8-Day Lemosho Route Scenic and Well-Acclimatized Climb

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast and a briefing, drive to Lemosho Park Gate. A 4WD vehicle will take you along a forest track to Lemosho Glades. From there, hike through the forest to the Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, the trail gradually steepens as we enter the giant heather moorland zone. We cross several streams before continuing over the Shira Ridge, then descend gently to Shira 1 camp, situated by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

After breakfast, enjoy a gentle hike across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 camp, set in open moorland near a stream. You can explore optional short hikes in the area, making it a great day for acclimatization.

Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, the trail climbs east up a ridge, passing a junction toward Kibo Peak. You’ll head southeast to the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft), then descend to Barranco Camp. Though you finish at a similar elevation to where you started, this day is key for acclimatization and helps prepare your body for the summit.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, the hike continues up the steep Barranco Wall, then down into the Karanga Valley. From there, you’ll reach the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue the climb to Barafu Camp, completing the scenic South Circuit with views of the summit from various angles. At camp, we rest, have dinner, and get ready for the summit push.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (between midnight and 2 AM), begin the final climb to the summit, ascending between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. This steep, challenging section leads to Stella Point on the crater rim, where you'll rest and catch a stunning sunrise. From there, it’s about an hour to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

After taking in the view and celebrating your achievement, begin the descent back to Barafu Camp for lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp. Trekking poles and gaiters are helpful for the loose gravel. Enjoy your final evening on the mountain at Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up, 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours up, 5–6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

After breakfast, continue your descent to Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificate. The trail may be muddy and wet at lower altitudes, so trekking poles and gaiters are useful. Light clothing is fine, but keep rain gear handy.

A Monkey Adventures vehicle will meet you at the gate for the 1-hour drive back to your hotel in Moshi.

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast.

Main Destination:

Arusha (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.