From Arusha in Tanzania: 8 Days Group Luxury 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}.

Beginning in Moshi, you’ll journey to Lemosho Gate to complete park entry formalities and enjoy lunch. Afterward, your trek begins through untouched forest, leading you to your first overnight stay 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 exit the forest as the path opens into a savannah sprinkled with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks draped in hanging lichen. Trekking over lush rolling hills and crossing multiple streams, you arrive at Shira Ridge before a gentle descent to Shira 1 Camp, where a breathtaking view of Kibo across the plateau greets you.

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, enjoying a leisurely walk eastward toward the glaciated summit of Kibo. The trail crosses the expansive plateau and concludes at Shira 2 Camp, located in moorland meadows next to a gently flowing 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 east along a ridge, passing a fork that leads to Kibo’s peak. The trail then turns southeast toward Lava Tower Camp, near a rock formation known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Beyond the tower, you'll reach another junction ascending to Arrow Glacier at 16,000 feet. Afterwards, descend to Barranco Camp at 13,000 feet for rest, dinner, and an overnight stay. While you end the day at the same elevation you began, this section is crucial for acclimatization and getting your body ready for the final summit push.

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 Barranco Camp and ascend a steep ridge, crossing the Barranco Wall on your way to Karanga Valley campsite. This shorter trek is designed to help with your 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 make your way to the junction connecting to the Mweka Trail. Continue onward to Barafu Camp, marking the completion of the South Circuit with stunning summit views from multiple angles. Set up camp here, relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day. From this location, you can see both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

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 morning, between midnight and 2 a.m., you’ll begin your final ascent, trekking from the Rebmann to Ratzel glaciers. The trail heads northwest, climbing loose scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim—widely known as the most challenging section both physically and mentally. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), pause briefly to enjoy a breathtaking sunrise if the skies are clear. Then, a one-hour hike, sometimes through snow, leads to Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s summit and the highest point in Africa. Faster climbers may reach the top in time for sunrise. After celebrating, you’ll descend directly to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Because of the loose gravel, gaiters and trekking poles come in handy. Mweka Camp lies within the upper forest, where afternoon mist or rain is common. That evening, enjoy your final mountain dinner and a well-deserved 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 trails may be wet and muddy, so it’s best to use gaiters and trekking poles. Light clothing like shorts and T-shirts is suitable, but be sure to have rain gear and warm layers nearby. 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)