7 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro New Moon Climbing Adventure

Distance: About 6 km trekkingTime: 3–4 hours trekking, plus road transfer from Moshi
Altitude: Lemosho Gate around 2,100m–2,385m to Big Tree Camp around 2,650m–2,785m
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

After breakfast in Moshi, you will drive to Lemosho Park Gate for registration before starting your New Moon Kilimanjaro trekking adventure. The trail begins through the peaceful rainforest zone, filled with tall trees, fresh mountain air, birds, and sometimes black-and-white colobus monkeys. This quiet forest section gives a beautiful start to the Lemosho Route before arriving at Big Tree Campsite for your first night on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Distance: About 14–16 km
Time: 7–9 hours
Altitude: Big Tree Camp around 2,650m–2,785m to Shira 1 around 3,500m–3,610m, then Shira 2 around 3,850m–3,895m
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest to Moorland

Today is a longer and scenic trekking day as you leave the rainforest and climb into the open moorland zone. The trail passes through Shira 1 Camp and continues across the wide Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Campsite. During the New Moon period, the night sky at Shira 2 can be very dark and beautiful, creating a special atmosphere for stargazing when the weather is clear.

Distance: About 10 km
Time: 6–7 hours
Altitude: Shira 2 around 3,850m–3,895m to Lava Tower around 4,600m, then down to Barranco Camp around 3,960m
Vegetation Zone: Moorland to Alpine Desert, then Moorland Valley

After breakfast, you will trek from Shira 2 Campsite toward Lava Tower, one of the most important acclimatization points on the Lemosho Route. This day follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, helping your body adjust to altitude before descending to Barranco Camp. The route offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, open views of Kibo Peak, and a beautiful descent into Barranco Valley below the famous Barranco Wall.

Distance: About 5 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Altitude: Barranco Camp around 3,960m to Karanga Camp around 4,034m
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert / Moorland

The day begins with the exciting climb over the famous Barranco Wall, one of the most memorable parts of the Lemosho Route. After reaching the top, the trail continues across ridges and valleys with beautiful views of Kilimanjaro’s southern slopes. You will arrive at Karanga Camp for rest, acclimatization, and preparation for the higher altitude ahead.

Distance: About 3.5–4 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Altitude: Karanga Camp around 4,034m to Barafu Camp around 4,640m–4,673m
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

Today you will trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Campsite, the base camp for your summit attempt. The landscape becomes rocky, dry, and more exposed as you move higher on the mountain. After arriving at Barafu Camp, you will have an early dinner, rest, check your headlamp, prepare warm layers, and get ready for the New Moon midnight summit climb.

Distance: About 5 km ascent and 12–13 km descent
Time: 6–8 hours ascent, then 5–6 hours descent
Altitude: Barafu Camp around 4,640m–4,673m to Uhuru Peak 5,895m, then down to Mweka Camp around 3,100m
Vegetation Zone: Arctic Summit Zone, Alpine Desert, then Moorland/Upper Forest

Around midnight, you will begin the final summit push under the dark New Moon sky. With little or no moonlight, the climb feels dramatic and unforgettable as you move slowly by headlamp toward Stella Point and continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, you will descend back through Barafu Camp and continue down to Mweka Camp for rest after a long and rewarding day.

Distance: About 9–10 km trekking
Time: 3–4 hours trekking, plus transfer to Moshi
Altitude: Mweka Camp around 3,100m to Mweka Gate around 1,640m, then Moshi around 890m
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

After breakfast, you will descend through the lush rainforest zone from Mweka Campsite to Mweka Gate. At the gate, you will sign out and receive your Kilimanjaro certificate depending on the highest point reached. Your driver will then transfer you back to Moshi, marking the end of your 7 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro New Moon Climbing Adventure filled with scenic trails, dark-sky trekking, stargazing moments, and unforgettable summit memories.