Kilimanjaro Climb: Lemosho Route via Stella Point

Arrive in Tanzania today at Kilimanjaro International Airport. After clearing customs and baggage claim, meet your transfer and drive into Arusha for your first night in Tanzania. 

Rest after the flight and get ready for the upcoming Kilimanjaro climb. Meet the lead guide and Climbs Manager for a detailed briefing covering the Lemosho and Machame Route, safety guidelines, and trek schedule. Perform a complete equipment check to confirm all climbing gear is prepared. Stay at an Arusha hotel before the trek begins the following day.

After breakfast, transfer by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park. Complete park registration and allow the crew to finalize packing before driving the final 30 minutes to the Lemosho Trailhead. Begin the trek through dense afromontane forest, following steep trails with scenic views and forest wildlife. Take a packed lunch on the trail during the hike. Arrive at Forest Camp at 2,650 m for an overnight stay.

Start: 6890ft (2100m)
End: 8695ft (2650m)
Distance: 4 miles (7km)
Duration: 4-6 hours
Climate Zone: Afromontane Forest

After breakfast at Forest Camp, begin the ascent through Podocarpus and Juniper forest on the Lemosho Route. Trek steadily uphill, gradually emerging from the forest into the heath zone and across the Shira Plateau, enjoying expansive mountain views. Pause for a hot lunch at Shira 1 Camp and spend the afternoon resting and acclimatising to the higher altitude. Overnight stay in fully supported mountain tents.

Start: 8695ft (2650m)
End: 11844ft (3610m)
Distance: 4 miles (7km)
Duration: 5-7 hours
Climate Zone: Heath

After breakfast at Shira 1 Camp, trek across the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic sections. Hike 6 miles (10 km) through the alpine desert to reach Moir Camp at 4,200 m. Stop for a hot lunch on arrival. Spend the afternoon resting and acclimatising, with an optional short hike to a nearby viewpoint for light activity. 

Start: 11844ft (3610m)
End: 13780ft (4200m)
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Climate Zone: Alpine Desert

After breakfast at Moir Camp, trek across the Kibo slopes through the alpine desert with sparse vegetation. Follow the “walk high, sleep low” strategy by ascending to Lava Tower at 4,600 m for a packed lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp at 3,900 m. This 11 km hike takes 7–9 hours and helps with acclimatisation before the higher altitudes ahead. Spend the evening resting in fully supported mountain tents with hot meals, guide supervision, and crew assistance.

Start: 13780ft (4200m)
End: 12796ft (3900m)
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Duration: 7-9 hours
Climate Zone: Alpine Desert

After breakfast at Barranco Camp, ascend the Barranco Wall and hike through glacial valleys to reach Karanga Camp at 3,995 m. This 5 km trek takes 4–5 hours and passes areas with giant groundsels (Senecio species). Take lunch at Karanga Camp and spend the afternoon resting and acclimatising. In the evening, complete a short practice hike to prepare for the upcoming summit push. Overnight stay in fully supported mountain tents with hot meals, guide supervision, and trained crew assistance.

Start: 12796ft (3900m)
End: 13108ft (3995m)
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Climate Zone: Alpine Desert

After breakfast at Karanga Camp, trek 4 km through the alpine desert to Barafu Camp at 4,673 m. Take lunch on arrival and rest in preparation for the summit push. The area is exposed with strong winds at times, offering clear views of Mawenzi. Enjoy an early dinner, then rest in fully supported mountain tents with guide supervision, hot meals, and trained crew assistance.

Start: 13108ft (3995m)
End: 15332ft (4673m)
Distance: 2.5 miles (4km)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Climate Zone: Alpine Desert

Depart Barafu Camp just before midnight for the final summit climb to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa. Ascend via Stella Point at 5,750 m before reaching the summit at dawn. After sunrise, descend to Barafu Camp to rest and refuel, then continue down through alpine desert, heath, and afromontane forest to Mweka Camp at 3,100 m. The 18 km trek takes 14–16 hours. Overnight stay in fully supported mountain tents with hot meals, trained crew assistance, and guide supervision, completing the Kilimanjaro summit experience safely.

Start: 15332ft (4673m)
End: 10171ft (3100m)
Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Duration: 14-16 hours
Climate Zone: Alpine Desert, Arctic, Heath, Afromontane Forest

After breakfast at Mweka Camp, descend 10 km through afromontane forest to the park gate. Meet the transfer vehicle around midday and return to the Arusha lodge for a shower and rest. In the evening, a Summits Africa Representative visits to review the trek, answer questions, and provide guidance for onward travel. Overnight stay in a comfortable Arusha hotel with all amenities after completing the Kilimanjaro descent.

Start: 10171ft (3100m)
End: 5381ft (1640m)
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Climate Zone: Afromontane Forest

After breakfast, travel from the Arusha lodge to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure or connecting flights.