From Arusha in Tanzania: 8 Days Group Budget Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route

Lemosho Gate to Forest Camp

Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time:3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Meals Plan: Full board basis at Forest Camp Known as {Big Tree Camp}.

Departing from Moshi, you’ll head to Lemosho Gate to complete park entry formalities and enjoy lunch. From there, your trek begins through the untouched forest, leading you to your first overnight stop at Forest Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp.

Forest Camp to Shira One Camp

Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meals Plan: Full Board at Shira One Camp

You follow the trail as it leaves the forest and enters a savannah landscape filled with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks adorned with hanging lichen. Climbing through the lush, rolling hills and crossing a few streams, you eventually arrive at the Shira Ridge, then descend gently to Shira 1 Camp. The view of Kibo across the plateau is breathtaking.

Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp

Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft

Distance: 14 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meals Plan: Full Board at Shira 2 Camp

You’ll spend a full day exploring the Shira Plateau with a leisurely walk eastward toward the glaciated peak of Kibo. The trail crosses the expansive plateau and leads to Shira 2 Camp, set in moorland meadows beside a stream. Shira is among the highest plateaus in the world.

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Semi Desert

Meals Plan: Full Board at Shira 2 Camp

From the Shira Plateau, head eastward up a ridge, passing a junction that leads toward Kibo’s peak. The trail then veers southeast toward the Lava Tower Camp, a formation known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after passing the tower, you'll reach another junction that ascends to the Arrow Glacier at 16,000 feet. Then descend to Barranco Camp, situated at 13,000 feet, where you’ll rest, have dinner, and spend the night. Despite ending the day at the same altitude you began, this stage is crucial for acclimatization and prepares your body for the summit attempt.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft

Distance: 5km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals Plan: Full Board at Karanga Camp.

After breakfast, depart from Barranco Camp and ascend a steep ridge, crossing the Barranco Wall on your way to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a relatively short day designed to help with acclimatization.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft

Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals Plan: Full Board at Barafu Camp.

After breakfast, leave Karanga Camp and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. Continue up to the Barafu Camp. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here you make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)

Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent

Habitat: Arctic

Meals Plan: Full Board at Mweka Camp.

In the early hours of the morning (between midnight and 2 a.m.), you’ll begin your final ascent, trekking between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The trail heads northwest, climbing through loose scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim—widely regarded as the most physically and mentally demanding part of the climb. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you’ll take a short rest and, if the weather is clear, witness a breathtaking sunrise. From there, a one-hour hike—possibly through snow—leads you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in all of Africa. Faster climbers may catch the sunrise from the summit itself. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll begin your descent directly to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The loose gravel on the descent makes gaiters and trekking poles helpful. Mweka Camp lies in the upper forest, where afternoon mist or rain is common. That evening, enjoy your final dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved night of rest.

Mweka Camp to Moshi

Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Meals Plan: Half Board

After breakfast, you'll begin your final descent to Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificates. The lower elevations are often wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Light clothing like shorts and T-shirts should be sufficient, but keep your rain gear and warm layers accessible. At the gate, an Africa Natural Tours vehicle will be ready to take you back to your hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Transfer to the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).