Shira Gate to Big Tree Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - • Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
• Distance: 6 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Habitat: Forest
The journey begins with a departure from Moshi to Lemosho Gate, a trip that takes approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, entry formalities are completed while guides and porters prepare the necessary equipment. The hike commences through a pristine forest leading to the first campsite.

Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - • Elevation: 9,498 ft to 12,500 ft
• Distance: 7 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 5 hours
• Habitat: Heath
The trail continues out of the rainforest into a savannah characterized by tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock adorned with lichen. As the ascent progresses through lush rolling hills and across several streams, the Shira Ridge is reached before a gentle descent to Shira 1 Camp for lunch. Here, the first view of Kibo across the plateau is enjoyed.

Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
• Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
• Distance: 7 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
• Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
• Distance: 3 km/2 miles
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
The journey continues east up a ridge, then southeast towards the Lava Tower, a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. The descent to Barranco Camp passes through the unique and beautiful Senecio Forest, reaching an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although the day begins and ends at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitudes aids acclimatization.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - • Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
The day starts with a descent into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall, followed by a climb up the steep, yet non-technical, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top, the path crosses a series of hills and valleys before a sharp descent into Karanga Valley. A final steep climb leads to Karanga Camp, a shorter day designed for acclimatization.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - • Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
• Distance: 4 km/2 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
The trek continues from Karanga to the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail, proceeding up the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, the Southern Circuit is completed, offering views of the summit from various angles. The camp is set up here, allowing for rest and an early dinner in preparation for the summit day. The peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this location.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Kilimanjaro National Park - • Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
• Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
The final ascent to the summit begins very early in the morning, around midnight. This segment is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time can be intense. The ascent is made in darkness, with frequent short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak is witnessed. Finally, Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent, is reached. The descent continues straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. The rocky trail can be tough on the knees, so trekking poles are recommended.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Kilimanjaro National Park - • Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
On the final day, the descent to Mweka Gate is completed, where summit certificates are collected. At lower elevations, conditions can be wet and muddy. From the gate, the journey continues for another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle awaits to transport everyone back to the hotel in Moshi.

• Airport Pickup and drop-off
• Tents, table, chair for camping
• Sleeping bag
• Private portable toilet
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

• Tips to the mountain crew
• Personal hiking gears
• Hotel in Moshi (before and after climb)
• Kilimanjaro Entrance fees paid on arrival

Lemosho offers diverse and breathtaking landscapes, starting in the lush rainforest on the western side of the mountain, then transitioning through moorland, alpine desert, and finally to the glacier-capped summit. Each day brings a different environment and dramatic views. Unlike the more direct and crowded routes like Marangu or Machame, Lemosho begins in a remote western area, giving you a peaceful, less-trafficked start. The early days feel like a true wilderness experience.

Lemosho follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, which helps with altitude acclimatization. The longer duration (typically 7 days) means your body gets more time to adjust, increasing your summit success rate. With use you get the following

100% success rate to Stella point
97% success rate to Uhuru peak
100% local professional team
Enthusiasm Kilimanjaro climbing

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.