Tanzania · Trekking

10-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Lemosho Route with Crater Camp

10 Days Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek across the breathtaking Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth
02 Camp at less-crowded sites like Moir Hut for better acclimatization
03 Climb to Lava Tower for high-altitude adaptation before descending to Barranco Camp
04 Ascend the iconic Great Barranco Wall with stunning views of the Karanga Valley
05 Reach the summit of Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft), the highest point in Africa
06 Descend through varying ecological zones to Mweka Gate and earn your summit certificate

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime 10-day Mount Kilimanjaro adventure via the scenic Lemosho Route, featuring an overnight stay at Crater Camp. Traverse diverse landscapes including lush rainforest, vast moorlands, dramatic alpine deserts, and volcanic plateaus. Benefit from excellent acclimatization as you complete the Southern Circuit and reach Africa's highest point, Uhuru Peak. Experience the rare opportunity to sleep inside Kilimanjaro's crater beneath the stars, with panoramic views of glaciers and ash pits.

Experience the rare opportunity to sleep inside Kilimanjaro's crater beneath the stars, with panoramic views of glaciers and ash pits.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Moshi and Trek Briefing

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or another pickup destination.
Meet your assigned guide and transfer to your hotel in Moshi.
Attend an evening briefing with the trek manager for a gear check and trip overview.
Rest and prepare for the upcoming Kilimanjaro adventure.

Day 02

Moshi to Lemosho Gate and Mti Mkubwa Camp

Depart from Moshi and drive approximately 4 hours to Lemosho Gate.
Complete the registration formalities with the park authorities.
Begin hiking through the lush rainforest.
Reach Mti Mkubwa Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 03

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Continue hiking through the forest and enter the moorland zone.
Ascend gradually through grassy meadows and volcanic rock formations.
Cross several streams and reach Shira Ridge.
Descend gently to Shira 1 Camp for an overnight rest.
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Habitat: Heath

Day 04

Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut via Shira Plateau

Explore the scenic Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth.
Walk gently east through expansive moorland meadows.
Divert from the main trail to reach Moir Hut at the base of Lent Hills.
Enjoy optional acclimatization hikes in the afternoon.
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours
Habitat: Heath

Day 05

Moir Hut to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp

Climb up a ridge and head southeast toward Lava Tower.
Reach the 300-foot-tall volcanic rock formation at 15,190 ft.
Descend into the scenic Senecio Forest and arrive at Barranco Camp.
Gain acclimatization benefits despite ending the day at a lower elevation.
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles (7 km to Lava Tower, 3 km to Barranco Camp)
Hiking Time: 6 to 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 06

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Descend into a ravine at the base of the Great Barranco Wall.
Climb the steep, non-technical 900 ft Barranco Wall.
Traverse hills and valleys before a final ascent into Karanga Valley.
Reach Karanga Camp for rest and acclimatization.
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 07

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Leave Karanga Camp and connect with the Mweka Trail junction.
Ascend through rocky terrain to reach Barafu Camp.
Complete the Southern Circuit and take in views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Enjoy an early dinner and rest in preparation for the summit.
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km / 2 miles
Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 08

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Crater Camp

Begin the summit ascent during the early morning hours.
Hike steadily through scree terrain with short breaks.
Reach Stella Point and continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak.
Celebrate at Africa's highest point and descend to Crater Camp.
Choose to explore Reutsch Crater or Furtwangler Glacier in the afternoon.
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft to 18,865 ft
Distance: 6 km / 3.6 miles
Hiking Time: 7 to 9 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Day 09

Crater Camp to Mweka Camp via Barafu

Begin the long descent from Crater Camp to Mweka Camp.
Stop at Barafu Camp for lunch and a short rest.
Navigate rocky terrain that can be tough on the knees - use trekking poles.
Enter the upper forest zone and expect possible afternoon rain or mist.
Enjoy your final mountain dinner and a well-earned night of sleep.
Elevation: 18,865 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours
Habitat: Arctic to Rain Forest

Day 10

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

Continue the final descent through the lush rainforest.
Reach Mweka Gate and collect your summit certificates.
Walk for about an hour to reach Mweka Village.
Meet the transfer vehicle and return to your hotel in Moshi.
Rest and celebrate the successful summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Camp, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd 2 cities · 10 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Private transportation to and from your selected Kilimanjaro route
Airport pick-up upon arrival
High-quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tent (for camping routes)
Certified, experienced, English-speaking mountain guides
All Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping, and rescue fees
Government climbing taxes included
All hot meals prepared fresh by a dedicated mountain cook
Fair wages and salaries for guides, porters, and cooks
Sufficient number of porters to carry personal and group equipment
Personalized summit certificate signed by Kilimanjaro National Park and your lead guide

What's Not Included

Personal items and toiletries
Accommodation before and after the trek (available as an optional add-on)
Hotel stay (optional and customizable)
Transfers (available as an optional add-on)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothing, etc. (available for rent)
Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
International airfares and airport departure taxes
All items of a personal nature such as phone calls, faxes, emails, etc.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Visa fees and international flight ticket charges