10-Day Budget Kilimanjaro Climb Lemosho & Carter Route

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

Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa

We will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi and head to the starting point. Start your hike with an elevation gain from 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft over a distance of 6 km (4 miles) through the rainforest habitat. The hiking time for this section is 3-4 hours.
After completing this hike, drive to the Lemosho Gate. Upon your arrival at the trailhead, you’ll commence hiking through undisturbed forest, making your way to the first campsite.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mti Mkubwa To Shira 1 Camp

Continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah landscape featuring tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock covered with lichen beards.
As you ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, you’ll reach the Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp. This is where you’ll catch your first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Shira 1 To Shira 2 Camp

Begin your exploration of the Shira Plateau, with an elevation gain from 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft, covering a distance of 7 km (4 miles). The hiking time for this section is approximately 3-4 hours, and you’ll be in the moorland habitat.
During your journey, enjoy a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Along the way, you’ll encounter the heath zone with abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Shira 2 To Lava Tower To Moir Hut

Continue your trek to the east, ascending a ridge.
Head southeast toward the Lava Tower, which is a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation.
Afterward, divert from the main trail to reach Moir Hut, a less commonly used site located at the base of Lent Hills. You’ll find various walking options on Lent Hills, providing an excellent opportunity for acclimatization. Shira Plateau is recognized as one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Moir Hut To Buffalo Camp

Trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb.
Hike to the summit of Lent Hills and then return to the main trail.
During this part of the journey, the path will lead you across a rock field and gently undulate before you reach Buffalo Camp. Along the way, you’ll be treated to fantastic views across the plains located north of Kilimanjaro, extending towards the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Begin the hike with an elevation change from 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft, covering a distance of 8 km (5 miles). You’ll be in the heath habitat, and the hiking time for this segment is approximately 5-7 hours.
As you head up Buffalo Ridge, you’ll notice the terrain becoming increasingly sparse. This less-traveled route provides a genuine mountain wilderness experience.
Continue trekking through remote valleys, making your way to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, until you reach your destination at Third Cave.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Third Cave To Kibo Hut

Embark on a hike with an elevation gain from 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft, covering a distance of 5 km (3 miles). This part of the journey takes you through the alpine desert habitat, and the hiking time is approximately 4-5 hours.
During this stage, you’ll steadily ascend up and over the “Saddle,” which is the area between Kibo and Mawenzi.
Continue until you reach your camp, Kibo Hut, where you’ll have the opportunity to rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the upcoming summit day.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak To Crater Camp

In the early morning, begin the challenging push to the summit, which is mentally and physically demanding. Ascend steadily for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks. The trail transitions into heavy scree as you make the steep climb to the crater rim.
Reach Gilman’s Point at 18,600 ft, where you’ll spot the summit sign in the distance. Continue your trek around the crater rim until you finally arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa.
Descend a short distance to Crater Camp, where the rest of the staff will join you to set up camp. You’ll have the option to hike to Reutsch Crater and the ash pit or explore the areas around Furtwangler Glacier. It’s important to note that sleeping at this high altitude can be risky, and the guides will closely monitor you for signs of serious AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) due to insufficient acclimatization.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

CraterCamp to Mweka Camp

Starting from Crater Camp, make your descent, heading straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite. On the way, stop at Barafu for lunch.
The trail is characterized by its rocky terrain, which can be strenuous on the knees. Trekking poles can be helpful for this portion.
Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, and you may anticipate mist or rain in the late afternoon. In the evening, enjoy your final dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate

On your last day, continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates.
At lower elevations, expect potentially wet and muddy conditions. From the gate, continue for another hour to reach Mweka Village. A vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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