7-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek to Uhuru Peak at Sunrise

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore the western approach with forest trails and broad Shira Plateau views
• 02 Experience steady acclimatisation while hiking varied high-altitude terrain
• 03 Climb the iconic Barranco Wall with sweeping mountain scenery
• 04 Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise for unforgettable summit panoramas

Ascend the scenic Lemosho Route on a 7-day Kilimanjaro trek, following forest trails, the Shira Plateau, alpine desert, and the Southern Circuit to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Enjoy steady acclimatisation, varied terrain, and expert guidance while hiking through montane forest and high-altitude landscapes. Walk past Lava Tower and climb the Barranco Wall before the final push to the summit, then descend through changing habitats with memorable views that reward every step along this western approach to Africa.

Ascend the scenic Lemosho Route on a 7-day Kilimanjaro trek, following forest trails, the Shira Plateau, alpine desert, and the Southern Circuit to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

• After breakfast at your hotel, our guide will pick you up early at 08:00 am and drive to Lemosho Gate, which takes लगभग 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• After registration at Lemosho Gate, you will begin walking along the forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Campsite.
• Distance: 6 km | Hiking time: 2 to 3 hours | Habitat: Montane forest.

2

Day 02

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp

• After breakfast, you start hiking from Mti Mkubwa Camp through the forest.
• The path slowly climbs higher, and the trees begin to thin as you enter the moorland zone. You will see beautiful views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Kilimanjaro ahead.
• The trail is gentle but long, and you will take short breaks along the way. You reach Shira 2 Camp in the afternoon, where you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and rest for the night.
• Distance: 8 km | Hiking time: 2 to 3 hours | Habitat: Montane forest.

3

Day 03

Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

• A gentle walk across the plateau with panoramic views helps acclimatisation.
• We continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast toward the Lava Tower, called the Sharks Tooth.
• Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to Barranco Camp.
• Although you end the day at around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatisation and will help your body prepare for summit day.
• Distance: 8 km | Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours | Habitat: Semi-desert.

4

Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• In the morning, you will have breakfast, then we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.
• Distance: 5 km | Hiking time: 3 to 7 hours | Habitat: Alpine desert.

5

Day 05

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• After an early breakfast, we continue up to Barafu Camp.
• You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.
• While camping here, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day.
• Distance: 4 km | Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours | Habitat: Alpine desert.

6

Day 06

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

• Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2 am, we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers.
• This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
• At Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way. On your 1-hour ascent to the summit, you will reach the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
• After the summit, we begin our descent by continuing straight down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Upon arrival at Mweka Camp, this will be your last night on the mountain.
• Distance: 5 km up, 13 km down | Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours up, 5 to 6 hours down | Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

7

Day 07

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

• After breakfast, we continue the descent down to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates.
• At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be enough to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
• Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, which takes around 60 minutes.
• Distance: 10 km | Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours | Habitat: Forest.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Professional mountain guides and porters
• All camping equipment and tents
• Park fees and permits
• All meals during the trek
• Transportation to and from the trailhead
• Airport transfers
• Camping gear and safety equipment
• Bottled water and hot drinks
• Summit certificate

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal trekking gear
• Tips for guides and porters
• Alcoholic beverages
• Accommodation in Moshi before and after the trek
• Optional activities

What to bring

• Personal trekking gear
• Rain gear
• Warmer clothing
• Shorts
• T-shirts

Know before you go

• This trek reaches high altitude and includes a summit push between midnight and 2 am.
• The summit day is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
• At lower elevations, conditions can be wet and muddy.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Tour start

Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.