in at your hotel, where you can relax and recover from your journey. Later, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a pre-climb briefing. This session covers essential details, including the climb itinerary, safety measures, and equipment check to ensure you're well-prepared. If needed, you can rent or purchase last-minute gear in town. Spend the evening resting and hydrating, as the adventure officially begins the next day with the trek on the Lemosho Route.

Altitude: 1,200m (Moshi) - 2,100m (Lemosho Gate) - 2,650m (Mti Mkubwa Camp) 

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours 

Distance: 6 km 

Habitat: Rainforest 

 

After an early breakfast, you will take a scenic 3 to 4-hour drive from Moshi to Lemosho Gate (2,100m), passing through local villages and coffee plantations. At the gate, you will complete the necessary park formalities before starting the trek. The hike begins in the lush rainforest, where you will walk under a canopy of tall trees, with a chance to see colobus monkeys and exotic bird species. The trail is relatively gentle but can be muddy, especially if it has rained. After about 3 to 4 hours of hiking, you will reach Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m), also known as Big Tree Camp, where you will have dinner and rest for the night.

Altitude: 2,650m - 3,610m 

Hiking Time: 5–7 hours 

Distance: 8 km 

Habitat: Moorland 

 

Leaving the rainforest behind, you will begin your ascent into the moorland and heath zones. The trail becomes steeper as you climb over Shira Ridge (3,500m), where you will get your first breathtaking view of Kibo Peak, the highest part of Kilimanjaro. From here, you descend slightly and cross the Shira Plateau, a vast high-altitude desert created by ancient lava flows. The terrain is more open, offering incredible panoramic views. After a 5 to 7-hour trek, you will arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,610m), where you will spend the night. Oxygen is provided, and Africa Natural Tours’ experienced guides monitor climbers’ health closely. After dinner, climbers get a briefing for the next day and enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars.

Altitude: 3,610m - 3,850m 

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours 

Distance: 7 km 

Habitat: Moorland 

 

This is a relatively short day of trekking, designed to help with acclimatization. The route gradually ascends across the Shira Plateau, where the landscape is dotted with giant lobelias and groundsels, unique plants adapted to high altitudes. You will enjoy stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers as you make your way to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m). Once you arrive at camp, you may take an optional acclimatization hike to higher elevations before returning to rest. The trek takes about 3 to 4 hours, allowing plenty of time to relax before the next day’s challenge.

Altitude: 3,850m - 4,630m (Lava Tower) - 3,960m (Barranco Camp) 

Hiking Time: 6–8 hours 

Distance: 10 km 

Habitat: Alpine Desert to Moorland 

 

This is an important day for acclimatization as you trek to higher altitudes before descending again. The hike starts with a gradual ascent towards Lava Tower (4,630m), a prominent volcanic rock formation. This section is challenging due to the high altitude, and you may begin to feel the effects of lower oxygen levels. After spending some time at Lava Tower for lunch and acclimatization, you will begin a steep descent into the Barranco Valley, where the landscape transforms into a lush environment with giant groundsels and lobelias. After about 6 to 8 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Barranco Camp (3,960m), which is set beneath the towering Breach Wall, offering one of the most dramatic views on Kilimanjaro. Oxygen is provided, and guide support are critical. After a long day, dinner is served, and climbers rest before facing the famous Bar

Altitude: 3,960m - 4,035m 

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours 

Distance: 6 km 

Habitat: Alpine Desert 

 

The day begins with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, often referred to as the "Breakfast Wall" because it is the first challenge of the day. Although the wall looks intimidating, the climb is non-technical and involves some scrambling with the help of your guide. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Mount Meru and the valleys below. From here, the trail has several ups and downs before reaching Karanga Camp (4,035m) after about 4 to 5 hours of trekking. This is a shorter day, allowing your body to continue adjusting to the altitude. Oxygen is provided, so the pace remains slow to ensure safety. Guides offer briefings after dinner to prepare for the final high camp push the next day.

Altitude: 4,035m - 4,673m 

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours 

Distance: 4 km 

Habitat: Alpine Desert 

 

Today’s hike is relatively short but steep as you ascend through the barren alpine desert to Barafu Camp (4,673m), the final camp before the summit attempt. The landscape becomes more rugged, with strong winds and cold temperatures. After about 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Barafu Camp, meaning “Ice Camp” in Swahili. Here, you will have an early dinner and rest, as the summit push begins at midnight. Africa Natural Tours provides expert guidance and meals, oxygen tanks are available, making the slow climb and hydration even more crucial. Early dinner is served before climbers sleep briefly ahead of the summit night.

Altitude: 4,673m - 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) - 3,100m (Mweka Camp) 

Hiking Time: 10–14 hours (7–8 hours to the summit, 4–6 hours down) 

Distance: 17 km 

Habitat: Arctic Zone (Summit) - Alpine Desert - Rainforest 

 

Around midnight, you will begin the toughest and most rewarding part of the trek – the summit attempt. The climb starts slowly in the dark, with headlamps lighting the way as you ascend through loose volcanic scree. The first major milestone is Stella Point (5,739m), reached just before dawn. From here, it is a final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa, where you will witness a breathtaking sunrise over the vast plains of Tanzania. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, you will descent back to Barafu Camp, where you will rest briefly before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,100m) and back to Moshi. The trekking time for the day is 10 to 14 hours, covering about 17 .Oxygen tanks are available for emergencies, mesh tents, wash tents are present.

After a well-deserved rest at your hotel in Moshi, it’s time to conclude your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure. You will enjoy a leisurely breakfast, reflecting on your incredible journey to Africa’s highest peak. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to explore Moshi or shop for souvenirs. At the designated time, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. As you bid farewell to Tanzania, you leave with unforgettable memories of the 10-day Lemosho Route trek, the breathtaking landscapes, and the triumph of reaching Uhuru Peak.

The journey from Mweka Camp to Moshi marks the final leg of the Mount Kilimanjaro descent. After a night at Mweka Camp, climbers begin their trek through the lush rainforest, enjoying the fresh mountain air and vibrant natural scenery. The trail gradually descends, becoming less steep as it leads to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. From the gate, a short drive returns climbers to Moshi town, where they can rest, celebrate their achievement, and reflect on the unforgettable experience of conquering Africa’s highest peak.