7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Group Tour

• 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 to Forest Camp

Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time:2-3 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 3 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1

Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut

Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland

We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Elevation (ft): 15,300 to 19,345 (down to 10,000)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic

Around midnight, we begin our ascent to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, heading northwest through heavy scree towards Stella Point (18,600 ft), the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point, we pause briefly to witness a stunning sunrise (weather permitting). From here, snow may cover the trail as we ascend to Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest point and the summit of Africa. Fast climbers might reach the peak for sunrise.

After reaching the summit, we descend straight down to Mweka Hut, pausing at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended for the loose gravel. Mweka Camp sits in the upper forest, where mist or rain is common in the afternoon. In the evening, we have our final dinner on Kilimanjaro and a well-deserved rest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mweka Camp to Moshi

Elevation (ft): 10,000 to 5,400
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, we continue descending to Mweka Park Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. The trail can be wet and muddy at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles are useful. Shorts and t-shirts will likely be comfortable, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy as conditions can change quickly. As you make your way down through the lush rainforest, take time to enjoy the scenery and reflect on your Kilimanjaro journey. This final leg is both a return to lower altitude and a celebratory close to your trek.

Main Destination:

Moshi (Town)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals 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.