From Arusha in Tanzania: 8 Days Group Mid-Range 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}.

Starting from Moshi, you'll travel to Lemosho Gate to handle park entry procedures and have lunch. Then, your trek commences through pristine forest, taking you to your first night’s stop at Forest Camp, also called 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 leave the forest behind as the trail opens into a savannah dotted with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks covered in hanging lichen. Trekking through lush rolling hills and crossing several streams, you reach Shira Ridge before gently descending to Shira 1 Camp, where the stunning view of Kibo across the plateau awaits.

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 an entire day discovering the Shira Plateau, taking a relaxed walk eastward toward Kibo’s glaciated summit. The path stretches across the vast plateau, ending at Shira 2 Camp, nestled in moorland meadows beside a flowing stream. Shira ranks as one of the world’s highest plateaus.

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, proceed east along a ridge, passing a junction that leads toward Kibo’s peak. The path then turns southeast toward Lava Tower Camp, a rock formation called the “Shark’s Tooth.” After passing the tower, you'll find another junction climbing to Arrow Glacier at 16,000 feet. Then descend to Barranco Camp at 13,000 feet, where you'll rest, dine, and stay overnight. Although you finish the day at the same altitude you started, this stage is vital for acclimatization and prepares your body for the 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, leave Barranco Camp and climb a steep ridge, crossing the Barranco Wall en route to the Karanga Valley campsite. This shorter day is planned to aid 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, depart Karanga Camp and head to the junction linking to the Mweka Trail. Proceed onward to Barafu Camp. Having reached this point, you complete the South Circuit, enjoying summit views from various perspectives. Here, you set up camp, rest, have dinner, and get ready for the summit day. From this spot, both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks are visible.

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 hours, between midnight and 2 a.m., you’ll start your final push, trekking between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The path heads northwest, ascending loose scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim—considered the toughest part of the climb physically and mentally. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), take a short break and, if skies are clear, enjoy a stunning sunrise. From there, a one-hour hike—sometimes through snow—leads to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and all of Africa. Faster climbers might reach the summit in time to see the sunrise. After celebrating, you’ll descend straight to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The loose gravel makes gaiters and trekking poles useful. Mweka Camp sits in the upper forest, where afternoon mist or rain is frequent. That evening, savor your final dinner on the mountain and a well-earned 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 start your last descent to Mweka Gate, where you'll be awarded your summit certificates. The lower trails can be wet and muddy, so using gaiters and trekking poles is recommended. Light clothing such as shorts and T-shirts will suffice, but keep rain gear and warm layers handy. At the gate, an Africa Natural Tours vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Arusha or the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)