7-Day Lemosho Budget Camping, Trek Kilimanjaro

• A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Londorossi Gate (2100m) - Mti Mkubwa Camp (2785m)

Your adventure begins with a pick up from your hotel followed by a drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate for registration and a briefing. After meeting your mountain crew, continue to the Lemosho trailhead, where your trek begins through lush rainforest. The path ascends gently under towering trees alive with birds and colobus monkeys. You’ll hike for several hours through rich vegetation before reaching Mti Mkubwa, or “Big Tree Camp.” Dinner and overnight are enjoyed in the peaceful forest setting.

Distance: 6 km
Elevation: 2,100m → 2,785m
Time: 3–4 hrs.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mti Mkubwa 2785m - Shira 2 Camp 3850m

Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail climbs steadily into the heather and moorland zone. You’ll pass the Shira Ridge with sweeping views of Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. After a lunch stop near Shira 1 Camp, continue across open terrain to Shira 2 Camp, set on a flat expanse with panoramic views of Kibo Peak. This longer trek offers excellent acclimatization as you gain significant elevation.

Estimate
Distance: 14 km
Elevation: 2,785m → 3,850m
Time: 7–8 hrs.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Shira 2 - 3850m - Lava Tower - 4630m - Barranco Camp -3960m

Today’s route is crucial for acclimatization. You’ll ascend steadily toward the striking Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation at 4,630m, where you’ll stop for lunch. Though the climb is demanding, the altitude exposure helps your body adapt. Afterward, descend into the lush Barranco Valley, home to giant senecio and lobelia plants. The descent to Barranco Camp offers stunning views of the Western Breach and the valley below.

Estimate
Distance: 10 km
Elevation: 3,850m → 4,630m → 3,960m
Time: 6–8 hrs.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barranco 3960m - Karanga Camp 4035m

Begin the morning with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall—a non-technical but steep scramble offering spectacular views. Once atop, continue through rolling terrain of valleys and ridges, crossing streams and open slopes. You’ll reach Karanga Camp by mid-afternoon, where you can rest, enjoy lunch, and take short walks for acclimatization. This day helps prepare your body for the higher altitudes ahead.

Estimate
Distance: 5 km
Elevation: 3,960m → 4,035m
Time: 4–5 hrs.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Karanga 4035m - Barafu Camp 4640m

Today’s trek takes you through a desolate alpine desert with loose volcanic gravel and few signs of vegetation. The climb is steady and rewarding, offering expansive views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. By midday, you’ll arrive at Barafu Camp, your base for the summit push. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing your gear for the early morning ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Estimate
Distance: 4 km
Elevation: 4,035m → 4,640m
Time: 3–4 hrs.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barafu 4640m - Uhuru Peak 5895m - Mweka Camp 3080m

Summit day begins around midnight under a sky full of stars. Slowly ascend the steep switchbacks to Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the glaciers and the plains below. After photos and celebration, descend to Barafu Camp for rest and lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp for a well-earned sleep after a long, unforgettable day.

Estimate
Distance: 17 km
Elevation: 4,640m → 5,895m → 3,080m
Time: 10–14 hrs.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mweka Camp 3080m - Mweka Gate 1640m - Arusha

After breakfast, enjoy a gentle descent through the rainforest filled with birds and monkeys. The trail can be slippery, especially if wet, so trekking poles are helpful. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll sign out, receive your summit certificate, and bid farewell to your mountain crew. A private transfer takes you back to Arusha, where you can relax at your hotel or continue to the airport depending on your schedule.

Estimate
Distance: 10 km
Elevation: 3,080m → 1,640m
Time: 3–4 hrs.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.